Documents available indicates that Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited has sued investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, over the latter’s consistent defamatory comments against the company.
Excerpts of a High Court writ published in the 21st February 2024 edition of the Ghanaian Times, notes that Manasseh Azuri Awuni (herein the Defendants) has since December 2023 published several defamatory materials regarding SML’s contract with the Government of Ghana (GOG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The Plaintiff (SML) further avers that notwithstanding the pending defamation suit against the Manasseh, the journalist, in Chapter 28 of his book, “The President Ghana Never Got” discussed the Plaintiff’s contract with the GOG and the GRA, which chapter is titled “The Mother of All Scandals”.
In the view of the company, the contents of Chapter 28 of the Defendant’s book and the phrases used by the Defendant to describe the contract impute wrongdoing to the Plaintiff and portrays the Plaintiff as a criminal organization, when there is no factual basis for such characterization.
Consequently, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited is requesting the court to among other reliefs, perpetually, injunct Manasseh Awuni from publishing any further defamatory material about the Plaintiff. The company is also demanding a retraction and apology of Chapter 28 of the Defendant’s book, which described SML’s contract as “The Mother of All Scandals.’
SML maintains that its contracts with the GRA and GoG were based on a risk-reward model, under which it would only be compensated from additional revenue generated through its services, insisting it has carried out all its operations with “utmost integrity, accountability, and transparency.”
Legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Legal Directorate, Kingsley Amoakwa-Boadu, has called on government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, rather than merely raising concerns.
Speaking on the issue of illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, Mr Amoakwa-Boadu criticised President Mahama for what he described as a passive approach.
“When in opposition, the NDC was quick to highlight issues like galamsey to create public aversion against us. Now they are in government; it’s time to act, not complain,” he stated.
“The President should tell us, ‘I came to meet this problem, and these are the steps I’m taking to solve it.’ That’s what leadership is about—offering solutions, not just identifying problems,” he added.
Read also: 44 of Ghana’s Forest Reserves under siege by armed illegal miners – Lands Minister
Mr Amoakwa-Boadu stressed that there is a clear distinction between legal and illegal miners and that illegal activities should be met with strong government intervention. “If it’s illegal mining, there’s no legal basis whatsoever for its continuation. The government must act decisively to stop it rather than bringing it to public attention without taking action,” he asserted.
He also urged President Mahama to transition fully into his role as a governing president rather than maintaining the posture of an opposition leader, adding that “now they wield executive power, so they must operationalise their policies to fight galamsey.”
His remarks come after the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah disclosed that 44 of the country’s forest reserves are under severe threat from heavily armed illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators.
He explained that forest guards and the Forestry Commissions rapid response team are unable to confront these miners effectively because they lack the advanced weaponry the galamsey operators possess.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, February 20, the minister highlighted the growing crisis, stating, “Ghana’s forests are facing serious threats of deforestation and degradation due to well-known factors.
“The country is experiencing an unprecedented assault on its forest resources and water bodies, largely driven by illegal mining activities.”
He warned that the situation has escalated into a national emergency with severe security and public health implications, requiring urgent intervention.
Highlighting the complexities of addressing illegal mining, Mr Amoakwa-Boadu suggested a mixed approach combining strict enforcement with education and policy support.
He also referenced past efforts to regulate small-scale mining, noting that the allure of sudden wealth makes it difficult to eradicate galamsey solely through enforcement.
Read also: Mahama instructs anti-galamsey team to seize, not burn excavators
“A command-and-control approach should be blended with education and regulation. In places like South Africa, strict measures have been taken, but there’s also a need to regulate and support small-scale miners. Ghana should adopt a similar balanced strategy,” he explained.
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Dr. Stella Adadevoh saved Nigeria from Ebola outbreak
In 2024, a beautiful development on Ghanaian and Nigerian social media space was buzzed with conversations around historical moments of persons whose achievements and accomplishments, in the view of those who partook in the conversation, had not been highlighted enough.
The conversation was triggered by a user with the name @joewacklegh who asked, “Tell me an interesting piece of Ghanaian history no one talks about.”
Read the full story originally published on June 15, 2024, by https://www.ghanaweb.com.
Though the interaction started on Ghanaian X, it eventually reached Nigerian X, with citizens of Ghana’s perceived ‘rival’ country sharing their knowledge of history and key moments in the country’s history.
One name that came up for mention and overwhelmingly received the endorsement of Nigerians on social media is Dr. Stella Adadevoh.
Who is Dr. Stella Adadevoh?
Born in Lagos on October 27, 1956, Dr. Adadevoh was the first of four children.
She was a physician at one of Lagos’ private hospitals. Her father, Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh, was a scientist, lecturer, author, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Her mother, Deborah Regina McIntosh, is a niece of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
In 1980, Stella Adadevoh was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree by the University of Lagos. By 1993, she had completed a fellowship course in Endocrinology at the Hammersmith Hospital of the Imperial College in London, UK.
Dr. Stella Adadevoh practised as a physician for over thirty years in Nigeria, 21 of which she served as the lead consultant physician and endocrinologist at the First Consultants Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos.
How did she save Nigeria from the Ebola epidemic?
At the peak of the Ebola outbreak in 2014, Dr. Stella Adadevoh discovered and prevented an outbreak of the virus in Nigeria.
Patrick Sawyer, an official from Liberia, had left his country to attend a conference of the Economic Community of West African States in Nigeria. Upon arrival in Nigeria, Patrick Sawyer collapsed and was rushed to the First Consultants Medical Centre where Dr. Adadevoh served. This incident happened on July 20, 2014.
The first doctor at the facility diagnosed Patrick Sawyer as someone suffering from malaria, but Dr. Adadevoh, who attended to him the following day, was not convinced as she suspected the signs to be that of Ebola.
She followed her conviction and asked Mr. Patrick Sawyer further questions about his health status. As reported by drasatrust.org, Dr. Adadevoh, who was still not convinced by the responses from Patrick Sawyer, contacted the Lagos State and Federal Ministries of Health and got him tested for Ebola.
Amid pressure from the Liberian government and at the risk of a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Liberia, Dr. Adadevoh warned against the release of Patrick Sawyer, cautioning Nigeria of the possible consequences should the patient be released and allowed to travel to Liberia while coming into contact with several persons.
The test conducted confirmed that Patrick Sawyer was suffering from Ebola. That case marked the first Ebola case in Nigeria.
With Nigeria not best-placed to cater for Ebola patients, Dr. Adadevoh dedicated herself to caring for Patrick Sawyer at her private facility and did her best until Sawyer died at the facility.
While caring for Patrick Sawyer, Dr. Adadevoh became exposed to the Ebola virus and died from it on August 19, 2014.
Dr. Adadevoh is credited for being the first doctor in Nigeria to discover the Ebola virus in the country and ensuring that the country did not experience an outbreak of devastating impact.
In all, Nigeria had 20 Ebola cases, with 11 being health workers.
Ghanaian connection
According to a Daily Graphic report in September 2014, Dr. Adadevoh’s paternal grandfather was an Anlo from Anyako in the Volta Region.
He worked with the United Africa Company (UAC) and was transferred from the Gold Coast to Lagos in the early 1940s. Her grandfather married the daughter of Herbert Macaulay, who is one of Nigeria’s national figures.
When she died, her family held a requiem mass for her at the Christ the King Church in Accra on September 14, 2014.
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) has recorded a bullish performance in 2024, emerging as the best stock exchange in Africa with a 56.17 percentage gain during the period, an exploit that industry experts are optimistic would continue in 2025.
Ghana’s stock index led Africa with a remarkable 56.17 percent return, the highest since 2013. This was bolstered by a US$3 billion IMF bailout and an average GDP growth of 6.3 percent over the year.
Going into 2025, investors anticipate further gains under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which has prioritised economic stability and fiscal consolidation. With this backdrop, analysts forecast a 45 percent gain in 2025, underpinned by an improving economy and strengthening cedi currency.
The exchange’s composite index rose from 3,130.23 to 4,888.53, marking its strongest performance in 11 years – since 2013’s 78.8 percent return.
Also, the GSE-CI recorded a stellar 56.17 percent year-to-date (YTD) return, marking the highest in eleven years and more than doubling its five-year average of 20.31 percent.
The outstanding growth is also linked to consistently demonstrating a commitment to driving economic growth and supporting sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.
The 71% Increase in Traded Shares
In 2024, The GSE witnessed a surge in trading activity with 992 million shares traded, representing a 71 percent year-on-year increase. Turnover also rose sharply to GH¢2.15billion, up by 163 percent compared to the previous year. This growth in market activity underscores the increasing appeal of equities among investors seeking higher returns.
The top-five gainers of 2024 included Unilever which posted an impressive 140.44 percent YTD gain and Ecobank Transnational Inc. rose by 106.67 percent. MTN Ghana also featured prominently with a 78.57 percent increase in its share price, closing the year at GH¢2.50.
GSE’s Forward-Looking Strategy
With the GSE’s forward-looking strategy reflective of an ambitious vision of creating a robust, inclusive capital market that drives both corporate and economic transformation in Ghana, experts tip the market to sustain the bullish performance in 2025 unabated.
By aligning with regional and continental initiatives, the GSE’s intended target to channel domestic savings into productive local projects, positioning itself as a significant player within Africa’s evolving financial landscape would not only impact growth in the local economy but continue as the most responsive market.
CFi.co in a statement said through strategic innovation and resilience, GSE has made notable advancements, including the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) trading services, designed to provide a simplified entry point for companies seeking capital.
