The Ashanti Regional Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Miss Joana Deladem Yabani, a final-year Biological Sciences student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), whose lifeless body was discovered near the university’s Disability and Rehabilitation Centre.
A key suspect, 21-year-old Daniel Tuffuor, reportedly in a relationship with the deceased, has been taken into custody for questioning.
A scene from the health screening exercise
In a remarkable display of community commitment, the Rastafari Council, Ghana (RCG), in collaboration with the Natural Way Herbal Clinic, successfully conducted a free health screening exercise at the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) headquarters in Accra.
This initiative is part of the activities marking the 10th National Rastafari Conference, scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre) in Accra.
Established in 2009, the Rastafari Council, Ghana, is dedicated to promoting the teachings and legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I and advocating for the upliftment of Rastafari in Ghana.
The council comprises various Rastafari mansions, including the Ethiopian World Federation (EWF), Twelve Tribes of Israel (TTI), Ruutz International, and Baifikrom Nyahbinghi House among others.
Through cultural events, educational programmes, and community outreach, the council seeks to uplift and unite the Rastafari community and all those who appreciate the values of peace, love, and unity.
This year’s conference is themed “Rastafari Education and Empowerment: Building Stronger Communities.”
The theme reflects the council’s commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive community that values health, education, and cultural heritage.
The keynote speaker for the conference is Prof. Imhotep Alagidede, President of the Nile Valley Metaversity and Group of Companies, following in the footsteps of esteemed speakers like Ras Dr. Wayne Rose, who addressed the 9th National Rastafari Conference on the topic of “Political Consciousness: A Key Requirement for National Development.”
The CEO of the Natural Way Herbal Clinic, Dr. Wiafe Akenteng, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We collaborated with the Rastafari Council, Ghana, because we share a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of Ghanaians. As a healthcare provider, I am personally invested in ensuring that everyone has access to quality health services. This screening exercise is not just about identifying health issues; it’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to live healthier lives.”
Royal Kofi Asante, Administrator of the Rastafari Council, Ghana, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to the health and well-being of its community. “At RCG, we believe that health is a fundamental right, and it’s our responsibility to give back to our community.
“This health screening exercise is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that Rastafarians and the broader community have access to essential healthcare services. We are proud to partner with the Natural Way Herbal Clinic in this endeavour.”
Nana Poku Ashis is an artiste manager and entertainment pundit
Talent manager and entertainment pundit, Nana Poku Ashis, has added his voice to the ongoing debate surrounding the perception of Ghana’s creative arts industry, particularly in light of the comment by MP for Tolon Habib Iddrisu to John Dumelo.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie, Ashis debunked the misconception that actors and creatives are not serious or educated individuals.
Using John Dumelo as an example, he pointed to the actor’s intelligence and academic achievements as evidence that he is qualified for any political position.
“For anybody to become an actor and be sought after like John is sought after, it means you take your role seriously. You take time to read your scripts, understand them, and deliver prompts. That’s why movies call upon you,” Ashis explained.
He tagged the recent incident involving John Dumelo and Habib Iddrisu disrespectful, not just to Dumelo, but to all professionals in the creative arts and media space.
“It’s a disrespect to every other person in the media and creative arts business. To say, ‘Don’t go and do your acting things there.’ That means you don’t take me seriously,” he said.
He also called on established figures like John Dumelo to educate others about the value of the creative arts.
“John should have taken time to educate Habib Iddrisu. He had the opportunity to say, ‘What you are saying is very wrong. The fact that I am here doesn’t give you permission to speak to me that way,’” Ashis stated.
When asked about the way forward, Ashis criticised the way some industry practitioners portray themselves, which he believes contributes to the public’s dismissive attitude toward creatives.
“We have portrayed ourselves in such a way that most people see what we do as a joke. But there are very serious people, like some of us, who don’t take our work for granted.
“Our people need to take themselves seriously. They need to see themselves as elite,” he said.
He compared Ghanaian actors to international stars like Sylvester Stallone and Angelina Jolie, questioning why local creatives are not accorded the same respect.
He then urged creatives to elevate their self-worth and demanded that society recognize the intelligence, hard work, and professionalism required to succeed in the industry.
What Habib Iddrisu said about creatives that triggered uproar
During John Dumelo’s vetting on February 25, 2025, Habib Iddrisu advised the actor-turned-politician to take his new role seriously, stating, “When you go to the ministry, you are no longer in the movie industry.
Try to be as serious as you can to support your minister in succeeding.
This comment has since sparked massive backlash from creatives and industry stakeholders.
ID/EB
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Hassan Tampuli is a former Deputy Minister of Transport
Former Deputy Minister of Transport and current Member of Parliament of Gushegu, Hassan Tampuli, has publicly mocked President John Dramani Mahama’s move to cut sod for the new Hajj Village, calling it an attempt to claim credit for a project already in progress as initiated by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
The MP also shared images of the construction site, showing visible progress on the project, further fueling skepticism over the necessity of Mahama’s sod-cutting ceremony.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Tampuli questioned the rationale behind the event, confirming that the project was initiated in 2024 by then Minister of Transport, Kweku Asiamah, in collaboration with the Ghana Airport Company and the Hajj Board.
“Did I hear President John Mahama is going to cut sod for a new Hajj Village in Accra tomorrow (Friday)? This project has been going on since last year, and it’s the initiative of the former Minister for Transport, Hon. Kweku Asiamah, with Ghana Airport Company Limited and the Hajj Board as the implementing bodies,” Tampuli wrote.
