Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has revealed that proactive steps will be taken to ensure that the unfortunate passing of the Nigerian Boxer does not strain the relationship between the Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing communities.
During an interview on April 1, 2025, with Sporty FM,the Minister firmly dismissed reports of potential tensions that could arise when Ghanaian boxers travel to Nigeria for future boxing events, emphasizing the need for unity and mutual respect between the two nations’ sporting fraternities.
Minister Adams specifically addressed concerns that the Nigerian boxing community might harbor resentment following Olanrewaju’s death, which occurred after an eight-round international light-heavyweight bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu.
The Nigerian boxer passed away at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, prompting the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), led by its President, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, to request an autopsy report from the Ghana Boxing Authority on Monday, March 31.
The incident has sparked discussions about athlete safety and the potential for strained relations, especially given the competitive history between Ghana and Nigeria in sports, including boxing, where both nations have produced world-class talent and share a longstanding rivalry.
I’ve been married for over six years now, with two children. My wife left me two years ago, she said she was tired and needed a break from the marriage. At the times, she had a job that was paying her to abandon us.
She left the children with me because, according to her, our marriage was not allowing her focus on her job since her career was important to her.
She eventually went to rent somewhere else and I took care of the children, balance it with my job. Occasionally, she would come home to see the children, but treated me like I didn’t matter. For the over two years she was away, she had no respect for me. We never got intimate and she never cared about that.
Few months ago, she lost that same job she chose over us. She couldn’t tell me but I heard about it from a mutual friend. Her rent was also due for expiration in two months. Guess who’s trying to be a wife again? So funny!
She’s begging me to accept her back to my home because the children need her. She involved her family and everyone has seen how I’ve singlehandedly taken care of the kids for over two years without their mother. This same woman told me some time ago that if I mentioned the children to her like that, she would return my dowry if that’s what would give her the liberty to work and stay away from us.
For two years, she never asked how I got satisfied sexually as a man. She never cooked nor cleaned in this house. Just because of her GH₵6000 monthly salary. If that’s what it takes, I shouldn’t be married because as at when she left, I was earning GH₵15000 minus my fuel allowance. I supported her, I cooked and cleaned the house when it mattered.
I never intimidated her and I committed GH₵5000 of my salary into her account monthly, yet I still covered other expenses at home. When she started this, I didn’t know what to do and I felt so disappointed but not anymore. My life is aligned and balanced with my goals. I handled the children and worked fine with no one’s help, not even a nanny.
I’m seeing someone but it’s just for sex and that rarely happens because most times, I’m engaged with the children or house chores. I haven’t told the children their mother is bad when they ask about her; I rather always said good things about her.
Accepting her back because the job is no more and she can’t afford to live on her own is my problem. What happens if she gets the job back? I told my family the marriage is over already because she couldn’t stay loyal to me when she got money. I cried to her from the beginning because I thought I wouldn’t be able to cope. I offered to increase the money I give her monthly but she didn’t consider us.
I feel we are happy without her and everything is falling in place. Her family has been begging me to accept her but I don’t want to. Am I being fair? I just hope no one calls me a bad person because at this point, I’m confused on what to do. Should I accept her back? Or, should I go ahead with the planned divorce?
FG/AE
You can also watch a compilation of the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:
The Internet never forget this what Ablakwa said in 2021
News Hub Creator2h
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s old video has got tongues wagging after it emerged that Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang had been flown abroad for medical care.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is trending after news emerged that Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang had been flown out of the country to seek medical care.
The presidency in a statement disclosed that the Vice President was admitted to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The statement explained that her condition required immediate medical attention hence the recommendation from doctors for her to seek further treatment abroad.
ever showed that a policy proposal from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in 2021 if implemented might have made it difficult for the Vice President to get medical care outside the country.
This comes after the now Minister of Foreign Affairs proposed a policy to bar government officials with emphasis on members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary from seeking medical care abroad.
Speaking during an induction ceremony organized by the Accra Ubuntu Lion Club, Okudzeto Ablakwa recalled the painful ordeal of a 12-year-old boy who died due to a lack of proper medical care. He said the tragic incident made him realise that the system had let the boy down. Okudzeto Ablakwa in offering remedial policies called for reforms such as introducing a policy that bars officials of the three arms of government from seeking medical care abroad.
Tv3’s Anita Akua Akuffo Slays In An Ankara Bubu Dress
News Hub Creator19h
Anita Akua Akuffo, the celebrated TV3 presenter and style icon, continues to redefine Ghanaian fashion with her impeccable taste and flair for cultural representation. Her recent appearance in a stunning Ankara Bubu dress is a testament to her ability to merge tradition with contemporary elegance. The flowing silhouette of the Bubu dress, adorned with vibrant Ankara prints, captures the essence of African heritage while exuding sophistication.
This ensemble is more than just a fashion statement; it is a celebration of identity and pride. The intricate patterns and bold colors of the Ankara fabric reflect the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, while the relaxed yet regal design of the Bubu dress highlights Anita’s effortless grace. Paired with minimal accessories and a radiant smile, Anita’s look is a masterclass in understated glamour.
As a co-host of popular shows like Ghana’s Most Beautiful and Date Rush, Anita Akua Akuffo has become a beacon of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts across the nation. Her ability to seamlessly incorporate African prints into her wardrobe not only sets trends but also fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. With this Ankara Bubu dress, Anita once again proves that true style is about embracing one’s roots while daring to innovate.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has defended his proposal to formalise the operations of so-called ‘goro boys’—unofficial middlemen who facilitate vehicle registration and licensing services.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Kotey argued that rather than fighting these informal agents, the government should integrate them into a regulated system to improve efficiency and transparency in the licensing process.
He further emphasised that while not all informal operators could be absorbed into the system, a structured approach would provide clarity and fairness in service charges.
“Why don’t we regularise what they do? It is because we have been fighting them for the past years, and the story is the same. Why don’t we bring them on board? I am not saying we need to employ all of them, but we have to bring them on board and regularise what they do.
“So we tell them as an agent, you don’t charge beyond a certain amount. That is exactly what the ultra centre is doing, we can just be using language,” he stated.
He explained further to say: “We are going to train them so we will be able to do away with what they do that we don’t agree with. There is going to be a clear-cut point on what they must do and what they cannot do, just like the way agents operate at the port.”
Three people have sustained serious injuries following a violent clash between two Muslim youth groups during an Eid-ul-Fitr street carnival at Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic.
Reports indicate that the altercation, which occurred on Monday evening, stemmed from unresolved tensions between the two groups.
In an interview with Adom News, an eyewitness, Mohamed Osman revealed that the groups had disputes before the fasting period.
According to Osman, there were rumors three days before the carnival about a possible confrontation, prompting elders to intervene and urge restraint.
However, one of the groups disregarded the elders’ advice and instigated chaos during the event.
One person has since been arrested in connection with the violence and currently being detained at Kasoa Central Business District CBD Police Command.
Upon his arrest, the Police retrieved hammer and other offensive weapons from him.
Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, has assured the public that the Sports Ministry and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) will provide full cooperation to investigate the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
The athlete passed away following a light-heavyweight bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
In a press release dated March 31, 2025, Adams expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to Gabriel’s family, friends, and the Nigerian boxing community.
“Gabriel, a promising athlete who displayed exceptional talent, passion, and courage in the ring, passed away under unfortunate circumstances,” Adams noted, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to the boxing world.
The Minister emphasised the commitment of the Ministry and the GBA to work alongside all relevant authorities to ensure a thorough probe into the incident. While awaiting the official medical report on the cause of Gabriel’s death, Adams highlighted the importance of improving safety measures in the sport.
“We deeply empathise with the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the entire Nigerian boxing fraternity, and the global boxing community over this irreplaceable loss,” he remarked.
Adams reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding the wellbeing of athletes and called on stakeholders across the continent to collaborate in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
He concluded by offering thoughts and prayers for Gabriel’s family and urged the boxing community to honour his memory by striving for greater safety in the sport.
Private legal practitioner and radio show host, Maurice Ampaw
Private legal practitioner and radio show host on Wontumi Radio, Maurice Ampaw, has slammed the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly attempting to sideline Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
According to him, the NDC only used her to secure political power and now wants to make her ineffective.
Speaking on his show on Monday, March 31, 2025, the controversial lawyer accused the NDC of planning to send the Vice President abroad while someone else performs her role.
“I pray that Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang will recover. We don’t want any dark clouds hovering around the presidency. We don’t want anyone scheming to take the woman’s place. In any case, we don’t see how effective her position as Vice President is. You could see that the woman was used for the elections. She is old and sick, but because of political power, she was going all over the place campaigning. You could see that she was visibly tired during the campaign, but they used her to secure power, and now they are dumping her. You can see that since she became the Vice President, she has not been effective. She is always excluded from trips, her wardrobe is not the best and not well-packaged. Her office has been abandoned, and when you see her, one cannot even feel that she is the Vice President.”
He added, “Today, they want to lift her from Ghana and dump her abroad because someone has taken her position. Even while she is alive, someone else is performing the role of Vice President. It is our prayer that God will heal her of any sickness so that she will live and enjoy the fruit of her labor. Whoever is behind this sickness, we pray and send it back to the sender because the woman is an innocent soul.”
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Presidency’s Communications Directorate released a statement confirming that the Vice President attended the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday following an unexpected health incident.
According to the statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Government Communications, medical experts have advised that the Vice President seek further treatment abroad to ensure her full recovery.
“We extend our best wishes to the Vice President for a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has shared his thoughts on Vice President Prof. Jane Naana’s illness, criticizing the NDC for allegedly attempting to sideline her, after benefiting from her in their quest for power. pic.twitter.com/PnQhmagt2d
The Deputy Director in charge of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande has stated, that the minority leader in parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin who was the former board chairman of the ECG wants to run away from responsibility.
According to Mustapha Gbande, Afenyo-Markin now wants to run away from responsibility and it is in the interest of the country for him to be arrested immediately.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the Ghana Extractives Transparency Initiative, has explained why civil society organisations (CSOs) have been relatively quiet on the GoldBod legislation.
He said the inclusive approach adopted in developing the law significantly reduced opposition and controversy.
He noted that when policymakers proactively engage stakeholders, it fosters consensus and minimises acrimony.
Dr Manteaw cited the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) as another example of legislation that benefited from broad CSO support.
“The lesson I draw from the PRMA and the GoldBod processes is that when politicians create opportunities for citizens to contribute to major policy decisions, there is usually less acrimony,” he stated.
He emphasised that, in the case of GoldBod, extensive consultations were held, including a dedicated session for CSOs where key concerns such as regulatory conflicts, transparency provisions, and legacy debt were raised and addressed.
He further highlighted that consultations were not limited to Accra but extended to major mining communities across the country.
According to him, this approach marks a shift in Ghana’s democratic culture, where leaders are beginning to appreciate the value of citizen engagement.
“When leaders engage citizens, they hear all the concerns in the room. But when they shut the door, battle lines are drawn, and conflicts arise,” he remarked.
Dr Manteaw acknowledged that some individuals still have concerns regarding the GoldBod and encouraged them to channel their grievances appropriately.
“If you have any concerns, please address them to the GoldBod at the former PMMC office, Diamond House in Accra, or contact me through Messenger, and I will facilitate access,” he assured.
He added that the ongoing development of regulations and guidelines presents an opportunity to address any lingering issues, urging all stakeholders to contribute constructively to the nation’s progress.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Blakk Rasta and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang
Outspoken radio presenter Abubakar Ahmed, popularly known as Blakk Rasta, has expressed his opposition to the decision to fly the Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, abroad for medical attention.
His comment comes after the Presidency’s Communications Directorate, on Sunday, March 30, 2024, released a statement confirming that the Vice President attended the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday following an unexpected health incident.
According to the statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Government Communications, medical experts have advised that the Vice President seek further treatment abroad to ensure her full recovery.
“We extend our best wishes to the Vice President for a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.
But Blakk Rasta, known for his blunt criticisms, speaking on his show on 3FM monitored by GhanaWeb said the political class must be made to stay in Ghana and receive treatment whenever they are ill.
“I don’t agree with Naana Opoku-Agyemang flying out of this country for medical attention. Once you have made yourself available for political office, you must be ready to bear the consequences. If we have one or two politicians losing their lives in our Ghanaian hospitals, I am sure they would make sure our hospitals are well-equipped. We are the ones who are sacrificed all the time—we have no money to fly abroad. The money we pay as taxes is used by these people, who claim to be our servants but all of a sudden become our masters. They have the best healthcare, they fly out of the nation at will to take care of themselves, paying huge sums to foreign hospitals and doctors, while our doctors continue to languish in poverty.”
“I remember Hon. Ablakwa, while in opposition, saying that politicians must be banned from flying outside the country for medical attention. And I believe he said it in the best interest of Ghanaians. Today, I hear that Naana Jane is getting ready to fly outside the country, or has she flown already? What is the sickness? What is the medical condition? Can it not be handled in this country? Or do we keep looking down on our own doctors and medical personnel? The reality is this: as long as we push our politicians to stay here and seek medical attention, they will have the health facilities, doctors, and nurses in mind whenever they are making policies—because they know that when they fall ill (and everyone does), our hospitals will need to be well-equipped to take care of them.”
Blakk Rasta admonished the Vice President to learn from former President Kufuor, who set a precedent by seeking medical treatment in Ghana.
