John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has urged Ghanaians to ignore the mischievous dumsor claims.
The energy minister had announced that the country will experience a Nationwide power outage on July 13.
According to him, the temporary disruption of the power supply across the country will be due to plants shutting down for maintenance.
Nana Danso Adjei Ababio raises alarm over prostitution hubs and demands swift action
The Chief of Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region, Nana Danso Adjei Ababio, has raised alarm over the increasing presence of prostitution hubs in the community and has called on the Asutifi South District Assembly to intervene urgently.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the assembly at Nkaseim, the chief alleged that a man had brought in prostitutes, mostly Nigerians, into the town.
In an adomonline.com report on July 10, 2025, it said the chief described the development as a serious threat to the moral fabric and reputation of the community.
“This practice is destroying the image of Nkaseim. It is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. The District Chief Executive (DCE), Benjamin Assabil Donkor, and his team must take swift action to dismantle these hubs,” he is quoted as having stated.
In response, Donkor assured the chief and residents that the assembly would take decisive measures to address the issue.
He announced plans to establish a special taskforce to shut down all identified prostitution hotspots at Nkaseim and across the district.
“The assembly is committed to restoring law and order and ensuring that such activities do not gain a foothold in our communities,” Donkor said.
He further reiterated the assembly’s dedication to protecting the well-being of residents and curbing social vices that threaten the district’s integrity.
MRA/AE
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has shed light on the ongoing internal discussions regarding double roles of party executives serving in government.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Gbande confirmed that a committee has been tasked to examine the issue, and its findings will soon be made public.
“There is a committee working on it, and the findings will come out soon. We are weighing the options carefully to strengthen the party and ensure effective governance,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of reports that the NDC is preparing to issue a directive requiring all government appointees who also hold party positions to resign from their party roles.
The proposed move, reportedly backed by the Political Committee, Functional Executive Committee, and Council of Elders, is aimed at reinforcing party structures and restoring accountability.
However, Gbande cautioned that the matter should not be viewed as a power struggle or a rejection by the President.
“It is not that President Mahama doesn’t want people to hold party positions. In fact, he wants those in government to remain loyal and accountable to the party base,” Gbande explained.
He added that because President Mahama is often occupied with national duties, it is important to have party-aligned individuals in government who can “check and balance” decisions and remain in touch with the grassroots.
“Where the President is, he can be busy all day and not know what is happening at the grassroots. That is why party executives in government are important to keep the connection between government and the people,” he said.
Mr Gbande stressed that anyone appointed by the President but who fails to serve the people or pushes personal agendas over party priorities will be held accountable.
“If you are an appointee and your personal agenda becomes more important than the party’s goals, then you are not serving the President. And we won’t sit back and allow anyone to undermine what the party has fought for,” he warned.
He revealed that about 70% of government appointees under the Mahama administration are people with deep roots in the party, mentioning names like Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Kofi Boah, and Kwame Agboga.
“These are not technocrats brought in from outside. They are grassroots people, and that shows the President’s commitment to building a party-government bridge,” he said.
Despite serving in the Presidency, Mr Gbande stressed his personal loyalty to the party above all.
“Given the chance, I will still choose party work. I’m not a statesman. I’m a political person, and my commitment is to the party,” he said.
He concluded by urging appointees to act in ways that reflect the values and intentions of President Mahama.
“When the President is not around, you as an appointee must act as he would. If you don’t, then you’re creating problems for the party, and we will not allow that.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
John Jinapor
THE ENERGY Minister, John Jinapor, has urged Ghanaian businesses to invest in the power production sector to boost constant power supply and make profits in the end.
According to him, plans are in the pipeline to create an enabling atmosphere for the private sector to fully participate in the power supply process in the country.
In this regard, John Jinapor has admonished Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take advantage by actively participating in the sector in order to accrue financial benefits eventually.
The Energy Minister stated that, “As part of efforts to bring about overall efficiency in power production, we are working to involve the private sector in the distribution sector.
“And I want to encourage Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take advantage and take active interest in this programme or project so that Ghanaians can continue to own the commanding heights of the economy,” he said.
The Energy Minister was speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161kV Anwomaso–Kumasi Transmission Line in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital on Tuesday.
John Jinapor also highly praised the Finance Minister, Ato Forson, for his invaluable contributions and support which has catapulted the Energy Ministry to its current positive status.
“I must admit that but for the finance minister, the sector would have had it very very tough so let me commend Honourable Ato Forson for all the support he is given to this sector”.
John Jinapor said his ministry is also working to improve the tariff setting mechanism in collaboration with the PURC to bring about transparency and efficiency and also digitized the sector.
He also announced that there would be temporary power outages on Sunday, 13 July, 2025 in some parts of the country as gas supplier “ENI would shut down its valves to carry out maintenance works, which is aimed at boosting gas production”.
The shutdown, John Jinapor explained “is part of a thorough rehabilitation works to make it possible for ENI to increase gas output to 270 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), noting “this move is critical in stabilizing the country’s energy supply in the long term”.
The temporary shutdown, he also explained, may cause short-term disruptions but, “it is part of a broader plan to improve power reliability and capacity, thereby making the citizenry to live comfortably”.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Kumasi
Suspected armed robbers have shot and killed a 21-year-old mobile money (MoMo) vendor, Desmond Adzah, at Quarters Junction, a suburb of Ngleshie Amanfro in the Ga South Municipality.
The tragic incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, while Desmond was returning home from work.
According to a report by Adom News, the unknown assailants ambushed and shot him multiple times. He was rushed to the Ngleshie Amanfro Polyclinic but died while receiving treatment.
An eyewitness, Ruben Kumor, recounted that he had spoken to Desmond moments before the incident.
“Desmond is known to all of us at the junction. Almost everyone relies on him for his services. Just after he had closed for the day, I met him and asked to withdraw GHC150, but he told me he was short on cash,” he said.
“While returning to my office to get money, I heard a gunshot. A woman nearby tried to rush to the scene, but children stopped her. Moments later, someone came to tell me Desmond was the one shot,” Kumor added.
Despite the presence of a police station nearby, Kumor expressed serious concern over the lack of night patrols.
“There’s a police station nearby, but we hardly see patrols at night. Even if they could assign community police—the ‘baby police,’ as we call them—to patrol, it would help. Desmond was attacked just after closing his shop. This shouldn’t happen,” he lamented.
Desmond’s sister, Erica Adzah, suspects that her brother was followed and targeted by individuals known to him.
“This shooting incident is not random. From what we’re hearing, he was followed and possibly targeted by people he knew. Some even believe the suspects were his friends. After shooting him, they took his bag. But because he had seen their faces, they killed him,” she said.
She added that Desmond tried to seek refuge at their family home nearby, but relatives were forced to stay indoors due to the sound of gunshots.
“This needs serious investigation. Motorcycle crimes are becoming too common. It’s time the government takes this seriously and acts to protect innocent people,” she appealed.
The family and residents of the area are calling for swift police intervention, a thorough investigation into the killing, and urgent efforts to improve security to prevent similar tragedies.
The future of Ghana’s highly anticipated $100 million Black Volta Gold Project hangs in the balance as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern ultimatum to the two companies embroiled in a dispute over its acquisition.
In a press release issued today, July 10, Mr Buah ordered Azumah Resources Limited as well as Engineers & Planners (E&P) to resolve their differences amicably within seven days, warning that failure to do so will result in a governmental decision “in the best interest of the country”.
This directive injects a new level of urgency into a dispute that threatens the timely commencement of what is slated to be Ghana’s first large-scale, wholly indigenous gold mining operation.
READ ALSO: National Engineers & Planners defends $100m Azumah gold mine acquisition, dismisses political claims
The Black Volta Gold Project, a significant venture valued at $100 million in financing from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for its acquisition by E&P, has been hailed as a landmark in Ghanaian-led participation in the extractive sector.
The minister’s statement, addressed to both companies, explicitly acknowledged “earlier correspondence” and “various press releases and public statements” that have circulated concerning the dispute.
This suggests a growing public awareness and potential concern over the impasse, which could derail a project championed for its potential to drive local ownership and economic development.
“I have decided to grant the parties a final period of seven (7) days within which to resolve the matter amicably. Should this period elapse without a mutually agreed resolution, a decision shall be taken in the best interest of the country,” Mr Buah’s statement read, underscoring the government’s determination to see the project proceed.
While the specifics of the dispute between Azumah Resources and E&P have not been fully detailed in the minister’s release, it is understood to revolve around the acquisition process and potentially lingering claims or operational aspects related to the Black Volta Gold Project.
Azumah Resources, an Australian gold exploration and development company, has historically held significant interests in the Wa-Lawra region of Ghana, where the Black Volta Project is located.
E&P, a prominent Ghanaian-owned engineering and construction firm led by Ibrahim Mahama, President John Dramani Mahama’s brother, entered the scene with its ambitious acquisition plans.
The Minister’s firm stance also included a direct appeal for restraint: “I strongly urge all parties to refrain from addressing this matter through the media and instead focus on constructive dialogue and responsible engagement.”
This suggests that the dispute may have already spilt into the public domain through various channels, potentially complicating resolution efforts.
To facilitate a swift resolution, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission, Ghana’s mining sector regulator, to “facilitate and support the parties in resolving their difference in order to ensure the timely commencement of the project.”
The Minerals Commission is mandated to advise the government on mineral policy and ensure compliance with mining laws and regulations.
Their involvement is crucial in mediating such high-stakes disputes.
The Black Volta Gold Project is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s gold output and local content in the mining sector.
Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer, with an annual output exceeding 4.2 million ounces in 2023. Projects like the Black Volta are seen as vital for increasing value retention within the country, fostering job creation, and strengthening the national economy.
Delays in such projects due to corporate disputes can have significant economic ramifications, impacting investor confidence and revenue projections.
All eyes will now be on Azumah Resources and Engineers & Planners over the next seven days to see if they can reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
Failure to do so would trigger direct intervention from the Ministry, with potentially far-reaching implications for the future of the Black Volta Gold Project and the companies involved.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Ghanaian reveals that he once paid GH¢300 to Ghana Police after being caught with marijuana
Popular Ghanaian musician, Nana Lace, has revealed that he once had to pay GH₵300 to the police after being caught with marijuana while on his way to perform at a show.