This comes in the wake of a poster that surfaced on social media announcing President Mahama’s plan to cut sod for the same project.
The project, a multi-purpose new Hajj Village, located behind the current Hajj Village and opposite Action Chapel on the Spintex Road, commenced in 2024 under the leadership of former Minister of Transport, Kweku Asiamah, with the Ghana Airport Company and the Hajj Board serving as the implementing bodies.
The announcement, shared by the newly-created Hajj Task Force on its official Facebook page, has left many questioning the motive behind the event.
The development has triggered a storm of reactions, particularly among social media users familiar with the progress of the Hajj Village project.
They believe this indicates the project is already well underway and does not require any fresh sod-cutting ceremony of any sort.
Below are pictures of the project showing its present state:
Sammi Awuku, former NLA boss
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has challenged claims by President John Mahama that the previous administration mismanaged Ghana’s economy.
According to him, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo managed the economy better than Mahama did during his previous administration.
He explained that inflation alone is not the sole macroeconomic indicator of economic performance.
On his Facebook wall on February 28, 2025, he wrote, “Was the economy criminally managed?” This has been the main question asked by the media since yesterday.
He stated, “My response has been an explanation that inflation is just one of the various macroeconomic indicators used to measure the performance of an economy. The fact that the general level of prices has gone up does not mean the economy was criminally managed.”
Sammi Awuku compared the performance of President Mahama to that of Akufo-Addo, stating, “In any case, Mahama inherited an economy with inflation at 9.4% from Mills. He pushed it up to 15.4% by December 2016. Akufo-Addo worked hard to tame inflation, bringing it down to 7.6% in September 2019, the lowest in 28 years! (Source: BoG)”
The former NLA boss noted that the Akufo-Addo administration faced significant challenges due to the global economic crisis triggered by COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation rose to 13.6% by January 2022. Soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the global price of crude oil surged from $72 to $121 per barrel. Freight charges increased by 300%. As a result, Germany experienced its highest inflation in 70 years, while the UK and US recorded their highest inflation in 40 years. This imported inflation significantly contributed to Ghana’s inflation rising to 54% by the end of 2022,” he said.
“However, the NPP government responded with policy measures to address the problem. Inflation hovered around 23% at the time Akufo-Addo handed over the economy to Mahama,” he added.
Sammi Awuku further emphasized that the Akufo-Addo administration recorded higher growth levels than Mahama in 2016.
“The ‘criminally managed’ economy still recorded over 6% growth, higher than Mahama’s 3.4% in 2016. Nana Addo’s average fiscal deficit was lower compared to Mills/Mahama’s. Nana Addo left an economy with a trade surplus, whereas John Mahama left an economy with a trade deficit in 2016. Nana Addo left almost $9 billion in gross international reserves to protect the cedi, while Mahama left only $6.1 billion,” he said.
SSD/MA
Meanwhile, watch as President Mahama delivers 2025 SONA
Late Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal
Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal died after falling from a shopping mall in Kampala, Uganda, during a visit to a friend.
According to reports, the 29-year-old footballer fell from the third-floor balcony at the Voicemail Shopping Arcade, where he had gone to visit his Tanzanian friend.
It was disclosed that the deceased’s friend, named Omary Naima, had left him in a room and was preparing tea prior to the incident.
The Ugandan police have launched an investigation into the case to ascertain the circumstances leading to the demise and take necessary steps.
“Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said.
The police have retrieved some items belonging to the deceased player, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets, and a training kit.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” they added.
Despite these efforts, the Nigerian police have been advised to also investigate the case separately to ensure transparency prevails.
Lawal was playing for local Nigerian club Vipers Sports and played a key role as a striker in helping the team’s fortunes.
The club noted that they are saddened by the “untimely passing of our beloved player” and would continue to support him as the probe continues.
His former teammate Nasarawa United said, “We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest.”
He had been with the Vipers since July 2022, after playing two years for AS Kigali in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Watch as Ghanaians tell Dede Ayew to retire from Black Stars to protect his legacy:
SB/EK
Hospital workers carry an injured man at Bukavu Provincial Hospital in Bukavu after two explosions
At least 11 people have been killed and 65 wounded when explosions rocked the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a rally for the M23 rebel group and their supporters, the leader of the rebel alliance says.
The DRC’s presidency, which says neighbouring Rwanda is backing the rebels, said in a post on X that “several” deaths occurred on Thursday and blamed “a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil”.
Corneille Nangaa – who is the leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, and who had himself been present at the rally – said grenades were used in the explosions and were the same type used by Burundi’s army in the DRC. His claims could not be verified.
The first explosion caused panic, sending attendees fleeing from the area before a second explosion rang out, according to the AFP news agency. Residents said the explosions were accompanied by gunfire.
People ran through the streets, some bleeding and carrying limp bodies, video showed. Residents said they saw dead people.
The meeting was the first to be attended by Nangaa since his forces seized control of Bukavu, the region’s second largest city, nearly two weeks ago.
Nangaa told the Reuters news agency by phone that neither he nor other senior rebel commanders were wounded in the attack.
Bukavu is one of two key cities in the turbulent region seized in recent weeks by antigovernment M23 fighters, who United Nations experts said are backed by Rwanda.
The armed group has been trying to demonstrate that it can restore order in the territory it has captured from the DRC’s army and has reopened ports and schools.