It highlighted GSE’s expansion of product offerings which also feature a commercial paper market, enabling companies to access short-term financing, and a dedicated sustainable market segment launched in line with international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
The GSE is projected to deliver another strong performance in 2025, with Data Bank research forecasting a 45 percent gain in the GSE composite index, closing the year at 6,850 points. This follows a 26.13 percent return in dollar terms in 2024, with the Accra Bourse ranking as the best-performing market in Africa in cedi terms.
Key sectors like banking, telecommunications, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are expected to drive growth.
MTN Ghana remains a top pick due to strong earnings and dividend yields averaging 12 percent since its 2018 listing. FMCG leaders such as Unilever Ghana, Fan Milk, and Guinness Ghana Breweries are poised for recovery, supported by favorable operating conditions and stronger earnings.
Other analysts anticipate that the Composite Index (GSE-CI), which tracks the performance of the main market, will surpass the 5,000-point mark in this year – extending its remarkable performance from 2024.
An analyst at Fincap Securities, John Nani, on his part, highlighted a growing confidence in the equities market as a key driver for sustained growth.
“The equity market’s broad-based performance is expected to persist, with MTN Ghana continuing to play a leading role due to its consistent dividend payouts, rising revenues and growing profitability,” he said in an interview with B&FT.
The Role of T-Bills & Cedi Depreciation
The Treasury bill market experienced significant undersubscription, with a GH¢20billion shortfall in the third quarter alone. This scarcity of traditional fixed-income options, combined with the cedi’s 19 percent depreciation against the US dollar, redirected investor attention to equities.
The exchange’s Financial Index gained 25.2 percent, recovering from a 7.36 percent decline in 2023. This rebound followed a challenging period after the restructuring of domestic cedi bonds, cocoa bills and domestic dollar bonds had impacted bank balance sheets and dampened investor sentiment.
Equity Market Outperforming T-Bills
The equity market significantly outperformed Treasury bill returns in 2024, as 91-day T-bills stood at 28.24 percent. Similarly, the 182-day and 364-day bills stood at 28.68 percent and 30.07 percent respectively. This reinforced the equity market’s attractiveness as an investment option.
Analysts observed that this trend is likely to continue in 2025, with the broader market expected to deliver stronger returns compared to short-term debt instruments.
Again, this underscores Databank Research forecasted that the GSE-CI could climb to 6,850 points by year-end, representing a projected annual gain of 45 percent (±500 basis points).
MD-GSE, Abena Amoah
The CEO of the GSE, Abena Amoah, recently shared insights on the market’s performance and future plans, in line with analysts and market experts are optimism about the sustainability of this growth in 2025.
She emphasized the importance of engaging the market, executing financial literacy programs, diversifying products, and attracting profitable companies that share information with investors.
In the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mrs. Amoah emphasized the pivotal role of capital markets in supporting economic transformation and business expansion. By enabling companies to raise capital and encouraging individual African investors to participate in wealth generation, stock exchanges like the GSE are poised to contribute to the success of AfCFTA and drive growth across the continent.
As the GSE gears up for another year of opportunities and challenges, Abena Amoah’s strategic vision and commitment to market development position the exchange for continued success in 2025.
In conclusion, the Ghana Stock Exchange’s outlook for 2025 reflects confidence in broad-based sector growth, underpinned by improved corporate earnings and market conditions.
The Continental Level Competition
Whilst Ghana came top on the continent in the year under review, other African markets also posted strong performances.
The country’s 56.17 percentage gain recorded was followed closely by the Malawi Stock Exchange with 55.06 percentage gain, continuing its upward trajectory from 2023 when it returned 78.85 percent.
Zambia’s index ranked third, gaining 44.1 percent in 2024 as investors responded to rising copper prices and ongoing economic reforms. The country’s focus on debt restructuring and infrastructure development has attracted international attention. With global demand for critical minerals increasing, Zambia’s stock market could sustain its momentum in 2025. This could pose strong competition to Ghana.
Nigeria’s stock market surged 37.7 percent, supported by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including currency liberalisation and the removal of fuel subsidies. The energy sector was a standout, with Oando Plc and Seplat Energy Plc posting exceptional gains.
However, ongoing inflationary pressures and a cost-of-living crisis may temper investor enthusiasm in 2025.
The Uganda Securities Exchange recorded a 36.94 percent appreciation, with its All-Share Index rising from 872.5 to 1194.8. Notable listings included Airtel Uganda, British American Tobacco and Stanbic Bank Uganda.
Kenya’s market demonstrated a remarkable recovery, posting a 34.06 percent gain in local currency and leading the continent in USD terms with a 65.3 percent return. This performance marked a significant turnaround from 2023, when currency depreciation had made it the world’s worst-performing market in dollar terms.
The BRVM, serving Francophone West Africa, returned 29.7 percent as its composite index moved from 212.82 to 276.02. In USD terms, the market achieved a 34.9 percent return – second only to Kenya among African exchanges.
Morocco’s Casablanca Stock Exchange advanced 22.16 percent, with its All-Share Index rising from 12,092.88 to 14,773.19. Construction firm Jet Contractors, Residences Dar Saada and Alliances were among the market’s top performers.
The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange in Tanzania gained 20.85 percent, with its All-Share Index closing at 2,139.73. Major listings included East African Breweries, KCB Group, Tanzania Breweries, Vodacom Tanzania and Tanzania Cigarette.
Egypt’s exchange rounded out the top performers with a 19.47 percent increase in its EGX-30 index. The broader EGX100 EWI gained 42.40 percent, while market capitalisation increased by US$8.85billion despite the Egyptian pound’s depreciation.
These performances exceeded the MSCI Frontier Emerging Markets Index’s 7.43 percent gain. The index tracks several African markets including Ivory Coast, Morocco, Egypt, Mauritius, Kenya and Tunisia.
The Accra Sports Stadium is set to host Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Chad on March 17, 2025.
This matchday five encounter marks a significant shift in Ghana’s home venue selection, as the stadium reclaims its status as the primary location for international matches.
According to Joy Sports, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has opted not to submit alternative facilities for inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This decision comes in the wake of CAF’s withdrawal of approval for other key stadiums in the country, including the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Accra Sports Stadium’s resurgence as Ghana’s preferred venue follows a period of extensive renovations and maintenance.
After hosting Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier in November 2025, the stadium underwent a three-month closure.
During this time, the National Sports Authority (NSA) collaborated with Green Grass Technology to significantly improve the pitch condition.
The NSA’s swift action in addressing facility issues, including pitch restoration and upgrades to internal amenities, has been crucial in securing CAF’s conditional approval for hosting international matches.
The decision to use the Accra Sports Stadium comes after years of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium being the preferred home for the Black Stars.
However, CAF’s rejection of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in September 2024, citing “technical infractions including an unsuitable playing field,” necessitated this change.
Controversial Ghanaian actress, musician and socialite, Efia Odo, has once again sparked drama between herself and former flame, Kwesi Arthur, by speaking on his name once again.
Efia Odo took to Twitter to share a post about Kwesi in which she admitted to missing him sometimes. The socialite wrote: “I’m not gonna lie, I do miss kwesi sometimes,” She lost her nerve not long after that and deleted the tweet.
However, social media being social media, some netizens already captured a screenshot which started going viral and sparking reactions.
One netizen simply said: “Bayifoc paaa😂😂😂😂😂😂,”
Another fan wrote: “Smh after all she said about him…this smh life is spiritual when issues comes let’s watch how we talk and paint others the villains<”
Efia Odo and Kwesi Arthur had a spectacular falling out after a public love affair that began with Efia showing love to Kwesi every chance she got and making it clear how much she admired Arthur and how she completely adored his music.
Eventually, her public cries for attention got to the musician and she got close to him and started moving everywhere with him and helping him promote his art.
However, as is customary with Efia Odo, whatever relationship they started didn’t last and she grew bitter and started calling him out publicly. Things got to a head when she made some revelations about their relationship on the Rants, Bants, and Confessions podcast and Arthur was so pissed he even threatened to sue her.
Today, 22nd February, 2025 marks what would have been the 93rd birthday of Helena Ritz Fathia Nkrumah, the first First Lady of Ghana and the wife of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
Her name is remembered in Ghana’s history not only because of her marriage to a great leader but also for the role she played in supporting him and the country during a crucial time.
Fathia Nkrumah was born on February 22, 1932, in Egypt. She was a strong and courageous woman who left her home country to marry Kwame Nkrumah, a man she had never met before. Their union was not just a love story but a symbol of the strong bond between Africa and the Arab world. When she arrived in Ghana, she immediately embraced her new role as First Lady and supported her husband in his vision for an independent and prosperous Ghana.
During her time as First Lady, she was admired for her grace, elegance, and dedication to Ghana. She stood by Dr. Nkrumah as he worked to build the nation and promote Pan-Africanism. However, her life in Ghana was not always smooth. In 1966, when her husband was overthrown in a coup while he was on a state visit to China, she and her children were forced to leave Ghana and return to Egypt. It was a painful moment for her because she deeply loved Ghana and had made it her home.
Even after Dr. Nkrumah’s passing in 1972, Fathia Nkrumah continued to hold Ghana close to her heart. In 2007, she was finally laid to rest beside her husband at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra, a sign of the respect Ghana had for her. Her legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and supporter of Ghana’s progress remains strong.
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive instructing the anti-galamsey task force to seize excavators used in illegal small-scale mining operations instead of destroying them.
This new approach marks a departure from previous government measures, which faced backlash for burning equipment found at illegal mining sites.
During a meeting with the Christian Council at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21, President Mahama emphasized the need for a more sustainable and structured strategy to tackle illegal mining.
Labour consultant Austin Gamey has raised concerns over the government’s recent public sector wage increase, warning that it could fuel inflation.
According to Gamey, the 10% salary increment for public sector workers will intensify inflationary pressures.
He explained that even a 1% increase in public sector wages significantly impacts inflation.
