NPP Executive Alhaji Baba Kadiago Arrested Over Comments on Tamale Airport Renaming
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Alhaji Baba Kadiago, a staunch member and executive of the opposition New Patriotic Party in the Northern Region, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service for allegedly undermining the authority of the King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II. His arrest is in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding the renaming of the Tamale International Airport.
Commenting on Ya-Na’s call for renaming of the Tamale International Airport, Alhaji Baba Kadiago wrote “He has completely disgraced himself by taking such a divisive stance, despite falsely claiming that he supports unity. It turns out he is a liar. He has brought shame upon himself. JM is no different. If the man does not want unity, he should be advised accordingly. The Savelugu Naa is acting childishly—how would he have even gotten there otherwise? He should be very careful. If he wants to be respected, he must do the right thing.”
This brings the number of individuals taken into custody over the matter to two, highlighting the growing tension surrounding the issue. Authorities have urged the public to respect Ya-Na’s decision and uphold the dignity of Dagbon’s traditional leadership.
The renaming of the Tamale International Airport became a contentious issue after then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo proposed renaming it after the late Tolon Naa Yakubu Tali. However, the Ya-Na strongly opposed the move, suggesting instead that the airport be named after Naa Gbewah, the founder of the Mole-Dagbon kingdom, to reflect the historical heritage of the region.
The arrest of Alhaji Baba Kadiago underscores the sensitivity of the issue, with law enforcement closely monitoring developments to maintain peace and order. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated the need for all parties to respect traditional authorities and avoid actions that could threaten the stability of Dagbon.
Mohammed Huzeinu being taken off the pitch during the match
An Accra District Court has sentenced a 21-year-old Mohammed Huzeinu to 100 days in prison for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.
Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game and could result in a fine for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), as such incidents are considered serious security breaches.
The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and ensure order during matches. The GFA has repeatedly cautioned against pitch invasions, stressing the importance of discipline and adherence to match-day protocols to avoid fines and protect Ghana’s football reputation.
At least 24 people have been killed as multiple wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s south-east region.
Most of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, say authorities, adding that some 26 people are injured – with 12 in critical condition – as the deadly wildfires have forced more than 23,000 people to flee their homes.
The “unprecedented” crisis remains critical and is “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history”, said acting president Han Duck-soo.
The fires gutted the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong city, where many cultural relics were removed and transported to safer ground.
The fires started in Sancheong county on Friday afternoon and later spread to Uiseong county, authorities said.
Fuelled by strong and dry winds, the fires are advancing to the neighbouring counties of Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok, Yonhap news agency reported.
The Uiseong blaze is spreading at an “unimaginable” scale and speed, Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, told Reuters.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in the mountains of Uiseong county just after midday on Wednesday, according to authorities, who are investigating the cause.
Thousands of firefighters and about 5,000 military personnel have been deployed to contain multiple blazes, as well as helicopters from the US military stationed in Korea.
‘It was like the apocalypse’
On Tuesday, the national fire agency said it had raised the crisis to the highest fire response level, the first time this year such an alert has been issued.
Wildfires are relatively uncommon in South Korea, and related fatalities are rare. The current fires, which have killed 18 people within the past few days, are already the deadliest in the country’s history.
About 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest have also been destroyed, making the fires the third largest in South Korea’s history in terms of area.
The blazes raging in the city of Uiseong burned down the Gounsa temple, built in 618 AD, which was one of the largest temples in the province.
A Buddhist architectural structure deemed a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was also destroyed, forestry authorities confirmed.
A 68-year-old monk said he was “devastated” when he heard that about the destruction of the Gounsa temple.
“We will do our best to restore the function of the temple.”
“It was an extremely painful feeling, and I wondered why something like this could happen,” Joung-ou told news agency AFP.
In Andong, truck driver Lee Seung-joo said he saw the mountains burn like “literal hell” as he drove by.
“It was like the apocalypse,” the 39-year-old said, according to an AFP report.
Elsewewhere in Andong, evacuees who were sheltering at an elementary school were told to leave quickly as the fire was spread by gusty winds.
“The wind was so strong,” said 79-year-old Kwon So-han told AFP. “The fire came from the mountain and fell on my house.”
Acting president Han said all available personnel and equipment have been deployed, but strong winds continue to hamper the support efforts.
“We were desperately hoping for rain today or tomorrow to help extinguish the flames,” Han added.
“This level of wildfire damage is unlike anything we’ve experienced before.”
There was no rain forecast for the region on Wednesday and only a small amount – five to 10mm – expected on Thursday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.
Han said the government will thoroughly review all shortcomings in the wildfire response once the crisis is controlled and seek to improve prevention strategies for the future.
“Once a wildfire starts, extinguishing it requires tremendous resources and puts precious lives in danger,” he said.
South Korea has been experiencing drier than normal conditions with less rainfall than average. There have already been 244 wildfires this year – 2.4 times more than the same period last year.
The government also promised to strengthen enforcement against illegal burning -one of the main causes of wildfires – and crack down on individual carelessness.
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Antigraft crusader and renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, is set to speak on 21st Century Education at the University of Education (UEW) Public Lecture Series.
Under the theme “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures for 21st-Century Education,” the event will bring together key figures in education, leadership, and policy to discuss the future of learning.
With education rapidly evolving, the lecture seeks to explore innovative approaches to preparing students for modern challenges.
Under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual; Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, will be the Guest of Honour, while Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba will deliver the keynote address, with Leadership expert Dr. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim also scheduled to speak.
Dr. Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative in Ghana, will chair the session.
Also in attendance will be Academics, policymakers, and students to contribute to the conversation on shaping a progressive educational future.
The UEW Public Lecture Series comes off on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10 am at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, at the UEW North Campus, Winneba.
Former Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu
The former Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has been arrested by National Security in connection with the failed $2 million Sky Train project.
The purported arrest of the former Member of Parliament for the Hohoe Constituency comes amid ongoing investigations into the controversial deal, which was intended to introduce a modern urban rail transport system in Ghana but never materialised.
Reports indicate that the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government committed $2 million to the project, which has since been deemed unsuccessful.
Amewu, who played a significant role in overseeing the country’s railway sector, is now facing scrutiny over his involvement in the agreement and the circumstances surrounding the financial commitments made under the deal.
This latest development adds to growing concerns about accountability in government contracts and public infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, National Security officials have yet to release further details on the charges or potential legal proceedings Peter Amewu may face.
GhanaWeb will provide further updates as investigations continue.
Former major champion, Angela Stanford, has been appointed captain of Team USA for the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands.
The 47-year-old previously served as an assistant captain three times, most recently under Stacy Lewis in 2024, and played in six Solheim Cups between 2003 and 2015. She was also part of the last American team to win away from home in 2015, securing the decisive point against Suzann Pettersen.
The U.S., who reclaimed the trophy in 2023, will face an Anna Nordqvist-led European side at Bernardus Golf from September 11-13, 2026.
Stanford, a seven-time LPGA Tour winner, retired in 2024 after 24 years as a professional.
The immediate past president of the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), John Kofi Adomakoh, has called on the government to reduce its stake in state-owned banks to encourage greater private sector participation.
According to him, this move will improve corporate governance structures and enable these banks to expand beyond Ghana’s borders.
Speaking on the sidelines of GAB’s cocktail and networking event in Accra, Mr. Adomakoh emphasised the importance of allowing state-owned banks to operate with more autonomy, free from excessive government influence.
“We’re just saying that these banks are coerced to lend to state-owned enterprises and get stuck in that type of business,” he stated.
“GCB must grow to begin to look like a NASSA, it must grow to begin to look like a Stanbic. It must grow and get out of Ghana, get into the African continent, spread, and diversify.”
He further argued that government ownership in banks should be minimised to create a more competitive and sustainable financial ecosystem.
“It’s not the business of governments to have shares in banks and in both [state-owned enterprises]. Government can have a smaller share, but it should allow the private sector to take the lead,” he added. “It improves governance in the institution, and once governance is improved, the bank also performs better and makes better investment decisions.”
Mr. Adomakoh’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about financial sector reforms and the role of government in banking operations.
Industry players have long advocated for a reduction in government interference in banking operations to allow institutions to function independently and competitively.
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 Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Public Relations Officer (PRO) who engaged the Ashanti Regional Minister in a war of words over the Adum fire incident recently is to be sanctioned.
A letter of apology authored by the Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella M. Ntow Sarpong dated March 24, 2025 and addressed to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, indicated that disciplinary action will be meted to the officer.
“Be assured that appropriate disciplinary measure shall be taken against the officer to avert future occurrence of this unfortunate incident,” the letter disclosed.
Referring to what she described as “uncomplimentary comments and remarks by a member of the Public Relations Team of the Service in the person of ADOI Alex King Nartey on recent fire outbreak at Adum in the Kumasi Metropolis,” the Ag Chief Fire Officer on behalf and the entire GNFS “unreservedly extend our profound and sincerest regret for any unfortunate comment made against your good self and reputable office of the Regional Minister and Chair of REGSEC (Ashanti Region).”
She affirmed her earlier discussion with the minister on the subject and expressed “appreciation for your contribution, sacrifices and untiring efforts that contributed to the Operational Response and Management of this unfortunate Fire Incident.”
Following the recent fire incident in Kumasi’s Adum market, the Ashanti Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Alex King Nartey, disclosed that firefighters in the country do not have an insurance package to cover injuries sustained while fighting blazes.
According to King Nartey, officers who suffer injuries while battling fires or performing other emergency rescue operations are responsible for their own medical bills.
He said affected officers can only seek reimbursement afterward, a process he said can be lengthy and uncertain.
This disclosure comes in response to the recent remarks made by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, during his Saturday, March 22, visit to the site of the devastating fire outbreak at Adum in Kumasi.