In an interview with Nana Romeo, Nana Lace explained, “I lied to them and said I had just drunk water that was processed under smoke, which is why my breath smelled like weed, but they realized I was lying.”
He also recalled another incident where he was arrested by the police for smoking marijuana during a show.
However, according to him, the officers let him go after he sang one of his songs for them.
During the interview, host Nana Romeo asked if there was any bad lifestyle habit he would like to quit. Nana Lace responded: “If there’s anything I would want to put an end to, it’s drinking alcoholic beverages.”
Interestingly, Nana Romeo concluded the segment by revealing that he has never smoked weed or consumed alcohol in his life.
PA/EB
Nana Agradaa’s 15-year jail sentence sparks public debate
File photo of a sitting of the UN Human Rights Coucil
The John Dramani Mahama government has come under intense scrutiny following reports of Ghana’s representatives at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (UN) absenting themselves from a vote on an issue that had to do with ‘gay rights’.
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has even criticised the decision of the representatives to abstain from voting on the matter.
Details of the matter, which was numbered A/HRC/59/L.5 and shared on ohchr.org, showed that Ghana was among three countries that abstained from voting on the said resolution, which was on the “Mandate of Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Twenty-nine (29) members of the council voted in favour of the resolution, which led to its adoption, while only 15 voted against it.
The adoption of the resolution implies that the experts who provide the UN with reports on violence and discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation will continue their work.
“In a resolution (A/HRC/59/L.2) on the Mandate of Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 15 against and 3 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity for a period of three years to enable the mandate holder to continue to work in accordance with the mandate established by the Human Rights Council; and requests the Independent Expert to continue to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work,” the brief on the resolution reads.
More details on the vote shared on ilga.org showed that Ghana, Benin and Kyrgyzstan were the three countries that abstained from voting on the resolution.
The countries that voted against the resolution included Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Indonesia, The Gambia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Those that voted in favour of the resolution included Albania, Belgium, Bolivia, Germany, France, Iceland, Japan and Colombia.
About the resolution:
According to ilga.org, the resolution was created in 2016, and renewed in 2019 and 2022.
The current resolution to renew the mandate was presented by a Core Group of six Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Uruguay – and was co-sponsored by 50 countries from all regions.
The Independent Expert is tasked with assessing the implementation of international human rights law, investigating violence and discrimination against LGBT and gender-diverse persons, and helping States, UN agencies, other mandates and bodies in the international and regional systems to address them.
Since the post was established, three successive mandate holders have conducted official visits to 11 countries, produced 17 reports documenting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity – including the impact of the criminalisation of same-sex relations between consenting adults, the need to legally recognise a person’s gender, and the situation of LGBT persons who are forcibly displaced, among others – and sent communications documenting allegations of human rights violations to 171 States across all regions.
BAI/AE
You can also watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (R) with the Swiss Ambassador (L) during their meeting
The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Ginger, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to discuss responsible mining partnerships to enhance mutual development.
In an official visit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the two leaders discussed viable proposals that will enhance the economies of both countries through sustainable mining practices.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stressed the country’s commitment to overhauling the small-scale mining sector through crucial initiatives and policy interventions.
In that regard, the minister cited ongoing reforms such as the “Cooperative Mining Programme seeks to organize miners into formal cooperatives, build local capacity, and introduce mechanisms for gold traceability from source to export.”
He assured the ambassadors of the Ministry’s full support and expressed readiness to facilitate further engagement, specifically meetings with key stakeholders during the Swiss delegation’s planned return visit in September.
He further commended Switzerland for its active participation in the recent Mining in Motion conference, noting the alignment between Switzerland’s development-focused approach and Ghana’s sector reforms.
Beyond mining, the meeting also explored potential collaboration in environmental conservation.
The minister briefed the delegation on Ghana’s efforts to combat deforestation linked to cocoa production, highlighting partnerships with the Forestry Commission and World Cocoa Foundation.
He also mentioned the “Tree for Life” initiative, which focuses on land restoration, afforestation, and the reclamation of polluted water bodies.
On her part, the ambassador expressed her country’s readiness to share expertise and networks with Ghana, emphasising that any future partnership would require strong commitment and tangible results from the Ghanaian side.
The discussions concluded with both parties expressing optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation to transform Ghana’s small-scale mining sector and protect its natural environment.
Mohammed Kudus was a transfer target for Chelsea and Manchester United
Football fans of some Premier League clubs have expressed different opinions on social media after it became known that Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus has reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over a transfer deal.
Spurs reached an agreement to sign Kudus from West Ham United on July 9, 2025.
According to sports journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, an amount of £55 million was accepted by the London club, which had initially been demanding a fee in the region of £85 million.
It was noted that Kudus will travel to Tottenham to undergo medical examinations on Thursday, July 10, 2025, to finalise the deal.
Reacting to the news, some Chelsea supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the move, as they had been expecting the Black Stars attacker to exercise patience while the club sold Noni Madueke to raise funds to sign him.
Others asserted that Kudus’ downturn in performance during the 2024/2025 season contributed to Chelsea not making genuine efforts to secure his signature, leading to the signing of Joao Pedro instead.
On the other hand, Manchester United fans also blamed their officials for their inability to sign Kudus to bolster their team despite expressing interest for quite some time.
The Red Devils have yet to make a signing this summer, despite approaching top players to register their interest.
SB/EB
Read the comments below:
We no sell Madueke yet wey u wan make we buy Kudus..
— KvngLomi (@LomiKvng) July 9, 2025
Oh man
Chelsea’s news was just a hoax
Look at all the players Chelsea has— X Dictionary ✨💫 (@pascalakue) July 9, 2025
While Manchester United still dragging Mbeumo deal shame 😭💔
— Mehluko Difference🇧🇼🇿🇦🇸🇿 (@MehlukoDif68697) July 10, 2025
He made his choice and we respect that. He would be an additional plus for Chelsea. We wish him all the best.
— Ck Dominic (@Ckdom2471) July 9, 2025
Meanwhile United are still talking for Mbeumo 🤣🤣
— Keneboss (@Keneboss164433) July 9, 2025
Man u just looking 🌚 pic.twitter.com/26Xom2YXEC
— Kryptdou | Create (@kryptdou_) July 9, 2025
For other teams 30M for united 80M
— NGABONZIZA Official (@NgabonzizaJean4) July 10, 2025
Watch as Ghanaians speak out on Thomas Partey’s rape charge, suggest fresh start in Saudi Arabia
Public interest advocate Rodaline Imoru Ayarna has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reconsider its decision to boycott the upcoming rerun of the parliamentary election in Ablekuma North as reported by Ghana Web.
The rerun, scheduled for Friday, July 11, will take place in 19 polling stations and could significantly impact the current composition of Ghana’s Parliament.
Ayarna cautioned that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) could gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament if it secures the contested seat.
She argued that underestimating the value of a single seat would be a costly political mistake. “Looking at the numbers in Parliament now, one seat will make a great deal of difference,” she warned.
According to her, the boycott could paint the NPP in a negative light if voter turnout heavily favours the NDC, possibly resulting in an embarrassing result.
She cited the 1992 parliamentary boycott by the NPP as a historical example of the long-term consequences of such actions.
“If the voting becomes like 34,000 and then you go and get 200, it goes into our history books regardless of the fact that you boycotted,” she remarked, stressing the symbolic and strategic importance of contesting the seat.
Ayarna further appealed to the NPP to consider the democratic rights of their supporters, adding that full participation is vital in any electoral process.
She questioned why the party would deny its base the chance to vote, emphasizing that “politics is a game of numbers.”
The Electoral Commission has confirmed preparations for the rerun, which could prove pivotal in determining parliamentary control.
The Minority in Parliament has slammed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, over plans to implement a 12- to 13-hour nationwide power shutdown for maintenance works.
Ranking Member on the Energy Committee and MP for Asene Akroso-Manso, George Kwame Aboagye, described the decision as poorly planned and warned that it could result in significant revenue losses across both public and private sectors.
While acknowledging the importance of maintenance in stabilizing the energy sector, Mr. Aboagye argued that the government should adopt alternative measures to sustain power supply during the period to cushion the economy.
“We are not against maintenance, but there must be proper planning to mitigate the economic impact of such lengthy outages,” he said.
His concerns come after Minister Jinapor announced that the scheduled shutdown forms part of broader efforts to ensure a reliable and resilient power supply.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Black Satellites players
The 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship is set for a thrilling kickoff as Ghana’s Black Satellites take on arch-rivals Nigeria in the tournament opener on Thursday, July 10 at 3pm.
Hosted at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Group A clash reignites one of African football’s fiercest rivalries. It also serves as a rematch of the previous edition’s final, where Nigeria edged Ghana to claim the title. This time, Ghana will be looking to turn the tide on home soil and start their campaign with a statement win.
Group A features just three teams—Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin—making every match crucial. Benin will sit out the opening round as Thursday’s clash takes center stage.
Ghana coach Desmond Ofei has stressed the importance of a strong start. “We are focused, we are prepared, and we are playing at home. The boys understand the weight of this fixture,” he said at a pre-match press briefing.
Group B action begins on Friday and includes Ivory Coast, Niger, Togo, and Burkina Faso. With only two semi-final slots available in each group, the tournament promises competitive, high-stakes football from the first whistle.
BY Wletsu Ransford
Nigerian singer Portable appears to be extending an olive branch to his senior colleague, Davido, after mocking his Odogwu bar.
Davido reportedly criticized a Twitter troll who criticized his family for expressing concern over a private jet.
Controversial Nigerian artist Portable appears to be making peace with music superstar Davido, just hours after the latter seemingly mocked his well-known establishment, Odogwu Bar.
The Council ordered a halt to all traditional and cultural festivities organised under the guise of Igbo culture and presided over by Eze Dr Ihenetu in his claimed capacity as King
The Ga Traditional Council has publicly distanced itself from recent developments involving Eze Dr Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, a man who has declared himself the King of the Igbos in Ghana.