“I would have preferred a lower adjustment because even a 1% increase in public sector wages pushes us into another inflationary bracket, which eventually affects everyone, including public sector workers themselves,” he cautioned.
Gamey also highlighted the difference in response between the private and public sectors, stating that while the private sector adapts efficiently to such changes, the public sector does not.
“For fairness, the 10% increase is about the best option for now, though I would have preferred a different approach,” he added.
He emphasized that salary increments should be tied to productivity, though he admitted that Ghana has yet to fully implement a performance management system.
“The key issue is base pay. Ideally, wages should be linked to productivity, but as a nation, we have not yet fully embraced the performance management system,” he said.
The government approved the 10% wage increase for public sector employees after successful negotiations between Organised Labour/Associations and President John Dramani Mahama, who personally engaged with stakeholders to secure their support for the adjustment.
The last salary increment for public sector workers in Ghana was in 2024, when the government approved a 23% increase to adjust for rising living costs and economic conditions.
EE/MA
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President of the Professionals Forum of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sam Pee Yalley, has asserted that the Minority in Parliament cannot shield Akwatia Member of Parliament (MP), Ernest Yaw Kumi, from legal consequences.
This follows the controversy surrounding his swearing-in despite an injunction.
Mr. Kumi had an injunction placed on him, barring him from being sworn in as an MP. However, he proceeded to Parliament on January 7 and took his oath. In response, the court convicted him of contempt and has since issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, February 22, Mr Yalley questioned the processes that led to Kumi’s swearing-in and criticised the advice given to him by Minority leaders.
He also recounted the events in Parliament when the Clerk warned Mr Kumi about the existing injunction.
“I was in Parliament that day. The Clerk of Parliament clearly told Ernest Kumi that there was an injunction against him. I saw Kumi trying to organise himself to leave, but the Minority Leader intervened, saying, ‘Let the man be sworn in, and he will face the consequences.’ I thought that was poor advice, especially coming from a lawyer,”’ Mr Yalley stated.
He emphasised that parliamentary status does not offer immunity from legal accountability.
“Kumi cannot be protected just because he’s in Parliament. Politics teaches you that while you may stand among a crowd, you go home alone, and if the police want to pick you up, they will,” he said.
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.
NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC
The National Investigation Bureau (NIB) has summoned the Bono Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.
A letter issued by the Bono Regional Commander of the NIB indicated that Abronye was summoned over an allegation he made against President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the letter, which was addressed to the NPP regional chairman, Abronye accused the president of hoarding approximately GH¢550 million meant for former appointees at the seat of government.
He also alleged corruption in the revocation of appointments made by the previous administration.
The letter stated that Abronye is to report to the NIB office in Accra on February 26, 2025, to assist with the investigation into his allegations against President Mahama.
“I have been instructed by the Director of Investigations of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to invite you to meet him on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at KAWUKUDU in the Greater Accra Region to assist the Bureau in investigating the allegations you leveled against His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
“In the said allegations, which you made during an interview on Movement in the Morning, a breakfast show on Movement TV hosted by Kwaku Dawuro, you, Kwame Baffoe @ Abronye, claimed that President John Dramani Mahama is hoarding five hundred and fifty million Ghana Cedis (GH¢550,000,000.00) intended for dismissed appointees at the Jubilee House. You further accused the administration of corruption in the recruitment and revocation processes,” the letter stated.
See the letter below:
BAI/MA
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Professor Gyampo is the CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, has announced that the government is working on introducing a Legislative Instrument (LI) to regulate the activities of shipping lines.
He noted that the cost of shipping in Ghana is excessively high, placing a financial burden on businesses and consumers, which necessitates government intervention.
The GSA boss further revealed that his efforts to regulate shipping lines have been met with resistance, as some operators are opposing the policy.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, February 22, Prof. Gyampo emphasized that he is committed to ensuring the implementation of the LI to reduce shipping charges.
“The cost of doing business in Ghana is very high. Some individuals are charging exorbitant prices for shipping items, deliberately operating inefficiently to force people to pay demurrage. This makes doing business in Ghana extremely costly, prompting some businesses to consider relocating to countries with lower operational costs,” he stated.
“Some international shipping lines are resistant to regulation, but we are introducing an LI to bring order to the sector. We have the right to make our own laws, and we will do so, not to antagonize anyone but to protect the interests of Ghanaians,” he added.
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Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has praised his team’s performance as amazing despite their 1-0 defeat to Morocco in an international friendly on Friday.
The match, which served as part of Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, saw the Black Queens put up a strong display before conceding a late goal in injury time.
Morocco secured the win through Sakina Ouzraoui, who capitalized on a partially cleared ball to fire home the only goal of the match.
Ghana had created several chances, with Sharifatu Sumaila and Doris Boaduwaa coming close to scoring, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Speaking after the game, Bjorkegren expressed pride in his team’s effort and discipline.
“I’m really proud of the girls. They worked hard. There haven’t been many training sessions together actually, just one full training.
The focus has been on working as a group and improving the defense. They did an amazing job,” he said.
Despite the result, the Swedish coach remains optimistic about the team’s progress as they continue their build-up to the Women’s AFCON, scheduled for July.
Two-year-old Evans was brought to the Nyumbani Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya a year ago, suffering from HIV and tuberculosis. With no family to care for him, Evans was referred to the orphanage by a health centre after he stopped responding to medical treatment.
Nyumbani Children’s Home is the reason Evans is still alive. But political decisions made thousands of miles (kilometres) away might spell the end of his short life. Nyumbani provides him and around 100 other children with antiretroviral medication, which they have been receiving from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Kenyan government.
US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to freeze USAID’s funding means Nyumbani’s access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs, which stop HIV from replicating in the body, may end soon.
Trump’s order seeks to review almost all US foreign aid for 90 days and his administration has moved to shut down USAID. The effects are beginning to set it in, with thousands of people losing their jobs globally and humanitarian programs around the world disrupted.
A life and death situation
For children at Nyumbani Children’s Home, it’s a life and death situation. As he plays with other preschoolers, Evans is oblivious to his uncertain future, despite the worry on his caregivers’ faces.
The tiny graves at one end of the orphanage compound are a bleak reminder of what a future without USAID looks like for the children. It’s a scenario Sister Tresa Palakudy — who has been looking after children here for 28 years — is well familiar with having worked at the orphanage before USAID started helping.
“When we started caring for them, they didn’t look like they had life in them,” she said. “One after another, they died. It was so painful, and I don’t want to see that happen again.”
When Nyumbani, which means “Home” in Swahili, was started in 1992 by Christian missionaries, antiretroviral medication had not been introduced. Back then, it operated as a rescue centre for orphaned and abandoned children living with HIV, offering largely palliative care.
The 2003 inception of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, provided new hope for children living with HIV around the continent, including the orphans at Nyumbani. PEPFAR’s humanitarian aid to combat HIV in Kenya was funded largely by USAID.
“USAID started bringing ARVs free of charge,” said Palakudy. “We put all our children on ARVs and their lives changed. They became healthy and were able to go to school and live like other children.”
Over the last two decades, the US government, through PEPFAR, has spent more than $8 billion on HIV/AIDS treatment for close to 1.3 million people in Kenya.
USAID and PEPFAR have been critical to operating Nyumbani, having donated more than $16 million to the home between 1999 and 2023. This has enabled the home to reach up to 50,000 children through the rescue centre, as well as its two outreach programs Lea Toto and Nyumbani Village. The aid included direct funds to the home, which was used to run the two outreach programs.
Controversies
Direct funding from USAID was discontinued in 2023, about the same time the orphanage came under scrutiny over allegations of sexual abuse of children by volunteers and staff members.
According to a Washington Post report, six former residents claimed that administrators at the home covered up allegations of sexual abuse. The home disputed the claims of a cover-up, insisting that all allegations were handled according to protocols including reporting to local authorities and providing counselling to affected residents.
Executive Director Judith Wamboye said investigations by the Kenyan police were inconclusive. The discontinuation of the funds was not related to the investigations and was in line with a change in USAID policy to channel aid through the government rather than directly to organizations.
The policy change affected all organizations receiving funding. Rather than giving money directly to non-governmental organizations, funding would be channelled through government programs that cater to similar needs. As a result, Nyumbani scaled down its outreach programs and referred beneficiaries to government institutions.
Running out of stock
With the discontinuation of direct funding from USAID, the two outreach programs under Nyumbani were scaled down and children in the program were referred to other centres. However, Nyumbani has still been reliant on USAID to supply the lifesaving PEPFAR HIV treatment drugs for free.
“The future is uncertain,” said Wamboye. “The Kenyan government announced that they only have ARV stocks to last six months.”
According to data from amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, about 1.3 million people are on HIV/AIDS treatment in Kenya, and 1,602 orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya are dependent on PEPFAR. amfAR warns that President Trump’s freeze on foreign aid could sever their access to critical medical care.
ne such child is Mercy, who has been under the care of Nyumbani for the last 12 years. The ARVs saved her life. “I had a very weak immune system,” she said. “This led me to contracting many serious illnesses like tuberculosis and skin diseases.”
Mercy was placed on HIV treatment, giving her a lifeline, but recent news on the freeze order has her scared for her life.
“I am very afraid that previous illnesses that I experienced when I was young will reoccur. And now that I have finished high school and am ready to join college, I am scared it will ruin everything,” she said.
On average, the children’s home requires $1,139 per child annually for HIV treatment. In addition to antiretrovirals, the home needs reagents to enable regular testing of the viral load in the children, as well as medicines to treat opportunistic illnesses, which are common among HIV patients.
Wamboye said that should PEPFAR be discontinued permanently, the cost of ARVs could go up and become unaffordable, which will mean children living with HIV will die.