The fire, which broke out in a commercial building near the Adum Central Business District, led to significant losses, destroying shops, properties, and valuable goods worth thousands of Ghana cedis.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Firefighters from the GNFS rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other structures.
However, during his visit to assess the situation, Dr. Amoakohene became visibly frustrated when he observed what he believed to be an empty fire tender stationed at the scene.
He questioned the firefighters on duty, demanding an explanation for the vehicle’s presence if it lacked water.
In response, King Nartey expressed disappointment at the minister’s reaction, suggesting that a simple gesture of appreciation would have been more appropriate.
In his interview with GHOne TV, King Nartey further criticised the manner in which the minister addressed the firefighters, arguing that such public reprimands demoralise personnel who risk their lives daily to protect lives and property.
“We don’t have any health insurance. A simple thank you would have suffice. You could have easily spoken to the commanding officer at that time and get updates, but to create a scene with a camera on you to demoralise the efforts of the firefighters is not right.
“When firefighters get injured at the scene of fire, they use their own resources to take care of themselves and later apply for refund to be paid to them. So if at that moment you don’t have money, you would have to go and borrow money from people to be able to take care of yourself,” he stated.
Fresh Logistics recently hosted a high-level delegation from Demeter Ghana Limited, one of its agro-input suppliers, at its Dawhenya facility, strengthening ties for innovation in vegetable greenhouse production.
Demeter Ghana Limited is one of Ghana’s leading agricultural input and specialist service providers, trading nationwide in fertilizers, seeds, bio-protection products, inoculants, soil conditioners, and more.
Led by Mr. Ben Adevu, Agronomist and Assistant Trainer at Agri-Top, the Demeter Ghana team evaluated the performance of their agro-input fertilizers and provided expert recommendations to enhance yields. Mr. Boamah, Managing Director of Fresh Logistics, shared insights into the success of specific vegetable varieties and agro-fertilizers, unveiling new high-value crops cultivated in advanced greenhouse tunnels.
The team also toured the shednet production site, where habanero peppers at the harvesting stage showcased the effectiveness of Fresh Logistics’ cutting-edge techniques. The visit reaffirmed both companies’ commitment to driving agricultural excellence, profitability, and sustainability through collaboration and shared expertise.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ms. Margaret Ansei, has paid a courtesy call on Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement and enhance collaborations in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
During the meeting, Ms. Ansei expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support, which has spanned over a decade, particularly in the areas of funding and technical cooperation.
She acknowledged Japan’s contributions in strengthening the GEA’s mandate and fostering economic growth through various capacity-building initiatives.
H.E. Yoshimoto reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting MSME development in Ghana, highlighting both existing partnerships and upcoming initiatives.
He commended the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for its pivotal role in implementing the Kaizen Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency in businesses.
The ambassador further emphasized the importance of institutionalizing Kaizen principles, beginning at the primary education level, to drive long-term economic transformation.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Isaac Nimako, Acting Director of the MSME Innovation and Development (MSID) unit at GEA, Mrs. Mary Nkrumah Inusah, Senior Strategy Coordinator at GEA, as well as representatives from UNIDO Ghana, including Mr. Kipo Dari, the National Project Coordinator.
The discussions reinforced the strong partnership between Ghana and Japan in promoting sustainable economic development and advancing MSME growth.
Nsoatreman FC captain, Daniel Afadzwu, has publicly apologized to Asante Kotoko and the family of the late supporter, Pooley, following a tragic incident that occurred during their recent Ghana Premier League clash.
Speaking on behalf of his teammates and the technical staff, Afadzwu expressed deep regret over the unfortunate event, emphasizing that football is meant to unite, not divide.
“We apologize and ask Kotoko for forgiveness. We were all heartbroken on the day of the tragedy. Our sole aim as footballers was to entertain our devoted fans, not to learn of the loss of one of them,” Afadzwu stated.
Acknowledging that the incident happened on Nsoatre, the captain admitted that the club bore a level of responsibility and must seek amends.
“I want to take this opportunity to apologize to the entire football fraternity, especially Asante Kotoko and Pooley’s family. Whatever the circumstances, it happened at our home, making us responsible. We have sinned, and we would like them to forgive us so we can maintain the wonderful friendship we once had,” he told Ghanasportspage.com.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over Ghanaian football, triggering introduction of new safety measures and tightening security at league venues. However, Afadzwu believes reconciliation is key to moving forward.
“Football brings unity, not separation, and that will not help. I stand in on behalf of all Nsoatreman FC players and the technical team to apologize to Kotoko and ask for pardon,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Nsoatreman have withdrawn from the league over security concerns after narrowly escaping a near gun attack during their trip to Samreboi for a league game.
A 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, Nana Ama Nwurueze has been remanded into custody by the Adabraka District Court for defrauding another businesswoman a total of $13,000.
The first $5,000, according to court documents, was taken under the guise of clearing some containers at the port after which she would return the money to the complainant, Dorothy Asare in three weeks.
Although she failed to repay the money, she returned to the complainant in a month seeking another $8,000 to “help with an issue at the Airport,” promising to return it in two weeks.
Nana Ama Nwurueze is alleged to have posed as a business mogul who owns expensive properties, including Ohemaa Plaza at East Legon, some fishing vessels in Takoradi and a house at Airport, in a bid to get the complainant in the case to give her the money.
She was arrested after the court issued a bench warrant for her arrest in December last year after unsuccessful attempts to arrest her.
She has been charged with one count of defrauding by false pretences. She pleaded not guilty.
The Adabraka District Court, presided over by Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo, declined her bail application after ruling that evidence on record suggests that the accused was flight risk.
The prosecution’s brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana states that the accused made representations to the complainant that she is a business mogul and had over 10 containers of goods at the Takoradi port.
The accused person told the complainant that if she could part with $5,000, she would clear the containers and refund the complainant’s money to her in three weeks.
She also claimed to be in partnership with Devtraco, and showed her an ongoing construction of apartments on her purported property which was to be leased upon completion and “would reel in a lot of money.”
Based upon these representations, the complainant parted with the $5,000 to the accused at her home at Airport.
After a month, Nwurueze contacted the complainant and demanded another $8,000, which she claimed was to help with an issue at the port, and she promised to pay back within two weeks.
The complainant obliged and gave her the money.
She has since failed to repay the money, leading the complainant to report the issue to the police.
The complainant later discovered that the property at Airport did not belong to the accused, neither was she in any kind of partnership with Devtraco.
For years, Ghana’s roads have been in crisis—riddled with potholes, plagued by endless congestion, and marked by deteriorating highways that have made travel a nightmare for motorists and commuters alike. But now, a major policy shift is set to change the game.
In a landmark decision, the government has announced the de-capping of the Ghana Road Fund, a move that is being hailed as a potential turning point for the nation’s road infrastructure. Presented in the 2025 Budget Statement to Parliament, this decision means that the full revenue generated for road maintenance will finally be used for its intended purpose, rather than being siphoned into the government’s Consolidated Fund.
The move comes with a GH¢2.81 billion budget allocation for road maintenance in 2025, signaling a renewed commitment to fixing Ghana’s deteriorating road network. Given that Ghana’s road density stands at 32.8 kilometers per 100 square kilometers—nearly double the African regional average—ensuring proper upkeep is vital for national development.
The news has been met with widespread approval across the transport and construction sectors, with stakeholders calling it “long-overdue relief” for Ghana’s struggling road network.
A fund that was handcuffed
The Ghana Road Fund was originally established by Parliament to provide a steady stream of funding for road maintenance. Its revenue—collected through fuel levies, vehicle registration fees, road tolls, and transit charges—was meant to ensure the country’s roads remained in good condition.
But over the years, a large portion of this fund was redirected to other government expenditures, leaving road contractors unpaid, road maintenance projects abandoned, and travelers enduring deteriorating highways.
The consequences have been severe:
✔️ Unfinished road projects that stalled due to lack of funds ✔️ A surge in road accidents linked to poor infrastructure ✔️ Increased vehicle maintenance costs for drivers navigating crumbling roads ✔️ Loss of productivity due to prolonged travel times
The financial impact of neglected infrastructure is immense. Studies show that poor road conditions can increase transport costs by up to 40%, negatively affecting trade, tourism, and general economic activity. Farmers and businesses bear the brunt of this, struggling to get goods to market efficiently.
For years, industry leaders, contractors, and transport operators have pleaded for the government to de-cap the fund and allow all collected revenue to go toward road maintenance.
Now, that plea has finally been answered.
What does the de-capping mean for Ghana’s roads?
With full access to the Road Fund, the government can now prioritize road maintenance and rehabilitation, ushering in significant improvements that will be felt across the country.
It is expected that road maintenance agencies will now have the full budget to carry out critical repairs. This means:
Ghana’s infrastructure backlog is extensive, and the government estimates that $473 million may be needed to repair climate change-related damage to roads by 2100. Addressing these challenges now is crucial to preventing even higher costs in the future.
2. Safer Roads, Fewer Accidents
Poor road conditions have contributed to a rise in fatal accidents. Now, with proper maintenance, the risk of crashes caused by bad roads will decrease significantly, making travel safer for all.
In Ghana, an alarming number of accidents occur due to poor road conditions, with potholes and weak bridges playing a major role in road fatalities. Experts believe that targeted maintenance could reduce road accident-related deaths by up to 30%.
3. A Boost for the Construction Industry
For years, road contractors have suffered delayed payments due to insufficient funds. But with more money flowing into road projects, the construction sector is set to experience a major revival.
✔️ More contracts awarded to local construction firms ✔️ Timely payments for completed projects ✔️ Job creation for engineers, laborers, and supply chain workers
The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GCCI) is particularly optimistic that this will restore confidence in the sector and ensure contractors no longer face long waits for their dues.