“Naana, if I were you—with all due respect—I would stay here in Ghana, like President Kufuor did. President Kufuor had a major surgery in a Ghanaian hospital, and when he got well, we all applauded him. All politicians who have given themselves to public service must remain in this country. They have no right to send their children abroad for schooling. They must stay in this country, school in this country, and go to hospitals in this country so that, at the very least, it will push them to think about our schools and hospitals. I wish Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang a speedy recovery in a Ghanaian hospital, not a foreign one.”
I don’t agree with Prof. Jane Naana Agyemang flying outside of Ghana to get medical treatment. Once you avail yourself for a political position, you must be ready to bear the consequences – @Blakkrasta.#UrbanBlend#3FM927pic.twitter.com/YQ3VwGE1w2
A Nigerian doctor, Ada Ujaligwa, has addressed men who are obsessed with their wives submitting to them.
“Papa the day your wife starts submitting to you in “all” things is the day your life will take a nosedive. Many men are successful bcos they married a woman who dared to say “No” the day they suggested n0n$£n$£ that would have ru 1n£d them,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
Collins Adomako recently addressed the men of the press and while speaking, he revealed that John Jinapor has created some uncomfortable situation and he’s not happy about it.
“In his Words”
“It obviously created some very very uncomfortable situation and I myself, I am not happy about it, if you listen to the debate on the floor when this issue came up, we all came to the conclusion that let’s support the minister to ensure that we get to the bottom of the issues you know, definitely they have to
be some connivase, the containers are known, all the containers are serialized, we all know the numbers, we know the content, we know the clearing agent and those who goes to court to clear, they are aware of customs processes at the port to get something of this nature out”.
“So they have to be some connivance between those interested parties, I am happy that the minister has launched a full scale investigation into this matter. Don’t forget that I joined the ministry 6 months to the end of our administration, so this information didn’t come to my attention, I have had the opportunity to speak to other colleagues of mine who also said that, this did not come to their attention”.
“So I am all for the investigation, like I said, on the minority side we are fully ready and prepared to assist in any way possible to ensure that we get to the bottom of this you know. The Energy Ministry does not micromanage ECG, a lot of these procurement processes happens at the entity level”, Collins Adomako Mensah said.
Joy News shared the video of the Interview on their official instagram page today being Monday the 31st day of March, 2025 and it stirred massive reactions from the general public. Click on the link below to watch the video.
Another heartwarming video of a Ghanaian offering help to a seemingly poor and hungry person, which turned out to be a case of social experimenting, has hit the internet.
This time, a middle-aged woman, who gave her name as Zule (of Zule Eats, as can be seen in her branded polo shirt), earned the generosity and literal applause of Zachery Dereniowski, one of the famous faces on social media who engages in social experiments, after she offered him free food.
In his usual style, Zach walked into the eatery and told Zule that he wanted something to eat but he did not have his wallet with him.
“I’m really hungry…” Zach started with, to which Zule responded with a welcoming smile, “If you’re really hungry, then you’re at the right place.”
“I don’t have my wallet on me though today.”
“You don’t?” Zule replied.
Zach then said, “Do you have anything I could have for like a buck or two?”
“No worries, we’ll get you something… I’m sharing my culture. I can cook all day but I probably won’t eat; I just want to see other people eat and be happy,” Zule told him, settling the debate on whether or not he should pay for the food or not.
After he was served with a meat pie, and having enjoyed it, Zachery returned to Zule and said:
“This is the best meat pie I think I’ve ever had. And you made these?”
“Thank you. I make everything.”
At this point, it was time to disclose his real intent; to let her know that he was only performing a social experiment.
But that was not before he asked her where she was from and how long she had been running the business.
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from Ghana.”
“Why did you help me?”
“It’s food; it’s just food and you’re hungry. Eat.”
“How long have you had this place for?”
“We started during COVID.”
“How is it now?”
“With the cost of everything going up so much, it’s kind of hard to, you know, price right,” Zule said.
The following conversation follows with Zach first and then Zule, and on and on.
“I realized I actually have my wallet. So, I want to pay you…”
“It’s nothing; it’s just a pie – just one single pie.”
“I have $1,000 cash…”
“No! Oh no… Oh my God…”
“For you. You were going to help me. This is for you.”
“Thank you, Zach.”
“What’s your message to the world?”
“You know what; be kind in any way that you can. In your actions, your words, that’s all that matters; to take care of each other.”
Adu-Gyamfi, popularly known as The Troy MC, has long been a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.
Now, he is setting his sights on the global stage. With his unparalleled passion and versatile talent, Adu-Gyamfi has repeatedly proven that he is not just a force to be reckoned with in Ghana but a rising star with international appeal.
Whether hosting weddings, corporate events, or television game shows, he has mastered the art of entertaining audiences both locally and internationally.
Renowned for his ability to speak multiple local dialects, Adu-Gyamfi has become the go-to host for both domestic and global events.
This unique skill set, paired with his charisma and professionalism, positions him as an ideal host for international gatherings, drawing attention from clients and event organisers across borders.
His commitment to excellence extends beyond simply showing up and performing. Adu-Gyamfi is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for his audience.
He brings a rare combination of charm, humour, and storytelling ability that ensures every show resonates deeply with those in attendance. His success in adapting to diverse cultures and connecting with different crowds sets him apart as a versatile talent ready to bring his craft to the world stage.
Though his career began in Ghana, Adu-Gyamfi has always harboured global aspirations. His journey took him from being a radio producer for the award-winning show Rhythms in the Citi on Citi FM to working with top international brands such as Samsung Ghana, Busy Internet, and Accra Mall Company during his tenure in brand activation at Eddaniels Limited.
These experiences not only sharpened his skills but also expanded his network, opening doors for him to showcase his talents to a broader audience.
One of his standout achievements has been hosting Love Right, a couples’ game show that captured the attention of television viewers not only in Ghana but across West Africa.
The show’s success led to its nomination for Couples’ Game Show of the Year, and its second season is already in production. This is just the beginning for Adu-Gyamfi as he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, expanding his reach to global television audiences.
Adu-Gyamfi’s transition into international events and television is not merely about recognition—it is about bringing his unique Ghanaian flavour to the global entertainment landscape.
His charisma, professionalism, and deep connection with his audience make him a perfect fit for international events, whether corporate, social, or entertainment-focused.
Despite his growing success, Adu-Gyamfi remains humble and committed to his roots. He is passionate about giving back to his community and mentoring the next generation of entertainers.
His long-standing reputation, built over 13 years in the entertainment industry, has earned him multiple nominations, including the prestigious Africa Wedding Makers Wedding MC of the Year.
Having recently relocated to the UK, Adu-Gyamfi is now poised to further expand his influence in the international entertainment scene. With his sights set on taking his talent global, he is proving that there are no limits to where his craft can go.
Whether entertaining in Ghana or hosting an international event, he continues to elevate the entertainment experience, one event at a time.
Through his relentless dedication, he is on track to becoming a global ambassador for the entertainment industry, making a lasting impact across the world.
Dodowa, April 1, GNA— The SOS Children’s Village has organised a child protection training for stakeholders within the Dodowa and Ayikuma enclaves in the Shai Osu-Doku municipality.
The training drew stakeholders from the Shai Osu-Doku municipal assembly, the Traditional Council, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Units (DOVVSU), youth groups, artisans and other agencies within the communities.
Ms. Linda Darko, the Child Safeguard and Advocacy Advisor for the SOS Children’s Village, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), noted that the training was for stakeholders in child advocacy ranging from the social services, education directorates, health services, judicial services, and religious leaders who were central and paramount to child protection advocacy in the constituency.
Ms. Darko stated that SOS Children’s Villages was committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment which promotes its core values and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation.
She said that the training was aimed at preventing cases of child abuse and reducing the number of incidents involving child-to-child, and adult to-child, while making children aware of their rights and their active role in child protection.
She added that the focus of the training was education and awareness which were the main challenges child protection faces in the country.
She further mentioned that cultural norms and practices were another challenge that child protection faced as a result of people being very much attached to their cultural practices, and unwilling to depart from it due to backlash from the community.
She reiterated that the fundamental issues of poverty, where a child was neglected, was another challenge that comes with child protection awareness, adding that with that children were not provided with the right environments to thrive, prosper, and ensure they were raised as right thinkers and stable members of the society.
She noted that the SOS Children’s Village was offering a form of support to the communities through its training to build the capacities of stakeholders in the areas of child protection and awareness within the communities.
“SOS is gathering efforts towards advocacy in the areas of health, education, parental protection and care, and we have put ourselves out there to ensure that once the capacities of these stakeholders in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District levels are built, there will be officials to represent child protection advocacy in the country,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to take up the issues of child protection and care by providing more education and sensitisation to parents and other caregivers within the various communities.
Naana Ayerkie Yotsu III, Queen-mother of Dodowa, noted that, traditionally, training given to children in the olden days have shaped the lives of some but with time, technology has changed a lot of ways in correcting children.
Nana Yotsu charged parents and caregivers to combine the traditional way of disciplining a child with the technological way of child upbringing as it would shape their future and groom them into prominent members of society.
She said that as traditional rulers, they have looked for measure to leverage with the assembly to demolish places where illegal activities such as drug abuse, sexual immorality, smoking and alcohol intake by under aged children takes place, noting that such places where the havens children in the communities often run to when they were disciplined at home.
“We want to join hands with the municipal assembly and the police to demolish and eradicate the ghetto areas within the Dodowa enclaves,” she added.
She further mentioned that as part of the traditional council’s advocacy on child protection, the council would liaise with the education directorate and the assembly to ensure that under aged children who have no access to education due to some issues were counseled and enrolled in schools for the benefits of their future and the country at large.
Naana Yotsu therefore encouraged parents, caregivers and stakeholders to continue with the sensitisation and advocacy on child protection and support to raise a bright and better young generation.
Kennedy Agyapong donates to Muslims on Eid Mubarak
Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has recounted how Muslims overwhelmingly supported him during his arrest for treason in 2012.
The astute NPP politician said this during a donation of 334 bags of rice to a Muslim Community to support the needy during the Eid Mubarak celebration on March 31, 2025, in Accra.
Addressing the gathering of Muslim leaders and some community members, he shared an emotional experience with them; reiterating what he believes is the sincerity of Muslims.
“If a Muslim says he loves you, he really does. I remember when I was arrested and taken to the Police Headquarters. I was about being transferred to BNI now (National Intelligence Bureau) NIB.
“We got out and I was shocked to see my Muslim friends lined up in front of the headquarters and they were praying for me. In fact, the scene that greeted me when I was being taken away got me overwhelmed with emotions,” he said.
Background
It would be recalled that a Circuit Court in Accra acquitted and discharged Kennedy Agyapong, who was standing trial for inciting behaviour tantamount to a breach of the peace.
The decision was taken after lawyers for Agyapong argued for submission of no case at the last hearing.
His lawyer, Ayikoi Otoo filed a submission of no case on April 25, 2013, after the state concluded its case.
He argued that the state had not made out its case.
Kennedy Agyapong, therefore, had no case to answer.
The state prosecutor, Rexford Wiredu, opposed the motion but presiding judge, Ebenezer Osei Darko, dismissed the case.
The MP was facing charges of attempted treason, genocide and terrorism, after he was alleged to have made tribal comments on Oman FM, a private radio station owned by him.
But those charges were dropped and he was charged with the lesser offences of conducts conducive to the breach of the peace and causing fear and alarm.
He was arrested on Monday, April 16, 2012, after he was invited by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service over statements he allegedly made on his Accra-based radio station, Oman FM.
He was alleged to have “declared war” and vowed to lynch any fake security operative, following the alleged physical attack on Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the immediate-past MP for Ablekuma West, and Abu Jinapor, a former aide to the 2012 NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at Odododiodoo during the biometric registration exercise.
Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.
In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.52 and a selling price of GH¢15.53 to a dollar.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.08 and sold at GH¢20.10, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.79 and a selling price of GH¢16.81.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 1, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.00 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.60 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.40 on the retail market.
To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.
Abubakar Ahmed, widely recognized as Blakk Rasta, is a Ghanaian reggae musician, dub poet, and radio personality celebrated for his socially conscious lyrics and distinctive musical style.
Born on September 2, 1974, in Tamale, Ghana, he was raised in the slums of Moshie-Zongo and Aboabo, an environment that profoundly shaped his perspective on social justice and inequality.
Blakk Rasta is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He is married, though details about his wife remain much undisclosed despite one time Blakk Rasta shared a photo of him celebrating 10yrs of marriage as reported by Ghana Web.
Similarly, while he is known to have children, their identities are kept out of the public sphere.
This reflects his deliberate effort to shield his family from public scrutiny, ensuring they enjoy a life away from the spotlight.
Raised in a devout Ahmadi-Muslim household, Blakk Rasta grew up with strong religious and educational values.
His parents, both educators, instilled in him a love for learning. He pursued his academic interests and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Land Economy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Despite his academic successes, Blakk Rasta’s passion for music and activism took center stage, driving his life’s work.
Blakk Rasta’s music combines reggae with African rhythms, creating a signature sound known as “Kuchoko.”
Through this innovative fusion, which features indigenous African instruments, he addresses themes of love, equality, justice, and spirituality.
This unique style has earned him international acclaim and a loyal following. Beyond music, he is a vegetarian and advocates for a healthy lifestyle, reflecting his holistic approach to life.