“This is a life-saving situation and we cannot sit and wait and bargain on human life. So for us, it’s about human life, the lives that we need to save. Something needs to be done urgently,” she said.
The Parliament of Ghana has been hit with very sad news as Bismark Ansu Amoabeng, a staff member of the Library Department, has died.
On Friday, 21st February, 2025, parliament organised a solemn pre-burial event, held in his honor. The event was attended by members of staff, some Members of Parliament, and well-wishers who gathered to bid him farewell.
Leading the ceremony was the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, who, alongside the Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, officiated the event. Their presence reflected the deep respect and appreciation for the late Bismark Ansu Amoabeng’s years of service to Parliament.
Bismark had served diligently in the Mails Room before moving to the Library Department, dedicating nearly 30 years of his life to Parliament. His commitment and hard work earned him the admiration of his colleagues, many of whom shared fond memories of his contributions.
The atmosphere was filled with emotion as speakers paid tribute to his unwavering dedication and professionalism. Staff members and MPs who worked closely with him acknowledged his efforts in ensuring the smooth operation of parliamentary activities. His years of service left a lasting impact, making him a well-respected figure within the parliamentary community.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees spoke about the legacy Bismark left behind. His commitment to duty, kindness, and dedication to the work of Parliament will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working with him. While his passing is a great loss to Parliament, his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
Bismark Ansu Amoabeng’s farewell was a touching moment for all who knew him, and his contributions to the institution will not be forgotten.
The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrews Asiamah Amoako, had a heated exchange with Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin over the adjournment of the House during a parliamentary session.
During the sitting on February 21, 2025, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the case regarding the Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, be debated after the application was brought up for discussion.
He argued that, regardless of the timing, it was imperative for Members of Parliament to deliberate on the issue to make informed decisions.
In a heated rant on the floor of Parliament, the Effutu constituency MP declared, “We will not adjourn the House, Mr. Speaker. We will argue the case today. There will be no adjournment; let us argue the issues. You brought your application, but you are running away!”
However, the Second Deputy Speaker, who was chairing proceedings, did not heed Afenyo-Markin’s demands and proceeded to adjourn the House, citing time constraints.
“Honorable members, the time is five to four o’clock; you are in my hands. The House is accordingly adjourned,” Asiamah Amoako announced.
He then stood up and left his seat, prompting MPs to vacate the chamber.
The argument arose after the Majority in Parliament objected to Ernest Yaw Kumi making a statement in the House following his conviction by the Koforidua High Court.
The Minority expressed displeasure with the decision and urged the Second Deputy Speaker to table the case for discussion.
They sought clarity on whether Kumi could contribute to parliamentary deliberations while his case was still in court. However, their request was denied.
Watch the exchange between Afenyo-Markin and Asiamah below:
People visit an auto showroom of Chinese automobile assembly company Zonda Ghana Limited in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Seth)
Chinese automobile assembly company Zonda Ghana Limited has further expanded its presence in Ghana by launching its eighth auto showroom and new car models late Thursday.
ACCRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese automobile assembly company Zonda Ghana Limited has further expanded its presence in Ghana by launching its eighth auto showroom and new car models late Thursday.
Yang Yang, managing director of the company, told Xinhua that the company’s flourishing business is largely due to the attractive and conducive business atmosphere in the West African country.
Since its inception 18 years ago, Yang said that Zonda has established two vehicle assembly plants — one dedicated to heavy-duty trucks and the other to light vehicles — along with eight showrooms across the country.
People visit an auto showroom of Chinese automobile assembly company Zonda Ghana Limited in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Seth)
“I came to Ghana in 2007 penniless. It is Ghana that made me who I am today, and I am so blessed with more than 500 staffers in Ghana,” Yang said. “By doing business here and by creating jobs, we will make Ghana a better place. Ghana has made me shine, and I also want to make Ghana shine.”
Yang affirmed the company’s commitment to advancing the automobile industry in the country and praised the Ghanaian government’s newly proposed 24-hour economy policy, stating that it would drive growth in the auto sector.
Simon Madjie, chief executive officer of the Ghana Investments Promotions Center (GIPC), hailed Zonda and other Chinese companies in Ghana for their great contributions to Ghana’s economic growth and stability.
People visit an auto showroom of Chinese automobile assembly company Zonda Ghana Limited in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Seth)
“As we unveil Zonda’s new vehicles in the Ghanaian market, it is an exciting time for all of us. Investments create sustainable jobs and pay taxes to help our economy grow,” he said.
Madjie assured that GIPC would put in place measures to process business permits for investors within 24 hours, in line with the government’s policy.
Rami Sefari, an Algerian investor in Ghana, said Chinese auto brands have won over customers because of their robustness, modernity, and affordability. “Chinese cars have reached international levels. I used one car from Zonda during a holiday trip in Tunisia, and the car was amazing,” Sefari added. ■
Private legal practitioner Bobby Banson has urged Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, to voluntarily present himself before the court to avoid further embarrassment following a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
The warrant was issued after Kumi failed to comply with an interim injunction preventing him from being sworn in as a legislator.
“As it stands now, I think that going forward at least on the next day to avoid further embarrassment because once the bench warrant has been issued it must be executed and so to avoid all of that he can just voluntarily appear before the court with his counsel and give his evidence of the processes that have been filed,” Banson said on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
He emphasized that Kumi’s conviction remains on record and has not been set aside, with only sentencing pending.
Banson suggested that if Kumi presents the necessary documents before the court, the judge may consider postponing sentencing until all applications have been filed.
“I want to think that the judge, if he is minded seeing the processes that have been filed because the conviction is already on the record, it has not been set aside yet what is left with is the sentencing.
“So if the judge will deal with the documents that are before him I want to expect that they will adjourn the sentencing till all the other applications have been filed,” Banson explained.
Tema, Feb. 22, GNA – Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the new Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has charged staff to uphold discipline, fairness, and teamwork to enhance the company’s growth and efficiency.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono, speaking at a staff durbar to welcome him, emphasised the need for punctuality, commitment, and collaboration among employees.
He said, “Let’s be disciplined. We must be punctual at work, and we must all lead by example. The second principle is fairness. I will treat everyone here fairly. This is the time to build this institution so that in 50 years, you can return and be proud.”
The durbar, which was attended by management and staff, marked the beginning of his tenure and provided an opportunity for the DG to engage with the workforce.
Mr. Michael Achagwe Luguje, the outgoing Director-General of GPHA, expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and urged staff to rally behind the new leadership for the continued growth of GPHA.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the experiences we’ve shared at GPHA. I also urge you to give the new Director-General your best cooperation,” he said.
He added that “if you supported me, I encourage you to increase that support tenfold for him because, at the end of the day, every single progress GPHA makes benefits us all.”
Prior to the durbar, Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono held a preliminary meeting with GPHA management and staff union leaders.
The engagement allowed both parties to familiarise themselves with each other and reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing GPHA’s mandate.
As part of his broader engagement with employees, the Acting Director-General also paid a familiarisation visit to the Port of Takoradi, where he met with management, staff unions, and the workforce to reiterate his leadership vision, anchored on discipline, fairness, and teamwork.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono brings extensive leadership, defence, and legal expertise to his new role.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) at Burma Camp, Accra.
The Accra Sports Stadium is set to host Ghana’s next World Cup qualifiers game against Chad in March according to reports.
As reported by JoySports, the Ghana Football Association decided against submitting another facility to be considered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for inspection.
The stadium last hosted Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Niger in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, in November last year.
Since then, the Accra Sports Stadium has been closed down, as the National Sports Authority engaged Green Grass Technology to begin pitch maintenance.
Three months later, the pitch is in an improved condition.
Although CAF inspectors have not physically been to Accra, they have shared correspondence with the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
After years of playing second fiddle to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Black Stars preferred home venue, the Accra Sports Stadium is back as the nation’s home venue after CAF rejected the stadium in Kumasi.
In September 2024, CAF withdrew it’s approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to “technical infractions including an unsuitable playing field”.CAF said it arrived at the decision after several warnings for non-compliance.
When CAF announced the decision, the National Sports Authority (NSA) re-engaged Green Grass Technology to maintain the Accra Sports Stadium.
Within a month, the company was able to restore the deteriorated pitch, while the NSA fixed the other facilties before it was subsequently approved for Ghana’s penultimate home game against Sudan.
Before CAF withdrew it’s approval for the Stadium in Kumasi, the continents governing body had already announced a similar decision on the Cape Coast Stadium, in March 2022.
That leaves Accra Sports Stadium, the only approved venue for CAF and FIFA Category A Matches, as the venue for next month’s fixture.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team, Richard Suapim Jr, has admitted that the party fell short of expectations and is now facing the consequences of its actions.
In the 2024 presidential elections, Mahama decisively defeated his main opponent, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with an impressive 56.55% of the total valid votes cast. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured 41.61%. Reflecting on the significance of his win, the 2024 election was the largest endorsement ever given to any president in Ghana’s history.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Deide Tettey, he acknowledged that many appointees exhibited arrogance and failed to address critical issues, a situation that has contributed to the party’s fall during the 2024 presidential elections.
“After the elections, we have come to realize that Ghanaians expected much from us. Some of the things we thought were not going to happen actually happened. Most of our appointees were very arrogant, and we did not actually call a spade a spade. Now we are paying for it,” Suapim stated.
According to him, the party has now recognized the need to reconnect with the ordinary Ghanaian and acknowledge past mistakes. He emphasized that issuing an apology is crucial in regaining the trust of the electorate.
“It is about time we go out there to say sorry to the ordinary Ghanaian. The General Secretary has made mention of that. We have noticed that ‘sorry’ is what we have to do,” he added.
Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple properties linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The judge, who had earlier dismissed an application by an interested party seeking to halt the judgment, granted the final forfeiture application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) counsel, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala.