4. Economic Growth and Trade Expansion
A well-maintained road network is essential for commerce, tourism, and industrial development. With better roads:
✔️ Farmers will transport goods faster and at lower costs ✔️ Businesses will reduce transportation expenses ✔️ Tourism will receive a boost with improved access to key destinations
In simple terms, better roads mean a stronger economy. Studies on infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa have shown that improved road networks can boost GDP by as much as 2 per cent annually, underscoring the economic potential of this policy shift.
5. Restoring Public Confidence in Infrastructure Management
For too long, Ghanaians have watched as road funds disappeared into bureaucratic black holes while the roads worsened. This move signals a renewed commitment to infrastructure.
However, the government must ensure transparency and accountability in how the funds are used. There must be:
• Strict monitoring and tracking of spending • Annual reports on fund allocation and usage • Zero tolerance for mismanagement and corruption
Will this be a true game-changer?
The de-capping of the Ghana Road Fund is a victory, but its success will depend on implementation, oversight, and efficiency. The worst-case scenario would be a return to mismanagement, where funds are misused and road conditions remain unchanged.
The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry is committed to ensuring the success of this policy. The Chamber will closely monitor developments and work alongside the government to guarantee that the fund achieves its intended impact—better roads, fair payments to contractors, and a thriving construction industry.
For now, one thing is clear: the wheels of change have started turning. The question is—will Ghana stay on course, or will we hit another pothole?
Only time will tell. But for the first time in years, Ghanaians can look forward to smoother roads ahead.
The author Naa Lamiley Bentil is the General Secretary, Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry.
The Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM) has called on the government to provide further clarity on the mandate of the recently inaugurated Blue Water Guards.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, recently launched the water guards to among other things help combat illegal mining in water bodies and restore the country’s polluted rivers.
The over 400 guards are currently undergoing specialised training at the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base in Ezilebo, in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
However, WACAM is calling for clarity on the mandate of the government’s newly constituted water guards.
In a radio interview, Lawyer Kwaku Afari, Technical Director of WACAM, stressed the need to avoid repeating past measures that yielded little or no results.
“We welcome and support any approach that enforces the law.
“However, with the introduction of these guards, I think it would be proper for the government to provide citizens with clarity on how this group will operate differently from those in the past,” he stated.
He further questioned the scope of the guards’ operations.
“Are they going to protect water bodies or concessions already allocated for mining? Will they prevent mining activities, or will they only target illegal operations?” he quizzed.
He noted that the issue is not just about legal or illegal mining; it also involves all forms of irresponsible mining, even by licensed companies.
“I don’t believe the solution is about being radical. The real question is: how committed are we to addressing the problem?
“If the commitment is there, we already have the necessary laws though some may be weak.
“I believe that the commitment to address the menace is not just the radical approach of using the security, let us also look at the laws as well,” he pointed out.
Ho, March 26, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has entreated the National AfCFTA Coordination Office (NCO) to pay a special attention to the region and ensure that businesses occupy the forefront of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
He said the Volta Region had always represented and produced the best in the country – boasting of its history, the intellect and industrious spiritedness, which speaks volumes.
“You have our full support, and we expect nothing less than a deliberate effort to make the Volta Region, a model for AfCFTA success in Ghana.
Speaking at the Regional Dialogue on the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade in Ho, Mr Gunu said all efforts should be harnessed to make the Region ‘Ghana’s Trade Hub,’ under AfCFTA.
“We have the strategic location, the industrious workforce, and the productive sectors to drive this agenda. What we need now is action—bold policies, strong partnerships, and an unshakable commitment to ensuring that every woman and young entrepreneur in this region has a fair shot at success in the African market.”
“Let us turn this dialogue into action and build an economic standpoint, where women and the youth are leaders, when MSMEs and entrepreneurs succeeds and therefore, there’s no limit the Region and nation could not achieve under AfCFTA.”
Mr Gunu pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to supporting women and youth-led Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth and work with all major actors.
“We will push for more trade facilitation initiatives, business incubation programmes, and financial inclusion measures tailored to the needs of women and young entrepreneurs in our region. Our doors are open, and our commitment is unwavering.”
The Regional Minister noted that to access markets alone was not enough leveraging but ensuring that women and youth-led businesses in the Region are equipped to compete through capacity building, knowledge-set and finance to scale-up as measures to advance.
He said opening up regional and continental markets, would create new demands and markets for goods and services produced in the region leading to business expansion, and more job avenues for the youth as well as stimulate the 24- hour economy policy as espoused by President John Dramani Mahama.
He described AfCFTA as the biggest trade opportunity of our lifetime, one that breaks down barriers, creates a single African market, and ensures that businesses, no matter size, could compete and thrive across the continent.
Ms Edem Attor, a representative of UNDP, disclosed that the engine for growth of economies was the private sector of which MSMEs, contributing about 50 per cent of the private output, nearly 70 per cent of employment, and about 90 per cent of businesses in the country.
She said the AFCFTA was a monumental initiative that had the power to reshape the economic landscape of Ghana and Africa by creating a single market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3 trillion.
He said the AFCFTA represented unparalleled opportunities for African businesses to expand their horizons, increase their competitiveness, and scale their operations across the continent.
She reaffirmed UNDP’s continuous support towards the course of the tenets enshrined in the AfCFTA agreement now and into the future.
Ms Gonaja Sephora, Women and Youth in Trade Expert, AfCFTA Secretariat, enumerated challenges facing women and youth in trade SMEs as inadequate finance, limited or lack of disaggregated data by sex and age to support gender responsive trade policies, high cost of transportation logistics, complex customs procedures.
Others, she said was lack of infrastructure to support rural women and youth participation in trade, non-tariff barriers (NTBs), increased trading cost pushing women and youth traders into the informal economy, compliance with regulatory requirements as safety and quality standards as well as lack of digital drive.
She said the AfCFTA Protocol provided a legal framework for implementation of the agreement, inclusion of youth and women in policy-making decisions, availability and access to trade info and data, research on issues affecting women and youth in trade, technical assistance skills development, technology and development to integrate in regional value-chains, implement mechanisms to prevent, discourage, address, eliminate harassment for women in trade.
Ms Sephora indicated the wayforward was to create a conducive environment for women and young entrepreneurs, expanded market access, expansion of customer-base, promote sustainability of youth SMEs, value addition, increase competitiveness, integration into regional value chains, diversified business opportunities, increased investments and collaboration, skills and knowledge exchange, and easier access to input and resources.
Mr Jacob Gyamfi-Aidoo, Senior Advisor, NCO, disclosed that AfCFTA was crafted not to leave anyone behind, reason it had mainstreamed women and the youth into its protocols for greater operations.
The dialogue seeks to elicit concerns from women and the youth in trade into the AfCFTA implementation strategy to broaden participation and targeting for deliberate access into the continental market.
Dr. Louisa Satekla, a popular dentist and wife of reggae/dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, has taken to social media to debunk viral reports about her views on oral sex.
According to reports shared by some blogs on March 23, 2025, Dr. Satekla allegedly advised Ghanaians to avoid oral sex, claiming it was a leading cause of cancer.
Since there was no evidence of her making such comments, some netizens questioned the authenticity of the claim and called for verification.
In response to the reports, Dr. Satekla denied making such comments and urged the public to disregard them.
“My attention has been drawn to an image circulating on social media bearing my likeness, name, and a statement purportedly attributed to me. I would like to state for the record that I never made the said statement and would like to dissociate myself from it,” she clarified on her X handle on March 24, 2025.
See the post below:
DISCLAIMER
My attention has been drawn to an image circulating on social media which image bears my likeness, name and a statement purportedly attributed to me.
I would like to state for the record that I never made the said statement and would want to use this medium to… pic.twitter.com/Au3WOyWdsF
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev John Ntim Fordjour
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has called for an end to the controversy between the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
In the wake of an apology issued by the GNFS on March 25, 2025, addressing remarks made by ADO1 Alex King Nartey, a member of the service’s public relations team, during an interview that sparked tensions with the minister, the MP for Assin North has asked for an end to the matter, while emphasising the need for fire officers not to be subjected to demoralisation by politicians.
“All politicians are entreated to serve in humility. Egoistic whims and caprices of a populist regional minister cannot be allowed to demoralise and victimise our gallant fire officers who professionally and most patriotically risk their lives daily to extinguish fires in our country,” he wrote online.
The controversy began when ADO1 Alex Nartey, in an interview, called out the Ashanti Regional Minister for seeking to demoralise firefighters who were responding to the recent fire incident at the Adum Market.
Rev Ntim Fordjour, who has been vocal on the issue, previously criticised the minister’s approach, arguing that fire officers deserve support and resources, not victimisation.
The GNFS apology letter, signed by Chief Fire Officer Julius Aalebkure Kuunuor, expressed regret to Dr Amoakohene for the “unsavoury comments” and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to professionalism.
In his latest comment on the matter, Rev Ntim Fordjour, in his X post, stressed that the matter should now be laid to rest, given the GNFS’s apology.
He reiterated his stance that politicians must prioritise equipping the fire service rather than engaging in disputes that undermine its morale.
He added that any attempt to victimizs or unfairly treat a fire officer under the circumstance would not be tolerated.
“Whatever happened, let’s move on! This letter should settle it all. No further disciplinary action will be countenanced. No fire officer will be allowed to suffer any unfair termination, transfer or demotion as a result of the ego of a politician who should rather be supporting and resourcing our fire officers to discharge their duties. Ghana National Fire Service is woefully underfunded and misunderstood,” he stated.