It cannot be ruled out that human resources are the lifeblood of any nation’s development. In other words, it is human resource which fuel the politico-socio -economic development of any nation, sustaining democratic governance, and ensuring continuous development across generations.
Indeed, it is against this background that successive governments in Ghana from the post-independence era to the present day have made commendable efforts to strengthen education, science, public administration, and skills development. From the constructing of schools and universities to the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, the state has shouldered a significant portion of the nation-building burden.
While successive governments in Ghana have invested significantly in education and training to build the nation’s human resource base, it must be emphasized that as the years go by, government alone cannot carry this burden. The truth must be told.it is becoming quite clear that such responsibility is becoming a daunting task for government in terms of funding and the provision of educational infrastructure.
It is very important to stress that developing a robust, competent, and ethically grounded human resource base requires a collective effort. In fact, it calls for the strategic involvement of other partners, especially individuals with vision, integrity, and the willingness to give more than they take. In that case Mr. Robert Ajene is one such individual. A dedicated educationist whose work has quietly but powerfully reshaped the educational landscape of northern Ghana and Ghana as a whole, he stands as a shining example of service far beyond the call of duty.
Born in 1938 at the Sambologo community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Mr. Ajene’s educational journey began at Zuarungu Primary Boarding School and took him through Nalerigu Middle Boarding School, Government Secondary School in Tamale, and Prempeh College in Kumasi. He later obtained a BSc in Zoology and Botany from the University of Ghana, Legon, and earned a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. But his academic success was not an end in itself. It was the beginning of a lifelong mission to expand access to quality education in some most underserved areas in Ghana.
Throughout his decades-long career, Mr. Ajene assumed roles that many might regard as routine. Yet, he approached each with a sense of patriotism and national call to duty. His journey begun when he became the first person from the Northern Region to be appointed Director of Education, and later the first to be promoted to Divisional Director in 1981. It was not his contributions in these positions that truly distinguished him.
As Regional Director of Education for the then Upper Region, he spearheaded the establishment of key institutions such as the Zebilla Community Secondary School, Bolgatanga Technical Institute, and Wa Secondary School, vastly improving access to secondary education in the north. In 1992, he played a pivotal role in establishing the University College of Education, Winneba (UCEW), serving briefly as Acting Principal during its formative years.
These efforts were not executed from behind a polished desk or from the comfort of government transport. They were born of his grit, sacrifice, and a personal sense of duty exhibited. In the early 1990s, while leading the establishment of the Advanced Technical Teachers’ Training College (now the UCEW-Kumasi campus), Mr. Ajene used his personal pickup truck to transport food supplies for the school’s fledgling canteen.
At the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, now Bolgatanga Technical University, Mr Ajene went even further, purchasing land for the campus at Sumbrungu using his own salary. As Mr. Stanley Abopam, an alumnus, recalled, “The Principal did not even have an office. He operated from his old pickup truck.” Such sacrifice speaks volumes about his selflessness and vision”. His impact at Bawku Secondary School, where he served as headmaster, starting in 1968 (having acted in the role since 1966), was equally transformational. Under his leadership, the school saw significant improvements in academic performance and infrastructure. Today, many of his former students are occupying key positions as Parliamentarians, Judges, Professors Administrators, Bankers and other sectors vital to Ghana’s development. In recognition of his service, many of the schools he served have named him with some of the school buildings.
Mr. Ajene’s contributions extend far beyond school walls. He served the nation in numerous advisory capacities, including as a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1979 Constitution. He advised on the recruitment of Peace Corps teachers and represented Ghana on the International Biology Panel of the West African Examinations Council, helping to shape biology syllabi across West Africa.
Even in retirement, Mr. Ajene has remained a committed voice for educational reform. A devout Roman Catholic and father of eight, he also adopted 18 children, an act that reflects his deeply personal commitment to youth development. He has consistently advocated for prioritizing education over politics, stressing the importance of discipline and quality instruction, and called for better infrastructure to support the Free SHS initiative. He also champions the integration of entrepreneurship into the curriculum to prepare students for real-world challenges.
His civic involvement extended into cultural and developmental institutions as well. He served on the Ghana Library Board, the Arts Council of Ghana, and the University Council of KNUST. He was also a member of the National Development Planning Commission and, more recently, served on the Commission of Inquiry responsible for the creation of six new administrative regions in Ghana.
The results of Mr. Ajene’s contributions are visible not only in bricks and mortar but in the lives of the many students, professionals, and leaders who carry forward the lessons he instilled. His legacy is not confined to history books; it walks the halls of Parliament, presides over courtrooms, lectures in universities, and manages the wheels of commerce.
His story teaches us a profound truth: nation-building is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is a shared mission that demands the energy, integrity, and leadership of committed citizens. As the educational challenges of Ghana’ grow in scope and complexity, there is the urgent need for individuals, especially those from underserved regions to emulate Mr. Ajene’s example becomes even more urgent. He did not wait for perfect conditions. He saw a need, and through his own sacrifice, determination, and vision, helped light a path for countless others.
Ghana’s future rests not only on government action but also on how boldly its citizens step up to fill the gaps. Mr. Robert Ajene has shown the way. Now, it is up to us to follow. Mr. Robert Akurugu Ajene, an unsung hero in Ghana’s educational landscape stands as a bold testament to what a single, determined individual can do to transform lives, shape institutions, and move a nation forward.
Dorcas Affo-Toffey is Deputy Minister of Transport-designate
The Constituency Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Jomoro has praised President John Dramani Mahama for nominating the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, as Deputy Minister of Transport-designate.
In a statement shared on its official X page on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Jomoro NDC described the nomination as a “resounding affirmation” of Affo-Toffey’s tireless dedication to the people of Jomoro and her impactful service within the party and in Parliament.
“This appointment is a resounding affirmation of Affo-Toffey’s unwavering commitment, tireless service, and distinguished leadership within both the constituency and the broader party structure. Her dedication to grassroots development, advocacy for equity, and bold representation of Jomoro in Parliament have made her a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for many,” the statement read.
The CEC expressed confidence that Affo-Tofey’s leadership will bring “innovation, integrity, and inclusive leadership” to the Ministry of Transport and positively impact the transformation of Ghana’s transport sector.
“Her stewardship will no doubt contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Ghana’s transport sector and the realization of the NDC’s vision for a better Ghana,” it added.
President John Dramani Mahama, in what has been described as the final round of deputy ministerial appointments in his current administration, nominated four Members of Parliament to serve in key roles.
The nominees are, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro as Deputy Minister of Transport-designate; James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate; Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West as Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations-designate; and Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan as Deputy Minister of Health-designate.
Read the post below:
JOMORO NDC CELEBRATES APPOINTMENT OF HON. DORCAS AFFO TOFFEY AS DEPUTY MINISTER DESIGNATE FOR TRANSPORT
The Constituency Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Jomoro, on behalf of the rank and file of the party and the good people of the… pic.twitter.com/M8vF5MT3el
— Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey (@AfoDorcas) July 10, 2025
JKB/AE
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ama Burland and DJ Vyrusky
Lifestyle influencer Ama Burland, also known as Princess Burland, has spilled the tea on DJ Vyrusky’s hidden admiration for her during her university days.
In a candid conversation on her podcast “Let’s Do Drinks”, Ama revealed that DJ Vyrusky would often visit her on campus, offering advice on life and staying focused, but secretly had a crush on her.
Reflecting on the day they first met, Ama Burland noted that, “Honestly, I don’t remember how we met, but he had a crush on me. He liked me so much, but he would advise me about life, talk to me, or tell me you have to take care of yourself. He was trying to groom me to be good for him, but I was lost.”
In defence, DJ Vyrusky admitted to sort of liking her but had to back down because Ama Burland had a guy while he was pursuing her, saying, “Ama Burland is very, very beautiful and very nice, but then later I saw her hanging out with somebody. I can’t mention the person’s name, but she knows.”
While DJ Vyrusky insisted he was scared to pursue his love with Ama Burland due to her involvement with another guy, Ama Burland also stated that he was not forthcoming in his pursuit of love.
“Ama knows, she knows what I want. If a guy walks through right now, yeah, yeah, right now, what does he want? I know sometimes a relationship, in a relationship, what? What do you think? “Let’s say, if I step up to you right now, what do you think I would want?” DJ Vyrusky asked.
Ama, on the other hand, responded, “I don’t know. I don’t know because maybe to talk to vibe, to see the type of personality I am if a guy approaches me in that manner.”
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, has firmly stated her intention to contest in the upcoming rerun election in the constituency, despite the party’s official decision not to participate.
Speaking ahead of the polls, Madam Owusu Afriyie expressed confidence in both her chances and the outcome.
“We are fully prepared. Tomorrow, we are going to this contest. We went for the election on 7th December, 2024, and I won this election with 34,613 votes. My opponent had 34,199. We collated this together; my polling agents and their polling agents went through all that,” she declared.
She added that results from 278 polling stations had already been collated, showing her in the lead by 349 votes, with only three polling stations remaining.
“What I want to put on record is that darkness can never cover light. I am the light; I am the truth. I walk with the gracious God. The Lord is going to talk tomorrow; justice will prevail. I am contesting this election, and I am coming out victorious,” she said.
Her comments come amid tensions surrounding the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun 19 polling stations of the election in Ablekuma North, a move the NPP leadership has rejected, describing it as unjust.
Despite the party’s official stance, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie’s declaration suggests she is forging ahead with her campaign.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Asokore Mampong Municipal Security Council has uncovered an illegal abortion clinic and an unlicensed drugstore engaged in the unlawful sale of pharmaceuticals in a slum community at Asawase in the Ashanti Region.
The discovery was made on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a special operation led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on drug abuse and related criminal activities in the municipality.
The illicit facilities, both located in a densely populated slum along the Peleele Stream, were operating without any regulatory approval. Authorities say this poses a significant risk to public health and safety, particularly among vulnerable youth in the area.
Speaking to the media after the operation, Alhassan expressed concern over the situation, describing it as a threat that demands urgent and sustained enforcement.
“The search brought out a few illicit traits. There is an illegally operating pharmacy there and a clinic. Our intel is that they even perform illegal abortions there.