While Blakk Rasta is celebrated for his musical achievements and activism, he remains steadfast in his efforts to keep his family life private.
By maintaining this balance, he is able to focus on his mission of inspiring change and promoting justice through his art while preserving the sanctity and well-being of his loved ones.
Outspoken journalist Black Rasta has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the travelling of the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to seek medical treatment abroad.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has received medical treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) after suffering a sudden illness on Friday, 28th March 2025.
The Presidency’s Communications Directorate released a statement on Sunday, 30th March 2025, confirmed that she attended UGMC on Saturday following the unexpected health incident.
According to the statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Government Communications, medical experts have advised that the Vice President seek further treatment abroad to ensure her full recovery.
Black Rasta has criticized the decision, asking if the decision to seek medical treatment outside the country was a recommendation by the doctors at the UGMC. He asked if the medical doctors at UGMC said they could not handle the Vice President’s condition.
According to him, the practice of Ghanaian politicians travelling to seek medical treatment abroad undermines the capabilities of the health professionals in the country.
Black Rasta firmly stated that President John Dramani Mahama has built a lot of modern hospitals that, with the required infrastructure, can take care of politicians in the country.
He further noted that current government appointees, including Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, advocated for politicians to be prevented from seeking medical treatment outside the country, questioning if they still hold these views.
“We were told that on Friday evening, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President of Ghana, was taken suddenly ill and rushed to the UGMC for treatment.
And over there, it has been said that she needs to be flown outside the country for better treatment. This directive, is it coming from the UGMC doctors? Did the doctors say they are unable to handle the situation? He quizzed.
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A busload of politicians were driving down a country road when, all of a sudden, the bus ran off the road and crashed into a tree in an old farmer’s field.
The old farmer, after seeing what happened, went over to investigate. He then proceeded to dig a hole and bury the politicians. A few days later, the local sheriff came out, saw the crashed bus and asked the old farmer where all the politicians had gone.
The old farmer said he had buried them.
The sheriff asked the old farmer, “Were they ALL dead?”
The old farmer replied, “Well, some of them said they weren’t, but you know how them politicians lie.”
Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has congratulated his fellow Muslims and also prayed for the country on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr.
The celebration of the Eid by Muslims worldwide, marks the successful completion of a month-long fast in the month of Ramadan.
In an Eid message on his social media handles, Dr. Bawumia prayed to God to extend the blessings of Ramadan to all Ghanaians and the nation.
“On the blessed occasion of Eid ul Fitr, Hajia Samira and I extend our warmest congratulations to fellow Muslims in Ghana and the world over, for a successful Ramadan,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“May the Almighty Allah accept our supplications, and extend His favours upon all of us, loved ones and on our dear nation.”
The former Vice President also urged his fellow Muslims to continue to demonstrate the positive and supportive character they showed during the month of Ramadan.
“Let us continue to uphold the virtues of kindness we showed during the holy month, especially to the poor and vulnerable members of our society. Eid Mubarak,” he urged.
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The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has officially confirmed the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away during a bout on Saturday night, March 29, 2025.
According to a GBA statement, the Nigerian boxer received medical clearance before facing Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
“Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest,” the statement said.
The GBA also explained how events happened on the bout day, stating that “Oluwasegun seemed to have dominated the fight from round one but unfortunately met his untimely exit from the ring in round 3 (2 minutes 46 seconds).
“Oluwasegun, a few seconds before the end of round 3, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent.
“The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician, with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him.”
The statement added that the GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has informed the Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board Control about the unfortunate incident that occurred.
“The GBA President reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station and this morning helped to move the body to the main mortuary for preservation.
“The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, was formally informed by the GBA President of the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
The Nigerian boxer had 24 professional fights, 13 victories, eight losses, and three draws.
James Klutse Avedzi, former Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament
James Klutse Avedzi, the former chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has criticized the practice of recovering embezzled public funds from dishonest officials without imposing further repercussions.
In an interview with Joy News, the current Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission argued that allowing criminals to return stolen funds without facing prosecution creates a dangerous precedent that encourages corruption.
“The recovery of the money is good, it’s okay. We should do that. But that should not mean we focus only on the recovery of the money and ignore the punishment,” he said.
Avedzi highlighted the significant benefits dishonest individuals continue to reap even after being exposed.
“Someone takes $10 million of government money, trades with it, and makes an additional $5 million, then gets caught. They only have to pay back the $10 million. What about the $5 million profit or interest they’ve made?” he questioned, as quoted by myjoyonline.com.
He expressed concern that some individuals view public funds as their private property, which they can take and later return without facing any real consequences.
“In any case, why take government’s money and then later give it back? The government needs that money to fund projects for everyone, but you want to take it for yourself. It’s wrong,” he said.
To ensure that individuals who steal from the state face the full consequences of their actions, the former PAC Chairman is advocating for a shift from simple reimbursements to more severe punitive measures.
KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
play videoProfessor Nii Narku Quaynor introduced internet in Africa
Africa was detached from the reality of other parts of the world due to the lack of internet connectivity on the continent.
The interaction level with people in other countries was low at the time as it was mostly done face-to-face or by phone call.
For others to get connected to their friends and loved ones in other parts of the world, one needed to send a letter or run the message by fax.
But the narrative changed in 1994 when Professor Nii Narku Quaynor introduced internet in Africa.
Professor Quaynor pioneered the development of internet and its expansion throughout Africa for nearly two decades.
He also set up key organizations including African Network Operators Group to ensure African countries, especially, Ghana were connected to the internet.
Speaking on GhanaWeb TV BizTech hosted by, Professor Nii Narku Quaynor recounted the evolution of internet in Africa.
He also told the host, Ernestina Serwaa Asante about some challenges in the usage of this technology -internet – and how users can be protected.
This story was earlier published on February 10, 2023.
Guinea Brocade is a vibrant, luxurious fabric renowned for its intricate patterns and bold colors. Originating from West Africa, this fabric has become a staple in the wardrobes of women who appreciate rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance. Over the years, Guinea Brocade has evolved, blending traditional designs with modern trends, making it a favorite for both casual and formal occasions. Let’s explore the latest and best Guinea Brocade styles for women, highlighting their versatility and sophistication.
One of the most popular styles for women is the Guinea Brocade gown. These long, flowing dresses often feature detailed embroidery, beadwork, and unique prints that make them stand out. Whether it’s a fitted gown that accentuates the body’s curves or an A-line dress that provides a more relaxed silhouette, Guinea Brocade gowns are perfect for weddings, formal parties, or cultural events. The addition of a matching shawl or headwrap can complete the look, enhancing the traditional appeal of the outfit while adding an extra layer of elegance.
Peplum styles have made a strong return in recent years, and Guinea Brocade fabric is an ideal material for creating peplum tops and skirts. The structured peplum adds a touch of femininity and sophistication, perfect for formal occasions or upscale gatherings. A peplum top paired with a fitted Guinea Brocade skirt creates a chic ensemble that is both fashionable and culturally significant. The intricate designs of the fabric can range from floral to geometric patterns, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences.
For women who prefer a contemporary twist on traditional fashion, Guinea Brocade jumpsuits are an excellent choice. These stylish one-piece outfits offer comfort and elegance while showcasing the bold colors and intricate patterns of the fabric. The jumpsuit can be designed with a fitted bodice and flared legs for a more dramatic effect, or with a sleek, straight-leg style for a more modern and minimalistic look. Pairing a Guinea Brocade jumpsuit with statement jewelry and heels can elevate the overall appearance, making it perfect for evening events or fashion-forward gatherings.
Wrap dresses have always been a symbol of elegance and versatility, and when made with Guinea Brocade, they take on a whole new level of sophistication. The wrap-around design cinches the waist and flatters the figure, making it a great choice for a variety of body types. The rich fabric and unique patterns of Guinea Brocade add a touch of cultural charm to the dress, while the wrap style ensures comfort and ease of movement. A Guinea Brocade wrap dress can be worn to a wedding, a casual get-together, or a day at the office.
For a more relaxed, yet still glamorous look, Guinea Brocade kaftans are an excellent option. The kaftan’s loose and flowing nature provides ultimate comfort without sacrificing style. Whether embellished with gold thread, sequins, or beads, these kaftans offer a sophisticated yet easy-to-wear option. Perfect for lounging at home, hosting a dinner party, or attending a cultural festival, the Guinea Brocade kaftan is an effortlessly chic piece that stands the test of time.
For women seeking a balance between casual and formal, pairing Guinea Brocade blouses with tailored trousers creates an elegant yet comfortable outfit. The blouse, often designed with intricate detailing such as lace, beads, or embroidery, can be tucked into a high-waisted, wide-leg trouser for a polished appearance. This style is ideal for office settings, casual outings, or informal parties, offering a sophisticated look with minimal effort.
Conclusion: Guinea Brocade styles for women offer a perfect blend of tradition, elegance, and modern fashion. Whether it’s a flowing gown for a formal occasion, a chic jumpsuit for a trendy look, or a laid-back kaftan for relaxed luxury, Guinea Brocade fabric continues to make waves in the fashion world. Its intricate patterns and rich textures ensure that each piece not only celebrates cultural heritage but also makes a bold style statement. Embracing Guinea Brocade in your wardrobe allows you to carry a piece of West African tradition while maintaining a contemporary, fashion-forward edge.
Market women in Agotime-Kpetoe, in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s failure to appoint a woman, Madam Vicentia Sename Leyo, as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area.
The women believe this decision is a missed opportunity for inclusive governance, gender equity, and the empowerment of women in the district.
They stated that women in Agotime have played significant roles in the district’s development, contributing through agriculture, trade, education, and community service. However, they feel continuously sidelined in leadership and decision-making positions.
They had hoped the NDC’s recent appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) would reflect a commitment to gender inclusivity.
During a press conference at the Agotime-Kpetoe Market on March 31, 2025, the women argued that appointing Madam Vicentia Sename Leyo would have been a strong signal of the government’s commitment to gender equality.
They described her as vibrant, well-educated, industrious, and hardworking, with a track record of dedication during the last elections.
They pointed to the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, which highlighted gender, social protection, and inclusion, and called on the government to implement key policies, including a 30% quota for women in political appointments, the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, a “Women in Agriculture” initiative, and the resumption of the Market Enhancement Programme to improve facilities such as Kpetoe Market.
The women insisted that a female DCE would have championed issues affecting the marginalized, including inadequate healthcare, poor road infrastructure, lack of access to quality education, water crises, and economic empowerment for women.
They lamented that their voices had once again been ignored, deepening their sense of exclusion in governance.
Moving forward, the women announced plans to engage in community dialogues, advocacy campaigns, and petitions to push for increased female representation in leadership.
They urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the appointment process and ensure competent women like Madam Sename were given opportunities to serve in key positions.
In case she is not appointed DCE, they appealed to the President to offer her a role in another institution where she could continue advocating for women’s empowerment.
In Ghana, music in the Northern region is going through a transformation with the introduction of a new wave of artists. This new phenomenon has revealed the existence of budding new acts originating from the hinterlands of Tamale and Bolgatanga. The music is filled with youthful inspiration, authentic northern flows, and an aesthetic you can only find in the North of Ghana. It is deeply rooted in both hip hop and traditional culture. This new wave is shaking up social media and creating a new narrative with an urban approach to music in the North, focused on stimulating a new identity for their youth. PAM investigates the phenomenon.
Tamale, located in Ghana’s Northern Region, has deep roots in local traditions, especially those of Dagomba culture and griot storytelling. Traditional music often featured instruments like the lunga drums, gombe, and kologo, with themes centered on folklore, spirituality, and social engagement. A unique and localized music culture thrived in Tamale, driven by community celebrations, traditional festivals, and a strong sense of cultural pride. The Tamale music industry began to flourish in the late 1980s when electricity arrived, making recording technology more accessible. Early artists, trained in local bands, were inspired by the sounds from Southern Ghana but created distinct styles.
As Tamale modernized, musicians began blending traditional sounds with contemporary genres. Influences from hip-hop, reggae, and hiplife, a Ghanaian genre merging highlife with hip-hop, started to reshape the local music scene. This fusion created a fresh style appealing to Tamale’s youth, mixing local dialects and culture with urban beats. In the early 2000’s, artists like Sheriff Ghale and King Ayisoba from Bolga who make more traditional music became known across the country for addressing spiritual and social issues, serving as important voices within their communities within that period. Key figures like Fancy Gadam, Sherifa Gunu, and the duo KKC also contributed to the vibrant landscape of Tamale music. Their unique storytelling and blending of traditional sounds with modern beats made Northern music a vital part of Ghana’s music identity.
By the 2010s, Tamales music began gaining national recognition again. Artists like Fancy Gadam and Maccasio successfully mixed Afrobeat and dancehall with traditional northern styles. Fancy Gadam’s 2017 hit “Total Cheat”, featuring Sarkodie, showcased that northern sounds could resonate with a wider audience. This period also marked a rise in national awards for Tamale musicians, highlighting the appreciation for their unique contributions to the Ghanaian music scene, but also created a sort of monopoly between Maccasio and Fancy Gadam which would last for about a decade of both artists pushing hard for the top spot.
Change for the people in Tamale came through Covid. During this period of confinement, a new generation of urban youth went into the lab to produce the next wave of sound to shake the North. We spoke to two of the forerunners of this wave, namely RICCH KID and Fad Lan. They both expressed their excitement about the surge of energy in their music space and made assurances that there’s much more to come.