The comment by the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament comes on the back of reports of disciplinary measures, including possible transfer, being meted out to ADO1 Alex Nartey for his comments against the minister.
GA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Prof Gyampo explains why he believes the BBC’s ‘Sex for Grades’ exposé was orchestrated
Prof Senyo Acquah presenting the report to John Abdulai Jinapor
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has received a 103-page report from the committee established on January 30, 2025, to investigate about 2,500 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) that had been stuck at the Tema Port, as well as other procurement-related issues.
After receiving the report, John Jinapor stated that the committee’s findings were very disturbing.
In addition to serious procurement breaches in the past few years, over 1,350 containers could not be accounted for during the investigations, the minister said.
In a report by metrotvonline.com, the minister assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted with the assistance of the Attorney General and the police into the case.
“The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will work with the AG’s Department and the police to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers are brought to book to retrieve the containers or the monetary value of the same,” he stated.
On the procurement issue, the minister said the procurement unit at ECG will be decoupled within a week, while pledging to introduce swift and far-reaching measures to reform procurement processes at the company.
“It cannot be business as usual. We are not targeting anybody, but we will make sure whoever is responsible will be held liable,” he added.
The minister commended Prof Innocent Senyo Acquah, Chairman of the Investigative Committee, and the committee for the thorough investigation done to unravel the issues at ECG.
Earlier, it emerged from the committee’s report that over 1,300 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was missing because it could not be accounted for at the Tema Port.
Prof Senyo Acquah noted that while ECG claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment, an independent audit at the port found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,357 missing.
John Jinapor expressed concern about the situation and assured that it will be investigated when the findings were presented to him.
VA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Prof Gyampo explains why he believes the BBC’s ‘Sex for Grades’ exposé was orchestrated
Sports journalist Awal Mohammed has revealed that Richard Kingston, also known as Olele, played a crucial role in reviving the career of current Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare.
According to Mohammed, Asare suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, forcing him to step away from football and venture into a different business to support himself.
He disclosed that after learning about Asare’s situation, Olele reached out to him, guided him through an intense rehabilitation program to aid his recovery, and eventually helped him secure a spot at Accra Great Olympics.
“Two years ago, he [Benjamin Asare] had a severe leg injury, which led to speculations that he had quit football and was pursuing another occupation. It was Olele who contacted him, facilitated his rehabilitation, and later provided him the opportunity to play for Olympics,” he said while speaking on Kessben FM.
The journalist further narrated how Asare was later signed by Hearts of Oak, where his outstanding performances earned him a call-up to the Black Stars.
“Even during the Hearts of Oak transfer, he was not the club’s first-choice target. Solomon Agbesi of Dreams FC was their primary option, but he got injured. The club then pursued Emmanuel Kobi of Gold Stars, who declined the move.
“Asare was their third-choice option, but he was eventually signed, and now he is the captain. His story has completely turned around, and he is likely to play in the World Cup,” he added.
Asare kept two clean sheets when the Black Stars secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad on March 21, 2025, followed by a comfortable 3-0 win against Madagascar on March 25, 2025.
Head coach Otto Addo has since confirmed Asare as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper moving forward.
Watch Awal’s remarks in the video below:
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar
The market is not far from the city of el-Fasher, which is controlled by the army
A Sudanese war monitor has accused the military of killing hundreds of people in an air strike on a market in the country’s western Darfur region on Monday.
The Emergency Lawyers group – which documents abuses by both sides in Sudan’s civil war that erupted in April 2023 – said the bombing of Tur’rah market was a “horrific massacre” that had also left hundreds injured.
Videos posted on social media – some by the army’s rival the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that controls much of Darfur – showed the smoking ruins of market stalls and bodies charred beyond recognition.
A military spokesperson denied targeting civilians, saying it only attacked legitimate hostile targets.
Both the Sudanese armed forces and RSF have repeatedly been accused of shelling civilian areas.
The RSF has deployed drones in Darfur, but the army has the warplanes – and regularly strikes RSF positions across the region.
The BBC has not been able to confirm the death toll of the attack on the market, which is located about 35km (21 miles) north of the army-held city of el-Fasher.
A Darfur activist group – the Darfur Initiative for Justice and Peace – called it the “deadliest single bombing since the beginning of the war”.
Reports quoting eyewitnesses and residents ranged from 61 to 270 dead.
The UN Secretary General’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said dozens of casualties had been reported from the market bombing.
He said the world body was “gravely alarmed by the continued attacks on civilians,” including an RSF artillery strike on a mosque in the capital, Khartoum, on Sunday.
Civilian deaths in bombing and shelling attacks have intensified in recent months with the escalation of fighting in the country’s brutal civil conflict.
Some 12 million Sudanese people have fled their homes since war broke out – that is equivalent to Belgium or Tunisia’s entire population.
Famine has taken hold and starvation is widespread, the UN says, with over half the country experiencing “high levels of acute food insecurity”.
Estimates vary, but it is said that at least 150,000 people have been killed by the fighting.
The RSF has denied evidence that it is committing a genocide in Darfur, including the murder of thousands of civilians, and the rape of non-Arab women as a means of “ethnic cleansing”.
According the UN, Sudan is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Berla Mundi Speaks Out After News of Her Pregnancy Takes Over Social Media
News Hub Creator33min
Renowned Ghanaian media personality Berla Mundi has spoken out about the speculation surrounding her pregnancy, which recently became a trending topic on social media. In a heartfelt message, Berla confirmed the news and expressed her gratitude for the immense love and support she has received from fans.
She acknowledged that her pregnancy had been a personal journey, but due to the widespread public attention, she felt it was important to address it openly. Berla shared how deeply moved she was by the warm wishes and kind words from her supporters, which have brought her immense joy throughout this special period.
She also took a moment to appreciate the privacy she has been granted as she embraces this significant milestone in her life. Thanking her fans for their excitement and understanding, she reassured them that she is doing well and cherishing every step of her pregnancy journey.
As she continues to share glimpses of her experience, Berla’s followers remain eager to celebrate with her and look forward to more updates as she prepares to welcome her baby.
Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has expressed concerns over attempts to remove the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, cautioning against politically motivated petitions.
Speaking in an interview on , he criticized the deep political divide between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating, “This NPP-NDC back and forth will not help the country. We need to stop it.”
According to him, similar petitions to remove a Chief Justice under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure were unsuccessful because the constitutional processes were followed.
He advised President John Mahama to do the same.
“If Nana Akufo-Addo, during his time, rejected petitions against the Chief Justice using constitutional channels, then Mahama should also ensure that the constitution is followed and not go against the laws of the country,” he stated.
Ansa-Asare further questioned the necessity of the recent petitions, arguing that those requesting details about the petitioners were diverting attention from more pressing legal issues.
“Now we have a constitution, which is the supreme law. If we can’t abide by it, then what is its essence?” he asked.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the judiciary, saying, “The judiciary is a very important institution and should not be taken lightly. We should allow the Chief Justice to work because she was appointed in accordance with the constitution.”
The legal expert concluded by urging Ghanaians to prioritize national development over partisan conflicts, warning that constant political battles would only hurt the country’s progress.
Meanwhile, the President has begun consultations with the Council of State following the submission of three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
According to a statement from the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the move is in line with the constitutional process outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
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Dr. Sammy Ayeh, Governance Spokesperson at the Presidency
Dr. Sammy Ayeh, Governance Spokesperson at the Presidency, has said allegations that Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former head of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), diverted state funds into his private account is worrying.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has alleged that Adu Boahene diverted GHȼ49 million into his private account when the money should have come to the state.
His lawyers have denied any wrongdoing on his part.
Speaking on the Joy News AM Show, Dr. Ayeh said “One would have expected that the money would have been transferred directly” into the account of the NSB.
He said instead, “…it was transferred into a personal account for which he and his wife are directors. Not only was the full GHȼ49 million not transferred, but only GHȼ9.5 million were moved. The remainder was placed in a fixed deposit, and some of it was invested in real estate for his personal use,” Dr. Ayeh alleged.
Dr. Ayeh called the alleged diversion a clear mismanagement of public funds, adding that it represented one of the gravest instances of financial misconduct he had ever witnessed.
“For me, this is one of the gravest misapplications and diversions of public funds that I have seen as a young person. No explanation can justify this,” he stated.
He pointed out what he said, were similarities between the personal account and the official account of the National Signals Bureau.
“You create an account that is extremely similar to the account of the entity you lead as the director of the National Signals Bureau.” Dr. Ayeh said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The 43rd International Sea Turtle Symposium (ISTS), has opened in Accra with a call on stakeholders to support efforts by various bodies to conserve sea turtles.
Speaking on the theme: “Unity and Collaboration,” President of the International Sea Turtle Society, Dr. Andrews Agyekumhene said the world need a united front to combat the threats facing sea turtles.
According to him, it is sometimes difficult to compare the data to help inform policies, given the situation where most organisations fighting the threats against sea turtles embark on different projects, making it difficult for them to compare data obtained for informed policy decisions.
“With unity and collaboration, we will be able to come together, harness our individual strengths, support each other in ways that can help promote sea turtle conservation agenda, which is the key objective for this symposium. Sea turtle conservation is not a task for one project or country, it requires combined efforts by sharing knowledge, research, and experiences,” he stated.
He said government has also put in place several interventions to conserve sea turtles, which include wild life regulation that prohibit the killing of turtles and the destruction of their habitat, and collection of eggs.
Dr. Agyekumhene further urged communities, particularly traditional authorities who are custodians of the land, to help conserve and prevent indigenes from poaching and eating sea turtles, while urging fishermen to release sea turtles that are voluntarily captured by fishing nets.
Prof. Langbong Bimi, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, for his part, expressed the school’s commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, particularly sea turtles and creatures, to ensure their survival for generations, while fostering strategies for safeguarding their habitats.