“This is a serious health threat to our youth and our community. We have seized some of the drugs for further examination,” he stated.
Media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has issued a warning to President John Dramani Mahama regarding the conduct of his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He believes Ablakwa’s actions could end up harming the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
Afrifa-Mensah raised concerns about how Ablakwa is presenting himself internationally, suggesting that his posture could have serious consequences for Ghana.
New York, Juky 10, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – A robot has performed realistic surgery on its own with 100% accuracy, researchers have said.
In a “major leap” towards using more robots in operating theatres, a machine trained on the videos of surgeries, was able to precisely work on removing
a gallbladder.
The robot operated with the expertise of a skilled human surgeon, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers in the US, even during unexpected
scenarios typical in real-life medical emergencies.
The robot was watched as it performed a lengthy phase of a gallbladder removal on a life-like patient.
It was able to respond to and learn from voice commands from the team, just like a novice surgeon working with a mentor.
Overall, there were 17 tasks in the surgery, the robot had to identify certain ducts and arteries and grab them precisely, strategically place clips,
and sever parts with scissors.
It was also able to adapt even when dye was introduced which changed the appearance of the organs and tissue.
Associate professor in mechanical engineering, Axel Krieger, said: “This advancement moves us from robots that can execute specific surgical tasks, to
robots that truly understand surgical procedures.
“This is a critical distinction that brings us significantly closer to clinically viable autonomous surgical systems that can work in the messy,
unpredictable reality of actual patient care.”
The work received US government funding, and was published in the journal Science Robotics.
Back in 2022, a robot performed the first autonomous robotic surgery on a pig.
However, it required specially marked tissue, operated in a highly controlled environment, and followed a rigid, pre-determined surgical plan.
Krieger said that phase was like teaching a robot to drive along a carefully mapped route.
However, the new system, he said, was “like teaching a robot to navigate any road, in any condition, responding intelligently to whatever it
encounters.”
He added: “To me it really shows that it’s possible to perform complex surgical procedures autonomously.”
The new system, which uses the same machine learning architecture that powers ChatGPT, also adapts to a patient’s anatomical features in real-time and
works to correct itself.
It can respond to spoken commands such as “grab the gallbladder head” or “move the left arm a bit to the left,” and then learns from that feedback.
Ji Woong Kim, a former postdoctoral researcher at Johns Hopkins who is now at Stanford University, said: “This work represents a major leap from prior
efforts because it tackles some of the fundamental barriers to deploying autonomous surgical robots in the real world.
“Our work shows that AI models can be made reliable enough for surgical autonomy – something that once felt far-off but is now demonstrably viable.”
Although the robot took longer to perform the work than a human surgeon, the results were comparable to an expert surgeon, researchers said.
Next, the team will train and test the system on more types of surgeries.
GNA
Dorcas Affo-Toffey is Deputy Minister of Transport-designate
The Constituency Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Jomoro has praised President John Dramani Mahama for nominating the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, as Deputy Minister of Transport-designate.
In a statement shared on its official X page on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Jomoro NDC described the nomination as a “resounding affirmation” of Affo-Toffey’s tireless dedication to the people of Jomoro and her impactful service within the party and in Parliament.
“This appointment is a resounding affirmation of Affo-Toffey’s unwavering commitment, tireless service, and distinguished leadership within both the constituency and the broader party structure. Her dedication to grassroots development, advocacy for equity, and bold representation of Jomoro in Parliament have made her a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for many,” the statement read.
The CEC expressed confidence that Affo-Tofey’s leadership will bring “innovation, integrity, and inclusive leadership” to the Ministry of Transport and positively impact the transformation of Ghana’s transport sector.
“Her stewardship will no doubt contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Ghana’s transport sector and the realization of the NDC’s vision for a better Ghana,” it added.
President John Dramani Mahama, in what has been described as the final round of deputy ministerial appointments in his current administration, nominated four Members of Parliament to serve in key roles.
The nominees are, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro as Deputy Minister of Transport-designate; James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate; Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West as Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations-designate; and Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan as Deputy Minister of Health-designate.
Read the post below:
JOMORO NDC CELEBRATES APPOINTMENT OF HON. DORCAS AFFO TOFFEY AS DEPUTY MINISTER DESIGNATE FOR TRANSPORT
The Constituency Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Jomoro, on behalf of the rank and file of the party and the good people of the… pic.twitter.com/M8vF5MT3el
— Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey (@AfoDorcas) July 10, 2025
JKB/AE
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
MEF Ghana collaborates with outmosphere
On June 14th, the Meisters Expression Festival made its return to Ghana, this time in collaboration with Outmosphere, a collective known for curating immersive, expressive spaces that celebrate alternative culture and creative freedom. Together, they turned the quiet coastal town of Prampram into a bold, rhythmic wave of music, dance, and art.
Now in its second edition in collaboration with Jagermeister, the festival continues to champion a creative uprising: one that empowers individuals to challenge convention, celebrate culture, and own their craft with pride. It’s a space where boundaries blur, rules fade, and true self-expression takes centre stage.
From open-deck sessions with DJ Z and Don Nortex to electrifying performances from DRED W, Afrolektra, Kofi Kay, and more, the energy stayed high all night. Hypemen like Accra Mayor and Ofiri Ghana didn’t just host, they turned the crowd into co-creators of the vibe. And when a surprise guest took the stage, the energy surged beyond the dance floor and into something unforgettable, making the experience worthwhile.
But this wasn’t just about the music. Meisters Expression is a canvas where artists, dancers, and everyday disruptors paint their stories loud and proud. Whether through fashion, freestyle, or raw creative energy, this festival reminded everyone that expression is a right, not a luxury.
This is a movement for those who refuse to be boxed in. A celebration for the misfits, the makers, and the Meisters, those who live boldly, speak their truth, and stand out by design. There’ll be more nights like this, new locations, fresh faces, same energy. So stay ready, gather your crew, and when the next call comes, make sure you answer it. Keep being a Meister!
The operation resulted in the arrest of some individuals operating in illegal drugstores
The Asokore Mampong Municipal Security Council has uncovered an illegal abortion clinic and an unlicensed drugstore operating illegally in a slum at Asawase, within the Asokore Mampong Municipality.
The operation, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ben Abdallah Alhassan, on July 9, 2025, forms part of a broader regional initiative aimed at curbing drug abuse and dismantling underground health-related criminal activity across the Ashanti Region.
Addressing the media following the raid, Abdallah Alhassan bemoaned the proliferation of illegal health facilities in the area, expressing concern over the potential health risks they pose to the youth in the community.
“The search that was conducted over there brought out a few illicit threats ongoing over there. There was an operational illegal pharmacy there and also a clinic. Our intel is that they even do illegal abortions over there. This is a serious health threat to our youth and our community,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of robberies in the slum, noting that youth are frequently the perpetrators.
He added that the council intends to assess the situation thoroughly and develop measures to mitigate the trend and curb the proliferation of illicit slums.
“There is a lot of illicit use of drugs also among the youth over there. In addition to endangering the environment by way of very poor sanitation, they are also using a lot of illicit drugs. Armed robbery activities are also very rife over there, and so, as MUSEK, we are going to sit down, assess the situation, and come up with very concrete measures to curtail the situation for good,” he added.
The operation led to the confiscation of drugs suspected to be unlicensed, which will be forwarded for further examination.
MAG/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini is the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways
Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, has stressed that the Ministry will prioritise the development of road networks with wider national impact, rather than paving roads in every single community.
He explained that while the need for improved infrastructure across all communities is valid and recognised, limited resources make it necessary to prioritise projects that have far-reaching economic and social impact.
Speaking during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, Suhuyini pointed out that the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is adopting a strategic approach to road construction.
This means concentrating efforts on major transport corridors that are essential for trade, movement, and national connectivity, rather than spreading resources too thinly across the country.
According to him, priority will be given to critical routes such as the Western Corridor in the northern parts of the country, the Eastern Corridor, and the main roads that provide access into the capital, Accra.
He noted that these roads falls under the Big Push project and will be funded by it.
”It is one of the roads captured under the Big Push project and will be funded through the Big Push funds” he said.
These routes, he noted, are vital not just for linking regions but also for supporting agriculture, industry, and commerce all of which contribute significantly to national development.
He concluded by stating that this approach is not about ignoring the needs of smaller communities, but about ensuring that road investments bring the greatest possible return in terms of economic growth, accessibility, and improved livelihoods across the country.
DR/MA
You can also watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
PSG players celebrating their overwhelming victory against Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a masterclass performance, humiliating Real Madrid with a 4-0 victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium on July 9, 2025.
Goals from Fabián Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos propelled PSG into the final against Chelsea while exposing glaring deficiencies in a Real Madrid side that failed to find answers.
The match was a one-sided affair from the outset with PSG’s high-octane attack exposing Madrid’s defensive frailties.
Fabián Ruiz capitalised on a mistake by Raúl Asencio to open the scoring followed swiftly by Dembélé’s clinical finish.
Ruiz’s second goal and Ramos’ late strike sealed a humiliating night for the 15-time Champions League winners who struggled to create chances and were outplayed in every department.
The absence of suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold forced manager Xabi Alonso into a back four, a tactical shift that backfired spectacularly.
Real Madrid struggled throughout, managing only 0.7 expected goals (xG) compared to PSG’s 2.9 per Opta stats with an awful showing from stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
The Spanish giants will now turn their attention to pre-season preparations for the upcoming season with their new manager Xabi Alonso.
Watch the match highlights below:
PSG vs. Real Madrid Full Match Highlights pic.twitter.com/lmVRdAs6y1
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 9, 2025
ALL/AME
Watch as Ghanaians speak out on Thomas Partey’s rape charge, suggest fresh start in Saudi Arabia
ALL/AME
The Afrobarometer 2025 report, themed Citizen Engagement and Citizen Power serves as a mirror
Human rights advocate Farida Bemba Nabourema has sounded the alarm over the growing erosion of civic space across Africa, accusing governments of using COVID-19 as a pretext to crack down on citizen freedoms and stifle dissent.
Speaking at the launch of Afrobarometer’s 2025 flagship report on citizen engagement on July 8, 2025, Nabourema warned that authoritarian practices are on the rise, threatening democracy and civic participation across the continent.