M23 fighters have swept through the eastern DRC, seizing key cities and killing about 7,000 people. There have also been reports of sexual abuse of children and recruitment of minors as soldiers.
The rebel advance has stirred fears of a regional war that could draw in the DRC’s neighbours, including Rwanda.
The advance has been described as the gravest escalation in more than a decade of the long-running conflict in the eastern DRC, which is rooted in the spillover of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide into the DRC and the struggle for control of the DRC’s vast mineral resources.
Rwanda has said it is defending itself against the threat from a Hutu militia, which it said is fighting with the Congolese military.
Controversial loudmouth content creator, Afia Schwarzenegger has replied those criticising her for not posting the progress of her twin sons after completing the University.
In a recent video on her TikTok, Afia Schwarzenegger replied her critics stating that her sons are currently doing their mandatory National Service.
She added that unlike other single parents, she takes good care of her children. She bragged about sending each of her twin sons GHc4000 on monthly basis.
According to Afia, she makes sure her kids lack nothing and that is why she works hard to make sure they are well taken care of.
While ranting, some fans noticed that she still failed to mention if her kids graduated with honours or didn’t do well.
Meanwhile, Afia Schwarzenegger who is fond of putting her nose into the issues of other people issued a stern warning to her haters to stop talking about her family.’
She threatened to deal mercilessly with people who attack her children.
“ You people keep talking about things you know nothing about. Do you know how much I send each of my boys on monthly basis? How many of you can do what I do? For your information, my boys are doing their National Service at reputable firms”. She stated.
See the video below;
Source:Ghanacelebrities.com
President John Dramani Mahama has asked Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle Constituency in the Greater Accra Region and daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, to reach out to him for a discussion.
The request came after President Mahama delivered his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Kwaw Kese and late mom
Rapper, Kwaw Kese, is mourning the demise of his mother.
He announced the passing of his mother, popularly called Yaa Serwaa on his X on February 26, 2025.
“Lost my mom today, sad day,” he wrote, accompanied by a crying emoji.
While Kwaw Kese did not disclose the cause of death, the news has deeply affected some fans and his colleagues in the music industry.
Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and support from fans, who have expressed their sympathy to the rapper and his family.
Kwaw Kwese is one of Ghana’s most celebrated rappers known for his influence on the street.
Even though he has not really exposed his mom to the public during her life on earth, she is known to a myriad of his fans.
Channel One TV and Citi FM have officially launched the 2025 edition of Heritage Month, an annual celebration dedicated to promoting and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch event, held on Friday, February 28, 2025, brought together cultural enthusiasts, traditional leaders, historians, and government officials to kickstart a month-long series of activities aimed at showcasing Ghana’s diverse traditions, languages, and historical landmarks.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed gratitude following his nomination for a ministerial position, calling for divine blessings on former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the nation.
In a post on social media, Mr. Suhuyini prayed for Mahama’s protection and elevation, acknowledging the trust placed in him.
“Thank you, Ya Allah. Please bless, protect, and elevate His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, his immediate family, the National
By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor
Tamale, Feb 28, GNA – Mr Yaw Attah Arhin, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Specialist at World Vision Ghana, has disclosed that Ghana loses US$290 million every year due to poor sanitation, which affects the health sector.
He said an additional US$79 million is also lost due to open defecation, and 3,600 people died every year from diarrhoea alone.
Mr Arhin disclosed these in Tamale during the official launch of a Campaign for Improved Sanitation by Master Abdul Faraj Yazid Timtoni Wumbei, Child Sanitation Diplomat, on the topic: “The Basic Sanitation Situation in the Northern Region of Ghana – Reflections and Prospects”.
This child-focused national sanitation challenge is organised annually by World Vision Ghana and in collaboration with its partners, Kings Hall Media Limited, GAMA Sanitation and Water Project of the then Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Zoomlion Foundation, and Ghana Education Service to build capacity of children to co-create sustainable solutions to the sanitation challenges in the Northern Region.
The project is to influence children to cultivate keen interest in issues of environmental sanitation, become sanitation conscious and agents of change, and to sensitise and build capacity of children on issues of environmental sanitation.
It is also to empower children to co-create sustainable solutions to environmental sanitation challenges around them, and to advocate the removal of barriers and increased access to improved sanitation, particularly in basic schools.
Mr Arhin advised stakeholders to come on board to introduce innovative financing arrangements to ensure every household had a toilet facility.
He said stakeholders should invest in behaviour change communication strategies to reorient the mindset of citizens.
He said it was important to emphasize that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and services were vital components of a conducive school environment, the absence of which compromised quality teaching and learning.
Mr Arhin said due to the challenges, World Vision Ghana and its partners found the lack of access to safe drinking water and toilet facilities in schools not only regrettable but also very worrying, especially when the few available toilet facilities did not have changing rooms for girls, which did not make the school
environment conducive or friendly to the girl child particularly, those who had to deal with menstrual hygiene management on a monthly basis.
He said, “As an organisation, whose vision for every child is life in all its fullness, we believe that nothing can be more important to child wellbeing than access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene.”
He appealed to government, development partners and members of the public to come out with techniques to ensure sustainable access to improved sanitation in Ghana.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, pledged his support to advocate strongly to make sanitation a top priority in the development agenda of the region.
Master Adbul Faraj Yazid Timtoni Wumbei is a 14-year-old Junior High School three student of Grace Holy Child Academy in Tamale, who emerged the overall winner of the 5th edition of the nationwide School Sanitation Solutions Challenge in 2024.