“It is a call to action for all of us, scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders to work together to ensure that our collaborative efforts are sustained and impactful. Sea turtles as keystone species, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, and their conservation requires a united front,” he stated.
Dr. Benjamin Botwe, Head, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, also said the creatures do not only face predation from other animals but from humans, coupled with climate change as a result of rising temperature and rising sea levels.
He added that research and education could empower local communities, fostering a sense of stewardship for ocean resources, and reinforced the vital link between humanity and oceans.
He further indicated that through the symposium, stakeholders will work closely with communities to forge sustainable solutions to reduce the threats against sea turtles globally.
Present at the event which started on Saturday, March 22, and ends on Thursday, March 27, include sea turtle experts, conservationists, scientists, climate change agents, policy makers, and representatives of various agencies, including the Forestry Commission.
Among some of the topics that will be discussed are Creating Behaviour Change Campaigns for Sea Turtle Conservation, Global Research Update & Methodology Development for Guiding Conservation Efforts, Toward Holistic Strategies for Fisheries Sustainability and Bycatch Reduction.
President John Mahama has initiated consultations with the Council of State following the submission of three petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed in a statement that the petitions have been referred to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated a new batch of District Chief Executives (DCEs) for eight out of the 16 regions, to spearhead local governance and development across the country.
The appointments, made in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), are part of the government’s efforts to strengthen local governance and accelerate development.
The move aligns with President Mahama’s vision of ensuring effective administration at the district level to drive grassroots transformation.
A statement signed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, confirmed the nominations, stating that the appointees must secure approval from their respective District Assemblies before assuming office.
The nominations are expected to fill vacant DCE positions and enhance service delivery at the local level.
Ghanaian politics has become an embarrassing profession, not a noble profession it used to be. Needless to say, it takes good people—good citizens and leaders with impeccable integrity and unmatched commitment to build a prosperous nation.
Yet a lot of people who can claim birth right to steadfast adherence to moral or ethical codes would never go into politics.
I presume they dislike the toxic levels of partisanship. They hate the intrusive media scrutiny and they aren’t ready to pay the high personal costs of political life.
Once upon a time, anyone who gained a seat in parliament or was appointed into office was looked up to and respected by all. Alas, this is not the case anymore.
“As electoral competition has become more intense, the galamsey discourse has become increasingly partisan in nature. Opposition parties often bolster the position of illegal miners in order to make those in power unpopular and gain a partisan political advantage (Dr Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai, 2017).”
I was shocked to the bone when prior to the 2024 general elections, I chanced on a few video clips of some NDC officials, disgustingly giving morale and promising the recalcitrant galamseyers of a future NDC government’s unwavering support for their illegal activities.
What was more shocking from the video clips, is the revoltingly ugly attitude of one particular NDC official, who was apparently captured on tape a few years ago, and again unperturbed, and, somewhat convivially promising to go back to the galamsey sites to inform the illegal miners of NDC’s unfailing support for their criminal activities.
Considering the deleterious effects of illegal mining activities, it is not out of place for a group of Ghanaians to come out and emit their displeasure and threaten to stage demonstrations or go on strike.
It was against such backdrop that I was in complete acquiescence with some workers, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana who threatened to go on strike over the then administration’s perceived lacklustre approach in fighting the canker.
So I am just wondering if a certain Prof Gyampo, who was extremely aggrieved and vociferous over the galamsey menace prior to the 2024 general elections, has seen the squeamishly ugly scenes in our forests?
Apparently, Prof Gyampo has been given a juicy appointment at Ghana Shippers Authority and I guess has no time to vent his fury in condemnation over the galamsey menace.
There is no gainsaying the fact that some politicians have a penchant for needless misinformation metastasizing or an insatiable craving for attention.
So With this in mind, some of us can be excused for doubting President Mahama on his declaration to bring to a halt the activities of illegal miners in 2013(see: “We’ll deal with foreigners in ‘galamsey’ – President Mahama”; Ghanaian Times/Ghanaweb.com 13/02/2013).
It would be recalled that sometime in February 2013, President Mahama held a meeting with the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, led by their President, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin at Flagstaff House.
During the interactions, President Mahama declared that: “The government will take firm steps to stop foreigners from engaging in small-scale mining activities in the country.”
President Mahama went ahead and asserted that “small-scale mining is the exclusive preserve of the people, and as such the government will not allow the industry to be flooded by foreigners.”
Sometime in May 2013, President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated a five-member inter-ministerial taskforce to fight the menace of illegal mining in which the members included the then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, as Chairman, former Minister for Defence, Mark Woyongo, former Minister of Interior, Kwesi Ahwoi, Dr Joe Oteng Adjei, and Hannah Tetteh.
The task force was tasked to seize all the equipment the illegal miners were using to steal our mineral resources and destroy the environment.
In effect, the inter-ministerial taskforce was given executive powers to arrest and prosecute both Ghanaians and foreigners who were engaging in small-scale illegal mining.
The inter-ministerial task force was also to deport foreign illegal miners and revoke licenses of Ghanaians who have sub-leased their concessions to foreigners.
However, after a little over three years of the NDC administration setting up the anti-galamsey taskforce to circumscribe the activities of the recalcitrant illegal miners, The then Environment Minister, Mahama Ayariga admitted in 2016 that it was time for government to regularize illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) activities as a more proactive way to stop pollution of water bodies (see: Minister gives up on fight against illegal mining; myjoyonline.com, 15/09/2016).
The Honourable Mahama Ayariga admitted back then that the efforts to halt illegal mining activities failed miserably because “wherever there are mineral resources people will do everything and whatever it takes to be able to extract those resources (myjoyonline.com, 15/09/2016).”
It was, therefore, extremely commendable when President Akufo-Addo prudently placed an interim ban on small-scale mining activities.
Given the level of devastation on our water bodies and lands as a result of galamsey, some of us wondered why President Mahama could oppose President Akufo-Addo’s estimable efforts to curb the activities of the conscienceless illegal miners (See: Stop chasing illegal miners with soldiers – Mahama to government; citinewsroom.com/ghanaweb.com, 28/04/2018).
If the so-called anti-galamsey crusaders who were extremely vociferous over the galamsey menace prior to the 2024 general elections aren’t interested again, it is quite understandable.
A section of the African Dance Rhythms group after a performance
The ideal ingredients for an outstanding presentation of traditional music and dance include appropriate repertoire and rendition.
That’s why the African Dance Rhythms outfit based at Nungua in the Greater Accra Region, regards itself as one of the front-runners in the field with its admirable Afro-centred technical and creative skills.
Started in 2013 by dancer Fofoo Attiso and currently led by multi-instrumentalist Enock Adjetey Adjei, the African Dance Rhythms group always offer a thrilling repertoire of its own as well as carefully re-worked stuff by some prominent Ghanaian and African composers.
“The type of gig determines what we present at each time,” says the group’s leader. “The only constant factor is that we always deliver something uniquely Ghanaian and African, whether it is a private or corporate assignment.”
It has performed across the country at a variety of programmes, including traditional festivals, awards events, weddings, product launches, birthday bashes, end-of-year corporate functions and more.
Its versatility stands out all the time, and master drummer, Daniel Marmah Martey, stresses that it is necessary to accurately hammer out the distinct rhythms which originate from all over Ghana. They may express joy or sadness, but the important thing is to stay true to the spirit of the rhythm and dance movements.
“Whether it is Kete, Adowa, Klama, Kpanlogo, Gome, Agbadza, Borborbor, Apatampa, Bawa or any of our other rhythms, we fall on the appropriate instruments to make everything sound authentic.
“That’s why you see us at various times utilising an assortment of drums, xylophones, gongs, flutes, rattles and other local instruments,” states the master drummer.
With the experience gathered in the traditional music and dance arena, the African Dance Rhythms group is always happy to impart knowledge to willing learners.
It sometimes hosts tour groups from places like the United States and the United Kingdom, who are anxious to better understand the traditional music and dance culture of Ghana.
What happens at such times is that the tourists are adequately immersed into the local dance and music patterns by the African Dance Rhythms members, who have taken the trouble to acquire teaching skills in addition to their performance abilities.
“We are doing our best to project our fine cultural elements to as many people as possible. We expect more people to know about us and appreciate what we do as we go along,” group leader, Enock Adjetey Adjei says.
The African Dance Rhythms has a performance scheduled for April 11, 2025 at the British Council Hall in Accra.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson with the team from the UK-Ghana Gold Programme
Officials of the UK-Ghana Gold Programme has met with the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to discuss strategies to curb gold smuggling and ensure Ghana fully benefits from its gold resources.
The UK-Ghana Gold Programme is a collaborative initiative aimed at breaking the link between illegal artisanal gold mining and Serious Organised (SOC).
During the meeting, stakeholders underscored the impact of illicit gold trade on Ghana’s economy, noting that in 2022 alone, 60 tonnes of gold – worth an estimated $1.2 billion – were smuggled out of the country.
To address this challenge, discussions focused on the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which will oversee gold trade, tackle smuggling, and promote responsible sourcing.
The initiative has already gained the support of the UK/Ghana Gold Programme, which is working closely with the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO) to combat gold smuggling at key border points such as Bole.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing collaborations between the UK/Ghana Gold Programme and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), focusing on industry reforms, including gold pricing mechanisms, pre-financing options, whistleblower protection for reporting smuggling, and ensuring responsible sourcing aligned with London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification.
In a bold move to support Ghana’s gold trade, the government will fund GoldBod to purchase 3 tonnes of gold every week, a strategy aimed at boosting foreign exchange reserves.