“Protests have been banned in my country since 2020. Even press conferences are not allowed. COVID provided governments the perfect excuse to consolidate power and silence citizens,” Nabourema, Director of the Katutu Civil Rights Center, told participants at the event.
She stressed that while the pandemic may have initially justified emergency measures, many governments have refused to roll back restrictions long after the health crisis ended.
“Political parties are still not allowed to hold meetings.
“This is not about citizens disengaging it’s about governments systematically deploying resources to crush civic engagement,” she added.
Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission of South Africa, called for deeper decentralisation of governance.
“We need to bring our best talent not only to the national level but to local government, where real community interaction and development happen,” Mamabolo said.
He underscored the importance of empowering local authorities to champion citizen engagement.
Audrey Gadzekpo, Emeritus Professor of Communications and Board Chair of CDD-Ghana, acknowledged that while protest culture remains low among African youth, there is still hope.
“The data shows low levels of protest, but I draw hope from research,” she said, encouraging continued efforts to inspire youth involvement in democratic processes.
Felix Biga, Chief Operating Officer of Afrobarometer, reflected on the key lessons of the day, emphasising that civic engagement must start with inclusive education, empowered local governance, and an unwavering defense of democratic spaces.
“Amidst some of the findings, there’s still hope that things can improve,” Biga said.
He also announced plans to launch a French version of the report in Senegal and introduce a capacity-building video library to broaden access to data literacy across the continent.
The Afrobarometer 2025 report, themed Citizen Engagement and Citizen Power, serves as both a mirror of current realities and a roadmap for the future of democracy in Africa.
It highlights not only the resilience of citizen engagement but also the urgent need to protect the spaces where citizens can express themselves freely.
The Afrobarometer 2025 report, launched alongside country scorecards, offers a comprehensive analysis of citizen engagement across 39 African countries.
Key findings show that:
Voting remains the most common form of participation, with 72% of citizens casting ballots in their most recent national elections.
Community engagement is strong, with 47% attending local meetings and 42% joining others to raise issues.
Protest participation, however, remains low at 9%, in part due to legal and political restrictions highlighted by Nabourema.
The report indicates that the erosion of civic space is not isolated to one country but is a growing trend across the continent, with repressive regimes limiting freedoms under the guise of security, public health, or order.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, is set to contest in the rerun of elections in 19 polling stations on Friday, July 11, despite her party’s declared boycott of the process.
This move comes as a surprise, as the NPP has consistently rejected the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to rerun the election, describing it as unlawful and threatening legal action.
Kate Hassan Speaks At Sparkup Women’s Conference
The President of the Event Vendors Association of Ghana (EVAG), Kate Hassan, is gearing up for the forthcoming Sparkup Women’s Conference, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at the Monarchy Event Centre in Warri, Nigeria.
Mrs. Hassan will join a host of other speakers, including Ini-Abasi Abimbola, Founder of Thistle Praxis Consulting, former UN Technical Expert on Women’s Political Leadership, Dr. Naomi Osemudua, CEO of Sparkle with Naomi Limited among others at the conference, to inspire young entrepreneurial women.
Mrs. Hassan will speak on the event theme, “Thrive Beyond Limitation.”
In an interview with BEATWAVES, she expressed her eagerness to contribute her quota to Africa’s thriving event industry. Mrs. Hassan is a dynamic entrepreneur, seasoned event professional, and dedicated leader with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. She is the CEO of House of Pinkett, Thea Villa Hotel, Thea Villa Event Hub Takoradi, and Thea Eventistics, overseeing multiple thriving businesses in hospitality, event management, and logistics.
Beyond her business ventures, Mrs. Hassan is a miner and a passionate advocate for the event industry. As the President and founder of the Event Vendors Association of Ghana, she works tirelessly to support, professionalise, and elevate event vendors across Ghana and West Africa.
Her impact extends to organising major industry conferences, including the Ghana Events Industry Conference and Awards for the past six years, and the African Global Events Industry Summit in South Africa, which brought together over 400 attendees, featuring both local and international speakers. These events have become pivotal platforms for knowledge-sharing and industry growth.
Balancing her thriving career, Kate is also a devoted wife and mother of six, seamlessly managing her family life while building a legacy in business. She believes in the transformative power of events, creating lasting memories, fostering connections, and opening new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities. She is also the co-owner of the Grace Garden Hotel in Takoradi.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has urged Ghanaians to disregard the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) claims of boycotting the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Gbande accused the NPP of being dishonest, alleging that party operatives are actively campaigning at night in the constituency, despite public pronouncements of a boycott.
“The NPP is part of the election but is lying to Ghanaians about boycotting. They are disingenuous and go to campaign at night,” he asserted.
Mr Gbande challenged the NPP to officially communicate its decision to withdraw from the election to the Electoral Commission (EC).
“The NPP should be bold enough to write to the Electoral Commission and officially inform them that they are withdrawing so their candidate’s name can be taken off the ballot paper,” he stated.
He suggested the boycott claims stem from internal party assessments that project an imminent defeat in what was once an NPP stronghold.
“After an assessment, they have realised their candidate will lose and wish to change her but can’t. They know she did nothing as an ambassador, and even as a former MP, she has no track record. That’s why she lost the primaries in 2020.”
“Ablekuma North was one of the constituencies the NDC won, but the NPP wanted to use police intimidation to snatch it from us. That won’t work,” Mr Gbande declared.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled a rerun in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency after disruptions during the December 2024 parliamentary elections prevented full collation of results.
The NPP has described the rerun as illegal and in contempt of court and declared it would not take part.
However, an injunction application filed at the Accra High Court to halt the EC’s decision was dismissed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The party is yet to publicly rescind its boycott stance.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Alabi, has reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring peace and security during the upcoming parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North.
His assurance comes amid public concerns over potential security lapses following disruptions to the collation process during the 2024 general elections in the constituency.
Speaking exclusively on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, July 9, Mr. Alabi expressed confidence in the preparedness of both the Electoral Commission (EC) and security agencies to conduct a smooth and incident-free rerun at the 19 affected polling stations.
He emphasised that, based on his observations, the security situation appears far more organised than before:
“There were security lapses in the last elections. The EC itself also failed to live up to its bidding in the last elections, but I believe they have done its homework. The security has also done their homework very well, so this time around, the tags we are going to use will have our names on them, which is one of the means too.
I am very much convinced that with the few I have seen on the ground, I don’t think we are going to have the lapses we experienced the last time. If we are able to be on the ground ourselves, we are part of the security, nothing untoward is going to happen, and it is only 19 polling stations. I don’t foresee any challenge. If there is one, the security will take care of them.”
Alabi also assured that the NDC will approach the rerun with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to democratic principles.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court dismissed an injunction application filed by the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, which sought to prevent the Electoral Commission from conducting the rerun in the 19 polling stations.
Ablekuma North rerun: NPP’s injunction dismissed
BBNaija star, Tacha, has reacted after a lady warned her about the danger of getting addicted to plastic surgery.
The Instagram user, Ogechukwu Darlington had commented on the reality star’s latest Instagram post, writing: “Body reconstruction is addictive. Pls know when to tone it down”
Tacha responded by telling her to go and make money as she is talking out of lack.
“Make money my love!! Na sapa dey talk,” she wrote.
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has accused the government of displaying double standards on LGBTQ+ issues following Ghana’s decision to abstain from a recent United Nations Human Rights Council vote.
Mr Jinapor, who is also the MP for Damongo, said the government’s decision to abstain from voting on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI) amounted to tacit support for an agenda that contradicts Ghana’s cultural values.
In a statement, he described the abstention as “a clear manifestation of double standards on LGBTQ issues and the promotion of Ghanaian family values.”
He challenged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ defence that the vote was solely about protecting individuals from violence, calling the explanation misleading.
“The question was not whether to protect LGBTQI persons from violence and discrimination. It was about extending the mandate of the IE SOGI, which pushes for decriminalisation of LGBTQ practices and undermines national laws that reflect our cultural identity,” Mr Jinapor said.
The Damongo MP emphasised that Ghana’s Criminal Code already prohibits certain LGBTQ practices, and argued that the country’s foreign policy must not contradict its domestic legal framework.
He cited the IE SOGI’s April 2025 report, which called on states to repeal laws that criminalise LGBTQ practices, as clear evidence of the broader agenda Ghana failed to oppose.
He also pointed out that several African countries voted against the resolution, thereby making their rejection of the controversial mandate explicit.
“It cannot be that countries voting against the IE SOGI’s mandate condone violence against LGBTQ persons. Rather, they oppose any attempt to erode their cultural and family values,” Mr Jinapor argued.
He criticised the government’s continued reluctance to take a firm stance on LGBTQ issues, citing its failure to present the Anti-Gay Bill before Parliament as further evidence of inconsistency.
“It is disappointing that on two separate occasions, this government has failed to join other like-minded countries to defend our norms and values internationally,” he said.
While condemning violence and discrimination against any individual, Mr Jinapor reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to upholding Ghana’s cultural identity and urged the public to do the same.
“We remain committed to the integrity of our nation and urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in defending our family values both at home and abroad,” he stated.
The Central Regional Police Command has apprehended seven individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities at Abora in the Upper Denkyira West district.
The suspects, arrested during an intelligence-led operation, have been identified as:
1. Latif Abdul Gyimah, 55
2. Mohammed Bello, 44
3. George Azu, 52
4. Kingsley Owusu, 23
5. Sampson Afadzi, 45
6. Simon Atakpo, 21
7. Andrews Otto, 26
The police seized the following exhibits: – 1 single-barrel shotgun – 2 pump-action shotguns (Mossberg 500A12GA) with serial numbers T069032 and T075882 – 26 live cartridges – 2 excavators – 2 Hyundai excavator monitors – 3 unregistered motorbikes – 1 unregistered Haojin tricycle – 1 newly installed water pump machine .
The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations. Police has announced that efforts are ongoing to retrieve additional excavators from the site. The exhibits are being held in secure police custody.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to revive Ghana’s national airline, several decades after the country’s flag carrier, Ghana Airways, ceased operations.