Fad Lan
“My mother and father loved music, so growing up they had a lot of cassettes…Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Lagbaja, K1 DE Ultimate, Youssou N’Dour and the rest so I was hooked to music since then.” Fad Lan remembers his early years with his parents. Fad Lan states that growing up, hiplife was what everyone had started doing. “It used to be highlife or traditional music then there was a new crop of artists with an American lifestyle, some had dreadlocks, Big Malik and Big Adams, S.K.Y. THE Tamale boy and others. They were all together and collaborated together. It was just rap and they made the youth in Tamale fall in love with rap at that time but everything was kind of underground.”
Today, this new guard’s proto-form of hiplife, with their raw, unapologetic lyrics and heavy, synthesized beats are captivating audiences and filling up stadiums in the region. At the core of their music is the language, Dagbani, which is unmistakable and which comes with the distinct Northern accent different from all other music in Ghana. Together, they fuse many genres, but the dominant influence is trap and drill. RICCH KID when asked about what inspired him to take this path, he explained, “the streets and my experiences in my community. We have a lot of smart guys here, a lot of art, but there isn’t much support. I had to take this seriously and be consistent with it so they had no choice but to pay attention. I also took inspiration from artists like G Herbo, Houdini, and mostly Future and Metro Boomin. They inspired me through my journey.”
The journey so far has been difficult for these young talents but they’ve done an impressive job of forging a new path for themselves. Fad Lan describes the music scene presently…. “Music in Tamale right now is the best thing. Everybody is popping now, everyone can now do the style they want. It used to be one way, you needed to be very traditional or sing in only your local dialect before they vibe to you. Things have changed now. In the past, if I wanted to listen to trap, I’d just go listen to Lil Baby or Gunna because they’re my favorite artists but right now I have favorite trap artists in Tamale too.”
Progress has come with a lot of push back, especially from the older generation who, according to RICCH KID, didn’t understand the power and meaning behind this new scene. “They didn’t see the value of what we were doing. It’s like how they saw the whole movement, they didn’t really see how it would become something that would put the North on the map. It didn’t even come from a jealousy standpoint but I think because nobody has really done what we’re doing now.”
RICCH KID in concert
Today, the Tamale music scene is thriving, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok enabling artists to reach global audiences. Musicians are gaining recognition blending Tamale’s style with other West African sounds. New artists are constantly experimenting, integrating hip-hop, Afrobeat, and electronic dance music with traditional elements while remaining true to their roots. Hit records like ”Firdaus” by RICCH KID which directly speaks on his personality which can largely be related to the personalities of most people in his community. Talking about betrayal but always showing love regardless. His style may be more foreign with a lot of trap influence but the language and unique blend are unmistakable. Also the more recent “Misa Misa” by Fad Lan are just a few examples of the diversity of these talented bunch. “Misa Misa” for instance embodies Northern culture in a way that’s rare. The Imams, opinion leaders, both the young and old related so it was an instant hit. The likes of Soorebia have also managed to blend the traditional two string guitar or kologo and the contemporary hip-hop then there’s the likes of another artist like DaniSadiq who has that Dagbani attitude with a style and flow that’s very drill and foreign inspired but you are able to immediately recognize him from his energy and how he embodies himself as a Dagomba man. The monopoly Maccassio and Fancy Gadam for the better part of a decade has been liquidated. Everybody can have a piece of the cake now. This has always been the plan for the guys…”our motive was to inspire young people to come out, if they see us doing it, they can do it too.”
Through all this, the influence of the internet is undeniable… RICCH KID explains further, “The internet was my helper. We weren’t the industry favorite, or media favorites…especially with my laid back personality, the internet has really helped me put myself out there.” According to Fad Lan, in the North streaming became more of a thing after Covid and pushed the crest of this new wave…“before that a lot of the artists, even as of 2019, just shared their music through WhatsApp and downloads”, there was no proper way to track and monetize. He continues, “I was the first to clock 1 million streams on Audiomack in the North. It has now become a yardstick for everybody that drops a project to upload onto all streaming platforms.”
Fad Lan concert in Tamale
Generating so much excitement is bound to attract critics, in this case mostly from the older generation but they’ve come this far, and aren’t slowing down. They seem to be touching the surface at this point, and the only thing that can become an obstacle would be themselves. Collaborating on hit records like “Okay” by Fad Lan featuring RICCH KID and Gingsen is proof that the message is louder when they come together. Touching on what lies in the near future, RICCH KID highlighted his three already released albums, Time Don’t Lie. How I’m Built and Can’t Be Saved as the beginning of a lot more to come from him and the North in general…“stuff like organizing stadium concerts were because my fans were requesting for it so my team and I made it work but were correcting our mistakes and building a better team so that we can reach a larger market, involving professional promoters, were also on a look out for a deal that can fund a lot of what we’re doing. Hard work and being consistent with my craft has brought me this far. I know my music will go far, so long as I stick to it. We’ve brought it this far but even if I’m not the one to make this global I think we’ve opened it up for the other guys to do that. African music needs a lot more global superstars with different styles, in my opinion we don’t have enough now.”
Fad Lan also added,“I think the whole world would like to connect or collaborate with Northerners. What I’m seeing now is younger artists doing a lot of experimentation and trying to find their sound. What they’re doing now is getting people hooked to what they’re doing so in about five years when it all aligns, people will connect with that sound. The Northern tone itself is sweet because our tonation is high pitched so I kind of feel just like how afrobeats evolved, the evolution of our sound too will break boundaries in the next five years.”
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has questioned the security architecture of the Tema Port following reports of missing excavators belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
An investigative report revealed that ECG had 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment at the Tema Port. However, an independent audit found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,357 unaccounted for.
During a tour of aluminium smelting facilities in Shai-Osudoku on Friday, March 28, authorities discovered several coils of stolen ECG cables, which were components of the missing containers, melted into blocks and further processed into aluminium rods for export.
Nitiwul reacting to the matter on the floor of Parliament noted that “Containers do not have legs, they do not have wings to fly. Nobody can carry a 40 feet container. How is possible that all the security people there, it doesn’t matter what time and then these containers will move.
“First, they’re 10 containers. The next day, 20 containers. The next day, 50 containers, to over thousand something container. How? How is it possible?
“How is that possible? How is that possible? That says something. Maybe something is happening at the port. Maybe something bigger is happening at the port. If containers can get missing, then you can imagine other things that are there. Explosives, drugs, different different things.”
Ghana’s Mobile Money transactions hit GH¢649.2 billion in early 2025
Featured
Kweku Zurek
Business News
Ghana’s mobile money sector has recorded a surge in the first two months of 2025, reaching a total transaction value of GH¢649.2 billion, according to data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
This marks a 64.68 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting the rapid adoption of digital financial services across the country.
In January 2025, mobile money transactions amounted to GH¢333 billion, before experiencing a slight decline to GH¢316.2 billion in February 2025. Despite the month-on-month dip, the overall figures indicate a sustained upward trend in mobile money adoption.
Comparatively, in the same period of 2024, mobile money transactions were valued at GH¢394.2 billion. The sharp increase in transaction volumes highlights growing consumer confidence in mobile money as a convenient and secure financial transaction method.
In 2024, total mobile money transactions reached an unprecedented GH¢3.0192 trillion, reflecting a 57.90 per cent year-on-year growth. With the removal of the E-Levy, experts predict that Ghana’s mobile money market will expand at an even faster pace in the coming months.
Rising Mobile Money usage and agent expansion
The growth of Ghana’s mobile money sector is further demonstrated by the increasing number of registered accounts. As of February 2025, the total number of registered mobile money accounts stood at 74.1 million, up from 66.9 million during the same period in 2024.
Moreover, the number of registered mobile money agents reached 896,000, with 411,000 active agents providing financial services across the country. These agents play a vital role in enhancing financial inclusion, especially in rural and underserved communities, where access to traditional banking services remains limited.
Optimistic outlook for Ghana’s Mobile Money industry
The abolition of the E-Levy is expected to drive further growth in mobile money transactions, bolstering Ghana’s fintech landscape. With increasing trust in digital financial platforms and the expanding agent network, mobile money is poised to remain a dominant force in Ghana’s financial sector.
Private legal practitioner and radio show host, Maurice Ampaw
Private legal practitioner and radio show host on Wontumi Radio, Maurice Ampaw, has slammed the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly attempting to sideline Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
According to him, the NDC only used her to secure political power and now wants to make her ineffective.
Speaking on his show on Monday, March 31, 2025, the controversial lawyer accused the NDC of planning to send the Vice President abroad while someone else performs her role.
“I pray that Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang will recover. We don’t want any dark clouds hovering around the presidency. We don’t want anyone scheming to take the woman’s place. In any case, we don’t see how effective her position as Vice President is. You could see that the woman was used for the elections. She is old and sick, but because of political power, she was going all over the place campaigning. You could see that she was visibly tired during the campaign, but they used her to secure power, and now they are dumping her. You can see that since she became the Vice President, she has not been effective. She is always excluded from trips, her wardrobe is not the best and not well-packaged. Her office has been abandoned, and when you see her, one cannot even feel that she is the Vice President.”
He added, “Today, they want to lift her from Ghana and dump her abroad because someone has taken her position. Even while she is alive, someone else is performing the role of Vice President. It is our prayer that God will heal her of any sickness so that she will live and enjoy the fruit of her labor. Whoever is behind this sickness, we pray and send it back to the sender because the woman is an innocent soul.”
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Presidency’s Communications Directorate released a statement confirming that the Vice President attended the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday following an unexpected health incident.
According to the statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Government Communications, medical experts have advised that the Vice President seek further treatment abroad to ensure her full recovery.
“We extend our best wishes to the Vice President for a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has shared his thoughts on Vice President Prof. Jane Naana’s illness, criticizing the NDC for allegedly attempting to sideline her, after benefiting from her in their quest for power. pic.twitter.com/PnQhmagt2d
Renowned Ghanaian actress and gospel musician, Diana Asamoah, has made a shocking revelation about her past, sharing how her own father had her child’s father arrested. The revelation, which has sparked conversations across social media, provides a glimpse into the emotional turmoil she endured as a young woman.
According to Ghana web, During an interview, Diana Asamoah, popularly known for her skit performances as Opoku Bilson’s ‘sugar mummy,’ recounted the life-changing moment when her father took drastic measures against the man responsible for her pregnancy. According to her, the situation was so severe that her father saw no other way but to involve the law, believing it was in her best interest.
Asamoah did not disclose specific details of what led to the arrest, but her tone and expressions revealed a mix of regret, pain, and understanding of her father’s decision. She acknowledged that at the time, she felt betrayed and heartbroken, yet, with hindsight, she now sees the wisdom in her father’s actions.
“I was young and in love, but my father saw something I didn’t. He wanted to protect me,” she confessed.
Her revelation has left many Ghanaians debating the role of parents in their children’s romantic relationships. While some sympathize with her and commend her father’s protective instincts, others believe such actions might have been too extreme.
Despite this painful chapter in her life, Diana Asamoah has emerged as a strong, independent woman, building a successful career in entertainment and music. She now uses her platform to inspire young women to make informed decisions about their relationships and personal growth.
Her story is a reminder of the delicate balance between parental protection and personal freedom—an issue that continues to spark debate in Ghanaian society.
A silent killer is lurking in the ocean, and no, it is not Levithan that the internet has been oh so raving about. This threat is very real and can pose a significant threat to India’s security. Mysterious ships with hidden identities are operating under foreign flags, cutting through vital undersea infrastructure, and advancing China’s naval ambitions—all while staying off the radar.
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the absence of the 24-hour economy policy in the Mahama administration’s 2025 budget.
The caucus noted that neither the President nor the Finance Minister included the initiative in the State of the Nation Address or the government’s policy document.
In his closing remarks in Parliament on Friday, March 28, Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the feasibility of the 24-hour economy programme.
“It is interesting that his Excellency assured us that his finance minister would outline the famous policy of a 24-hour economy in his budget.
“Dr Forson, also in his statement, deferred this all important policy and promises another time. Meaning, that for the 2025 financial year, the 24 hour policy is ‘Yamutu.’”
Read also…
Gomoa Amenfi: Fulani herdsmen attacked by locals, houses burnt
Senior High School (SHS) education in Ghana plays a crucial role in shaping students’ future careers. The various courses offered at the SHS level provide foundational knowledge and skills necessary for tertiary education and job opportunities. Below is an overview of SHS courses in Ghana and their respective career paths.
1. General Science
This course focuses on subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Elective Mathematics. It is designed for students with an interest in scientific and technological fields. Students in this program develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, and laboratory skills essential for various careers, including:
Medicine and Nursing – Becoming doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, or pharmacists.
Engineering – Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, and Aerospace engineering fields.
Pharmacy – Working in pharmaceutical industries, research, and clinical practice.
Environmental Science – Careers in conservation, climate change, and sustainability.
Biomedical Research – Conducting laboratory research and innovation in health sciences.
Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine – Working in agribusiness, veterinary services, and food production.
2. General Arts
General Arts students study subjects like Literature, History, Government, Geography, and Economics. This course is best suited for individuals interested in humanities and social sciences. Career opportunities include:
Law – Becoming lawyers, judges, or legal consultants.
Journalism and Media – Working as reporters, broadcasters, editors, or digital content creators.