He was thus designated as Child Sanitation Diplomat to be supported to implement a one-year sanitation project in the country with a special focus on the Northern Region.
Master Wumbei pledged his commitment to support stakeholders to address poor sanitation in schools in the Northern Region.
GNA
MzGee and husband
Media personality Gloria Akpene Nyarku, popularly known as MzGee, has announced her divorce from Raymond Acquah in a surprising turn of events.
The couple, who tied the knot in a colourful ceremony in October 2017, while both working at Multimedia, had their wedding garner significant attention online.
However, despite their once-public union, MzGee revealed in a recent announcement that she and Raymond have been living separately for years. The former couple has officially been divorced for two years.
In a vlog post, she allegedly clarified her marital status, stating, “My name is Gloria Akpene Nyarku. I have no documentation that bears the name Acquah. I know this is because once upon a time you knew a certain Raymond Acquah who I was married to. Unfortunately, I have been separated from Raymond Acquah for three years and divorced officially from him for two years, so I don’t have any ties to him.”
Although the couple had remained silent on the matter for years, MzGee explained that the decision to speak out was necessary for the sake of her child.
“I wouldn’t have responded to or addressed it because it is nobody’s business what I did with my private life, but now there’s a child involved, and I do not want him growing up to be confused about his paternity,” she explained.
“I have no business whatsoever anymore with Raymond Acquah.”
MzGee also took the opportunity to request that Ghanaians refer to her appropriately moving forward. “I see that people want to attach us. Yes, maybe you didn’t know; it’s ok. My name is Gloria Akpene Nyarku. No Acquah attached. Please let the gentleman breathe,” she added.
The fidelity bank team receiving the award
Fidelity Bank Ghana was crowned the winner of the Excellence in SME Banking Award at the Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025, held in Accra.
The award, co-located with the 18th Edition Connected Banking Summit – West Africa, recognises the bank’s ground-breaking efforts in driving financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)—the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
Reflecting on the award and the bank’s journey, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Julian Opuni, underscored the institution’s dedication to SME growth.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, contributing over 70% of Ghana’s GDP and employing millions. At Fidelity Bank, we recognise that their success is our success. This award validates our relentless pursuit to provide not just financial solutions, but holistic support through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and innovative platforms. We are committed to creating and supporting sustainable businesses whose ripple effects—job creation, community development, and economic resilience—will propel Ghana forward.”
Commenting further on the award, Mr. Opuni noted, “This award is not an endpoint but a milestone. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in SMEs—because when they thrive, Ghana thrives.”
In a related initiative, the bank’s Green Tech Innovation Challenge has awarded over GH¢1.4 million to 17 innovative agritech businesses addressing key challenges in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Furthermore, Fidelity Bank’s landmark agreement with Proxtera to launch the Ghana Integrated Financial Ecosystem (GIFE) Platform has empowered SMEs with enhanced access to finance, expanded customer reach, and essential business skills. The bank has also taken significant strides on the international stage through its Fidelity Export Club, which offers a comprehensive export value proposition, educational seminars on sustainable practices, and participation in global trade fairs—benefiting over 400 exporters and farmers.
Additionally, the transformative BRIDGE-in-Agriculture (BiA) initiative, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has addressed the funding gap in agriculture by disbursing GH¢47.97 million to SMEs and smallholders since its inception. This initiative has reached 11,000 smallholder farmers, created 1,790 new jobs, and sustained 3,209 existing ones, with over 41% of beneficiaries being women.
A Business Desk Report
Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM) has firmly defended himself against accusations regarding his political impartiality, addressing a remark implying he anticipated a position in the government.
During his YouTube show observed by MyNewsGH, KSM rejected the assertion, underscoring that his values are not up for negotiation.
He also mentioned that some individuals will go to any lengths for a reward, but he is not among those people.
“Somebody asked me, ‘Hey KSM, when are you expecting your appointment?’ My goodness!
Channel One TV and Citi 97.3 FM have officially launched Heritage Month 2025, a celebration dedicated to showcasing and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch event, held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Tesano Gardens of Channel One TV, brought together key industry stakeholders, traditional leaders, and cultural enthusiasts.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, who served as the Guest of Honour, applauded Channel One TV for spearheading the initiative and using its platform to promote Ghanaian culture.
According to her, the initiative is a great example of how media can play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Ghanaian heritage.
She commended Channel One TV’s efforts in ensuring that Ghana’s cultural identity is celebrated and embraced.
A Celebration Beyond History
Heritage Month is not just about acknowledging historical milestones—it serves as a dynamic platform for Ghanaians to immerse themselves in the diverse and colorful aspects of their heritage.
Throughout March 2025, a lineup of exciting activities and programs will invite audiences to explore various elements of Ghana’s identity.
Heritage Caravan Kicks Off the Festivities
The Heritage Caravan, a flagship event of Heritage Month, will officially commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
This eight-day road trip will take participants, affectionately called “Caravanites,” on a thrilling journey across 14 regions of Ghana, offering them an immersive cultural, historical, and natural experience.
Beginning in the Greater Accra Region, this year’s Heritage Caravan itinerary promises new twists and exciting additions, giving travelers an unforgettable adventure through Ghana’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
Preserving Ghana’s Cultural Legacy
As Ghanaians come together to celebrate Heritage Month, Channel One TV and Citi FM reaffirm their commitment to entertaining, educating, and strengthening national unity through cultural expression.
