Ghana’s Black Queens secured third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.

The bronze medal match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The clash was a rematch of their earlier group-stage encounter, where defending champions South Africa had defeated Ghana 2-0. However, this time, the Black Queens avenged that loss in a tense contest that ultimately required penalties to settle.

South Africa took the lead just before halftime when Nonhlanhla Mthandi found the net in the 45th minute. Ghana responded in the second half, equalising in the 68th minute through an own goal by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

With no further goals after regulation time, the match proceeded directly to penalties. Ghana converted four of their five spot kicks, with A. Kusi, J. Bonsu, J. Cudjoe, and N. Amoh all scoring. Only C. Boye-Hlorkah missed her attempt for the Black Queens.

On the South African side, L. Motlhalo, B. Mbane, and J. Seoposenwe were successful from the spot, but S. Holweni and H. Magaia failed to convert their efforts, handing Ghana the win.

The result echoes the 2016 WAFCON third-place match in Yaoundé, where Ghana also defeated South Africa 1-0 to claim bronze.

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will open nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

This marks the beginning of a critical phase in the selection process ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, known as Nana B, confirmed during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that nominations would open on the stated date, in fulfillment of constitutional requirements mandating at least six months’ notice ahead of the primaries.

Several prominent party figures have already publicly signaled their intent to contest, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (former Education Minister and MP for Bosomtwe), Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi), Kennedy Agyapong (former MP for Assin Central), and former party General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.

Though yet to formally declare, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 election, is widely considered the frontrunner.

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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.

Theophilus Berchie (R) with the Minister of Transport

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

In a groundbreaking move that highlights a growing commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance, 26-year-old Theophilus Berchie has been appointed as a board member of the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA).

His appointment makes him the youngest individual currently serving on any governing board in Ghana — a bold endorsement of the John Dramani Mahama administration’s dedication to merit-based leadership and youth inclusion.

Theophilus brings a strong academic and leadership portfolio to the role.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is currently pursuing an MPhil in the same field.

Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from KAAF University College.

His leadership journey includes serving as President of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) during his time at KNUST, where he championed youth engagement and student advocacy.

His appointment to the GHA Board comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with complex environmental and climate-related challenges.

With his unique interdisciplinary background in environmental science and law, Theophilus is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the authority’s mission of managing drainage systems, mitigating flood risks, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across the country.

Speaking on his new role, Theophilus expressed pride in the opportunity and emphasised that his appointment represents more than personal achievement.

“This is a reflection of the confidence the Mahama administration has in young people,” he said, adding that it sets a new precedent for recognising youth potential in governance.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Dramani Mahama, has consistently advocated for intergenerational leadership and youth participation in national development.

Theophilus’ appointment reinforces this commitment and signals a bold step toward empowering young professionals to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s future.

As the youngest board member in Ghana, Theophilus Berchie stands as an inspiration to many young Ghanaians, encouraging them to pursue excellence, engage in public service, and take up roles in shaping the nation’s development agenda.

The win marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016

Ghana’s Black Queens clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday evening, July 25, 2025.

The win marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016 when they also defeated South Africa in the third-place playoff.

South Africa grabbed the lead just before halftime after Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan mishandled a ball, allowing Nonhlanhla Mthandi to score in the 45th minute.

Ghana finally found the equaliser in the 68th minute when Alice Kusi connected with a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to level the score at 1-1.

Despite late chances, neither side could find a winner in regulation time, sending the game straight to penalties.

The victory mirrors Ghana’s 2016 WAFCON bronze medal triumph over South Africa in Yaoundé, which they won 1-0.

AM/SEA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) witnessed robust trading activity and significant index growth during its 7014th session on Friday, July 25, 2025.

]Official trading records released by the Exchange reveal a notable uptick in both volume and value, alongside substantial gains in key market indices.

The GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI), the main indicator of market performance, surged by 117.39 points to close at 6,673.11. This represents a positive shift from the previous day’s close of 6,555.72. The GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) also recorded a marginal increase of 0.16 points, settling at 3,412.29. Year-to-date figures show the GSE-CI has gained 0.37% and the GSE-FSI has risen 0.43% since January 1, 2025.

Trading volume soared to 25,963,999 shares, a significant increase compared to the 2,329,191 shares traded the previous Thursday. The total value traded reached GH¢100,909,427.49. Scancom PLC (MTNGH) dominated trading activity, accounting for 25,667,361 shares valued at GH¢83,412,273.20. Its share price increased by GH¢0.11 to close at GH¢3.25. Other actively traded equities included Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) with 30,266 shares (GH¢24,818.12), Societe Generale Ghana PLC (SOGEGH) with 145,431 shares (GH¢286,573.38), and GCB Bank PLC (GCB) with 30,102 shares (GH¢285,065.94).