During a courtesy visit from Portugal’s Ambassador, Maria Da Conceicao de Sousa Pilar, to present her Letters of Credence, President Mahama encouraged potential partnerships with Portuguese airlines.
“We appreciate the fact that the Portuguese national airline flies directly to Accra, and so, that improves people-to-people relationships… Ghana itself is trying to re-establish our national airline and at the appropriate time we would be looking for partners. Maybe if the Portuguese national airline is interested, we could do a partnership,” he said.
This move is part of broader efforts to re-establish Ghana’s aviation industry, with plans to reopen the expression of interest process to invite competent and established partners.
President Mahama also said Ghana was interested in expanding its economic relationship with the southern European country.
Watch the video below:
Source: YEN.com.gh
Noble Nketsiah and wife
Renowned gospel musician, Noble Nketsiah, has strongly denied rumours circulating on social media about his sexuality.
Speaking on OKAY FM on July 8, 2025, Nketsiah described the rumours as completely unfounded.
“I have heard a lot of allegations about me. Recently I heard people saying that I am gay. It even came on social media. It even got to a point where they said I was a womaniser,” he said.
“I was even asking myself which of the rumours was even true because I was surprised,” he said.
The gospel musician revealed that such rumours are not new and that he once had a troubling encounter with someone who seemed determined to tarnish his image.
“I have been to a place where someone said to my face that I am behaving like I don’t have issues, and if trouble comes my way, they will spread it and make fun of it,” he recounted.
Despite the negativity, Nketsiah said he remains unbothered, attributing the false claims to jealousy and resentment from others.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed his unwavering stance on LGBTQ+ matters following Ghana’s recent abstention from a vote on draft resolution L.24.
In a post shared on Facebook, Mr Nartey stated, “My position on the matter of LGBTQ+ remains steadfast. I have read the full statement Ghana made on the floor in relation to our position on draft resolution L.24. I align fully with the letter and spirit of the text.”
He expressed deep concern over the decision to abstain in the subsequent vote, saying, “I cannot, however, in good conscience understand the decision to abstain in the subsequent vote. That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience. We must at all times make our position clear and unambiguous.”
READ ALSO: Abstention is complicity – Minority caucus blasts gov’t over LGBTQ vote
The minister further revealed that, together with his colleagues in Parliament, he has resubmitted the same bill that was passed last year but was refused assent by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Like I indicated earlier, together with my colleagues in Parliament, we have resubmitted the same bill that was passed last year by Parliament, which Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to sign. I urge Parliament to expedite the approval process so we present the bill to President John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Mr Nartey stressed, “The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any considerations. Let truth and our conscience, and principles be our guiding light”.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tom Norring, the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ghana, has raised serious concerns about the growing impact of illegal small-scale mining—commonly known as galamsey—on Ghana’s environment and economy.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Ambassador Norring described galamsey as a grave challenge that poses significant environmental, health, and economic threats to Ghana’s future, despite ongoing government efforts to regulate the sector.
According to him, the issue is multifaceted and requires more than just technology to fix.
“The conversation about mining and water conservation is ongoing, but there are activities directly in that area. We do have companies that can deliver technologies, but it’s not the solution to the whole problem; it is humongous, and in 10 years, I do not want to think about the consequences.
“I hope that some of the steps that are being taken will be helpful. It is possible, slightly different methods for small-scale mining to ensure that you do not have the pollution you are seeing today,” he warned.
Ambassador Norring stressed that while alternative methods for small-scale mining do exist, the high cost of legal operations remains a major barrier.
“The problem is that whether you are a small-scale miner, legal or illegal, the difference in cost is huge. I think that Ghana needs to find a way to deal with this,” he remarked.
He also emphasised the broader implications of illegal mining, not just for the environment but also for law enforcement and livelihoods.
“They have to find a way to deal with the illegal mining because it is not just a problem in terms of the environment—it is also about legality and how many people are making a living off illegal mining,” he added.
Successive governments have attempted to tackle the galamsey menace, which continues to devastate forest reserves and pollute vital water bodies. Despite various efforts and interventions by previous administrations, progress has been limited.
In response, the current government has introduced a new initiative known as the Blue Water Guards, aimed at supporting enforcement efforts by acting as whistleblowers for the government and security agencies.
Nzema East: Blue Water Guards, police foil galamsey operations around Draw river forest reserve
In a powerful demonstration of unity between traditional authority and government, the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has pledged to spearhead a fundraising initiative within the mining sector to support Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, in revitalising two key sports infrastructures in the Ashanti Region.
The pledge came during a high-level visit to the Manhyia Palace, following the Minister’s inspection of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and the long-stalled Nyinahin Youth Resource Centre.
Hon. Adams, accompanied by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ministry Chief Director Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah, and Senior Technical Adviser Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, briefed Otumfuo on the urgent interventions needed to prepare Baba Yara for upcoming CAF competitions and revive the 5,000-seat Nyinahin complex, abandoned since November 2024.
Though the Baba Yara Stadium saw a facelift in 2022, it now requires fresh pitch re-grassing, critical floodlight fixes, and upgrades to spectator stands to meet continental standards.
The Nyinahin project, envisioned as a multi-sport hub, stands idle, a symbol of unrealised promise.
Lauding the Minister’s proactive leadership, Otumfuo assured, “I will personally engage major mining firms to raise the necessary funds. These projects must be completed for the pride of Ashanti and Ghana.” He urged the Ministry to provide comprehensive cost breakdowns promptly to facilitate the swift mobilisation of resources.
Hon. Adams expressed deep gratitude for the King’s support and reaffirmed his Ministry’s dedication to transparency and rapid progress through a joint task force.
The partnership, he said, would reinforce Ghana’s ambition to develop world-class sports facilities and nurture community pride.
The encounter marks a bold stride toward restoring iconic venues and reigniting Ghana’s capacity to host top-tier sporting events.
The USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), in collaboration with U.S. Soy, has successfully concluded its biennial National Training Program and Chicken Cooking Competition.
The three-day program, held from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Accra, aimed to educate and empower the next generation of culinary professionals in Ghana on the versatility and quality of American poultry and egg products.
The program kicked off with a two-day hands-on training workshop at the Labadi Beach Hotel, engaging ninety students from nine technical universities across Ghana: Accra Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Ho Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Kumasi Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University.
The students learned about various types of American poultry products, their proper usage, and innovative recipes under the expert guidance of renowned New York-based Chef David Bonom and Ghana’s own Chef Ines. The training also included an in-depth session on processed U.S. egg products, exploring its different forms and culinary applications, including, with an opportunity to work with egg powder, which is an alternative product to fresh eggs and offers an opportunity for the hotel and catering sector. A practical session on poultry deboning U.S. turkey and chicken providing valuable hands-on experience. A highlight of the workshop was the special appearance by Chef Akwetey, who is the first Ghanaian to be Head Chef at a luxury 5-star establishment in Ghana and recognized as ‘Chef of the Year’ at the maiden Ghana Executive Awards.
As part of USAPEEC’s social responsibility efforts, some poultry products were donated to the Osu Children’s Home in Accra on the second day of the program.
Day three culminated in a thrilling cooking competition, where two students from each participating university showcased their culinary prowess. With chicken as the star ingredient, contestants were challenged to create a starter and a main course, incorporating compulsory items from a mystery box that included U.S. chicken leg quarters, white wine, beetroot, mango, parmesan cheese, and green beans. For three intense hours, the young chefs battled it out in the kitchen, presenting original, creative, and often unexpected recipes that impressed the judges.
While the competition was ongoing, the remaining students embarked on an educational excursion to Newrest Ghana, the nation’s inaugural in-flight kitchen. The purpose of this visit was to provide students with first-hand insight into the operational intricacies of an out-of-home food service. This experience offered a unique opportunity for students to observe the complex processes involved in large-scale food preparation and delivery within a specialised culinary environment.
The evening concluded with an awards dinner at the Labadi Beach Hotel, celebrating the achievements of all participants and crowning the winning university in the cooking competition. Ho Technical University, represented by the talented Ms. Salifu Anyogbire Sherifatu and Mr. Addoh King Jones, emerged as the champions. Their winning dish, an original and Indian-inspired White Wine Chicken Terrine with Mango Chutney, topped with stir-fried vegetables and a tomato cream sauce, captivated the judges. The winning duo were awarded personal trophies, sponsored cash prizes and a coveted unpaid three-month sponsored internship at the Labadi Beach Hotel, while their school received a national competition trophy. Accra Technical University secured the first runner-up position, while Tamale Technical University was awarded the second runner-up. All participating students were presented with certificates of participation and returned to their institutions with sponsored kitchen equipment to enhance practical learning. Accompanying lecturers were also recognised. Dr. Delali Polycarp, Head of Department at Bolgatanga Technical University, received a special certificate for his outstanding collaboration and support throughout the program.
USAPEEC’s Anglophone and Lusophone Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ms. Rose Queiroz, in her speech expressed her delight with the program, stating, “I was incredibly impressed with the creativity and skills the students displayed. This program truly highlights the potential of these future culinary leaders.” Chef David Bonom encouraged the aspiring chefs to continue honing their skills and to always experiment with recipes. Chef Akwetey offered words of inspiration, urging students to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work, emphasising that they have the potential even to surpass his achievements.
Mustapha Foyo Gbande, Deputy General Secretary (Operations) of the National Democratic Congress
Deputy General Secretary (Operations) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Foyo Gbande, has appealed to the party’s grassroots to remain patient with the leadership as they work to address their concerns.
Speaking on Adom FM’s “Dwaso Nsem” on July 10, 2025, Gbande revealed that the volume of calls he receives daily is overwhelming, noting that he is unable to respond to everyone.
For instance, he said on one occasion when he did not pick someone’s calls, the person left him messages that he does not pick up calls, to which he responded, “Have you been told that I am a communication centre?”
He went on to explain that; “I can’t answer every call… Sometimes, I pick up calls and the caller remains mute. The pressure on party executives is intense and sometimes unmanageable.”
He admitted that while the demands of the grassroots are valid, party officials are working under difficult conditions and require the support and understanding of members at all levels.