The forfeited funds, now under the federal government’s control, were held in First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank accounts managed by various individuals and entities, including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.
The properties affected by the forfeiture include:
• 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2 Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.
• AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space on Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos.
• Imore Industrial Park 1 on Esa Street, Imoore Land, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos.
• Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos.
• Two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, located in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
• A plot at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa LGA.
• An estate at 100 Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services.
• Land at 1 Bunmi Owulude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
• A property at 8 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
In his judgment, Justice Bogoro ruled that these properties and funds were proceeds of unlawful activities and, therefore, must be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The judge stated, “I find that the activities of the respondents were unlawful. Why did they suddenly have issues with dollars immediately after Godwin Emefiele left the CBN as Governor and salaries could no longer be paid?
“I hold that these are not legitimate business activities.”
“I also find that Anita Omoile is a close associate of the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who was given undue influence to unlawfully divert dollars from the CBN.”
“Consequently, I declare that all the monies and properties listed in the schedule are hereby permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The EFCC, through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution in its application. The commission initially sought an interim forfeiture, arguing that the funds and properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Bogoro, finding merit in the EFCC’s application, granted the interim forfeiture and ordered the publication of the ruling in a national newspaper.
Following the failure of the defendants or any other party to prove the legitimacy of the funds, the judge issued a final forfeiture order, making the seizure permanent.
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play videoJosphine Bonsu in action against Morocco
Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in an international friendly in Casablanca on Friday.
The Queens started brightly, creating early chances, but Moroccan goalkeeper Fatima Ezzahra denied them. Doris Boaduwaa’s second-minute effort went wide, while Sherifa Sumaila’s cross was safely collected by the shot-stopper.
Despite Ghana’s resilience, Morocco found the breakthrough in added time when Saoud Imane capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the match-winner.
The match served as an important test for Coach Kim Lars Björkegren as he fine-tunes his squad ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July.
The Black Queens will conclude their nine-day training tour in Morocco with a game against Raja Athletic on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Ghanaian media personality and entrepreneur, Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, recently opened up about the challenges she faced due to the height difference between her and her husband, Kofi Owusu Aduonum. Despite societal discouragement, their enduring partnership stands as a testament to love’s triumph over prejudice.
Afua Asantewaa, born on May 11, 1990, in Ghana, has made significant strides in the media industry. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Askof Productions Ltd, the organization behind notable events such as the Ghana Outstanding Women Awards and the Pose For Africa Models Reality Show. Her husband, Kofi Owusu Aduonum, is a respected sports journalist with the Daily Guide. The couple’s journey began in 2013 when they first met in Kofi’s office. Their friendship blossomed over three years, culminating in marriage in 2016. Together, they have three children.
Throughout their marriage, Kofi has been a steadfast supporter of Afua’s endeavors. Notably, during her attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing marathon in December 2023, Kofi was a constant presence, offering encouragement and holding placards that read, “More Strength Afua!!!”
Despite facing societal prejudices due to their height difference, Afua and Kofi have maintained a strong and loving relationship. Afua emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s role in marriage, prioritizing peace and happiness, and showing mutual respect. She stated, “I know my place as a wife. Regardless of all challenges, I choose peace and my happiness first. And I respect him no matter what.”
Their story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that genuine love transcends physical appearances and societal expectations. Afua and Kofi’s bond exemplifies how mutual respect and unwavering support can lead to a fulfilling and enduring partnership.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting foreign investments as a strategic solution to Ghana’s rising unemployment, particularly among the nation’s growing youth population.
During a meeting with the visiting UK Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, President Mahama emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships to tackle the country’s economic challenges and foster job creation.
Is Beef Tallow Really a Secret to Beautiful Skin? Anna Efetova – Getty Images
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We’ve all tried something in the name of beauty, and in the age of social media, there are endless to try—“Botox in a bottle,” slugging, and anti-wrinkle straws are just a few recent fads. The latest beauty TikTok trend to go viral? Beef tallow for skin. And in the name of science, I slathered beef fat on my face for seven days (yes, you read that right) to see if it’s worth the hype.
While the idea of using beef tallow as skincare might sound bizarre, social media’s fascination with the alleged natural remedy intrigued me. Once a staple in traditional beauty regimens, this (definitely not vegan) rendered animal fat is now being hailed as a miracle ingredient, praised for its deep moisturizing properties, anti-aging benefits, potential to reduce inflammation, and even its ability to cure acne. It almost sounds too good to be true, and the more videos I watched on the topic, the more skeptical I became of these alleged benefits.
Meet the experts: Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL; and Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
That’s why I decided to see firsthand if beef tallow is really as miraculous as some claim it to be by testing it for an entire week. I also tapped dermatologists to explain the ins and outs of the trend, including potential beef tallow for skin benefits, side effects, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the not-so-vegetarian skincare trend.
What is the beef tallow TikTok trend?
First things first, “Beef tallow is a fat produced from cooking down, or rendering, the fat that surrounds the organs of a cow,” explains Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
The “beeftallow” hashtag on TikTok has over 50,000 posts, including viral videos boasting hundreds of thousands of likes touting the benefits of using rendered beef fat as skincare. Many of these videos promote specific beef tallow products shoppable through the TikTok Shop, while some claim the miracle product is a “secret” that dermatologists don’t want people to know about. Some of the alleged benefits the top-liked videos promote include clearing acne, evening out discoloration, moisturizing skin, brightening the complexion, and even reducing inflammation. While most creators on social media are touting specific beef tallow creams (often from small brands offering “handmade” products), there is a small subset of people showing off DIY iterations. Experts caution against making your own beef tallow as improper sourcing and storage may lead to the growth of bacteria.
“Like the craze of using plain coconut oil for skincare in the late 2010s, this is a hype that will pass as the benefits touted–anti-aging, acne-clearing, skin brightening, etc.—aren’t backed with clear evidence,” explains Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “While beef tallow is rich in fatty acids, is very occlusive, and offers emollient benefits, there are better-studied plant-based fats with fewer variables in terms of quality and safety.” Plus, the fatty acid composition of beef tallow can vary depending on the sex, age, breed, and diet of the animal it’s sourced from. If not sourced or stored correctly, it can go rancid as it is an animal byproduct.
I tried it—here’s what I think
Courtesy of Shannen Zitz
I love to try a new skincare trend. I’ve used everything from natural remedies like tea tree oil to pharmaceuticals like Isotretinoin, a.k.a Accutane (a prescription-only oral adult acne treatment). I will admit that using beef tallow on my face did have me feeling a bit squeamish, but I persevered to find out if it could be the answer to my acne-prone, combination normal/dry skin woes.
For one week, I used a beef tallow product every morning and night, foregoing makeup in the name of science (except for a few days when I wanted to see how my products worked together). For the most part, I used no other products except for a cleanser at night and sunscreen in the morning—though I did need to apply some additional moisturizing products for comfort some days. The product I used had only two ingredients: 100% grass-fed beef tallow and jojoba oil.
I opted to wear some makeup to see how it applied on top of the beef tallow.
Here’s what happened.
Day one
The first morning I used beef tallow on my skin, I splashed my face with lukewarm water and patted it dry as I normally do. Then, instead of using my usual lineup of serums and moisturizers, I applied the beef tallow. I was pleasantly surprised the product had no odor (which I was afraid of) but I wasn’t so sure how I felt about the greasy texture. I waited about 10 minutes before applying sunscreen, hoping the tallow would sink into my skin a bit, but it left a greasy film.
That evening, I washed my face with my usual cleanser before applying the tallow again. I swiped it on about two hours before bed, again hopeful it would absorb before laying my head on my pillow. It did not. I felt very greasy.
Day two
I almost quit the whole experience the morning I woke up on day two with three new, large pimples on my face. But I told myself that maybe these were pimples I would have woken up with regardless—after all, it’s not out of the ordinary, and it had only been a day. I applied the beef tallow morning and night just like the day before.
I was surprised at how parched my skin still felt despite applying the greasy-feeling product. I don’t have particularly dry skin, it mostly flares up in the winter and is fairly easy to manage. I was looking forward to not dealing with any dry patches while using beef tallow, at the very least, but that wasn’t my experience. While my face felt greasy with the tallow on, it also still felt dry and tight underneath. Perhaps this was because the product contained only occlusives (fats and oils), but no humectants, which help hydrate the skin.
Day three
Fortunately, I did not wake up with any new acne on day three—but I did wake up with some closed comedones (whiteheads) and milia on my cheeks, as well as some visible dry patches around my nose and mouth. I remained steadfast and applied it morning and night as usual.
Day four
The fourth morning of this experience tested me. I began to break out along my jawline, cheeks, and even my forehead—an area my body usually spares me from on the acne front. The ones along my jaw were cystic, and they were quite uncomfortable. I also still had some discomfort from dryness that at this point, I just needed to do something about. I started to apply the hyaluronic acid serum I usually include in my routine with a tiny bit of my regular moisturizer beneath the beef tallow. I also slept with a humidifier running overnight.
Day five
The added measures I took to combat the dryness on day four definitely helped, and my skin felt much better on day five. I still struggled to face the mirror with all the acne on my skin. I continued the application of hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, and beef tallow both in the morning and evening.
Day six
There was not much news to report on day six. For the sake of the experiment, I decided to forgo my serum and moisturizer and see how my skin behaved with just the beef tallow again. Spoiler alert: Not great. I was very happy that tomorrow marked the end of the test.
Day seven
Only one new pimple popped up on my face the morning of my final day using beef tallow, but the rest lingered. I hadn’t worn makeup at all the entirety of the experiment so I could be certain any breakouts were indeed caused by the beef tallow and not something else. On this day I decided to see how the beef tallow affected my makeup application.