Market capitalization climbed to GH¢142,183.93 million. While the main market saw vigorous activity, the Ghana Alternative Market (GAX) remained subdued. All listed GAX securities, including Samba Foods Ltd (SAMBA), Meridian Marshalls Holding Company (MMH), Hords Ltd (HORDS), Intravenous Infusions Limited (IIL), and Digicut Production & Advertising Ltd (DIGICUT), recorded zero shares traded for the session. Similarly, the Odd Lot market showed no trading activity across all listed equities and depository shares.

The week saw a steady rise in activity, culminating in Friday’s peak. Monday started with 6,367,856 shares traded (GH¢25,411,603.42), followed by quieter sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trading picked up significantly on Thursday with 2,329,191 shares (GH¢6,831,941.59) before the substantial jump on Friday. The Exchange Traded Fund NewGold (GLD) also saw activity, trading 45,017 units valued at GH¢16,825,103.75, with its price rising GH¢0.35 to GH¢373.75.

This surge in activity and positive index movement reflects investor engagement within the main equities market under the current economic climate of the Mahama administration. The significant contribution of MTN Ghana highlights its continued prominence on the local bourse, while the lack of activity on the GAX underscores the challenges facing smaller listed entities in attracting liquidity.

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has commended the performance of the Black Queens in the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

After a shaky start to the tournament, the Black Queens almost came close to playing in the finals of the tournament, but their hopes were dashed after losing 4-2 on penalty shootouts in their semifinal game against Morocco.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Democracy Cup on Thursday, July 24, Mr Okraku highlighted the strides made in the women’s game, crediting the team’s progress to deliberate efforts by stakeholders to develop the sport at all levels.

“Honourable Speaker of Parliament, just to take us back into time, into history, the first senior national team to ever qualify Ghana for a senior World Cup was the Black Queens. And that happened in 1999.

“They first qualified Ghana for the senior World Cup. They have shown the world that when you plan, when you invest systematically, and when you have your country behind you, you are likely to be successful.

“What the girls showed is a commitment of a team, a team that is united and a team that is prepared to shed their last blood to defend the red, gold, and green colours,” he added.

Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoffs later tonight at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT.

Ghana and France have signed a bilateral agreement formalizing debt relief as part of Ghana’s ongoing external debt restructuring programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts.

The agreement, signed on Friday, July 25, makes France the first member of the Paris Club to formally commit to debt relief for Ghana, following the country’s slide into unsustainable debt levels in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed gratitude to the French government for its support and urged other Paris Club members to take note of Ghana’s recent economic progress and follow France’s example.

Announcing the development during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, Dr. Forson noted that the agreement follows parliamentary approval of the indicative terms outlined by the Official Creditor Committee (OCC).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restructuring both bilateral and commercial debts under the G20 Common Framework, describing the process as critical to Ghana’s long-term financial stability.

The debt relief agreement is a key component of Ghana’s broader economic recovery agenda, which aims to restore debt sustainability, rebuild investor confidence, and lay the foundation for inclusive growth.

Prophet Telvin (L) speaks on Asiedu Nketiah (R) presidency vision

Ghanaian prophet, Telvin Sowah, has declared that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will become the next President of Ghana after President John Dramani Mahama completes his tenure in office.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM on July 24, 2025, Prophet Telvin said that during a spiritual encounter with God via a revelation, he saw that Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as “General Mosquito” would lead the nation after President John Mahama.

He made this statement during a discussion about possible successors in the NDC, once Mahama’s presidency comes to an end.

According to him, while names like Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Member of Parliament for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu, and other top NDC figures have strongly come up in the discussion of NDC’s next leader; Asiedu Nketiah has been divinely chosen to lead the party.

“Once Mahama finishes his term, unless General Asiedu Nketiah is dead, he is the next president. He is called the president of the Kings. When he becomes president, he will be the president who would be on the street; he would be the president who would make Ghana work. This prophecy is by the grace of God.

“He would be the president to work with the chief which would make all the 16 regions function at the same pace and develop at the same time with the help of the chiefs,” Prophet Telvin declared.

He explained that in the vision he received from God, Asiedu Nketiah would be a grassroots president who brings traditional rulers into national decision-making.

Prophet Telvin claimed that under his leadership, all 16 regions of Ghana would see development at the same pace, unlike previous administrations which focused mostly on the Greater Accra Region.

He described Asiedu Nketiah as someone who would be hands-on, engage with citizens directly, and ensure that local chiefs play an active role in governance.

When asked whether Asiedu Nketiah is aware of this prophecy, Prophet Telvin confirmed that he had already informed him about it on multiple occasions.

“Almost everybody in the political space know that me and Asiedu Nketiah are aware of this prophecy. Right now, the time has been mapped, so we will follow the flow. Once the time is set, we will protect the timeline,” he said.