Additionally, as part of the 2025 Budget, the government is set to abolish the 1.5% withholding tax on unprocessed gold, a policy shift expected to encourage more formal gold trade and reduce smuggling.
Dr. Forson emphasised that these measures will help Ghana regain control of its gold industry, disrupt illegal trade networks, and ensure the country reaps the full benefits of its natural resources.
Communications Minister Sam George has justified the dismissal of about 100 workers at Ghana Post Limited, citing irregularities in their recruitment process.
According to him, the affected employees were hired after the December 7, 2024, election without following due process.
“As the head of the ministry, I cannot work with staff members whose employment was marred by irregularities,” he stated.
He explained that the ministry had 3,117 staff across its agencies, out of which 600 were recruited post-election, making it necessary to rationalize the workforce.
“Today, I have authorized the termination of a few more at Ghana Post—almost 100 that were recruited after the election,” he told journalists.
The Minister argued that the irregular recruitment had caused inefficiencies within the department, stressing that his priority is to streamline operations.
“I’m on a mission to clean up the ministry to ensure it is lean, efficient, and effective in carrying out its duties,” he added.
This move adds to the series of post-election job appointments that have been revoked due to procedural lapses.
One of Ghana’s most promising stand up comedians, Oh Joo, is about to make a statement with his second comedy special dubbed ‘Turd Talks.’
The show slated for April 19, 2025 will be held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.
He told Joy Entertainment that ‘Turd Talks’ is a concept he conceived two years ago. He said the ‘Turd Talks’ idea was inspired by the original programme TED TALKS which he mostly enjoys watching.
“I watched one episode which starred the comedian Andrew Schultz and that was when the idea struck me that “why don’t I do a standup comedy show like TED TALKS where comedians will pick a topic, and talk their mind but this time they will perform their jokes with PowerPoint slides,” he noted.
Turd Talks will explore themes such as technology, life stories and tragedy.
Some comedians to perform are Jeneral Ntatia, Lekzy DeComic, Khemikal, Jeffery Nortey, and Ebenezer Dwomoh. Others are Ranzy, Pjay, Jerry and Kwame Obed.
Turd Talks by Oh Joo will be hosted by versatile comedian Clemento Suarez.
In 2023, Oh Joo hosted his first comedy special dubbed ‘Timid and Crazy.’
Other comedy shows he has performed at are: African No Filter Comedy Lab (Kenya), Cancel Culture with Basketmouth, Popular But broke (by OB Amponsah), Romanus Incomplete, Rotary Charity Show, Kwahu Easter comedy, CanPain Message (by Lekzy DeComic) and Laughline Comedy Show.
Others are Kumasi Comedy Show, Sunyani comedy Show, Jokes , Scrubs and Scriptures (Sunyani), Too Cute to be Mute, I’m Not Fooling, The New False, Ghanaian by Card, The Hahaha Show, Lyrics and Laughs, Xtreme Comedy, Luv N Laughs, OB Live at Bukom Boxing Arena, This is Ataamle, and Comedy Express.
According to Oh Joo, proceeds from the ticket sales from ‘Turd Talks’ will be donated to Ghana Autism Care.
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.
Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Minority Ranking Member on the Energy Committee
Former Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako Mensah, has called for an immediate probe into the disappearance of over 1,300 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Mensah expressed shock at the situation.
He agreed with his colleague, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, that such incidents are rare and highly concerning.
As the Deputy Minority Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, he assured that “the minority will fully cooperate to ensure accountability and bring the responsible parties to justice.”
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, noting that ECG’s structural approval processes make the loss particularly troubling.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, received a 103-page report from the committee established on January 30, 2025, to investigate approximately 2,500 containers belonging to ECG that had been stuck at the Tema Port, as well as other procurement-related issues.
The minister stated that the committee’s findings revealed serious procurement breaches over the past few years, with more than 1,350 containers unaccounted for during the investigations.
“The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will work with the Attorney General’s Department and the Police to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers are brought to book and to retrieve either the containers or their monetary value,” he stated.
SP/MA
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Patrons should expect stellar performances from top Ghanaian comedians
Get ready for a rib-cracking night with all your favourite comedians under one roof, coming your way very soon!
Set to take place on April 3rd at 7 PM prompt, the epic comedy event, dubbed ‘Tooli Night’, is a debut collaboration between your favourite hangout spot, SOHO, and media giant GhanaWeb.
The night, which falls under the ‘High School Roast’ theme, encourages patrons to rock their high school attire (although it’s not mandatory).
Tickets are available at GH¢100.00 for regular entry and GH¢200.00 for VIP access.
Patrons should expect stellar performances from top comedians like DKB, Foster Romanus, Dwomoh, Papa Yaw, Genesis, and many more.
There are also several surprise performances lined up for the audience on the night.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, announced the dismissal of about 100 Ghana Post employees, attributing this decision to irregularities in their recruitment process.
Speaking to the media, Sam George revealed that these employees were hired after the December 7, 2024, election, during the transition period of the previous administration.
He stated that proper recruitment protocols were not followed, and upon assuming office, he discovered that over 600 individuals had been recruited during this period.
This, he explained, necessitated the dismissals.
“People have raised questions about their staff rationalisation ongoing at the ministry. But if you are a minister and you take over a ministry that has 3,117 staff in the ministry and its agencies, and you realise that almost 600 of them were recruited after December 7, 2024, basically, you cannot expect me to come and inherit such mess and continue with it.
“Today, I have authorised the termination of a few more at Ghana Post, almost a hundred that were done post December 7, 2024, and we’ll continue this rationalization,” he stated.
The communications minister further reaffirmed his commitment to restructuring Ghana Post to improve efficiency and productivity.
“I will clean up the ministry, make sure it is lean and efficient and carries out its work,” he added.
Meanwhile, Davis Ansah Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, has criticised Samuel Nartey George over the dismissals.
He accused the minister of overstepping his authority and also criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s administration’s “resetting theme” and called the decision inappropriate.
Ansah Opoku said that the dismissed employees were not politically appointed but had undergone the appropriate recruitment processes prior to their employment.
He also questioned the precedent this decision sets for the country.
“I think the minister is overstepping his bounds, and I wonder if this whole resetting is necessary to the extent that people whose employment dates back before December 7 are even getting their employment terminated.
“These are not political appointments; these are persons who went through the proper HR processes as laid down in these various agencies and got employed. So, what precedent are we setting in this country?” citinewsroom.com quoted him as saying.
The 15% price adjustment is set to take effect on April 1, 2025
Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is urging the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, to step in following MultiChoice Ghana Limited’s decision to increase subscription prices for DSTv.
The price adjustment, set to take effect on April 1, 2025 will see an average 15% increase across all subscriber packages for DSTv.
MultiChoice Ghana attributes the hike to rising consumer inflation and prevailing economic pressures.
However, CUTS International has raised concerns over the short notice given to customers, arguing that subscribers should have been given more time to prepare.
The West African Regional Director of CUTS, Appiah Kusi Adomako, clarified that while the organisation acknowledges Ghana’s deregulated market and does not oppose the price review itself, the timing is problematic.
“DStv holds a dominant position in the satellite TV market, largely due to its exclusive access to premium content like the English Premier League and UEFA competitions, which most competitors cannot provide. This advantage gives them significant market control, and implementing a price hike with just one week’s notice appears to be an abuse of that dominance,” Appiah Adomako told Citi Business News.
He also urged relevant ministries to intervene and ensure that MultiChoice Ghana provides customers with at least a month’s notice before implementing any price adjustments, in line with fair business practices.
L-R: Lionel Messi, Take Kubo, Jonathan David, Cristian Pulisic
Seven countries have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 41 slots still up for grabs in the next rounds of matches.
The seven nations include the three co-hosts of the tournament—USA, Canada, and Mexico—along with reigning champions Argentina, Asian sides, Iran and Japan, and Oceania champions New Zealand.
Japan was the first country outside the host nations to book their ticket after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The Asian giants secured the win on matchday seven of the qualifiers, extending their lead at the top of Group C with two games to spare.
New Zealand followed suit after emerging as champions of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Nations Cup. They secured their spot by defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final.
Iran joined the list after their 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The stalemate took their tally to 20 points, three points ahead of second-place Uzbekistan and seven points above third-place United Arab Emirates (UAE) with two matches remaining.
Defending champions Argentina became the seventh team to qualify after Bolivia shared the spoils with Uruguay, a result that made the Albiceleste’s remaining fixtures a formality. They lead the CONMEBOL table with 31 points after 14 games, with four matches remaining.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a new, expanded format, featuring 48 teams.
The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 32.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti in June to bolster Haiti’s security forces
A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti as part of the international security force has gone missing after an attack by suspected gang members.
The force was attacked by gangs as they were helping a vehicle from the Haitian national police that got stuck in a ditch, the mission said in a statement.
“As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members lying in wait launched an attack,” it added.
Following the attack, specialised teams have been deployed to conduct a search for the missing officer.
The attack happened on Tuesday during a patrol operation in the town of Pont-Sondé, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti said.
Haitian media reported that the officer could have been killed by the gangs but this has not been confirmed.
In a statement, the Kenya National Police Service said it has been notified about the missing officer in Haiti.
It said the officers deployed there remained committed to fulfilling their mandate, despite calls by some Kenyans for the police to return home.
This is not the first attack on Kenyan officers in Haiti.
Last month, a 26-year-old police constable was fatally wounded during an operation in Ségur-Savien, marking the first casualty among the Kenyan contingent.
Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body was flown back and he was laid to rest this month.
Kenya has deployed at least 800 police officers under the MSS mission to Haiti to help combat gangs.
The force was sent to Haiti in June last year to help restore order to the country, where gangs have seized control of almost the entire capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as many rural areas.