Despite the challenges, Gbande expressed appreciation for the loyalty and efforts of the party’s base.
He assured the supporters that their grievances are not being ignored and will be addressed in due time.
“We appreciate all the efforts of our grassroots members. At the right time, every grievance will be met,” he said.
MRA/AME
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Kwakye Ofosu (L) has refuted assertions that Ablakwa is responsible for the visa restrictions
The government has confirmed the reduction in both the validity period and the number of entries permitted for most non-immigrant visa types of the United States (US), including business and tourism visas (B-class), which will now be issued as single-entry visas valid for just 3 months, compared to the previous 5 years multiple-entry.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM on July 9, 2025, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, refuted assertions that the reduction had something to do with the actions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He explained that the move by the US government is in relation to a previous warning to place Ghana and 35 other African countries on a visa ban list by the government.
He said that the new measures will only be in place for two months and were put in place because most Ghanaians, especially students, overstayed their visas, indicating that once the demands the US government has made are settled, they will be reversed.
“The reason for this is that our nationals travel to America and do not return upon the expiration of their visas, especially students.
“The American government has the policy that not less than 15% of foreign nationals from a particular country who come to their country for studies must return to their home countries. But as we speak, the American government says about 21% of students who travelled to the US for studies have overstayed their visas,” he said in the Twi dialect.
He added, “So, that is the reason we have been added to this list. And the American government has said it is for two months as they assess the steps we are taking to reduce this.”
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu @FelixKwakyeOfo1 Minister in charge of Government Communication killing JANDAM on why America 🇺🇸 revises non immigrant B1/B2 visa validity for Ghanaians from 5 years, multiple entry to 3 months, single entry.#JandamEgu pic.twitter.com/gWFHPr2kLT
— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) July 9, 2025
Under the updated guidelines from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ghanaian nationals applying for business and tourism visas (B-class) will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
This marks a departure from previous policies that allowed multiple entries over a period ranging from one to five years.
The changes, published in the US Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents Guide for Ghana, also affect students.
According to the guide, F-1 visa holders, typically full-time academic students, will now receive single-entry visas valid for only three months.
However, diplomats and government officials holding A-class visas will continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity periods between 24 and 60 months, thereby maintaining their current privileges.
The policy also clarifies entry rules for the fiancé(e) and family visa categories. The K-1 visa, for foreign fiancé(e)s of US citizens, and the K-2 visa, for their unmarried children under 21, will remain single-entry visas valid for six months.
In contrast, the K-3 and K-4 visas, issued to foreign spouses of US citizens and their unmarried children, respectively, will continue to allow multiple entries for up to 24 months.
BAI/AE
You can also watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
Andy Dosty is a Ghanaian media personality
Ghanaian media personality Andy Dosty has shared a bizarre incident in which a woman claimed he had impregnated her, only to discover it was a case of impersonation.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime on July 9, 2025, Andy revealed that several fake social media accounts using his name and image have been created to defraud people.
“There’s a certain account bearing my name, and they’re using it to collect money from people. I’ve had to defend myself and report these accounts multiple times,” he said.
Andy recounted an incident where a young woman and her mother showed up at his workplace looking for him.
The woman claimed to have been impregnated by someone using his name and photos on social media, but she later confirmed that he wasn’t the person involved.
“One day, I came to work and was told someone was waiting for me at the reception. I went out and greeted them,” he recalled.
He continued, “The mother turned to her daughter and asked if I was the one. The lady said no. I asked what the issue was, and the mother said they were looking for Andy Dosty because he had impregnated her daughter.”
The encounter highlights the growing problem of impersonation and fraud on social media, something Andy Dosty says he has had to deal with on several occasions.
FG/EB
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
The suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Torkornoo, sued the government of Ghana at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over her suspension and the ongoing hearing on three petitions for her removal on July 4, 2025.
Her actions at the ECOWAS Court follow the unanimous dismissal of a similar suit she filed at the country’s apex court, the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo, like she did at the Supreme Court, has asked the Community Court to revoke her suspension, stop the ongoing hearing of the three petitions that have been filed for her removal, among other reliefs.
The question now is: will the ECOWAS Court grant her the reliefs that were thrown out by the highest court in Ghana? Does the ECOWAS Court have the power to override a decision made by the Supreme Court of Ghana?
The ECOWAS Court and its mandate:
The ECOWAS Court is an organ of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional integration community made up of Ghana and 14 other West African states.
Essentially, the court acts as an adjudicative body for countries in the community, and it handles four main types of disputes – those relating to the interpretation, application, or legality of ECOWAS regulations; those that arise between ECOWAS and its employees; those relating to liability for or against ECOWAS; and those that involve a violation of human rights committed by a member state.
In other words, the mandate of the court is to ensure the observance of law and of the principles of equity in the interpretation and application of the provisions of the community’s treaty and all other subsidiary legal instruments adopted by its member states.
The following are listed as the “Contentious Jurisdiction” of the court on its website:
– The Court examines cases of failure by Member States to honour their obligations under the Community law;
– The Court has competence to adjudicate on any dispute relating to the interpretation and application of acts of the Community;
– The Court adjudicates in disputes between Institutions of the Community and their officials;
– The Court has power to handle cases dealing with liability for or against the Community;
– The Court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur in any Member State;
– The Court adjudges and makes declarations on the legality of Regulations, Directives, Decisions, and other subsidiary legal instruments adopted by ECOWAS.
What CJ Torkornoo is asking from the Court:
Details of the two applications the suspended Chief Justice filed at the ECOWAS Court show that she is seeking the court’s jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur in member states of the community.
Justice Torkornoo contends that the determination of a prima facie case in the three petitions for her, the decision by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend her, and the actions of the 5-member committee set by the president, which is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, all violate her human rights.
She wants the court to declare her suspension, the institution of the 5-member committee, as well as the works of the committee, a violation of her human rights.
Recent judgment delivered by the ECOWAS Court against Ghana:
The ECOWAS Court has not shied away from ruling on cases against the government of Ghana.
The court, just this May 2025, ruled against the government of Ghana in a landmark case involving the prolonged detention of 30 members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), awarding a total of $75,000 in damages for violations of their fundamental human rights.
It found that the applicants were held without trial or due legal process for extended periods, some for over a year, following their arrest on May 8, 2019, under Ghana’s 1976 Prohibited Organisations Decree.
Each applicant is to receive $2,500 in the cedi equivalent as compensation for the breach of their rights from the government of Ghana.
The Community Court has also ruled in some cases in favour of the government, with the most recent one being on the Agyapa Royalties deal during the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo regime.
In July 2023, the court dismissed the suit against the Agyapa Royalties deal filed by the Ghana Integrity Initiative and Transparency International Ghana against the then-government.
Transparency International, Ghana Integrity Initiative and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition asked the court to order the Government of Ghana to stop the sale of the country’s gold royalties through the Agyapa deal.
The court dismissed all the reliefs of the plaintiff, Transparency International, and its subsidiary, the Ghana Integrity Initiative, during a virtual hearing held on July 11, 2023, including the relief that sought the declaration that the Agyapa Royalties deal violated the human rights of the people of Ghana.
Could this court, with its history, provide the needed respite in the law that the suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Torkornoo, is seeking?
BAI/AE
You can also watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) raised approximately GH¢155 million in its latest auction of BoG bills held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at an interest rate of 23%.
This marks a significant drop from previous auctions and is being closely watched by market analysts as a potential signal of an upcoming monetary policy shift.
Just two days earlier, on July 7, 2025, the central bank secured GH¢825 million at a higher rate of 26.5%, while a week prior, on July 2, 2025, it raised GH¢250 million at 27.9%.
The steady decline in rates amounting to a 490 basis point drop in just seven days indicates a notable easing in short-term borrowing costs.
Some analysts attribute the downward trend in BoG bill rates as a precursor to a possible reduction in the central bank’s benchmark policy rate.
BoG bills are often viewed as a proxy for monetary policy direction and their declining yields suggest a more accommodative stance may be on the horizon.
The prospect of a policy rate cut is further supported by Ghana’s improving inflation outlook.
Headline inflation fell to 13.7% in July 2025, down from 18.4% in the same month last year a 470 basis point decline.
The sustained disinflationary trend has strengthened the case for monetary easing, as the central bank may now have room to shift its focus from price stability toward supporting economic growth.
SP/MA
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
Kudus is expected to finalize a move to Spurs in the coming days
Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has established that he expected Mohammed Kudus to make a “bigger” leap to Chelsea instead of sealing a switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Kudus is on the verge of completing a £55 million move to the North London side as he calls time on his impressive spell at West Ham United.
Among the interested clubs in the Black Stars star’s signature was also Tottenham’s London rivals Chelsea, but talks between the player’s camp and the Blues never progressed.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Kingston acknowledged the Tottenham deal as a good step but insisted it could have been even bigger for the 24-year-old.
“Mohammed Kudus moving from West Ham to Tottenham is one step in his career. But I was expecting him to move to a bigger club like Chelsea,” Kingston said.
If finalised, Kudus will become Ghana’s most expensive signing of all time, surpassing the €55 million Arsenal paid for Thomas Partey when they signed him from Atlético Madrid in 2020.
Tottenham have already reached an agreement with West Ham for the transfer, with Standard Sport reporting that a £55 million fee has been settled and a medical has been booked for Thursday, July 9, 2025.
Kudus, who is expected to sign a six-year deal, will become a statement signing for Thomas Frank as he prepares for his first season in the Tottenham dugout.
Spurs will return to UEFA’s top club competition next season after securing qualification by beating Manchester United in May’s Europa League final.
FKA/EB
Watch as Ghanaians speak out on Thomas Partey’s rape charge, suggest fresh start in Saudi Arabia
Gugu used to collect her antiretrovirals from a USAID-funded clinic in downtown Johannesburg.
But when President Trump’s cuts to aid funding were announced earlier this year, she and thousands of other HIV-positive patients across South Africa suddenly faced an uncertain future.
Gugu was lucky, the clinic where she got the medication that helps suppress her symptoms contacted her before it closed down.
“I was one of the people who was able to get their medication in bulk. I usually collect a three-month prescription. But before my clinic closed, they gave me nine months’ worth of medication.”