Heritage Month 2025 stands as a testament to the significance of preserving and passing on the stories, rituals, and legacies that shape Ghana’s vibrant and diverse identity.
Stay tuned to Channel One TV and Citi 97.3 FM for exclusive coverage, engaging programs, and updates throughout the month-long celebration.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) of Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong
Former Member of Parliament (MP) of Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who was also a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, has opened up about his very humble beginnings.
Speaking at a recent event by Skill Force Ghana, dubbed ‘‘Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership for the Youth Symposium,” Ken Agyapong, who is one of Ghana’s richest men, indicated that a lot of people do not know that he is from a poor family.
He said that he was born into a very poor family from one of the most deprived communities in the country, Assin Dompim, in the Central Region.
The former legislator said that despite his humble background, he was determined to make it in life through education. He said that he took the common entrance examination and got himself an admission to Adisadel College.
He went on to narrate how he got the name ‘Kwame Agyapong from the Farms’.
“With my chop box and trunk, I went to Adisadel College. At that time, the road was bad, it was so dusty… So, when I got there, they could tell that this guy was from the farms. My hair, eyelashes, everything was brown.
“So, one senior looked at me and called me… I went to him and he asked me, ‘What is your name?’ I said, Kwame Agyapong; ‘Where are you from?’ I did not even say Assin Dompim, because as for Assin Dompim, it is worse, so I said Assin Foso. He said, ‘Where is Assin Foso? farms ooo, farms’,” he narrated.
He also recounted how his classmates, most of whom he indicated were from rich families, used to tease him in school with his new nickname.
The former flagbearer hopeful said that any time a teacher asked for his name, his classmates would respond for him saying, ‘Kwame Agyapong, Farms ooo, Farms.’
“They were teasing me in the classroom… I was at the back, so any master who came first introduced himself and asked each of the students to introduce himself as well. I was at the back there because I was tall. I have young boys, some are 12, 13, 14 and I was 16 (in my class). So, you can imagine, and they were from preparatory schools: Morning Star, Association, Radiant Way.
“So, the master would call ‘The gentleman back there, what is your name?’ And all the young ones would just turn and look at me and shout, ‘Kwame Agyapong, Farms ooo, Farms’,” he recalled.
The former MP narrated how he sat back in school while his colleagues went to schools like Holy Child and Wesley Girls to get girlfriends.
He said that the main reason he could not join them was because he did not have nice clothing and was not that fluent in the English language.
“That time I’ll be washing seniors’ clothes. I didn’t have a chance. And again, you need a spotless white shirt to go to Holy Child or Wesley Girls to talk to a girl. I was from a poor family, how was I going to get that? So, I didn’t even bother.
“And even the English, when you meet the woman, you have to think of what you are going to say. You construct it in your head before you voice it out, so I wouldn’t bother at all. But we continued struggling, struggling, and here we are today,” he said.
Ken Agyapong said that today, because of his determination, he has become a man who is contributing so much to society.
He added that he was sharing his story with the youth so that they would not lose hope no matter where they are from.
“I can tell you that poor boy from Assin Dompim can proudly say that this time, there is nothing that will go on in Adisadel College that I will not be involved. God has done his part. I have also done my part,” he said.
Watch his remarks in the video below:
From a Village Boy to a Business Leader!
I started from a small village with nothing, but I never let my background define my future. Through hard work, vision, and determination, I built my success. No matter where you start, great hopes make everything possible!
🎧 Listen to… pic.twitter.com/NHQAzAS6Gx
— Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong (@honkenagy) February 27, 2025
BAI/AE
Also, watch as Ahiafor explodes at Habib over ‘insulting’ deputy minister question
Watch the latest episode of The Lowdown featuring NPP MP Patrick Yaw Boamah
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Italian energy giant Eni has welcomed the Ghanaian government’s decision to withdraw the Unitisation Directives related to the Sankofa Cenomanian oil field.
The directives, issued in 2020, had been a source of controversy, with Eni and its partners raising concerns over their potential impact on operations.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s decision to withdraw the directives is seen as a positive move by both Eni and its partner, Vitol.
Eni, which has been operating in Ghana since 2009, reaffirmed its commitment to exploring new opportunities in both traditional and transition energy sectors.
“Eni remains committed to leverage its portfolio of innovative projects, seizing new opportunities both in traditional and transition energy sectors, while strengthening domestic energy security and sustainability,” the company said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Eni’s operations in Ghana are centred on the Sankofa field, located offshore in the Tano Basin. The field is projected to produce oil and gas until 2040, with Eni serving as the operator.
The company has also expressed interest in expanding its presence in Ghana, including potential investments in renewable energy projects.
Meanwhile, Springfield E&P—which had been involved in the unitisation discussions—is yet to respond to the government’s decision.
Media personality, Bridget Otoo
Media personality, Bridget Otoo, has criticised the minority caucus in Parliament after they organised a press conference disputing some statements made by President John Dramani Mahama during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In an X post on February 27, 2025, Bridget Otoo stated that the minority’s ‘staged’ press conference was solely intended to deceive Ghanaians and reminded them that it would not change the fact that they performed poorly while in power.
She emphasised that the 184 NDC seats in parliament are a testament to the poor performance of the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
“I listened to the micro minority rumble on about handing over a ‘restored’ economy to the NDC. The true state of the economy is in the 184 seats the Majority has; the real state of affairs is in the 38% they had in the election.