More than 5,500 people were killed in gang-related violence in Haiti in 2024 and more than a million people have fled their homes.
Police arrested Nii Baah Afful, 29, at Korl Gonno following widespread outrage over his violent actions. The viral video showed him beating Francisca Aryee, 21, with a stick while she carried their baby.
“She told me she found someone more handsome and responsible than me,” Afful told officers during questioning. His statement came after police tracked him down through community intelligence networks.
The Gender Violence Court ordered Afful’s two-week detention at their first hearing. He will remain behind bars until April 9, 2025, when the case continues.
The couple shared living quarters and parented two children together before the incident. Their relationship turned violent when Francisca attempted leaving for her mother’s house.
Court documents revealed Afful’s rage exploded upon learning about another man. Francisca’s declaration about finding a new partner triggered the recorded assault.
The attack happened Thursday evening near their shared residence. Witnesses recorded the incident, which later spread across social media platforms.
Detective Sarah Mensah confirmed the authenticity of the viral footage. Her team gathered additional evidence supporting the assault charges against the fisherman.
Medical reports showed Francisca suffered multiple injuries from the beating. Doctors documented bruises across her body while treating both mother and baby.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence during the initial hearing. Security camera footage complemented witness statements about the assault.
Judge Martha Owusu emphasized the severity of domestic violence cases. She ordered strict custody conditions considering the public nature of the crime.
Police spokesperson James Attah detailed the arrest operation. His team collaborated with local authorities to apprehend Afful within 24 hours of the video surfacing.
Court officials scheduled subsequent hearings for witness testimonies. The prosecution prepared extensive documentation supporting their case against the accused.
The baby received immediate medical attention following the incident. Healthcare workers confirmed the child escaped serious physical harm during the assault.
Legal representatives secured protection orders for Francisca and her children. They arranged temporary accommodation through victim support services.
US-based Ghanaian musician, Richard Essien, popularly known in the world music scene as Magic Rocker, is out with Kumerican Hausa song titled ‘Abinchi Maidaadi’ to entertain Muslims.
He is known for his unique blend of hip-hop, highlife and world music, and is credited with several hit songs, including ‘Baby U Are Hot’, ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘No More War’, ‘Lion King’, ‘Sextisfaction’, ‘Just Like Sugar’, and ‘Stop Speaking Vernacular’, among others.
According to him, the motive behind his new single, ‘Abinchi Maidaadi’ which featured Young Wrigley, is to spread the message of love, adding that, “The song is a unity song.”
He supported his argument by stating that, harmony between Christians and Muslims is necessary, thus, as a musician, he felt the need to communicate that through music.
Magic Rocker added that the song preaches love, thus, it is imperative that the motive and the song itself is supported, because, “we are all one people.”
He, however, extends greetings to Muslims in Ghana and worldwide, praying for peace and unity.
Magic Rocker emphasised the importance of unity, spirituality, and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan, encouraging Muslims to use the period to deepen their faith and commitment to peace.
BEATWAVES gathered that the song’s musical arrangement displays Magic Rocker’s talent for creating melodies that connects with his fans as well as listeners. The song, sung in Hausa, fuses a hiplife vibe with afrobeat.
The song, which hasn’t yet made it onto social media or radio, is a great party tune for any occasion. It possesses all the necessary attributes to satisfy Ghana’s music enthusiasts.
With the new single, Magic Rocker is believed to have done his homework well enough to give Ghanaians as well as Africans just what they expected from him this year.
Magic Rocker, whose songs are well-known in a number of countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, among others, stated that he wants to bring change to the music business in Ghana.
Government has been urged to review existing laws that vests mineral resources in the President rather than the State in order to prevent contracts skewed in favour of foreign companies.
A former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, who made the call during a press conference at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), in Accra said Ghana needs to adopt modern best practices that will provide a fair share of the resource rent to the country rather than foreign mining firms.
She said “There is a need to take a critical look at Article 257(6) of the Constitution which vests all minerals in the country in the President, as this could be the mother of all our natural resource problems. An alternative could be to vest the minerals rather in the State.”
President Mahama recently announced plans to review all agreements governing Ghana’s extractive sector.
Madam Sophia Akuffo who commended the President for his intentions however, urged him to take additional measures to review Ghana’s mining laws in order to generate revenue needed for the country’s development.
She said Ghana has been endowed with abundant natural resources in the form of minerals, petroleum, gas, salt, forests among others potentially worth trillions of dollars representing low-hanging fruits that the country can harness to accelerate its development and eradicate poverty within a generation.
According to her, these natural resources have been exploited under concession leases that give exclusive rights to foreign firms ‘who keep disproportionately-high shares of the products and pay Ghana paltry amounts in the form of royalties and taxes’
She explained that leaders however tend to rationalize the decision to allow foreign firms to keep the lion’s share of the natural resource products on the basis of Ghana’s lack of exploration and development capital and expertise.
She further mentioned that the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) should contain a provision that moves the management of some mineral resources to local government to enable district assemblies to be directly involved in the management of the resources.
“The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919) should be reviewed to specify the need to shift from concession/royalty arrangements to production-sharing arrangements in natural resource contracts,” she added.
Even the most well-written anime can suffer from several problematic tropes that do more damage to the story than if they had been excluded in the first place. Tropes exist for writers to utilize to help tell their story while also being an easy way for audiences to identify certain plot or character choices.
Renowned Ghanaian pastor and gospel artiste Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom, better known as MOGmusic, has thanked Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, the founder and Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, for helping his New Wine Concert succeed since its launch in 2015.
According to the gospel artiste, Rev. Korankye Ankrah has been instrumental in the concert planning, having provided financing for its first three years and providing assistance over the years.
As he recalled his once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, MOGmusic added that he gave the man of God all the honour for opening many golden doors for him that many people could scarcely do.
MOGmusic, who is credited with a number of songs, thanked Rev. Korankye Ankrah for giving him the platforms he needed to advance his musical career.
In an interview on Joy Prime’s Changes with Roselyn Felli last Friday, MOGmusic revealed he met Rev. Korankye Ankrah and his activities touched his heart, and “he told me that he will help me.”
According to MOGmusic, he submitted to his leadership and “I can say for three years when I started doing New Wine Concert, he single-handedly financed everything.”
He indicated that the seed money he used for his first album was a donation from Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah to produce that album, “and I owe my success to Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah.”
MOGmusic has produced well-known gospel tunes, earning several awards, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.
MOGmusic has been performing spirit-filled songs at his New Wine Concert for more than a decade, blessing Ghanaians and fans of gospel music through the concert.
This year is no exception, as Accra has not yet seen the concert at the First Love Church on March 30, while Kumasi has already experienced it.
Joe Mettle, Quame Gyedu, Barry Neequaye, Pastor Isaiah Fosu Kwakye Jnr, and Obaapa Christy will all be featured in the 2025 Accra edition.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has raised GH¢ 1,694 million from the issuance of its 56-day bills, auctioned on Monday, March 24, 2025.
According to auction results from the Central Bank, the bills were sold at an interest rate of 27%.
However, details regarding the total bids submitted by banks and the BoG’s target amount were not disclosed.
BoG bills, issued as part of the Central Bank’s Open Market Operations (OMO), serve as a key monetary policy tool for managing liquidity in the banking system.
These short-term securities help regulate money supply by absorbing excess liquidity from commercial banks.
Proceeds from BoG bill auctions are often used to finance short-term government obligations.
Also, the interest rate on these bills plays a critical role in shaping the Central Bank’s monetary policy stance, influencing overall interest rates in the economy.
SP/EB
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Musician, King Paluta, has hit back at former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, for allegedly labeling his song ‘Makoma’ as profane.
Mark Okraku-Mantey allegedly claimed during a discussion on Peace FM’s Entertainment Review show, that the lyrics contained inappropriate language and were unsuitable for high-profile figures like Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to associate with.
However, in a conversation on Pulse Ghana on March 24, 2025, King Paluta dismissed the allegations.
He explained that his lyrics were being misinterpreted and contained no offensive words.
“I think I saw a video where the senior man (Mark Okraku-Mantey) said that Makoma is profane just because I said, ‘hw3 p3 a map3 bi a manya.’ Let me break it down for you: If you’ve been looking for an item that is rare on the market and finally found it, you normally say, ‘Look at what I’ve been looking for, for so long,’ he clarified.
King Paluta further urged industry stakeholders to support young musicians rather than discourage them with negative criticism.
“We came to hustle, so you people should allow us to hustle. What you’re doing makes it seem like you want us to go back to the streets. What you’re doing won’t help us,” he added.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), P.K. Sarpong, has disclosed that the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene is not a member of the NPP neither is he a politician as suggested by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
The Attorney General, at a press conference on Monday, March 24, to provide an update on the progress made by the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team in investigating financial mismanagement under the NPP administration, created the impression that Kwabena Adu-Boahene is a former Akufo-Addo appointee and an NPP member who has embezzled state funds to acquire wealth and properties that defy logic.
“Let it be on record that Kwabena Adu-Boahene is not and has never been an NPP member. He is not a politician and has always been a businessman. This is not an NPP, NDC matter. It is imperative that these facts are made available to the public about him,” Mr. Sarpong stated.
According to him, Kwabena Adu-Boahene is the owner of Glofert, a multimillion-dollar company and one of the biggest fertiliser companies in West Africa, with the biggest fertiliser blending set up in Ghana.
Mr. Sarpong also stated that Mr. Adu-Boahene’s company did not only obtain loans from banks including ECOWAS Development Bank, which it services diligently, but also contracted many businesses with COCOBOD under the management of Dr. Stephen Opuni as the Chief Executive.