Public Administration – Holding roles in government agencies, NGOs, and policy-making.
Teaching and Academia – Becoming lecturers, historians, or education consultants.
International Relations – Working in diplomacy, foreign affairs, or non-governmental organizations.
Social Work – Engaging in community development, counseling, and social advocacy.
3. Business
This course covers Accounting, Business Management, Economics, and Costing, providing students with knowledge of commerce, finance, and entrepreneurship. Career paths include:
Banking and Finance – Becoming bankers, investment analysts, or financial consultants.
Entrepreneurship – Starting and managing personal businesses.
Accounting and Auditing – Becoming accountants, auditors, or financial controllers.
Human Resource Management – Working in employee relations, recruitment, and workplace ethics.
Marketing and Sales – Engaging in advertising, brand management, and consumer relations.
Insurance – Working as risk assessors, claims managers, or insurance underwriters.
4. Visual Arts
Visual Arts students take courses in Graphic Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Painting. This program nurtures creativity and artistic expression, leading to careers such as:
Graphic and Interior Design – Creating digital and physical visual concepts.
Fashion and Textile Design – Producing clothing, accessories, and textile patterns.
Film and Animation – Working in multimedia, cinematography, and game design.
Fine Arts and Exhibition – Becoming painters, sculptors, or art curators.
Advertising and Branding – Designing promotional materials and brand identities.
5. Home Economics
Subjects include Food and Nutrition, Management in Living, and Textiles. This course is tailored for students passionate about household management, hospitality, and personal well-being. Career options include:
Catering and Culinary Arts – Becoming chefs, restaurant managers, or pastry chefs.
Hospitality Management – Working in hotels, tourism, and event planning.
Fashion and Textile Industry – Designing and producing clothing.
Dietetics and Nutrition – Working as dietitians or food technologists.
Childcare and Family Services – Becoming counselors or family support workers.
6. Agricultural Science
This course includes subjects like Animal Husbandry, Crop Science, and Soil Science. Graduates gain practical skills and scientific knowledge, preparing them for:
Agribusiness – Managing farms, agricultural enterprises, and cooperatives.
Farming and Plantation Management – Running commercial farms and plantations.
Veterinary Services – Becoming veterinary doctors or animal health technicians.
Food Production and Processing – Working in food factories and agriprocessing industries.
Environmental and Natural Resource Management – Engaging in sustainability and conservation.
7. Technical and Vocational Education (TVET)
TVET programs include Building Construction, Electrical Engineering, Woodwork, and Automotive Technology. These courses focus on hands-on skills development, leading to careers in:
Architecture and Construction – Becoming architects, surveyors, or builders.
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering – Working in power systems, automation, and mechanical design.
Carpentry and Furniture Making – Producing wooden structures, furniture, and interior decor.
Auto Mechanics – Repairing and maintaining vehicles.
Welding and Fabrication – Working in metalwork and structural engineering.
The SHS curriculum in Ghana offers diverse courses tailored to different career aspirations. Choosing the right course based on one’s interest, abilities, and career goals is essential for long-term success. Further education, skill development, and internships can enhance job prospects, making graduates more competitive in the job market. Whether students pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly, SHS provides a strong foundation for a wide range of professional opportunities.
Myanmar has observed one minute of silence to mourn those who died from last week’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people in the country.
Friday’s earthquake was felt in neighbouring countries like Thailand, hundreds of miles away, where the death toll stands at 20.
Rescuers in both countries are still searching for survivors, though hopes are fading as the critical window – the first 72 hours after a quake – has passed.
The UN says the earthquake has compounded “an already dire crisis” in Myanmar, which is in the midst of a four-year civil war.
Despite the destruction, reports suggest the country’s military leaders are still carrying out air strikes against pro-democracy rebel groups.
Former Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) James Klutse Avedzi has criticised the mere recovery of stolen public funds from corrupt officials without further consequences.
According to him, allowing offenders to simply refund misappropriated money without facing punishment sets a dangerous precedent that encourages corruption.
“The recovery of the money is good. It’s okay. We should do that,” the current Director General of the Securities and Exchanges Commission acknowledged in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.
“But that should not mean that we are focusing only on the recovery of the money and leaving the punishment part.”
He painted a stark picture of how corrupt individuals continue to benefit from their actions despite being caught.
“Someone takes $10 million of government money and trades on that money, makes an additional $5 million, and is caught. They have to pay only the $10 million. How about the $5 million profit or interest that the person has made?” he questioned.
Mr Avedzi insisted that corruption should not be treated as a financial transaction where one can simply return what was stolen and walk free.
“We recover the money, but we must punish the person,” he stressed, warning that failure to enforce strict punitive measures only emboldens corrupt officials.
He expressed frustration over how some individuals see public funds as personal assets they can take and later return without repercussions.
“In any case, why do you want to take government’s money and then later give it back? Government needs money to do projects for everybody, but you want to take it as an individual. It’s wrong.”
Mr Avedzi’s comments add to growing calls for harsher legal actions against public officials cited in the Auditor General’s reports for misappropriating state resources.
While recovery efforts remain a necessary step, the failure to criminalize and penalize offenders continues to fuel a culture of impunity within Ghana’s public sector.
With these concerns, the former PAC Chairman is pushing for a shift from mere reimbursements to stringent legal consequences, ensuring that those who steal from the state face the full force of the law.
Ghanaian musician Edem has shared details about a difficult period in his life, including a devastating motor accident in 2023 that significantly impacted his career.
Speaking in an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, the artist revealed that the accident took a heavy toll on him, both financially and professionally.
The accident, which occurred on December 10, 2023, created widespread uncertainty about his ability to perform, leading several promoters to cancel scheduled shows.
“This event happened on the 10th of December, 2023, and every promoter canceled our show.
Like, the team would get a call, ‘Oh, bro, we won’t push the date.’ You know, because they didn’t know what was happening,” Edem disclosed.
Beyond the immediate impact on his career, Edem revealed that the accident led to a prolonged legal battle that kept him away from the public eye.
He and his team were entangled in court proceedings from December 2023 until February 2025.
“What the whole world didn’t know was that from December 10, 2023, we were in court until February of this year.
Yeah, we were in court over the accident. And so it was in February that the court came back with advice and cleared us from the case. That’s like a year and a half,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Edem praised his team for their unwavering support and for managing the situation effectively.
Their efforts ensured that he could navigate the difficult period while maintaining his professional standing in the industry.
The Member of Parliament for Binduri, Issifu Mahmoud, has criticized the GH₵150,000 project monitoring fund for MPs, saying it is “woefully inadequate” to address the variety of needs in their constituencies.
Using the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) distribution method, Parliament authorized GH₵250,000 for each Member of Parliament on Saturday, March 29.
The purpose of this allocation is to support educational initiatives in MPs’ districts. To oversee these initiatives, each Member of Parliament has been given an additional GH₵150,000.
Many people have criticized this decision, raising doubts about the sufficiency and necessity of the funds.
In an interview with Channel One Newsroom, the MP stressed that Members of Parliament frequently receive substantial financial demands from their constituents, such as requests for aid with school fees, medical bills, and other personal matters.
He noted that some senior MPs spend amounts exceeding the allocated funds to support their constituents.
“They [critics] are right to some extent. But they can only be right if they don’t understand the nature of the job of a Member of Parliament in a constituency. Because this so-called GH₵150,000 that is meant for us to do monitoring or whatever is woefully inadequate.
“Apart from us, the poorer MPs or those who are just starting, I know some senior MPs who even spend far more than GH₵150,000 in a week, in a month, as far as the needs of their constituency are concerned. They pay school fees, they assist people in all sectors of life in their constituencies,” Citi Newsroom quoted him as saying.
With the goal of improving learning conditions in diverse communities, the approved funds are intended to strengthen educational resources and infrastructure.
KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Asante Kotoko’s Communications Director, Samuel Sarfo Duku
Asante Kotoko’s Communications Director, Samuel Sarfo Duku, has asserted that Ghana’s Black Stars cannot compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without players from the club.
The Porcupine Warriors, currently leading the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, recently secured a spot in the FA Cup semifinals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over lower-tier side True Democracy at the Baba Yara Stadium.
With Ghana edging closer to World Cup qualification, Sarfo Duku believes Kotoko’s players are deserving of a place in Otto Addo’s squad for the tournament, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.
“There cannot be a Black Stars without an Asante Kotoko player for the 2026 World Cup,” he told Kumasi-based Akoma FM.
“All our players deserve a call-up, and they should be there,” he added.
Ghana’s national team currently sits atop Group I with 15 points, following consecutive wins against Chad and Madagascar in the Matchday 5 and 6 qualifiers.
The Black Stars will return to action in September for crucial clashes against Chad and Mali in Matchday 7 and 8.
Akuapem Poloo Gives Birth to Second Child: A New Chapter Unfolds;
Ghanaian socialite and actress, Rosemond Brown, popularly known as Akuapem Poloo, has welcomed her second child into the world. This joyous occasion marks a significant milestone in her life as a mother, actress, and entrepreneur.
Akuapem Poloo’s journey as a mother has been well-documented, with her first child, Mohammed Mudasir Yakubu, being a constant source of inspiration and joy in her life. As she embarks on this new chapter, fans and loved ones are eagerly awaiting glimpses into her life as a mother of two.
The actress’s social media platforms have been inundated with congratulatory messages from colleagues, friends, and fans. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to her enduring popularity and the affection with which she is held by many.
As Akuapem Poloo navigates the challenges and rewards of motherhood, her fans will undoubtedly be cheering her on every step of the way. This new addition to her family is a reminder that life is full of surprises and blessings, and Akuapem Poloo is embracing this new chapter with open arms.
Please join us in congratulating Akuapem Poloo on the arrival of her second child!
According to GHOne TV, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has lauded Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s current Minister of Finance, as the best finance minister in the country’s history. In a statement that has garnered significant attention, Gyamfi praised Dr. Forson’s swift and impactful leadership, citing his achievement in reducing the treasury bill rate from 28% to 20% within just two months of taking office.
Gyamfi described this financial reform as unprecedented and emphasized that no previous Finance Minister had accomplished such a feat in such a short period. He commended Dr. Forson for his bold and innovative approach, which he believes will set the country on a path of long-term economic stability.
“Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will go down as Ghana’s best Finance Minister. In under two months, he has already reduced the treasury bill rate from 28% to 20%. This has never happened before in our history. His approach is bold, risky, and difficult to grasp, yet incredibly impactful,” Gyamfi stated.
Dr. Forson, who has been serving as Finance Minister since January 22, 2025, has introduced several notable reforms aimed at improving the country’s economic performance. One of his key initiatives includes the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which aims to regulate gold purchases from small-scale miners, curb smuggling, and increase national revenue from the gold sector. As the sole authorized buyer of gold in the country, GoldBod is expected to bring greater oversight and maximize the benefits of the mining sector.
Dr. Forson’s rapid reduction of the treasury bill rate has been widely praised by economists and political figures alike. This strategic move is seen as a groundbreaking step in stabilizing the country’s financial sector, particularly given the challenges that Ghana’s economy has faced in recent years.
According to a report from GhanaWeb, Koku Anyidoho, Founder and President of the Atta Mills Institute, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), rejecting claims that he has left the party.
In an interview with Blakk Rasta, as reported by MyNewsGh, he addressed speculations about his departure, making it clear that he remains an active member.
Anyidoho stated that his suspension was orchestrated by the former General Secretary without due process.
He questioned how a person could be declared guilty without being given a fair hearing, emphasizing that he never received any official communication regarding the suspension.
“Something happened, and the General Secretary at the time claimed to have suspended me. But how do you pronounce a man guilty without giving him a fair hearing? I received no letter, no correspondence—nothing,” he lamented.
Despite being sidelined, he maintains that he has always been committed to the party, even if his views sometimes differ from others.
He also dismissed claims of having personal issues with former President John Mahama, insisting that he has never shown him any disrespect.
He accused certain individuals of fabricating stories to serve their own interests.
Regarding the possibility of reconciliation, Anyidoho expressed willingness for dialogue but insisted that those responsible for his suspension should acknowledge their actions.
He believes that any gesture of goodwill should come from those who made the decision to exclude him.
In an era where over 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value is transported by sea (UNCTAD, 2023), maritime logistics remains the lifeblood of international commerce. Central to this system are critical maritime chokepoints—narrow passages like the Panama and Suez Canals—that act as gatekeepers for global shipping efficiency. These canals are not merely infrastructure projects; they are strategic arteries that influence the design, dimensions, and capabilities of vessels, while dictating the flow of goods and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding trade. The significance of canal dimensions has given rise to new vessel classification systems such as Panamax, Neo-Panamax, and Post-Panamax. These classifications shape not only shipbuilding trends but also influence trade decisions, port development priorities, and shipping routes. With growing demand for containerized goods and bulk cargo across continents, shipowners and maritime planners are constantly balancing the economics of scale with navigational constraints.
For Africa, where port modernization and maritime trade are pivotal to economic transformation under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the ability to accommodate larger vessels is not just a technical goal—it is a strategic imperative. African ports must adapt to the realities of post-Panamax shipping or risk marginalization in an increasingly scale-driven global trade network. This article explores how the physical dimensions of key global canals have historically shaped, and continue to influence, maritime engineering and global trade logistics. It provides a detailed assessment of how classification systems based on canal constraints affect ship design, trade routes, port infrastructure, and particularly the prospects for African port integration into high-capacity trade flows. By connecting historical context, engineering evolution, and global trade strategy, this article aims to offer practical insights and recommendations for policymakers, port authorities, shipbuilders, and maritime strategists.