I did my normal daily routine (tinted sunscreen, primer, concealer, powder, blush, and bronzer) and it surprisingly worked well on top of the slick beef tallow base. However, I noticed (despite using a primer) that my makeup quickly separated after swiping it on and did not last nearly as long as normal.
I was happy to remove everything at the end of the day and looked forward to returning to my normal skincare routine the next morning.
If you still want to try it for yourself (everyone’s skin is different after all), browse some of the best-selling beef tallow skincare products below.
100% Grass Fed Beef Tallow
Amallow
Handmade Whipped Tallow Balm
Hearth and Homestead
Whipped Tallow Balm
Holy Cow
Benefits of beef tallow for skin
Social media touts loads of beef tallow benefits for skin, but the biggest one has to do with its ability to moisturize and nourish. Though it was not my experience, experts tend to agree with this benefit—to an extent.
“Beef tallow is occlusive and can help moisturize the skin and help protect the skin barrier,” says Dr. Hartman. It is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and myristic acid, adds Dr. Ibrahim, noting that it may help support the skin barrier due to its occlusive nature. “Those with dry skin may see a benefit, but it’s not any better than a basic, rich moisturizer that is produced in a sterile environment,” Dr. Ibrahim explains.
Another appealing argument for using beef tallow for skin is that it includes an array of vitamins, including vitamin A. For this reason, some even claim that beef tallow has “retinol-like properties,” says Dr. Ibrahim, however, these vitamins are present only in trace amounts and vary from batch to batch. “Unfortunately, while there is some vitamin A in beef tallow, it’s not a large, measurable quantity,” Dr. Ibrahim continues.
Side effects of beef tallow for skin
The main side effect of using beef tallow on the skin—and one that I experienced—is acne. “Beef tallow is comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. I recommend that patients with oily, acne-prone skin stay away from beef tallow to avoid increasing breakouts,” explains Dr. Hartman.
Dr. Ibrahim adds that there is a potential contamination risk to using beef tallow too. “The main issue is sourcing of beef tallow,” he explains. “If it’s not properly stored, it can grow bacteria.”
There are also some small studies that suggest that using beef tallow on the skin may lead to irritation and increased sensitivity to the sun. However, more research is needed on the subject.
The bottom line
Unfortunately, my own experience with beef tallow did not mirror the myriad benefits touted on social media. While I am not as acne-prone as I used to be, slathering beef tallow on my face caused increased breakouts which I’m still struggling to get rid of. I would recommend against those with oily or acne-prone skin giving this trend a try—but everybody’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for the next.
“Anything beef tallow can do, plant oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and so much more can also do with even more evidence,” says Dr. Ibrahim. However, Dr. Hartman notes that those with dry skin may benefit from using beef tallow—though he cautions that “anyone with sensitive skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin should stay away from beef tallow.”
Anyone with a medical condition, like eczema or psoriasis should speak with a board-certified dermatologist before adding beef tallow into their routine, adds Dr. Hartman.
Gregory Afoko’s lawyer, Nana Yaw Osei, has revealed the painful ordeal his client endured in custody, highlighting a swollen arm that remained untreated for over five years.
According to Osei, Afoko developed the condition while in custody, and despite his persistent pain, he was denied competent medical attention.
The prolonged lack of care, the lawyer claims, not only worsened his suffering but also posed a serious risk to his life.
“He’s been in continuous pain. He’s always unhappy because when he gets sick, he doesn’t get to receive any competent medical attention. So the risk of probably even dying in prison or custody is haunting him.
“As we speak, he has a swollen upper arm. When he was being taken into custody, he didn’t have that swollen arm. The swollen arm has been there for the past five to six years.
“You think that if he were to be outside attending courts, he wouldn’t seek competent medical attention? He will do so,” Osei told host Umaru Sanda on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Friday, February 21.
After nearly a decade in detention, Gregory Afoko, accused of the 2015 murder of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Upper East Regional Chairman Adams Mahama, has been granted bail by the Accra High Court.
Presiding Judge Justice Marie-Louise Simmons set bail at GH₵500,000 with two sureties backed by property. Afoko is required to report bi-weekly to the chief investigator or regional crime officer in Accra until the case concludes.
Lawyers of Afoko filed for the bail application on Monday, February 17, his third attempt since his trial began in 2015.
Ampaw warned that such a decision could result in the party’s defeat, urging the NPP to consider its strategy to avoid a return to opposition carefully.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Ampaw argued that while Agyapong enjoys significant popularity, this does not necessarily guarantee electoral success.
He emphasised that the NPP’s best chance of retaining power lies in presenting Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its candidate once again.
If the NPP wants to stay in opposition, then they should bring Kennedy Agyapong. He is popular, but will that popularity translate into actual votes from NPP members?
Ampaw asserted that Dr. Bawumia’s loss in the 2024 elections was not due to his own shortcomings but rather the baggage he inherited from President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
He criticised the NPP for failing to effectively market Bawumia’s candidacy and highlighted how internal party conflicts during the primaries weakened his public image.
Somebody like Kennedy Agyapong tarnished Bawumia’s image during the primaries, and that made the NDC more popular. All the NDC did was make promises, yet they gained from our mistakes.
Ampaw also accused Kennedy Agyapong of insincerity, arguing that if he genuinely supported Bawumia, he should be advocating for him to have another chance in 2028 instead of pursuing the position himself.
He claimed that Agyapong’s support for Bawumia in the 2024 campaign was more damaging than helpful.
Bawumia is not smart, but even though it was his first time, he still managed to secure 42%. That means people believed in his vision, yet many NPP supporters abandoned him at the polls.
Additionally, Ampaw noted that Bawumia secured 42% of the votes primarily from floating voters, while many NPP loyalists refused to vote.
He added that former President John Mahama only increased his vote count by 100,000 compared to the 2020 elections.
The bigger future
The NPP must unite and come back stronger in the 2028 polls. Though it is believed that they failed due to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, internal divisions have also contributed to their loss.
They must unite to be able to push harder come 2028.
Private legal practitioner Bobby Banson has urged Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, to voluntarily appear before the court to avoid further embarrassment following the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.
The warrant was issued after Kumi failed to comply with an interim injunction barring him from being sworn in as a legislator.
“As it stands now, I think that going forward at least on the next day to avoid further embarrassment because once the bench warrant has been issued it must be executed and so to avoid all of that he can just voluntarily appear before the court with his counsel and give his evidence of the processes that have been filed,” Banson stated on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday 22, 2025.
He emphasised that the conviction is already on the record and has not been set aside, with only the sentencing remaining.
Banson suggested that if Kumi appears before the court with the necessary documents, the judge may consider adjourning the sentencing until all applications have been filed.
“I want to think that the judge, if he is minded seeing the processes that have been filed because the conviction is already on the record, it has not been set aside yet what is left with is the sentencing.
“So if the judge will deal with the documents that are before him I want to expect that they will adjourn the sentencing till all the other applications have been filed,” Banson explained.
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Kwasi Boatey: I’ll make Ghana Publishing Company competitive in 4 years
A road accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 22 on the eastern corridor of the Bimbilla-Yendi road at Bincheratanga in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region, has left several passengers injured.
According to eyewitnesses, a Kia truck attempting to overtake two people on a motorbike lost control knocked them down, and overturned onto its side. Witnesses described how the vehicle had been speeding before the crash.
“This morning, we saw the car veer off the road, and this is where we are now,” an eyewitness told Channel One TV.
“For now, some philanthropists have transported a few victims to Yendi Hospital while we wait for an ambulance from the district. There are many casualties, but thankfully, no deaths have been recorded yet. We pray it stays that way. It is a very serious case. We do not know what caused the accident.”
Speaking to Channel One news, the driver, Binyali Isaac revealed that, the truck had 32 passengers on board, and nearly all sustained serious injuries, with many transported to Yendi Hospital for medical attention.
“We were traveling from Yendi to Bimbilla when a motor rider suddenly crossed my vehicle, leading to the accident. The truck was carrying 32 passengers, but I cannot confirm the exact number of those injured,” he stated.
The assemblyman for the area, Kabulja Desmond also expressed concern over the accident.
“This is an unusual occurrence. It’s my first time witnessing something like this,” he said. “Drivers must be very careful on this road, and pedestrians must also be cautious. This is a very busy route, and we must all prioritize safety.”
The Accra Sports Stadium will host Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Chad.
The fixture, a matchday five encounter, is scheduled for March 17, 2025.
Sources have told JoySports that the Ghana Football Association decided against submitting another facility to be considered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for inspection.
The stadium last hosted Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Niger in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, in November last year.
Since then, the Accra Sports Stadium has been closed down, as the National Sports Authority engaged Green Grass Technology to begin pitch maintenance.
Three months later, the pitch is in an improved condition.
Although CAF inspectors have not physically been to Accra, they have shared correspondence with the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
After years of playing second fiddle to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Black Stars preferred home venue, the Accra Sports Stadium is back as the nation’s home venue after CAF rejected the stadium in Kumasi.
In September 2024, CAF withdrew it’s approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to “technical infractions including an unsuitable playing field”.CAF said it arrived at the decision after several warnings for non-compliance.
When CAF announced the decision, the National Sports Authority (NSA) re-engaged Green Grass Technology to maintain the Accra Sports Stadium.
Within a month, the company was able to restore the deteriorated pitch, while the NSA fixed the other facilties before it was subsequently approved for Ghana’s penultimate home game against Sudan.
Before CAF withdrew it’s approval for the Stadium in Kumasi, the continents governing body had already announced a similar decision on the Cape Coast Stadium, in March 2022.
That leaves Accra Sports Stadium, the only approved venue for CAF and FIFA Category A Matches, as the venue for next month’s fixture.
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.
Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh has disclosed that some individuals threatened to set his house in Nsawam on fire.