“He and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, own several other successful businesses in Ghana and abroad. He owned businesses long before 2017. It is also important to point out that Kwabena has been working at Signals since 2007. He owns properties running into several millions of dollars.
“He also owns many expensive cars, including Ferraris, G-Wagons, Range Rovers and others before 2017. This ugly haste of making this a partisan case is not only reprehensible but mischievous. This nauseating habit of prosecuting people in the public domain when they have not been sent to court must end. This is not how our laws work,” he stated.
Mr. Sarpong also emphasised that Kwabena Adu-Boahene was a public servant who served as Deputy Director under President John Mahama and rose through the ranks to become the Director during the erstwhile NPP administration.
He asked Dr. Ayine to stop creating the impression that the gentleman and his wife acquired all their properties and established those businesses when he became the Director of the National Signals Bureau.
Mr. Sarpong, therefore, advised the Attorney General to stop persecuting Mr. Adu-Boahene in the media as well as aligning him to the NPP and put him before court.
“Dominic Ayine should stop hiding the fact. Kwabena Adu-Boahene owns properties and businesses long before he became Director of the National Signals Bureau. If these facts are not available to him, then his investigators are incompetent,” he added.
The post ‘Adu-Boahene Is Businessman’ appeared first on .
Founder of the defunct UT Bank, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has voiced his disappointment over the actions of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following the collapse of his bank.
Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Amoabeng revealed that despite his longstanding relationship with both men, he received no assistance during the financial sector clean-up that led to his bank’s downfall.
Ednaldo Rodrigues was elected to head the Brazilian football association (CBF) for a second term on Monday days after his main rival, football great, Ronaldo, announced he would quit the race due to the lack of support from local federations.
Rodrigues used a loophole in the CBF statutes to bring the election forward a year from the scheduled date of March 2026, taking advantage of Ronaldo’s abandoned leadership bid.
With all 67 representatives voting for him, it is the first time a CBF president has been elected unanimously.
“Today we celebrate the unparalleled unity that exists within Brazilian soccer today,” Rodrigues told the CBF assembly on Monday.
“Our work is to clean the image of Brazilian soccer and I’m proud that we are on the right path. Today we are giving an example that things can be done with dialogue and cohesion and we have a great chance to show the world our strength as a host nation of 2027 Women’s World Cup.”
The poll reaffirmed Rodrigues’ power as he earned all 141 votes available.
The electoral college is made up of the 27 regional federations, allocated three votes each, while the 20 top-flight Serie A clubs are given two votes each and the 20 second-tier Serie B sides, one vote each.
The system was heavily criticised by Ronaldo.
“It’s no coincidence that there has never been a CBF election with more than one candidate,” Ronaldo told Brazilian podcast Charla at the weekend.
“My life is football, I felt a duty to try to improve Brazilian football with what I had to offer. I knew it was difficult, but I didn’t realise it was impossible. The system doesn’t really let anyone in.”
Rodrigues’ new mandate will only take effect from April 2026. —Reuters
The Host of Onua Maakye, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has again appeared in the news following a defamation suit filed against him by the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership and Service (MILLS) Institute, Samuel Koku Anyidoho.
The outspoken presenter is frequently dragged to court on matters of unprofessionalism, a situation that has led him and his media house on numerous legal journeys.
In this GhanaWeb listicle, we take a look at some five (5) legal battles Captain Smart has faced over the last five years.
Koku Anyidoho, 2025
Koku Anyidoho, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, filed a defamation suit against Captain Smart and Media General at the Accra High Court.
The former Director of Communications at the Presidency under the John Evans Atta Mills presidency, stated that the broadcast journalist made several defamatory comments about him on his TV show in February 2025, which were later republished by GhanaWeb.
Anyidoho, in his suit before the High Court, indicated that the statements have had a negative impact on his mental health and tarnished his reputation, both professionally and within religious circles, where he is highly respected.
He is, therefore, demanding an amount of GH¢5 million in damages, including aggravated/exemplary damages for reputational harm, a retraction and apology and the removal of the content.
Kobina Tahir (KT) Hammond, 2024
Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, KT Hammond, filed a defamation lawsuit against Captain Smart over alleged derogatory comments made during a broadcast on Onua TV in 2024.
The legal action stemmed from claims made by Captain Smart and his co-host, suggesting that Hammond made tribal remarks questioning how an individual from a tribal descent could win the Adansi Asokwa parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region.
The controversy erupted following the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, where Hammond, who contested on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lost his seat to Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During a television programme on December 9, 2024, on Onua TV, Captain Smart and his co-host allegedly attributed the statement to Kobina Tahir Hammond.
Hammond refuted the claims, arguing that the comments, both directly and by implication, painted him as a tribalist who had refused to accept the election outcome when a Ghanaian of a different heritage won in the Ashanti Region.
He also asserted that the broadcast and its subsequent wide circulation tarnished his reputation, subjected him to public mockery, and caused him emotional distress.
As part of his lawsuit, the former legislator is seeking multiple legal remedies, including;
Damages: Special, aggravated, and exemplary compensation for defamation due to the broad dissemination of the alleged remarks locally and internationally.
Injunction: A court order preventing Captain Smart and his team from making any further defamatory statements about him.
Public Retraction and Apology: A directive compelling the defendants to retract the statements and issue a public apology with equal prominence across their media platforms, including television, radio, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
Content Removal: A mandate to take down the defamatory content from all online platforms, including third-party publications.
Legal Costs: Full coverage of all expenses incurred in pursuing the lawsuit.
Other Reliefs: Any additional measures the court finds necessary.
COP Christian Tettey Yohuno, 2025
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tettey Yohuno, during his time in office as the Deputy IGP, filed a defamation suit at the Accra High Court against Captain Smart and Media General Limited.
In the suit filed on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the IGP stated that Captain Smart, during a radio and TV programme on December 27, 2024, alleged that “some elements within the Ghana Armed Forces and some officials of the Ghana Police Service have intended to destabilise Ghana’s constitutional order by causing a coup d’état.”
According to the court document, Smart had alleged that COP Yohuno’s appointment as Deputy IGP was politically motivated and that he participated in meetings aimed at securing the position.
The broadcaster also claimed Yohuno had been visiting the homes of National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials while allegedly holding a membership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and paying them monies as a lobby to be appointed as IGP.
It is based on these statements by Captain Smart that the IGP sought general damages for defamation and an injunction to restrain the defendants from making further defamatory statements.
He also requested a court order directing the defendants to retract the statements and render unqualified apologies through three publications on both Onua TV and three radio announcements on Onua FM.
Francis Asenso-Boakye, 2022
The Former Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, sued Captain Smart and the Media General group for defamation, claiming a sum of GH¢10,000,000 as damages.
According to the suit filed at the High Court in Accra, the plaintiff noted that the first defendant, Captain Smart, made a false statement about him on August 23, 2022, that while he was in office as Deputy Chief of Staff, he placed a call to the GRA to have a certain Adubofour, who had been transferred from the authority pursuant to disciplinary proceedings instituted against him, to be reinstated.
It was the plaintiff’s case that the context within which the presenter made those statements ascribed to him the following inappropriate conducts:
On the bases that he abused his office as Deputy Chief of Staff, interfered and obstructed investigations or disciplinary proceedings against a public servant who the first defendant had accused of stealing.
Asenso-Boakye subscribed to such acts of stealing to the extent that he used his office to reverse lawful decisions of a state agency, used his office to shield a public servant who used his office to engage in acts of stealing and that he is not a law-abiding citizen of Ghana.
Also, he averred that the statement by the presenter was not only false, but malicious and the fact that it was given extensive coverage, damaged his character and reputation.
Asenso Boakye, therefore, sought inter alia;
A declaration that the words complained of were defamatory of his character;
An order of the court directed at the defendants to publish an unqualified retraction and an apology to him with the same prominence the defamatory words received within 7 days after the judgement;
An order of perpetual injunction restraining Captain Smart, his agents, assigns servants, etc. from making and/or publishing any defamatory words against him.
Ken Ofori-Atta, 2023
On June 2, 2023, Ofori-Atta filed a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit against Captain Smart for defamatory claims he made against him connected with the $3 billion International Monetary Fund extended credit facility secured by Ghana, for a period of three years.
Ken Ofori-Atta, on June 5, 2023, sued Media General Ghana Ltd, operators of Onua TV and Onua FM, in addition to Captain Smart.
In his amended statement of case, Ofori-Atta stated that Media General Ghana Ltd (the second defendant), by its actions and inactions, looked on, permitted and/or encouraged the first defendant, Captain Smart, by the use of its platform and resources, to defame him (Ken Ofori-Atta), the plaintiff, unjustifiably.
In the June 2 writ, filed at the High Court in Accra by Bright Okyere Adjekum, the lawyer for Ken Ofori-Atta, he stated that on May 22, 2023, in the course of the said Onua Maakye with Captain Smart, broadcast and published on Onua TV and Onua FM and via the internet, the following words that defamed the plaintiff: “Are you aware that Ken Ofori-Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money? Every loan we take, he takes 10%.
“The above statements are not only palpably false [and] absolutely fabricated but were also deliberately calculated to disparage the plaintiff. Those words are malicious and were clearly further intended to convey and would be understood to convey meanings that diminish the plaintiff in the minds of right-thinking members of society.”
They added that, “The said words, set out in their natural and ordinary meaning, meant and were understood to mean, inter alia, that the plaintiff is corrupt, that the plaintiff has diverted public funds, and that the plaintiff has abused his office.
“By reason of the foregoing, plaintiff has been greatly injured in his credit, character and reputation, and has been brought into public scandal, ridicule, distress and embarrassment and has thereby suffered damage.”
VA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Prof Gyampo explains why he believes the BBC’s ‘Sex for Grades’ exposé was orchestrated
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