II. Historical Overview of the Panama and Suez Canals
A. The Panama Canal The Panama Canal, a 51-mile-long artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Isthmus of Panama, stands as a landmark in engineering and global trade facilitation. Originally completed by the United States in 1914 after a failed French attempt in the 1880s, the canal revolutionized maritime trade by offering a shortcut that drastically reduced the voyage between the U.S. East Coast and Asia by nearly.
Original Dimensions and Strategic Design: The original Panama Canal was constructed with three lock systems (Gatun, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores), designed to elevate ships over the isthmus. These locks could handle vessels up to 294.13 meters in length, 32.31 meters in beam, and 12.04 meters in draft—dimensions that came to define the Panamax class of vessels.
Expansion and the Rise of Neo-Panamax: In the early 2000s, growing vessel sizes and containerization trends rendered the canal’s dimensions restrictive. In response, the Panama Canal Expansion Project, also known as the Third Set of Locks project, was launched in 2007 and completed in 2016 at a cost of over $5.2 billion. The expansion allowed for Neo-Panamax vessels, accommodating ships up to 366 meters in length, 49 meters in beam, and 15.2 meters in draft, with capacity exceeding 14,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). This expansion catalyzed a shift in fleet design, forcing shipbuilders and shipping companies to either conform to the new standards or optimize alternative routes, such as the Cape of Good Hope. The Neo-Panamax standard is now a major benchmark in vessel design and port infrastructure planning globally.
B. The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal, stretching 193 kilometers (120 miles) across Egypt from Port Said to Suez, provides a direct sea route between Europe and Asia by linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Completed in 1869 by the Suez Canal Company under French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, it remains one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, handling approximately 12% of global trade in 2023.
No Locks, Maximum Depth Constraints: Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal is a sea-level waterway, eliminating the need for locks. However, vessel passage is constrained primarily by depth, width, and waterway curvature. The Suezmax classification—ships with drafts up to 20.1 meters—emerged to define the maximum size of vessels that could transit the canal without restriction.
Recent Expansions and Strategic Upgrades: Following Egypt’s 2011 revolution and subsequent economic challenges, the canal was prioritized for expansion. In 2015, the New Suez Canal Project was launched and completed in just one year at an estimated cost of $8.5 billion. The upgrade introduced a parallel waterway for 72 kilometers of the canal, allowing for two-way traffic, reduced transit time from 18 to 11 hours, and increased annual traffic capacity from 49 to 97 ships per day.
These upgrades strengthened Egypt’s strategic position in global logistics, particularly in containerized trade between East Asia and Europe. However, incidents like the Ever-Given grounding in March 2021—which blocked the canal for six days and disrupted $9.6 billion in trade per day—exposed the vulnerabilities of ultra-large vessels in narrow corridors.
III. Canal-Based Vessel Classification Systems
The evolution of maritime infrastructure has necessitated a range of vessel classifications, largely driven by the physical constraints of major canals such as the Panama and Suez. These classifications have become critical benchmarks in global shipping, influencing not only vessel construction and fleet composition but also the economics of global trade routes and port infrastructure development. Understanding these classifications is essential for assessing the strategic design of modern ships and their integration into international logistics networks.
Panamax and Neo-Panamax Classifications
The term “Panamax” refers to the maximum size of a vessel that could transit the original Panama Canal prior to its expansion in 2016. These dimensional restrictions were determined by the dimensions of the canal’s lock chambers and included a maximum length of approximately 294 meters, a beam of just over 32 meters, and a draft limitation of 12 meters. The air draft, limited by the height of the Bridge of the Americas, also constrained vessel height to just under 58 meters. These specifications effectively standardized a generation of vessels tailored to meet the Panama Canal’s operational profile. However, by the early 21st century, rising global trade volumes and the growing use of containerized cargo led to a demand for larger, more cost-efficient ships that exceeded these limits. This need culminated in the expansion of the Panama Canal, completed in 2016, which introduced a new set of locks designed to accommodate significantly larger vessels. These vessels, termed “Neo-Panamax” or “New Panamax,” can reach up to 366 meters in length, 49 meters in beam, and 15.2 meters in draft, with cargo capacities exceeding 14,000 TEUs. The Neo-Panamax standard immediately reshaped global shipping strategies and prompted a wave of port infrastructure upgrades across the Americas and Asia to support these larger ships.
Suezmax and Post-Suezmax Vessels
Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal does not operate with locks, as it is a sea-level waterway. This design eliminates beam and length restrictions but imposes depth-related limitations. The term “Suezmax” describes the largest ship size that can transit the canal under normal conditions, constrained primarily by a draft limit of approximately 20.1 meters. The Suezmax designation is most commonly applied to crude oil tankers and large bulk carriers, which frequently use the canal for transit between the Persian Gulf and Europe. The 2015 expansion of the Suez Canal, which involved the deepening and widening of existing channels and the creation of a parallel lane for two-way traffic, allowed for greater vessel throughput and reduced transit times. This upgrade enhanced the canal’s capacity to handle larger and more frequent vessel transits, accommodating an increasing number of ultra-large ships. As a result, vessels such as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS) that exceed Suezmax limits can sometimes transit under special conditions, such as partial loading or with tug assistance. These flexible operational adaptations have allowed the Suez Canal to remain relevant amid the rise of extremely large ships, even if such vessels are pushing the upper limits of navigability.
Post-Panamax and Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS)
The classification “post-Panamax” originally referred to vessels too large to transit the original Panama Canal. However, in the post-expansion era, it has evolved to refer more broadly to vessels that exceed even Neo-Panamax constraints, particularly those operating in the Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific trades. These ships typically range between 13,000 to 24,000 TEU in capacity and feature lengths of up to 400 meters, beams exceeding 59 meters, and drafts of around 16 meters. Many of them fall under the ULCS category and are specifically designed to capitalize on economies of scale in long-haul trade. One of the most notable examples of post-Panamax engineering is the Maersk Triple-E class of container ships, which are approximately 400 meters long and 59 meters wide, with capacities nearing 20,000 TEUs. These ships were engineered for maximum fuel efficiency and cargo capacity, specifically for use on the Asia-Europe route via the Suez Canal. However, their size limits them to a select group of global ports equipped with deep berths, reinforced quays, and super post-Panamax cranes capable of servicing such large vessels.
Economic and Strategic Implications of Vessel Classifications
The rise of these canal-based classifications reflects the growing tension between vessel size and global maritime infrastructure. Shipowners and operators must weigh the benefits of scale, such as lower fuel consumption per unit of cargo and reduced cost per TEU, against the limitations imposed by canal dimensions and port availability. Canal authorities, in turn, have introduced tiered toll structures that reflect vessel size, thereby influencing the types of ships that regularly use their routes. For example, Neo-Panamax ships may pay higher tolls than smaller Panamax vessels, but the cost per container is often lower due to their higher capacity. Moreover, port infrastructure plays a critical role in determining which vessel sizes are viable for specific regions. The emergence of transshipment hubs like Singapore, Tangier Med, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port has allowed ULCS operators to serve broader markets through feeder services, even where destination ports cannot handle large vessels directly. As classification standards continue to evolve in response to trade demand and engineering advances, maritime stakeholders must continually adjust their infrastructure, operational models, and investment strategies to remain competitive in a scale-driven industry.
III. Canal-Based Vessel Classification Systems The evolution of maritime infrastructure has necessitated a range of vessel classifications, largely driven by the physical constraints of major canals such as the Panama and Suez. These classifications have become critical benchmarks in global shipping, influencing not only vessel construction and fleet composition but also the economics of global trade routes and port infrastructure development. Understanding these classifications is essential for assessing the strategic design of modern ships and their integration into international logistics networks.
Panamax and Neo-Panamax Classifications
The term “Panamax” refers to the maximum size of a vessel that could transit the original Panama Canal prior to its expansion in 2016. These dimensional restrictions were determined by the dimensions of the canal’s lock chambers and included a maximum length of approximately 294 meters, a beam of just over 32 meters, and a draft limitation of 12 meters. The air draft, limited by the height of the Bridge of the Americas, also constrained vessel height to just under 58 meters. These specifications effectively standardized a generation of vessels tailored to meet the Panama Canal’s operational profile (Panama Canal Authority, 2016).
However, by the early 21st century, rising global trade volumes and the growing use of containerized cargo led to a demand for larger, more cost-efficient ships that exceeded these limits. This need culminated in the expansion of the Panama Canal, completed in 2016, which introduced a new set of locks designed to accommodate significantly larger vessels. These vessels, termed “Neo-Panamax” or “New Panamax,” can reach up to 366 meters in length, 49 meters in beam, and 15.2 meters in draft, with cargo capacities exceeding 14,000 TEUs (UNCTAD, 2023). Since the expansion, Neo-Panamax vessels have accounted for over 50% of total container cargo transiting the canal, underscoring the economic shift toward larger vessels (Panama Canal Authority, 2023). The Neo-Panamax standard immediately reshaped global shipping strategies and prompted a wave of port infrastructure upgrades across the Americas and Asia to support these larger ships. For example, U.S. East Coast ports such as Savannah, Charleston, and New York/New Jersey collectively invested over $10 billion in dredging, berth extensions, and super post-Panamax cranes to accommodate the new vessel class (U.S. Maritime Administration, 2021).
Suezmax and Post-Suezmax Vessels
Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal does not operate with locks, as it is a sea-level waterway. This design eliminates beam and length restrictions but imposes depth-related limitations. The term “Suezmax” describes the largest ship size that can transit the canal under normal conditions, constrained primarily by a draft limit of approximately 20.1 meters. The Suezmax designation is most commonly applied to crude oil tankers and large bulk carriers, which frequently use the canal for transit between the Persian Gulf and Europe.
Following the 2015 expansion, the canal’s daily capacity doubled from 49 to 97 ships, while average transit time was reduced from 18 to 11 hours (Suez Canal Authority, 2022). The flexibility of the canal has made it a preferred route for over 12% of global trade and more than 20% of global container traffic, with over 1.4 billion tons of cargo transiting annually as of 2022 (UNCTAD, 2023; Suez Canal Authority, 2023). As a result, vessels such as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS) that exceed Suezmax limits can sometimes transit under special conditions, such as partial loading or with tug assistance. These operational adaptations have allowed the Suez Canal to remain relevant amid the rise of extremely large ships, even as transit incidents like the Ever Given grounding highlight its vulnerabilities.
Post-Panamax and Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS)
The classification “Post-Panamax” originally referred to vessels too large to transit the original Panama Canal. However, in the post-expansion era, it has evolved to refer more broadly to vessels that exceed even Neo-Panamax constraints, particularly those operating in the Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific trades. These ships typically range between 13,000 to 24,000 TEU in capacity and feature lengths of up to 400 meters, beams exceeding 59 meters, and drafts of around 16 meters. Many of them fall under the ULCS category and are specifically designed to capitalize on economies of scale in long-haul trade (Lloyd’s Register, 2022).
In 2023, ULCS vessels made up nearly 40% of the global container ship fleet capacity, a dramatic increase from just 10% in 2011 (Clarksons Research, 2023). The world’s largest container ship, the MSC Irina, launched in 2023, can carry over 24,000 TEUs and measures 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61.3 meters—highlighting the trend toward ultra-large shipping as standard practice on major routes such as Asia-Europe (Alphaliner, 2023). One of the most notable examples of Post-Panamax engineering is the Maersk Triple-E class of container ships, which are approximately 400 meters long and 59 meters wide, with capacities nearing 20,000 TEUs. These ships were engineered for maximum fuel efficiency and cargo capacity, specifically for use on the Asia-Europe route via the Suez Canal. However, their size limits them to a select group of global ports equipped with deep berths, reinforced quays, and super post-Panamax cranes capable of servicing such large vessels.
Economic and Strategic Implications of Vessel Classifications
The rise of these canal-based classifications reflects the growing tension between vessel size and global maritime infrastructure. Shipowners and operators must weigh the benefits of scale—such as lower fuel consumption per unit of cargo and reduced cost per TEU—against the limitations imposed by canal dimensions and port availability. Canal authorities, in turn, have introduced tiered toll structures that reflect vessel size, thereby influencing the types of ships that regularly use their routes. For example, tolls for Neo-Panamax vessels in the Panama Canal range from $150,000 to over $500,000 per transit, depending on cargo volume, with container ships contributing more than 50% of the canal’s revenue (Panama Canal Authority, 2023). Moreover, port infrastructure plays a critical role in determining which vessel sizes are viable for specific regions. The emergence of transshipment hubs like Singapore, Tangier Med, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port has allowed ULCS operators to serve broader markets through feeder services, even where destination ports cannot handle large vessels directly. As classification standards continue to evolve in response to trade demand and engineering advances, maritime stakeholders must continually adjust their infrastructure, operational models, and investment strategies to remain competitive in a scale-driven industry.
IV. Impacts on Ship Design and Naval Architecture
The evolution of global canal infrastructure—most notably the expansions of the Panama and Suez Canals—has dramatically influenced the field of naval architecture. Vessel design in the 21st century is no longer solely dictated by hydrodynamics or cargo type but increasingly by infrastructural constraints, particularly canal dimensions. This intersection of engineering and geography has given rise to specialized vessel classes and catalyzed significant advances in shipbuilding, propulsion, and safety systems.