“The true state of affairs is in the 1.7 million gap they received. No press conference revisionism will change that!” she said.
Bridget Otoo further praised President John Dramani Mahama for what she described as his apt and direct speech during the 2025 SONA.
“I liked @JDMahama SONA, direct… no sugar coating,” she added.
Background
The Minority MPs in Parliament, following President Mahama’s SONA, held a press conference to present thier “True State of the Nation Address.”
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, on behalf of the caucus, claimed that in less than 100 days in office, Mahama’s government had committed various “atrocities,” including mass violations of the human rights of Ghanaians and uncertainties regarding the direction of the economy.
Read the post below:
I liked @JDMahama SONA, direct… no sugar coating and then I listened to the micro minority rumble on about handing over a “restored” economy to the NDC.
The true state of the economy is in the 184 seats the Majority has, the real state of affairs is in the 38% they had in the…
— Bee 🐝 (@Bridget_Otoo) February 27, 2025
Meanwhile, watch how D-Black reacted to Tolon MP’s demeaning ‘movie industry’ remark
JHM/EB
Richard Ahiagbah is the Director of Communications for the NPP
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has responded to President John Dramani Mahama’s statement on the operationalisation of the Agenda 111 hospital projects in the country.
According to him, the operationalization of constructed Agenda 111 facilities is solely the responsibility of the president.
He accused the president of being dishonest in his statements that the hospitals are not operational, asserting that the facilities are, in fact, ready to operate.
“It’s disingenuous for President John Dramami Mahama to say the hospitals are not operational when he knows it’s his responsibility to make them operational,” he wrote on X on February 27, 2025.
To clarify the matter, Ahiagbah stated that the Agenda 111 project, a flagship initiative under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo aimed at addressing gaps in the healthcare system following the COVID-19 pandemic, had three hospitals constructed and commissioned.
He further noted that while these three facilities were completed, they have yet to be operationalized, as the previous government had to exit power due to the change in administration.
He went ahead to list the completed facilities spanning three different regions including, “Trede in Atwima Kwanwomma, Kokoben in Oforikrom and Bokro in Ahanta West.”
Ahiagbah argued that the NPP, under whose administration the project was initiated, cannot take action to operationalize the facilities since they are currently in opposition and lack the mandate to do so.
He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to take the necessary steps to make the facilities operational.
“Three Agenda 111 hospitals were duly commissioned and are ready to be operationalized. The NDC-Mahama administration is responsible for operationalizing these completed Agenda 111 hospitals because it is the government of the day. The NPP-Akufo-Addo administration cannot operationalize them from opposition,” he added.
This comes on the back of President John Dramani Mahama’s disclosure that none of the facilities were operating.
Addressing Ghanaians during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama noted there was no funding source for the Agenda 111 projects.
He emphasised that the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government could have completed at least 22 hospitals out of the Agenda 111 project per the budget allocated; however, most of the hospitals are at foundation levels.
“I am sad to note that there is no funding source for this project. As I speak, not a single agenda 111 is operational. And it is worth disclosing that $400 million has already been disbursed under the Agenda 111 project. At a rate of approximately $80 million per hospital, this $400 spent could have been completed and made operational at least 22 of those hospitals.
“I believe the money should have been focused on completing several hospitals and making them operational instead of spreading it over the current 111 hospitals. As I speak, some are at the foundation level, and not a single one is operational,” he said.
Three Agenda 111 hospitals were duly commissioned and are ready to be operationalized. The NDC-Mahama Administration is responsible for operationalizing these completed Agenda 111 hospitals because it is the government of the day. The NPP-Akufo-Addo Administration can not…
— Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) February 27, 2025
MAG/EK
Also, watch as Ahiafor explodes at Habib over ‘insulting’ deputy minister question
Watch the latest episode of The Lowdown featuring NPP MP Patrick Yaw Boamah
President John Dramani Mahama, in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) of his second term on Thursday, February 27, 2025, outlined the debts inherited from the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.
Presenting his address on the floor of Parliament, the president revealed that, in addition to the public sector debt, which currently stands at GH¢721 billion, the previous administration left behind significant debts in various state agencies.
He noted that several state institutions, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), are burdened with billions in outstanding debts.
Below are some of the debts discovered so far by the Mahama administration:
ECG – GH¢68 billion
President Mahama stated that the Akufo-Addo government left behind a total debt of GH¢68 billion at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
“In addition to the public debt, which amounts to a staggering GH¢721 billion, several State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are also heavily indebted, including ECG, which owes GH¢68 billion,” he said.
COCOBOD – GH¢32.5 billion
The president further disclosed that COCOBOD has an outstanding debt of GH¢32.5 billion inherited from the previous administration.
“The Ghana Cocoa Board, the hope of cocoa farmers is also highly indebted. Its balance sheet indicates a total debt of GH¢32.5 billion, of which GH¢9.7 billion is due to be paid by the end of September 2025.”
He explained that in the 2023/2024 crop season, COCOBOD was unable to supply 333,767 tonnes of cocoa, which had already been sold at US$2,600 per tonne.
As a result, the then-management rolled over these contracts into the 2024/2025 cocoa season.
Additionally, he revealed, “Cocoa road commitments alone total GH¢21.7 billion, of which only GH¢4.4 billion is included in the total debt of GH¢32.5 billion. This debt arose primarily due to the decision in 2019 and 2020 to award road contracts worth over US$1 billion ahead of the elections.”