She will run out of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in September, and then plans on going to her local public hospital for more.
A former sex worker, the 54-year-old found out she was HIV-positive after she’d quit the industry.
Ten years ago she got a chesty cough, and initially thought it was tuberculosis. She went to a doctor who told her she had a chest infection and treated her for it.
But when the treatment failed, she went to a clinic to get an HIV test.
“By then I already assumed that I was HIV-positive, and I told the nurse this.”
She was right, and she has been on ARVs ever since. We’re not using her real name at her request.
She currently works as a project coordinator for an NGO.
“We help pregnant sex workers get their ARVs, to ensure their children are born HIV-negative. We also do home visits to make sure that the mothers take their medication on time, and to look after their babies when they go for their monthly check-ups.”
Many HIV-positive sex workers in South Africa relied on private clinics funded by the US government’s now-defunct aid agency, USAID, to get their prescriptions and treatments.
But most of the facilities closed after US President Donald Trump cut most foreign aid earlier this year.
In a report due to be released on Thursday, the UN body in charge of fighting HIV/Aids does not single out the US, but says that drastic cuts from a number of donors have sent shockwaves around the world, and the “phenomenal progress” in tackling the illness risks being reversed.
“New HIV infections have been reduced by 40% since 2010, and 4.4 million children have been protected from acquiring HIV since 2000. More than 26 million lives have been saved,” UNAIDS says, warning that if the world does not act, there could be an extra six million new HIV infections and four million Aids-related deaths by 2029.
Gugu believes that many sex workers could be discouraged from going to public hospitals for their HRVs..
“The problem with going to public hospitals is the time factor. In order to get serviced at these facilities, you have to arrive at 4 or 5am, and they may spend the whole day waiting for their medication. For sex workers, time is money,” Gugu says.
She adds that she recently went to her local clinic with some friends to register her details and build a relationship with staff.
“The nurse who attended to us was very rude. She told us there was nothing special about sex workers.”
She thinks this could lead to many sex workers defaulting on their medication, “especially because their hospital files contain a lot of personal information, and the concern is that sometimes the nurses at these local clinics aren’t always the most sensitive in dealing with this kind of information.”
According to the UN, the US cuts to HIV funding could reverse some of the gains made by what has been called one of the most successful public health interventions in history.
Scientists in the UK-based Lancet medical journal last month estimated that USAID funding directly reduced Aids deaths by 65%, or 25.5 million, over the past two decades.
Then-US President George W Bush launched an ambitious programme to combat HIV/Aids in 2003, saying it would serve the “strategic and moral interests” of the US.
Known as the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), it led to the investment of more than $100bn (£74bn) in the global HIV/Aids response – the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in the world.
South Africa has about 7.7 million people living with HIV, the highest number in the world, according to UNAIDS.
About 5.9 million of them receive antiretroviral treatment, resulting in a 66% decrease in Aids-related deaths since 2010, the UN agency adds.
South Africa’s government says Pepfar funding contributed about 17% to its HIV/Aids programme. The money was used for various projects, including running mobile clinics to make it easier for patients to get treatment.
The Trump administration’s cuts have raised concern that infection rates could spike again.
“I think we’re going to start seeing an increase in the number of HIV infections, the number of TB cases, the number of other infectious diseases,” Prof Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Johannesburg’s Wits University, tells the BBC.
“And we’re going to start seeing a reversal of what was essentially a real success story. We were getting on top of some of these things.”
Gugu points out that treatment is a matter of life and death, especially for vulnerable populations like sex workers.
“People don’t want to default on their ARVs. They’re scared that they’re going to die if they don’t get access to them.
The cuts have also affected research aimed at finding an HIV vaccine and a cure for Aids.
“There’s the long-term impact, which is that we’re not going to be getting new vaccines for HIV,” Prof Morris adds.
“We’re not going to be keeping on top of viruses that are circulating. Even with new viruses that might appear, we’re not going to have the surveillance infrastructure that we once had.”
South Africa has been one of the global leaders in HIV research. Many of the medications that help prevent the virus, and which have benefitted people around the world, were trialled in South Africa.
This includes Prep (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication which stops HIV-negative people from catching the virus.
Another breakthrough preventive drug released this year, Lenacapavir, an injection taken twice a year and that offers total protection from HIV, was also tried in South Africa.
In a lab at Wits University’s Health Sciences campus, a small group of scientists are still working on a vaccine for HIV.
They are part of the Brilliant Consortium, a group of labs working across eight African countries to develop a vaccine for the virus.
“We were developing a vaccine test to see how well that works, and then we would trial it on humans,” Abdullah Ely, an Associate Professor at Wits University, tells the BBC in his lab.
“The plan was to run the trials in Africa based on research carried out by Africans because we want that research to actually benefit our community as well as all mankind.”
But the US funding cuts threw their work into doubt.
“When the stop order came, it meant we had to stop everything. Only some of us have been able to get additional funding so we could continue our work. It’s set us back months, probably could even be a year,” Prof Ely says.
The lab lacks funding to carry out clinical trials scheduled for later this year.
“That is a very big loss to South Africa and the continent. It means that any potential research that comes out of Africa will have to be tested in Europe, or the US,” Prof Ely says.
In June, universities asked the government for a bailout of 4.6bn South African rand ($260m; £190m) over the next three years to cover some of the funding lost from the US.
“We are pleading for support because South Africa is leading in HIV research, but it’s not leading for itself. This has ramifications on the practice and policies of the entire globe,” says Dr Phethiwe Matutu, head of Universities South Africa.
South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Wednesday that some alternative funding for research had been secured.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust have agreed to donate 1m rand each with immediate effect, while the government would make available 400m rand over the next three years, he said.
This would bring the total to 600m rand, way below the 4.6bn rand requested by researchers.
As for Gugu, she had hoped that by the time she was elderly, a cure for HIV/Aids would have been found, but she is less optimistic now.
“I look after a nine-year-old. I want to live as long as I can to keep taking care of him,” she tells the BBC.
“This isn’t just a problem for right now, we have to think about how it’s going to affect the next generation of women and young people.”
Once Upon a Song…
In a quiet corner of Ghana, where most 12-year-olds are still trying to memorize their times tables or figure out which TikTok dance is trending, Emily Adade Boateng is doing something profoundly different—she’s writing history in melody. While other kids sing along to their favorite gospel tunes, Emily is composing them. And not just any tunes—songs with depth, clarity, spiritual insight, and a voice so seasoned, you’d swear it belonged to someone three times her age.
But this is no fairytale. Emily’s story is very real. And like the best gospel songs, it begins in humility, rises in harmony, and resolves in glory.
The Debut That Changed Everything
At just 11 years old, Emily released her debut album, King of Glory—and no, it wasn’t a one-song wonder stitched together with nursery rhymes. This was an eight-track spiritual statement, filled with reverent worship and confident proclamations of faith. Titles like “Halleluyah,” “I Love You Lord,” “Mighty Rock,” and “Ride in Victory” (featuring gospel vocalist KDM) didn’t just impress; they inspired.
Listeners couldn’t quite believe that such lyrical conviction came from such a young girl. And when she teamed up with her sibling Ablin Adade on “Thankful Heart,” the result was a beautiful blend of family, faith, and jazz—a rare and joyful combination.
Emily wasn’t just singing to sound good. She was singing to say something. And Ghana listened.
Then Came the Anthem
Just when the spotlight had started to find her, Emily turned it outward—with a message for her country.
In the heat of the 2024 political season, when tension bubbled and opinions clashed, Emily released “Ghana for Peace”—a stirring, soul-calming anthem calling the nation to unity and purpose. The song, featuring gospel legend Selina Boateng and produced by the skilled Jakebeatz, wasn’t designed to go viral. It was designed to heal.
It did exactly that.
Pastors preached it. Broadcasters played it. Families shared it. Even in Parliament corridors, the name Emily Adade Boateng began to ring out—less like a buzzword, more like a blessing.
Aseda & A Star Rising
Then came “Aseda”, a joyful thanksgiving collaboration with none other than Joyce Blessing—one of Ghana’s most celebrated gospel stars. The duet, rich with gratitude and grace, is a glorious torch-passing moment: one generation affirming the next, one anointing confirming another.
And let’s be clear—this wasn’t charity. Emily’s place on the song wasn’t a novelty. It was earned.
Two Singles, One Statement
As if that weren’t enough, Emily kicked off 2025 in high praise with two powerful singles: “Fakye” and “Yen Boafo”—both released in January. Whether it’s pleading for forgiveness or proclaiming Christ as our Helper, Emily’s lyrical range and spiritual sensitivity remain unmatched.
These weren’t just warm-up tracks. They were a prelude to purpose.
Miracle Working God — A Full Gospel Feast
Then came June 21st, when Emily raised the bar once again with her sophomore album, “Miracle Working God”. This 9-track follow-up project proves she’s not just consistent—she’s prolific. With this new release, her total song count within a single year soared to an astonishing 25 songs.
Let that sink in: Twenty-five spirit-filled tracks—penned, performed, and delivered by a 12-year-old.
That’s not a career pace. That’s a calling.
Why Emily’s Music Matters
Emily Adade Boateng isn’t just a gifted child; she’s a gift to gospel music.
The Present, Not Just the Future
It’s tempting to call Emily “the future of gospel music”—but that would be selling her short.
She’s already here. Already transforming stages. Already changing conversations. Already writing songs that grown men cry to and church choirs cling to.
In her sneakers and school uniform, with her notebook full of lyrics and her heart full of worship, Emily Adade Boateng is reminding us all: the Holy Spirit doesn’t wait for a certain age to speak. And when God puts a mic in your hand, you sing.
So here’s your invitation:
Turn up the volume.
Lean in.
Let her voice wrap around your soul.
Because this 12-year-old isn’t just rewriting gospel music—
She’s rewriting hearts.
Leading figures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have issued strong calls against any plans to boycott the impending re-run of 19 polling station elections in Ablekuma North Constituency, insisting that the party must stand united behind its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie.
The calls come amid internal wrangling and concerns over the conduct of the election, with the party’s General Secretary announcing a boycott in protest.