Design Adaptations Driven by Canal Dimensions
Canal limitations have imposed fixed parameters around which naval architects must design. The original Panama Canal, for instance, restricted vessels to 294 meters in length and 32.3 meters in beam, which for decades defined the global “Panamax” fleet. The 2016 expansion to accommodate Neo-Panamax ships opened new design possibilities, allowing for ships up to 366 meters in length and 49 meters in beam (Panama Canal Authority, 2023). Similarly, the Suez Canal accommodates even larger vessels—Suezmax and ULCS—with maximum drafts of up to 20.1 meters (Suez Canal Authority, 2022). These benchmarks influence not only the exterior dimensions of ships but also internal cargo arrangements, engine room layouts, and ballast tank designs. The modern container ship hull is often designed to maximize beam and length within the constraints of canal passage. Wider and longer hulls reduce wave-making resistance and allow higher stacking of containers, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. According to the International Chamber of Shipping (2022), optimized hull designs have contributed to a 25% improvement in energy efficiency for large vessels over the past decade. Naval architects now work within tight dimensional windows to ensure that fully laden ships remain within draft tolerances, requiring meticulous calculations of deadweight distribution and trim optimization.
Propulsion Systems and Operational Efficiency
Beyond hull form, the choice of propulsion systems is critically influenced by canal-related operational demands. Ships transiting the Panama and Suez Canals often operate at reduced speeds under pilot control and in congested or shallow waters. As a result, engine systems must deliver both high maneuverability and fuel efficiency under varying load conditions. Modern vessels frequently adopt dual-fuel engines, particularly those capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which not only reduce emissions but are optimized for slow steaming and canal navigation (Lloyd’s Register, 2022). Moreover, canal maneuvering constraints have accelerated the adoption of advanced propulsion components, including azimuth thrusters and high-performance bow thrusters. These systems enhance lateral control in narrow locks and tight turns. In ULCS vessels, redundancy is critical; ships are often fitted with twin rudders or dual propeller configurations to safeguard against propulsion failure in high-risk environments. The integration of these technologies is now considered standard practice for new builds expected to regularly traverse global chokepoints.
Innovations in Structural Design and Material Use
The structural integrity of ultra-large vessels presents significant engineering challenges, especially when hull lengths exceed 350 meters. Advances in shipbuilding materials, such as high-tensile steel and composite reinforcements, have allowed engineers to extend hull dimensions while maintaining strength and flexibility. These materials reduce vessel weight and improve stability, enabling higher container stacking and better performance in adverse sea conditions. Modular construction has become a dominant trend in the shipbuilding industry. Using prefabricated modules allows for rapid construction of large vessels and simplifies maintenance and retrofitting. Shipbuilders now design standardized modules for engine rooms, midship container holds, and living quarters that can be scaled up or down depending on vessel classification. For example, the basic architecture of a 14,000 TEU Neo-Panamax vessel can be extended to create a 20,000+ TEU ULCS using additional midbody segments, so long as the intended route accommodates the larger draft and beam (Clarksons Research, 2023).
Safety Features and Canal-Specific Engineering
Navigational safety in confined waterways is a central concern in canal-focused vessel design. Ships must be capable of operating with high precision in narrow, heavily trafficked channels. Following the grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal in 2021, which halted global trade worth an estimated $9.6 billion per day (UNCTAD, 2023), the maritime sector has renewed its focus on designing vessels with improved safety and navigation systems. Modern ULCS vessels are now equipped with digital bridge systems, enhanced radar arrays, and navigation towers raised above cargo stacks for better line-of-sight visibility. Ship designs also include structural reinforcements at the bow and stern to mitigate damage in the event of grounding or collision within narrow canal boundaries. Advanced decision-support systems powered by AI are being introduced to aid in route optimization, especially under variable tide, current, and traffic conditions. Many shipowners are also investing in predictive maintenance technologies, using digital twins and real-time monitoring of hull stress, engine performance, and fuel consumption. These innovations reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure during high-stakes canal transits and are becoming a de facto requirement for long-range vessels that rely on access to the Panama or Suez Canals.
Case Example: Maersk Triple-E Class
A prime example of canal-optimized engineering is the Maersk Triple-E class of container vessels. These ships are approximately 400 meters in length and 59 meters wide, with capacities of up to 20,000 TEUs. Designed specifically for the Asia-Europe corridor via the Suez Canal, they feature a U-shaped hull optimized for container stacking, dual engines for propulsion redundancy, and waste heat recovery systems that improve fuel efficiency by 10% compared to earlier generations (Maersk Line, 2022). Their scale provides a cost advantage of roughly 30% per container over smaller vessels, but this is only possible due to their canal-compliant draft and strategic deployment on routes where compatible ports exist. The Triple-E class reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes canal dimensions as a defining parameter, aligning shipbuilding with the infrastructural realities of global trade.
V. Global Trade Routes and Logistics Dynamics
The design of major shipping vessels and the capacity of global trade routes are intricately linked, with canal dimensions exerting a decisive influence over international logistics strategies. The Panama and Suez Canals serve not only as passageways but as strategic control points that shape trade volumes, shipping schedules, and the spatial distribution of port infrastructure. As vessel sizes increase, the economic and logistical implications of canal compatibility become more pronounced, affecting everything from shipping costs to global supply chain resilience.
Canal Choice and Route Optimization
The choice between transiting a canal or opting for alternative routes is driven by a complex interplay of cost, time, cargo value, and vessel size. For instance, container vessels traveling from East Asia to the U.S. East Coast face a decision between transiting the Panama Canal or sailing around the Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal. The Panama Canal, despite being shorter in distance, often commands higher tolls, especially for Neo-Panamax container ships. As of 2023, tolls for large container ships ranged from $300,000 to over $500,000 per transit, depending on TEU capacity and cargo (Panama Canal Authority, 2023). Transit time savings, however, are substantial. Ships using the Panama Canal can reduce their journey from Shanghai to New York by approximately 3,500 nautical miles compared to rounding South America, saving 10–14 days in voyage time (UNCTAD, 2023). Similarly, the Suez Canal enables ships to avoid the 12,000-nautical-mile journey around the Cape of Good Hope when traveling between Asia and Europe, cutting up to 30% of the total transit time.
Nonetheless, route reliability and congestion risk also factor heavily. The 2021 Ever Given blockage of the Suez Canal disrupted global supply chains for nearly a week, delaying over 400 vessels and impacting trade valued at more than $60 billion (Suez Canal Authority, 2022). Such incidents have prompted many shipping companies to diversify their routing strategies, sometimes opting for longer but more predictable passages when canal congestion or geopolitical tensions arise.
The Role of Transshipment Hubs and Strategic Ports
Canal-driven vessel classification has also given rise to specialized transshipment hubs that act as strategic intermediaries for mega-vessels. Ports such as Singapore, Tangier Med (Morocco), Jebel Ali (UAE), and Colombo (Sri Lanka) serve as redistribution centers where ultra-large container ships offload cargo to smaller feeder vessels. These hubs are strategically located near major canal routes and offer deep berths, state-of-the-art cranes, and fast turnaround times. Tangier Med, for example, has emerged as a critical node in West–East maritime logistics. With a handling capacity of over 9 million TEUs and proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar and Suez-bound traffic, it facilitates cost-effective cargo movement between Africa, Europe, and Asia (Tangier Med Authority, 2023). The ability of a port to serve as a transshipment point greatly enhances its competitiveness in the global maritime economy, especially when direct access by ULCS is limited due to depth or infrastructure constraints. In contrast, ports that cannot accommodate Post-Panamax or ULCS vessels risk being marginalized. As ship sizes increase, fewer ports meet the minimum requirements for access, leading to cargo consolidation around mega-ports. This dynamic has created a bifurcation in global port hierarchies—where hub ports capture increasing volumes, and smaller ports rely more heavily on feeder services.
Impacts on Supply Chains and Freight Economics
The influence of canal dimensions on shipping extends well beyond the vessel. It shapes the very structure of global supply chains. Larger vessels operating through canals allow for the aggregation of massive quantities of goods, enabling economies of scale and lower unit shipping costs. For example, transporting a TEU on a ULCS from Shanghai to Rotterdam costs approximately $300–$400, compared to $700–$900 on smaller ships (Drewry Shipping Consultants, 2023). These savings are critical for industries operating on razor-thin margins or dependent on just-in-time logistics. At the same time, reliance on larger vessels and limited canal-accessible routes introduces vulnerabilities. Bottlenecks in one location can cascade throughout the global supply network. This became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Suez blockage, where container shortages and port congestion triggered price surges and delivery delays worldwide. The canal dimension paradigm, therefore, not only affects maritime engineering but also shapes inventory management, warehousing strategies, and contingency planning across global industries.
Shipping alliances such as 2M, THE Alliance, and Ocean Alliance have further concentrated trade flows around major canal routes and hub ports. These alliances coordinate vessel sharing and port rotations, increasing efficiency but also centralizing decision-making. Their operational models depend heavily on canal-compatible vessels and infrastructure readiness at each scheduled port of call.
Regional Dynamics and African Trade Corridors
For African economies, the implications of canal dimension standards and trade route hierarchies are profound. The Suez Canal acts as a gateway for East and North African trade with Europe and Asia, while West African ports increasingly interface with transatlantic and South American trade via transshipment from Panama-aligned routes. However, African ports often lack the draft depth, quay strength, and equipment capacity to host ULCS or large Neo-Panamax vessels. As a result, much of Africa’s seaborne trade is routed through feeder networks connected to regional hubs such as Tangier Med, Durban, Mombasa, and increasingly, Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria. These ports are undergoing significant infrastructure development to handle deeper-draft vessels, with Lekki designed to accommodate ships up to 16.5 meters in draft and over 350 meters in length (Nigerian Ports Authority, 2023). Still, significant gaps remain in multimodal integration, digital logistics platforms, and customs processing—factors that influence the attractiveness of ports within the global trade matrix. African integration into global value chains will increasingly depend on the continent’s ability to align its port infrastructure with global vessel classifications. Strategic investment in deepwater ports, hinterland rail networks, and automated cargo handling will be key to participating in the next phase of maritime trade, dominated by canal-optimized mega-vessels.
VI. Challenges and Opportunities for African Ports
As global maritime trade becomes increasingly shaped by vessel classifications linked to the Panama and Suez Canals, African ports face a dual reality: the immense opportunity to integrate into high-capacity global trade networks, and the significant challenge of upgrading infrastructure and operations to accommodate Post-Panamax and Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS). The competitiveness of African ports in this new shipping paradigm depends on how quickly and strategically they respond to these evolving global standards.
Current Constraints Facing African Ports
Many African ports were originally built for smaller vessels and regional trade and are now struggling to keep pace with the demands of larger, canal-optimized ships. The majority of African container ports have limitations in draft depth (typically below 13 meters), quay length, turning basins, and gantry crane capabilities. This restricts their ability to berth vessels above 10,000 TEUs—far below the 20,000+ TEU vessels now dominating intercontinental trade (UNCTAD, 2023). For example, the Port of Mombasa in Kenya has a channel depth of around 15 meters, allowing it to handle some post-Panamax vessels but not the largest ULCS class. Similarly, ports such as Tema (Ghana) and Apapa (Nigeria) have limited quay lengths and container yard space, leading to delays, congestion, and reduced transshipment potential. Infrastructural gaps are compounded by operational inefficiencies such as manual customs clearance, limited digitalization, and poor hinterland connectivity—all of which increase dwell time and cost (World Bank, 2022). In addition, environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance has become a critical determinant in port competitiveness. Many African ports lack the monitoring systems, emissions reduction protocols, and waste management infrastructure required to attract vessels from carriers increasingly bound by IMO decarbonization targets and ESG investment principles.
Emerging Opportunities and Modernization Efforts
Despite these challenges, several African ports have embarked on ambitious expansion and modernization programs aimed at capturing a share of the high-volume maritime trade passing through the Suez and Panama-influenced corridors. Notable among these are Lekki Deep Sea Port (Nigeria), Lamu Port (Kenya), and the Port of Durban (South Africa). Lekki, inaugurated in 2023, is West Africa’s first fully automated deep-sea port, capable of handling vessels with up to 16.5 meters of draft and 18,000 TEUs of capacity. With modern STS (ship-to-shore) cranes, electronic tracking, and integrated customs systems, Lekki is strategically positioned to become a major transshipment hub for West and Central Africa (Nigerian Ports Authority, 2023).
In East Africa, the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor seeks to establish Lamu as a regional logistics gateway. Its deep-draft berths are designed to handle Post-Panamax ships and bulk cargo, easing congestion at Mombasa and supporting inland trade with landlocked countries like Ethiopia and South Sudan. Meanwhile, the Port of Durban, already Africa’s busiest container port, is undergoing a $7 billion expansion to deepen its berths, upgrade rail connectivity, and increase container capacity from 2.9 million to 11 million TEUs annually by 2032 (Transnet, 2023). These upgrades aim to position Durban as a Southern Hemisphere logistics leader with ULCS capabilities aligned to Suez-linked routes.