He noted that the individuals who made the threat were unknown to him, putting him in a precarious situation that required immediate action.
The Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri indicated that it took the help of well-wishers and prominent personalities to thwart their plans and safeguard his residence.
“If we had not defended ourselves, my home would have been burnt down. They threatened to burn the only house I have in Nsawam. It took the intervention of well-wishers and Good Samaritans to prevent it,” he said during an interview with Bola Ray on Starr Chat.
Annoh-Dompreh blamed President John Dramani Mahama for failing to condemn attacks by individuals alleged to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on state institutions and some personalities following the 2024 general elections.
“I think all authorities are sleeping. The president [Mahama] has to speak and show leadership. Their party rank and file have taken the law into their own hands, and I’m sure they will listen when the president speaks. The stony silence is rather emboldening them,” he added.
Some individuals alleged to be members of the NDC were reportedly attacking state institutions, setting fire to offices, and vandalizing the homes of some officials from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
However, President Mahama has occasionally condemned these acts and called on the perpetrators to stop or face consequences if arrested.
Watch Annoh-Dompreh’s comments in the video below:
“If I had not defended myself, my home wound have been burnt down, they (NDC hooligans) came over and threatened to burn my house in Nsawam, it took the intervention of some good Samaritans to save my house” — Hon. @FAnnohDomprehpic.twitter.com/OnSVjoTnWy
The late Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, will be laid to rest on March 6, 2025, according to Alex Manu, Chairman of Asante Kotoko Circles.
This announcement comes after Pooley’s one-week observation at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
“We told him [GFA President Kurt Okraku] that until our supporter is buried, we cannot play the league. In Akan tradition, when a family member passes away, you do not actively participate in anything until the funeral date is set. Pooley’s burial is fixed for March 6, 2025; Kotoko supporters cannot have a free mind to support the team until after that,” Manu explained.
Pooley’s passing sent shockwaves through the football community after he was fatally stabbed during Kotoko’s Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC.
The incident led to the suspension of the Ghana Premier League, with Kotoko’s MTN FA Cup round-of-16 game against Sekondi XI Wise also being postponed.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, met with Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee earlier this week to discuss the matter.
What Actually Killed Actor Semevo? The Cause Of His Death Confirmed On Joy News
News Hub Creator19h
The latest report from Joy News on Friday 21st of February 2025 confirmed the cause of Actor Semevo’s death at the Ridge hospital in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Another sad News has been confirmed by one of the popular media houses in Ghana (Joy News) following the demise of popular Ghanaian actor.
Following the death of the popular Ghanaian actor, several people on social media are asking about the cause of his death and other issues related to his health conditions before his demise.
The report from Joy News confirmed that, the popular Ghanaian actor Mawuli Semevo, died after suffering burns from a fire accident about a week ago. It was also disclosed that about 44% of his body got burnt in the fire outbreak before he was rushed to hospital for medical attention. The Doctors at Ridge Hospital did their very best but actor Mawuli Semevo gave up his ghost. In short, the people actor died after he became a victim of a fire outbreak.
Renowned controversial Ghanaian Journalist and media personality, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues in Ghana, has sent a strong message to Ghanaian politician who is currently serving as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana since 2025, and also leader of ORAL, Operation Recover All Loot, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, asking him to do the ‘needful’ against Kwame Sefa Kayi’s daughter.
Kevin Taylor has made an expose against Ghanaian media personality, broadcast journalist and public speaker, current host of Peace FM’s morning show popularly known as “Kokrokoo”, Kwami Sefa Kayi, also known as Chairman General, who was sworn in on August 6, 2021 as a board member of the National Petroleum Authority under the former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s adminstration.
You may recall that on February 10, 2025, Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, under the NDC’s adminstration, issued a directive to all heads of government institutions to annul all appointments made into the public service after the December 7, 2024 elections.
10 days after the directive which according to the NDC cannot be reversed, Kevin Taylor took to his page to allege that this daughter of Kwame Sefa Kayi was employed right after the Dec 7th election at the ministry of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He added that Ablakwa should do the ‘needful’, asserting that the law must be applied to everyone irrespective of who they are. These claims were made on Kevin Taylor’s official X page (formerly Twitter).
Here’s the text of the full post:
“Dear foreign affairs minister @S_OkudzetoAblak this is Kwame Sefa Kayi’s daughter she is part of the group that were employed right after the 7th December elections at your ministry please do the needful because the law must apply irrespective of who you are. Thank you.”
Inusah Fuseini, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, has issued a strong caution to politicians across Ghana, urging them to respect the authority of the courts and avoid actions that undermine judicial power.
His warning comes in the wake of the recent contempt of court conviction of the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who defied a court order and was subsequently found guilty of contempt.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV with host Selorm Adonoo, Fuseini stated that the laws of the land are firm and are enforced whenever and wherever the powers and orders of the court are disregarded.
Inusah Fuseini made it clear that no politician is above the law and that courts have the authority to take decisive action against those who choose to defy their orders.
He advised politicians to be cautious and avoid disregarding the judiciary, as legal consequences are inevitable for those who do.
“I will not advise any politician to take the powers of the court lightly. You might disagree with them but they can deal with you and they deal with you based on the facts that are before them and their understanding and application of the law and how they relate to you.
“And so if the court somehow comes to the conclusion that the facts that were before them in Koforidua are facts that warrant that a stay be granted, it would have limited the injunction to a number of days.”
He further explained that judicial decisions are rooted in the examination of facts and legal provisions, stating that court rulings are not arbitrary but are based on a detailed analysis of the case at hand.
The case against Ernest Yaw Kumi originated from a ruling by the High Court in Koforidua, which placed an interim injunction on his swearing-in as a legislator due to legal challenges surrounding his election.
Despite the court’s directive, Kumi proceeded with his swearing-in, prompting legal action against him.
The High Court found his actions to be in contempt and convicted him accordingly.
A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest after he failed to appear before the court for sentencing, further escalating the situation.
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Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has warned against flamboyant lifestyles by John Dramani Mahama’s appointees.
He says as labour has agreed to go with a 10% increment in their wages, appointees must live by the times.
Gyampo is of the view that they should not preach hardship and live like Arabian kings.
Renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called out Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin over his claim that he did not use a military convoy during the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo era.
According to Kpebu, the Minority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effutu, is lying about the matter.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Kpebu insisted that Afenyo-Markin used a military convoy while serving as Majority Leader of Parliament.
He even claimed he could provide the names of the soldiers who were part of the convoy.
Challenging Afenyo-Markin to confront him directly, Kpebu said, “Let us set a date for next Saturday, let Afenyo-Markin come here!”
The lawyer then read a message from his phone, stating, “It is true that Afenyo-Markin moved with a military convoy, and among the team of soldiers was my own cousin.”
He further reiterated his challenge, “Please, let him come here next week. What is this? Let him come here next Saturday, and we will show him the names.”
Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that the economic situation inherited by the John Mahama administration is worse than initially anticipated before the 2024 general elections.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Dr. Forson made this statement during President John Mahama’s first cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 20, emphasizing that “the economic situation is dire, and the numbers are worse than we had known in the period of elections.”
In light of these pressing economic challenges, Dr. Ato Forson is set to present the government’s first major budget statement on March 11, 2025.
The budget is expected to outline strategies to stabilize the economy and implement key policies of the John Mahama administration.
President Mahama has also announced his 19-member cabinet, which includes the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa among others.
Their appointment is in accordance with Article 76 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that “There shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, and not less than ten and not more than nineteen Ministers of State.”
Per Article 76 (2), “The Cabinet shall assist the President in the determination of general policy of the Government.”
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his government’s determination to attract increased foreign investments as a means of tackling Ghana’s unemployment challenges and creating sustainable job opportunities for the country’s growing youthful population.
Speaking during a meeting with the visiting UK Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, President Mahama underscored the necessity of leveraging international partnerships to address Ghana’s economic challenges.
He stated that his administration remains fully committed to fostering stronger ties with British investors in order to drive economic growth and employment.
Ghana, like many emerging economies, faces a growing demand for employment, especially among its youth. The rapid expansion of the country’s population has led to increased pressure on the government to create sustainable job opportunities.
The issue of unemployment featured prominently in the 2024 elections, underscoring the need for urgent policy interventions and investment inflows.
President Mahama acknowledged these concerns and noted that the government is exploring all available avenues to ensure that Ghana remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
He pointed out that due to economic challenges and limited access to international credit markets, the government is prioritising foreign partnerships as a key strategy to stimulate economic growth.
“We have a young, growing population and so one of the major issues that came up strongly in the election was the issue of jobs. And so we are working together to see how we can bring in more investments, especially considering that we are shut out of the international credit markets.
“To bring in more foreign direct investments, to be able to create jobs for young people, is one of the things that we are going to be focusing on, and I believe that with the history of British companies investing in Ghana, we will bring more British companies in to come and partner with us in that objective.”
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On Friday, February 21, 2025, a significant dispute arose in Ghana’s Parliament when the Majority caucus prevented Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, from delivering a statement.
This action follows a Koforidua High Court ruling on February 19, which convicted Mr. Kumi for contempt after he defied an interim injunction prohibiting his swearing-in.
Mahama Ayariga (L) has opposed the participation of Ernest Kumi in parliamentary debates
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has opposed the participation of Ernest Yaw Kumi in parliamentary proceedings, citing his contempt conviction by the High Court.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, February 21, 2025, he reminded the House that Kumi had defied a court order barring him from being sworn in as a Member of Parliament.
Recounting past events, Mahama Ayariga emphasised that before Ernest Kumi was sworn in, he had been cautioned about the legal consequences of his actions.
“Watching him in this House, we said, ‘Look, there is a court order restraining you from being sworn in, if you refuse and you allow us to swear you in, you will be held accountable.’