Ministry of Defence – GH¢3.7 billion
President Mahama also revealed that the Akufo-Addo government left behind GH¢3.7 billion in debt at the Ministry of Defence.
“Mr. Speaker, like many other state institutions under the previous administration, the Ministry of Defence is burdened with approximately GH¢3.7 billion in debt, a figure that continues to grow as new undisclosed debts are uncovered.”
BAI/MA
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A 14-year-old boy has lost a court case he brought against his own parents after they moved him from London to Ghana to go to boarding school.
The boy, described in court as shy, articulate, a keen cook and footballer, said his parents had tricked him into going to Africa, saying it was to visit a sick relative.
He said had he known he was being sent to boarding school “there would have been no way I would have agreed to it”.
But the High Court in London also heard his parents were worried he was being “groomed” into criminal activity.
In a written statement to the court, he said: “I feel like I am living in hell. I really do not think I deserve this and I want to come home, back to England, as soon as possible.”
But High Court judge Mr Justice Hayden said the boy was at risk of suffering greater harm returning to the UK.
He said he recognised that “this is, in many ways, both a sobering and rather depressing conclusion.”
The boy, who had lived in the UK since birth, said he was “mocked” and “never settled in” at the school in Ghana.
He said he “could also barely understand what was going on and I would get into fights”.
The boy said: “I was so scared and desperate that I emailed the British High Commission.”
“I am from London, England, and I want to go back home,” he wrote.
He said he had been “mistreated” at the school, adding: “I’m begging to go back to my old school.”
However the High Court heard that the boy’s parents had sent him because they feared for his safety in London.
In a statement, his mother said sending him to Africa was “not a punishment but a measure to protect him”.
She referred to the murder of Kelyan Bokassa, the 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich in January. That was “every parent’s worst nightmare”, she said.
She said she did not believe her son would survive in the UK and did not want to be part of her son’s “destruction”.
Rebecca Foulkes, representing the boy’s father, said the boy met 11 of the points on a checklist produced by the children’s charity NSPCC to indicate whether a child might have joined a gang or was being criminally exploited.
That included being absent from school, having unexplained money, buying new things, and carrying weapons.
She said it was not only the parents who were worried.
His school claimed it had “suspicions about him engaging in criminal activities” and had observed him in expensive clothes and with mobile phones.
The boy said he had never been part of a gang, nor “involved in gangs in any way”. He said he “does not know anyone involved in a gang” and he does not carry a knife.
He acknowledged in his statements that “my behaviour wasn’t the best” and said he thought that was the reason his parents sent him to Africa.
The case centred on the question of parental responsibility, and whether the parents acted unlawfully by sending their son to boarding school without his consent.
‘I want to have an education’
The boy’s barrister, Deirdre Fottrell KC, pointed out the school was not simply far from home – but a completely different jurisdiction.
The boy wrote that his education was suffering. He felt the Ghanaian classes were not as challenging as those in his English school, and he had been out of formal education entirely since last summer, studying online.
He wrote: “I want to have an education again and grow up like a normal person. I feel like my brain is hurt here. I feel like now I am dumber than people I used to be smarter than.”
The boy’s father has recently visited him in Africa, and he told the court that he and his son had got on well.
He said he would like his son to remain in Ghana, and said they visited a different boarding school where the boy could be considered for a place.
The father said they were both very impressed.
However, questioned by Ms Fottrell, he acknowledged there was no place in that school until September, and that his son had not said he wanted to go there.
James Netto, from the International Family Law Group, who represents the boy, said he had recently seen a rise in similar cases where teenagers were trying to return to the UK.
“Teenagers are often placed in exceptionally challenging or vulnerable situations, and are now beginning to turn to the court for protection,” he said.
Mr Netto said he had seen cases where “in their parents’ eyes” young people were “falling in with the wrong crowd or are adopting what their parents see as unorthodox or challenging behaviours”.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has charged Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the Director General (DG) of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), to investigate some unjustifiable promotions of selected staff.
Mr Nikpe gave the directives when he paid a working visit to the GPHA, and the DG brought the issue to his attention.
In a world where fashion often intertwines with influence, few can claim the title of a true trendsetter. However, Prophet Elbernard’s wife is unequivocally one such individual. Captivating audiences with her vibrant spirit and stunning looks, she has not only turned heads but also sparked trends while defying the conventional notion of age.
At just shy of 40, this remarkable woman appears to have harnessed the art of timeless elegance. With her radiant complexion and youthful demeanor, she can easily pass for someone in her 20s. Her recent photoshoot, characterized by eye-catching outfits and impeccable styling, showcases her distinctive flair for fashion, proving that age truly is just a number. The photos not only capture her beauty but also encapsulate her underlying message: a celebration of self-expression and confidence, regardless of one’s age.
In the latest series of snapshots released on social media, Prophet Elbernard’s wife effortlessly combines chic and modesty. From elegant maxi dresses adorned with intricate floral patterns to tailored blazers paired with trendy wide-leg trousers, her wardrobe is a delightful blend of contemporary styles and timeless pieces. Each outfit tells a story, making bold statements while remaining beautifully sophisticated. She knows how to elevate her wardrobe with accessorizing choices that tantalize the eye – whether it’s standout jewelry or the perfect pair of heels that tie the entire ensemble together.