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

AK/VPO

The Gold-for-Oil program recorded massive losses and has been cancelled by the NDC government

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has clarified that the Gold-for-Oil programme introduced by the NPP government was not a barter arrangement.

Rather, he explained, the government paid cash for the oil it purchased.

According to him, despite widespread claims that the initiative involved a direct exchange of gold for oil, the transactions were, in fact, settled with cash.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews after presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on July 24, 2025, Dr Forson stated that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) bought gold, held it in reserve, and used cash, rather than gold, to pay for imported oil.

He drew a distinction between the Gold-for-Oil programme and the Gold for Reserves programme, noting that the two are fundamentally different.

“I hear people comparing these two policies, but they are not the same. One involves using local currency to buy gold and storing it in our reserves. In that case, we buy the gold, sell it, and use the forex to accumulate reserves,” he said.

Dr Forson added that he had confirmed with officials at the Bank of Ghana that there was no barter involved in the oil purchases.

“The BoG kept the gold and then ultimately used cash to buy the oil, oil that would otherwise have been purchased with foreign exchange. I’m not aware of any direct barter arrangement. The Bank of Ghana largely paid suppliers of crude oil and petroleum products in cash. They never paid them with gold, never,” he emphasised.

He further explained that a supplier in Dubai was providing oil to the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, and the Bank of Ghana was responsible for making the payments.

“The bulk oil distributors would give cedis to the BoG, and the BoG would pay the supplier in dollars. That’s it, pure trade, nothing more,” he said.

However, Dr Forson acknowledged that the Bank of Ghana increased its gold reserves during this period.

“Yes, they were holding on to some of the gold, and it’s evident that their gold reserves increased. That is a fact,” he added.

SSD/MA

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By Isaac Arkoh

Cape Coast, July 25, GNA – The Central Region Police Command has intercepted a Toyota Coaster Bus carrying 30 bags of cocoa beans, suspected to be the product of smuggling activities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, Regional Commander, confirmed it to the Ghana News Agency on Friday.

He stated that on Monday, July 21, at about 1620 hours, officers stationed at the Brimso Police check point stopped the vehicle with registration number GR 8247-20 and found 30 bags of cocoa beans believed to have been unlawfully acquired in it.

The driver, Bernard Owusu Agyemang, aged 42, was unable to produce any documentation to the cargo and claimed he was asked by an individual named Martin to deliver them to an unnamed woman in Mankessim, providing only her phone number as a point of contact.

DCOP Adu assured that an investigation would be conducted to identify and apprehend the syndicate responsible for the crime to face the full brunt of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

He urged the public to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of smugglers engaged in similar illicit activities.

He further assured informants and whistle blowers that their identities would be protected.

Meanwhile, the police have handed over the beans to the Cape Coast office of COCOBOD for the requisite quality assessment and further action.

They were received by Mr. Maxwell Ntiamoah, the Principal Quality Control Officer.

GNA

Edited by Alice Tettey /Kenneth Odeng Adade

The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that the signs of Ghana’s economic progress is not only visible, but measurable.

Presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in parliament, the sector minister listed examples of such milestones including the debt-to-GDP ratio being at a five-year low, and inflation having declined to a four-year low.

“The signs of economic progress are visible and measurable. First quarter economic growth is at a 5-year high, our debt-to-GDP ratio is at a 5-year low, inflation has declined to a 4-year low, our credit rating has improved from junk to B-, with stable outlook, a two-notch upgrade and a 4-year high, we have almost reversed all the Cedi depreciation in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024,” he explained.

He further added that this level of appreciation of the cedi has never happened in the country’s history, with prices of petrol and diesel having reduced significantly along with other commodities.

“This level of appreciation of the Ghana Cedi has never happened in the history of our nation. Prices of petrol and diesel at the pump have reduced significantly to the benefit of consumers, and prices of sugar, rice and cooking oil at a 4-year low,” he said.

Mr. Forson also mentioned that, US$700 million has been paid as Eurobond payment, alongside GH¢10 billion for domestic bondholders.

“An amount of US$700 million as Eurobond payment has been paid, an amount of GH¢10 billion to domestic bondholders has been paid, an amount of GH¢2.9 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has been paid, an amount of GH¢9.1 billion to the energy sector for stable power supply has been paid, an amount of GH¢5 billion of arrears has been paid.

“An amount of GH¢2.9 billion to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has been paid, an amount of GH¢1 billion to the free secondary education programme has been paid, an amount of GH¢2.7 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme has been paid, an amount of GH¢1.4 billion for National Health Insurance claims has been paid, an amount of GH¢252 million for vaccines and essential medicines has been paid, an amount of GH¢72.8 million as Capitation Grant has been paid, an amount of GH¢477 million to LEAP beneficiaries has been paid, an amount of GH¢895 million to the School Feeding Programme has been paid, an amount of GH¢122.8 million for BECE registration has been paid, an amount of GH¢300 million to the No Fee Stress Policy has been paid, an amount of GH¢52 million as Teacher Training Allowance has been paid,” he highlighted.