Strategic Recommendations for Enhancing Competitiveness
To fully participate in canal-driven trade dynamics, African countries must align national port development strategies with international vessel standards and supply chain trends. First, infrastructure upgrades must prioritize deepwater capabilities—specifically, dredging to depths of at least 16 meters, extended quay walls, and the acquisition of super post-Panamax cranes. These investments should be guided by regional shipping forecasts and vessel calling patterns to ensure commercial viability. Second, regulatory harmonization and trade facilitation reforms are essential. Countries should streamline customs processes through single-window systems, digitize port community platforms, and eliminate redundant inspections and port charges that deter carriers. According to the World Bank’s 2022 Logistics Performance Index, delays and inefficiencies at African ports cost up to $2.6 billion annually in lost trade potential.
Third, African ports must adopt sustainability frameworks in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Ports with green certifications and emissions monitoring will be better positioned to attract climate-conscious shippers and investors. Fourth, regional cooperation through the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), AfCFTA, and corridor development initiatives like the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor and Northern Corridor (East Africa) can help pool resources, harmonize port standards, and strengthen bargaining power in global shipping negotiations.
Finally, strong public-private partnerships (PPPs) are critical for mobilizing the estimated $50 billion needed for Africa’s port infrastructure upgrades by 2040 (African Development Bank, 2023). Successful models such as DP World’s investment in Dakar and Bolloré Africa Logistics in Togo illustrate how foreign capital and technical expertise can accelerate the transformation of African port ecosystems.
VII. Future Trends in Shipping and Canal-Driven Trade Dynamics
As global maritime trade continues to evolve under pressure from technological innovation, environmental regulation, and shifting economic centers, the relevance of canal dimensions will remain central, but not static. The future of shipping logistics and vessel design will be shaped by how well global infrastructure adapts to the scale of modern trade, how resilient supply chains become, and how industry actors respond to regulatory and climate-driven imperatives.
Canal Expansions and Infrastructure Adaptability
Both the Panama and Suez Canals are evaluating further expansions to accommodate the next generation of ships and reduce bottlenecks. The Panama Canal Authority has floated proposals for additional water-saving locks and widening projects to alleviate congestion, particularly during dry seasons when water levels fall (Panama Canal Authority, 2023). Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, recently led to daily transit restrictions that affected over 150 vessels and raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the current lock system (Reuters, 2023). Meanwhile, the Suez Canal Authority is continuing to widen and deepen its southern sections following the Ever Given crisis. A second channel, running parallel for much of the canal’s length, is expected to boost resilience and reduce blockage risk. These enhancements are designed to support vessels of up to 400 meters in length and 24,000 TEU capacity, making the Suez Canal a vital artery for ULCS traffic. Alternative canal proposals such as the long-stalled Nicaragua Canal or the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR) are being monitored, but none currently match the economic viability or traffic volume of the Panama and Suez. However, melting polar ice may soon make the NSR a seasonal route for cargo between Europe and Asia, potentially shaving 40% off travel time and reducing reliance on traditional chokepoints (Lloyd’s Register, 2022).
Technological Disruptions in Shipping and Logistics
Digitization is set to transform global shipping just as profoundly as physical infrastructure. Blockchain-based smart contracts, AI-powered logistics planning, and digital twins are already being adopted by major carriers to improve transparency, efficiency, and predictive maintenance. Vessels of the future will be “connected platforms” capable of real-time monitoring, autonomous navigation, and self-diagnosis—especially valuable when navigating tight, high-traffic corridors like the Panama or Suez Canals. Autonomous and remotely operated vessels are being tested for short-sea and feeder operations and may soon enter mainstream container logistics. This trend will demand new regulatory frameworks, safety protocols, and canal operation adjustments. For instance, pilotage requirements for autonomous vessels in canals will require AI systems capable of interfacing with human-controlled traffic and lock operations. In addition, port operations are shifting toward full automation. Smart ports like Rotterdam, Singapore, and Qingdao already use robotic cranes, IoT sensors, and AI-driven yard management systems. African ports aiming to stay competitive will need to integrate similar technologies to reduce turnaround times and match the service levels required by canal-classified vessels.
Environmental Considerations and Regulatory Pressure
Sustainability is no longer optional in shipping. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented a decarbonization strategy targeting a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. These regulations will significantly influence ship design, fuel choices, and route planning. Canal authorities are also tightening environmental rules, offering toll discounts for greener vessels and incentivizing the use of LNG and alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen. ULCS and Post-Panamax vessels already benefit from economies of scale in emissions per TEU, but they also face higher absolute emissions due to their size. As such, shipbuilders are focusing on hybrid propulsion, wind-assist technologies, and fuel cell integration. New designs will need to comply with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), both of which influence a ship’s operational license and insurance costs. Port infrastructure must follow suit. Green shipping corridors—defined pathways between ports committed to zero-emission operations—are emerging as part of global climate alliances. Ports that align with these initiatives will gain priority in shipping rotations, reinforcing the link between environmental compliance, port competitiveness, and access to high-volume trade via canal corridors.
Implications for Africa and Strategic Maritime Policy
For African ports and policymakers, the future of canal-oriented trade offers both urgency and opportunity. The continent’s trade potential is vast, but capitalizing on it requires embracing innovation and aligning with international sustainability standards. By investing in deepwater port infrastructure, embracing smart logistics, and integrating into green shipping corridors, African economies can leapfrog into the next era of maritime trade. African maritime strategies must also anticipate future vessel trends—planning for 24,000+ TEU ships, implementing AI-based customs systems, and developing training programs for the digital maritime workforce. Regional cooperation through AfCFTA, AIMS 2050, and port corridor development must be harmonized with international canal authorities to ensure alignment with future shipping requirements.
VIII. Conclusion
The dimensions of the Panama and Suez Canals have long served as architectural and economic constraints shaping the evolution of maritime trade. Today, they continue to dictate how ships are built, which routes dominate global logistics, and which ports rise or fall in strategic relevance. As vessel sizes grow and environmental regulations intensify, these canals are more than just gateways—they are dynamic regulators of global commerce. For African ports and policymakers, the message is clear: adapt or be bypassed. Deepwater capability, digital transformation, and sustainable practices are no longer optional—they are prerequisites for relevance in a canal-constrained, scale-driven global shipping ecosystem. By aligning national and regional port strategies with these emerging realities, African countries can position themselves not only as recipients of global trade but as integral actors in its future evolution.
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Authors
Dr David King Boison, a maritime and port expert, AI Consultant and Senior Fellow CIMAG. He can be contacted via email at [email protected]
Albert Derrick Fiatui, is the Executive Director at the Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), an Advocacy, Research and Operational Policy Think-Tank, with a focus on the Maritime Industry (Blue Economy) and general Ocean Governance.He is a Maritime Policy and Ocean Governance Expert.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
As Ghana stands at the crossroads of a transformative era in its gold industry, the impending implementation of the GoldBod Act holds the promise of profound economic and social implications.
This initiative, awaiting presidential assent, aims to empower local miners, strengthen the national economy, and safeguard individual gold ownership – a vision that has generated both enthusiasm and skepticism among various stakeholders.
At the heart of the debate lies the GoldBod’s dual role as both a regulator and a commercial entity, which has led some critics to raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced reality, one that positions the GoldBod as a catalyst for positive change in Ghana’s gold sector.
Sammy Gyamfi, who is the acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (now rebranded as GoldBod), has been at the forefront of clarifying the initiative’s true nature. He emphasizes that the GoldBod is not intended to function as a traditional regulatory body overseeing the entire gold industry. Instead, its primary responsibility will be to enforce its own rules and regulations, ensuring compliance among its licensed agents, rather than regulating external competitors.
This distinction is crucial, as it effectively addresses the concerns surrounding conflicts of interest. By concentrating on compliance within its operational framework, the GoldBod can pursue its core mandate without the complications associated with broader regulatory oversight.
Equally important, the GoldBod Act addresses the contentious issue of gold ownership, which has been a major point of controversy. Contrary to the misconception that the law would criminalize the mere possession of gold by Ghanaians, Mr. Gyamfi clarifies that the Act specifically targets the issue of hoarding – the accumulation of gold beyond reasonable business needs with the intent to manipulate market conditions or create artificial scarcity.
Notably, the Act clearly states that individuals can possess gold for personal or value storage purposes without facing legal repercussions. This interpretation is vital in dispelling the notion that cultural or traditional ownership of gold would be criminalized, allowing Ghanaians to continue their practices and investments in gold without fear.
Beyond safeguarding individual ownership, the GoldBod initiative aims to promote the use of gold as a reliable store of value among Ghanaians. By encouraging citizens to invest in gold products, such as coins and tablets, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, and strengthen the Ghanaian cedi. This strategic approach not only empowers individuals to safeguard their wealth but also supports national economic stability by fostering a culture of value storage through gold.
As the GoldBod prepares for implementation, it has laid the groundwork for several mechanisms designed to ensure fair pricing for gold purchased from miners. These include a transparent pricing methodology that will take into account global gold prices, production costs, and fair profit margins for miners. Although the GoldBod has yet to put these mechanisms into practice, they underscore a commitment to creating an equitable trading environment that benefits all stakeholders in the gold market.
Regular reviews of the pricing framework, involving consultations with mining associations and other stakeholders, will further ensure that the system remains aligned with market conditions. This collaborative approach is intended to provide miners with a fair deal, fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation between the GoldBod and local mining communities.
Moreover, the GoldBod is expected to introduce competitive bidding processes for the purchase of gold from licensed small-scale and artisanal miners. This initiative will not only help secure the best possible prices but also enhance market competitiveness, ultimately benefiting miners and consumers alike. By focusing on fair pricing, the GoldBod can create an environment where miners feel valued and fairly compensated for their efforts.
Complementing these measures, the GoldBod is also poised to introduce training and support programmes aimed at equipping miners with the necessary skills to improve their operations and negotiation tactics. This focus on education will empower miners to better understand their rights and advocate for fair prices, reducing the risk of exploitation and fostering a more sustainable mining industry.
As the discussions surrounding the GoldBod initiative continue, it is essential to recognize the potential that lies within this transformative moment for Ghana’s gold industry. While concerns and criticisms are valid, the initiative’s focus on establishing a national monopoly on gold trading and export, combined with its commitment to promoting gold ownership and fair pricing, paints a hopeful picture for the future.
Once the GoldBod Act receives presidential assent and the initiative moves into implementation, the true benefits of this endeavour can begin to unfold. The potential to strengthen Ghana’s position in the global gold market while improving the livelihoods of local miners is significant. With a clear understanding of its purpose and powers, the GoldBod may well become a key driver of economic empowerment and national sovereignty in Ghana, unlocking the nation’s golden potential and paving the way for a more prosperous future.
According to a report from GhOne TV’s official Twitter page, the Muslim community is mourning the passing of a revered leader, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun. His death has brought deep sorrow, as he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to both the Muslim fraternity and the nation. However, the cause of his passing has not been disclosed.
During his tenure, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun played a crucial role in addressing significant issues affecting the Muslim community, including education, youth empowerment, and fostering interfaith dialogue. His leadership was marked by a strong commitment to unity and harmony among people from different backgrounds.
The announcement of his passing has led to an outpouring of grief, with tributes coming in from leaders, organizations, and the public. Many have described his death as a great loss, particularly for the Muslim community. Religious leaders and members of the fraternity have expressed gratitude for his lifelong dedication to Islam and his role in promoting peace.
Messages of condolence highlight his immense impact:
“This is a great loss to the Muslim community and Ghana as a whole. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
“Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun was not just a religious leader but a symbol of peace and wisdom. His legacy will live on.”
“His leadership brought unity and progress to our region. We will miss his guidance and prayers.”
“The nation mourns with the Muslim fraternity. A true leader has departed, but his teachings will remain with us.”
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and reward him for his countless efforts in serving the faith and humanity.”
“He served with humility and wisdom. The void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill.”
Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has urged school authorities across the country to uphold the religious rights of students, ensuring they are free to practise their faith without restrictions.
He emphasised that every Ghanaian child is entitled to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution, including the right to religious expression.
Speaking during the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers with the Ambariyya Muslim sect in Tamale on Monday, March 31, the Minister reiterated the importance of respecting religious diversity within educational institutions.
He stressed that schools should not impose policies that hinder students from observing their faith.
His remarks follow concerns raised by the Ghana Muslim Students Association of Ghana on Saturday, March 29.
The association expressed disappointment over a decision by Saint Roses Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region, to prevent Muslim students from going home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, despite an official directive from the Ghana Education Service allowing them to do so.
In response to the controversy, Minister Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding students’ constitutional rights.
“I want to announce as Ghana’s Minister of Education that every child and every Ghanaian is entitled to the full benefit of all the rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and therefore no school has the right to deny any Ghanaian child the right to practise their faith,” he declared.
He further called on all educational institutions to acknowledge and respect religious freedoms, ensuring that no student is subjected to discrimination based on their beliefs.
“All schools must recognise and respect the right of every Ghanaian child to profess and practise their religion,” he added.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Having recently relocated to the UK, Adu-Gyamfi is now poised to further expand his influence in the international entertainment scene. With his sights set on taking his talent global, he is proving that there are no limits to where his craft can go.
According to a report from GhanaWeb, Koku Anyidoho, Founder and President of the Atta Mills Institute, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), rejecting claims that he has left the party.
As Ghana stands at the crossroads of a transformative era in its gold industry, the impending implementation of the GoldBod Act holds the promise of profound economic and social implications.