“Mr. Speaker, it won’t happen this time. We will not allow that. We will not allow him to make the statement on this floor because he has been convicted by the courts,” he stated.
Mahama Ayariga further noted that Ernest Kumi should, at the very least, file an appeal and seek a stay of execution if he intends to contest the ruling.
Until then, he argued, allowing Kumi to participate in parliamentary deliberations would undermine the rule of law.
“If you insist and admit this statement and you allow him to make the statement, this side of the House will wash our hands off and walk out, we will not join you in undermining the judiciary or the rule of law,” he noted.
The Majority Caucus remains firm in its position that a convicted person with an active bench warrant against him cannot be allowed to address the House.
Ernest Kumi, who had an injunction placed on him preventing his swearing-in, went ahead to take his oath on January 7, 2025.
Following his conviction, he has reportedly appealed against the High Court’s decision.
However, the Majority insists that due process must be fully observed before he can participate in parliamentary affairs.
JKB/AE
Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below:
A failed prophecy by Prophet Nigel Gaisie, leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, regarding a ministerial appointment for former Minister and Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has surfaced on the internet.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the controversial man of God is seen prophesying to the politician, who had visited his church, that he would be appointed as a minister under John Mahama’s administration.
“Some of you, if not for this house, would only see him on TV or hear of him on Joy FM, Peace FM, or Okay FM. But by the grace of God, you are seeing him one-on-one. He is a good man. He is the MP for Odododiodoo and an upcoming prominent minister of state. The MP for Dome/Kwabenya, Elikem, also came here.
“I have been praying with her for the past eight years. This time, she came and said, ‘Papa, I just want you to pray for me so that I can appreciate the votes.’ She didn’t say she wanted to win. I said, ‘No, this time, the Lord said you will win.’ And then yesterday, officially, the EC declared that she had won. With the same oil, I declare that two weeks from now, we will hear that Honourable Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuye is a substantive minister of state.”
The prophecy was met with thunderous applause from the congregation.
However, the prophecy has failed, as Nii Lantey Vanderpuye did not make President Mahama’s esteemed list of ministers.
Instead, it was announced on Friday, February 22, 2025, that President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye as the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
His position places him in charge of improving Ghana’s road system, a vital component of the country’s development.
DRIP, launched in July 2024 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was designed to improve road networks across all 275 constituencies.
The initiative focuses on equipping Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and machinery to facilitate effective road maintenance and construction.
As part of its mandate, the programme seeks to decentralize infrastructure development, enabling local authorities to undertake much-needed road projects efficiently and with accountability.
Vanderpuye’s appointment is particularly noteworthy due to his sustained support for accountability and transparency in government-led infrastructure projects.
He has held important ministerial roles, such as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Youth and Sports, in a previous Mahama administration.
As National Coordinator, Vanderpuye will be responsible for supervising the implementation of DRIP and collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to accomplish its goals.
This prophecy was just a couple of weeks ago oo. Deputy minister self, he no get 😅😅
Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed
The Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), held a three-day roundtable discussion on Technology and Innovation for the Competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Accra from February 11–13, 2025.
The event was part of the implementation of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.
The roundtable highlighted successful technology partnerships between scientific research institutions in Ghana and the UK and their local business partners, showcasing how these collaborations have led to the development of new products and job creation.
This initiative, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), served as a proof of concept for adoption by SMEs and research and knowledge institutions.
In a statement read on behalf of Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, by Nashiru Salifu, a Deputy Director of Science and Technology, it was noted that as part of its efforts to drive technology adoption and innovation under the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.
It added that the ministry will work closely with the ministries of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry.
The goal is to align the science and technology policy with Ghana’s MSME and industrial policies to ensure that science and technology serve as a support framework for MSME development and industrialization.
“We will work closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Agribusiness to ensure that science and technology become a support policy for MSME development,” he stated.
The roundtable brought together participants from various research institutions, selected beneficiary MSMEs from the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, the Association of Ghana Startups, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE), policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens, Kim Lars Björkegren, was disappointed with the team’s 1-0 defeat to the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco on Friday, February 21, 2025, but praised his players for a good performance.
Speaking in his post-match interview after the loss, the Swedish tactician indicated that his team deserved at least a draw after a spirited effort against the hosts.
He believes the Black Queens were unlucky to concede late in the game, leading to the defeat.
“This is the worst feeling to have as a coach and as a player. When you work hard for almost a whole game, you deserve a draw result. You have the chances to actually win, and then you are unlucky in the end – the ball bounces, and they score when there is nothing left.
“I’m really proud of the girls. They worked hard. We haven’t had many training sessions together. The focus has been to work as a group and be well-organized in defense. They did an amazing job. I’m happy with the girls,” Coach Kim Lars Björkegren told the Ghana Football Association’s media team.
The coach and his players are in Morocco for a short training tour.
After the defeat to Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, the Queens will play against AS FAR before ending the tour.
Kumawood actor Oboy Siki has made some bold statements about one of Ghana’s most outspoken politicians and businessmen, Kennedy Agyapong. Known for his controversial comments and unfiltered opinions, Agyapong has gained significant attention in both the political and media spheres. However, Oboy Siki, who is known for his candid nature, suggested that Agyapong is not as truthful as many may think.
Oboy Siki did not hold back during the interview with Mr. Bonez on Kessben TV, expressing his belief that Kennedy Agyapong is not the “truthful person” that the public often perceives him to be. According to the actor, while Agyapong is well-known for speaking his mind, he tends to only reveal the truth when it aligns with his personal interests or when things do not go according to his approval.
“He’s not really a truthful person,” Oboy Siki stated bluntly. “Kennedy Agyapong only comes out to speak the truth when things don’t go the way he agrees. When it suits him, he’s willing to tell the truth, but if things don’t work in his favor, he remains silent or manipulates the situation to fit his narrative.”
Kennedy Agyapong’s reputation for airing grievances and speaking boldly in the public eye has led many to view him as a champion of truth, someone who exposes corruption and injustices. However, Oboy Siki’s critique highlights the complex relationship between truth and power. It suggests that, like many politicians and powerful figures, Agyapong may use the truth as a tool, revealing it only when it suits his agenda.
Kennedy Agyapong is no stranger to controversy. From his accusations against political opponents to his involvement in high-profile public disputes, he has built a reputation as a man who is not afraid to speak his mind—sometimes to the detriment of his relationships and public image. Over the years, Agyapong has been a polarizing figure in Ghana, admired by some for his outspokenness, while others criticize him for what they perceive as his aggressive, sometimes reckless, approach to addressing issues.
However, Oboy Siki’s critique suggests that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. His statement challenges the public’s perception of Agyapong as a constant purveyor of truth, emphasizing that the reality of his actions may not always align with the image he projects.
Francisca Oteng-Mensah’s rise to becoming the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) in Ghana is a tale of youthful determination, hard work, and dedication to public service.
Her journey from a law student to a respected legislator exemplifies the power of youth empowerment and serves as an inspiration to young people across the nation.
Francisca Oteng-Mensah was born into a family with a strong business background, being the daughter of Dr. Kwaku Oteng, a prominent businessman and CEO of the Angel Group of Companies.
Despite her privileged upbringing, Francisca was driven by a desire to make a difference in her community and country.
At the time of her election, she was a second-year law student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), showcasing her commitment to both education and public service.
In 2016, at the age of 24, Francisca contested and won the parliamentary seat for the Kwabre East Constituency in the Ashanti Region. Her victory marked a significant milestone in Ghanaian politics, as she became the youngest MP in the country’s history.
Francisca’s election was a clear indication that young people could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ghana.
Since her election, Francisca has been actively involved in fulfilling her campaign promises and serving her constituents. One notable achievement was her decision to donate her three-month salary to support community projects.
Additionally, she provided taxi cabs to help improve transportation for her constituents. Her dedication to her constituency earned her the title of the ninth-best legislator in 2019, highlighting her effectiveness and commitment to her role.
Francisca Oteng-Mensah’s journey is a testament to the potential of young people to effect positive change in their communities.
Her success has inspired many young Ghanaians to engage in politics and public service, proving that age should not be a barrier to achieving one’s dreams.
Francisca’s story underscores the importance of youth participation in governance and serves as a beacon of hope for future generations.
The story of Francisca Oteng-Mensah is a powerful reminder of the impact that young leaders can have on society.
Her journey from a law student to Ghana’s youngest MP demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to public service, anything is possible.
Francisca’s legacy will continue to inspire and empower young people to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.
Check Out The Most Expensive Wrist Watches Owned By Celebrities Across The World
News Hub Creator21h
Celebrities are people who are highly recognised in the world for doing something commendable and admired by other people. Music, Sports, Movies and what have you have produced a lot of Celebrities across the world.
When we talk about music, there a lot of musicians who through their music has impacted the world. The world celebrates people who makes meaningful impact through thier art of work. Musicians like Micheal Jackson, Don Meon, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and what have you are regarded as Celebrities because of their impact in the music industry.
In sports also, we have celebrities like Messi, Ronaldo, Mike Tyson, Mayweather, Tiger Woods and what have you, who are celebrated for thier milestone achievements.
Take a look at the most expensive watches owned by celebrities across the world.
Christiano Ronaldo, arguably the most famus footballer owns a custom Franck Muller watch which is valued at $2.7millonFloyd Mayweather, one of the greatest boxers in the world owns a Jacob & Co. Billionaire Diamond Tourbillon which is valued at $26.5 million.
The Koforidua High Court has granted an order for substituted service of a writ of summons to Nsawam-Adoagyiri Member of Parliament (MP), Frank Annoh-Dompreh, in connection with an election petition filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The petitioners are seeking the annulment of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency election results, which were declared by the Electoral Commission.