He asserted that a host of other payments, including GH¢369.9 million as Nursing Training Allowance and GH¢25 million as Assembly Members’ allowance, have been made.

“An amount of GH¢21 million for the National Apprenticeship Programme has been paid, an amount of GH¢34.5 million to the Adwumawura Programme has been paid, an amount of about GH¢2 billion as Goods and Services to run an effective and efficient government machinery has been paid, and an amount of about GH¢2 billion to save the National Investment Bank (NIB) has been paid,” he added.

By Vera Owusu Sarpong

Finance minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has said the govt injected GH¢450 million to save NIB

‎The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that there are plans to eventually list the National Investment Bank (NIB) on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

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‎During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, he explained that the government has already taken major steps to strengthen NIB.

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‎These include injecting GH¢450 million in cash, issuing bonds worth GH¢1.5 billion, and handing over GH¢500 million worth of government shares in Nestlé Ghana to the bank.

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‎“We have preserved depositor’s funds valued at GH¢6.4 billion. We have saved over 900 direct jobs at the National Investment Bank. We have preserved an indigenous Ghanaian bank,” he said.

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‎He said these efforts have turned the bank’s finance around, with its Capital Adequacy Ratio improving from a negative 53.13% at the end of 2024 to a positive 23% by May 2025.

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‎This means that in the future, Ghanaians will be able to buy shares in the bank through the stock market.

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‎He said the government has protected GH¢6.4 billion in depositor funds and saved over 900 jobs at the National Investment Bank (NIB), helping to keep the Ghanaian-owned bank running.

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‎He explained that a new plan has been developed to help the bank become profitable and stable in the long term.

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‎This plan is designed to make the bank’s board more independent, strengthen its systems for managing risk, ensure greater transparency, and reduce the chance of the bank being controlled by insiders.

It also aims to support better decision-making at the top.

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‎Additionally, the plan will improve the bank’s management and control systems, introduce a modern way of doing business, update its operations, boost its financial performance, and put in place stronger oversight.

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‎DR/AE

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President John Dramani Mahama yesterday joined citizens from all walks of life at the Asomdwe Park in Accra to mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills.

Under the serene shade of trees at the park, the final resting place of the late leader, the atmosphere was solemn as tributes poured in for the man remembered as a beacon of peace, humility and integrity in the nation’s political history.

Clad in a white and black attire fabric, President Mahama stood before the mourners, who included government officials, traditional leaders, the clergy and family members of the late president, to deliver a heartfelt speech to honour Prof. Mills’ enduring legacy.

Prominent among the gathering was the Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah. 

Values

President Mahama, who served as Prof. Mills’ Vice-President, painted a vivid picture of the leader who governed with quiet strength, moral clarity and an unwavering commitment to peace.

The Asomdwee Park

“He was not loud; he was not flamboyant. He believed leadership should be lived, not performed.

“Thirteen years may have passed, but for many of us, the pain of Prof. Mills’ departure remains fresh. His sudden transition on July 24, 2012, left not only a deep vacuum in our political and national life, but also in the hearts of those who knew him,” he said.

President Mahama also recounted how the late President prioritised the vulnerable, resisted political vendettas, and upheld ethical leadership even in the face of betrayal.

“He responded to provocation not with anger, but with grace. He never allowed power to change who he was,” he added. 

Advice

President Mahama urged citizens to move beyond ceremonial tributes and instead, embody the values Prof. Mills stood for.

“The most authentic tribute we can give is to rekindle the spirit of humility, accountability and ethical leadership he exemplified,” he said.

The President emphasised that Prof. Mills’ belief in justice, fairness and service should guide current leaders, particularly in a time of economic hardship and social division.

“In a world increasingly loud and careless with truth, his life reminds us of the power of stillness, strength in gentleness and quiet conviction,” he said.

Ceremony

The wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwe Park, a tranquil space adorned with flowers and the national colours, was punctuated by solemn hymns and moments of silence.

The park, named after Prof. Mills’ famous mantra, “Asomdwehene” (King of Peace), served as a poignant backdrop for the occasion.

President Mahama described the site as more than a burial ground but a “living reminder of what our politics can and must become,” adding that “it calls on us to lower our voices, elevate our purpose, and remember that true leadership is measured by lives touched, not slogans”.

The President acknowledged the Mills family, assuring them that they shared in their loss, and assured them of renovating the JEA Mills Memorial Library in Cape Coast.

“Your grief is ours. We will continue to walk with you in keeping his memory alive,” he said. 

To the nation, the President said: “Let us recommit to the Ghana Professor Mills believed in, a Ghana united in diversity, strong in values, and anchored in peace.”