Her sense of style transcends the typical boundaries often constraining women in their 30s and 40s. Glorying in her femininity, she embraces vibrant colors and daring patterns that bring a refreshing vibrancy to her looks. A multitude of followers have flocked to social media, showering her with comments filled with admiration and praise. “This beauty is indescribable, mummy! God, you are a showboy because…” one fan expressed, encapsulating the warmth and respect she has garnered from her community.
But beyond the fabrics and designs, what truly sets her apart is her confidence and poise. She exudes a sense of self-assuredness that resonates with many women and serves as an inspiration for those feeling constrained by societal expectations regarding age and appearance. In a society that often places undue pressure on women to conform as they age, she stands as a beacon of hope, reminding others that beauty knows no bounds and that fashion is about expressing one’s individuality.
Source
Dr. Stephen Amoah
The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Mahama to explain the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor,” which are severely affecting businesses across the country.
Dr. Stephen Amoah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, raised the issue during a press briefing following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address since taking office in January 2025.
Dr. Amoah criticised the current administration for failing to maintain a stable power supply, despite former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s assertion in his final address that the energy crisis had been resolved.
He pointed out that, under Akufo-Addo, the lights were on, but since Mr. Mahama assumed office, the power cuts have returned.
“In his last State of the Nation Address, former President Akufo-Addo said, ‘I leave office in 2025 with the lights on.’ Unfortunately, since January 7, 2025, the lights have gone off again,” Dr. Amoah said.
The Nhyiaeso MP also questioned the government’s explanation that the outages are due to maintenance on the West African Gas Pipeline.
He asked why similar maintenance under the previous administration did not result in power disruptions.
“Excuses are being made, but we do not know why the NPP government managed the Gas Pipeline maintenance without affecting power supply,” he remarked.
Dr. Amoah emphasised the significant impact of the power outages on small businesses, such as dressmakers, ice water sellers, and hair salons, which rely on a stable electricity supply.
He called on President Mahama to provide a clear and transparent explanation for the crisis and to take immediate action to resolve it.
“President Mahama must clarify the real reasons for the power crisis, which is making life difficult for businesses,” he added.
Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to resolve the economic crisis facing the country and steer it towards growth and prosperity.
Addressing Parliament, President Mahama emphasised his approach to governance, stating that he does not dwell on blame but instead focuses on addressing challenges.
He acknowledged the hardships facing the nation but assured Ghanaians of his determination to find solutions.
“Mr. Speaker, it is not my style to lament and shift blame when confronted with challenges, as others often do. My approach is to accept challenges and work hard to resolve them. Indeed, that is precisely what the people of Ghana elected me to do,” he asserted.
Reflecting on his past achievements, President Mahama recalled that February 26, 2025, marked ten years since he declared his resolve to fix dumsor, a crippling power crisis.
“Yes, I promised to fix it, and I did! From January 2016 until I handed over the administration on January 7, 2017, there was no power rationing or load management in Ghana,” he stated.
Encouraged by his alleged past successes, President Mahama boldly declared, “I, John Dramani Mahama, will fix the economic crisis confronting our country and reset it on a path of growth and prosperity.”
The President emphasised that his administration, with the support of Parliament and Ghanaians, has developed a comprehensive plan to address the economic challenges.
He acknowledged the daunting task ahead, describing the economy as being in dire straits, worsened by deep-seated financial mismanagement and an alarming level of debt.
Mahama underscored the severity of the economic situation, revealing that an initial assessment of the nation’s financial records indicated that the crisis was more profound than publicly known.
He noted that Ghana’s public debt had skyrocketed to GH¢721 billion, with several State-Owned Enterprises, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), also burdened by significant debts amounting to GH¢68 billion.
He criticised the previous administration for failing to exercise financial prudence, even under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Despite setting an inflation target of 18% for 2024, the actual rate soared to 23.8%, surpassing IMF expectations. Additionally, the Ghana cedi experienced further depreciation, losing 19% of its value against the dollar in 2024 after a 27.8% decline in 2023.
President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to leading Ghana out of economic distress, urging unity and resilience. “Our elders say that a frog’s true length can be ascertained only after it has died. And how right they are,” he remarked, emphasising the hidden depths of the country’s challenges.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Former Deputy Minister of Health and Akim-Oda MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has blamed the delay in operationalizing some completed Agenda 111 hospitals on the termination of appointments for health practitioners recruited under the Akufo-Addo administration.
He revealed that although three health facilities have been completed and fully equipped, they remain non-functional due to a shortage of medical personnel.
Speaking to Citi News after President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, Acquah explained:
“They are not operational because we have to put staff there, and the practitioners we have recruited are the same people they are sacking away.
“So if you are terminating the appointment, GHS will not have the ability to post people to these facilities, but otherwise, we have mentioned that three facilities have been fully completed.
“We have done the tooling, and it is ready to be operated. We have the Trede in Atwima Kwanwoma, we have the Kokoben in Oforikrom, and then we have the Bokro in Ahanta West.”
Introduction
The second coming of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States has been marked by an unprecedented wave of reforms. In his remarks at the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast, he declared: “Our country is starting to do very well again. It’s happening fast — a little faster than people thought.”
Despite facing immense opposition—vilification in the media, assassination attempts, and legal battles—Trump has remained resolute, drawing comparisons to some of history’s most influential leaders.
His presidency has been defined by a mission to root out corruption, restore national morality, and revive America’s spiritual foundation.
Much like biblical leaders who emerged in times of national crisis, Trump’s return to office mirrors the reformation led by King Josiah of Judah (2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35). In an era where America seemed to drift further from its spiritual and moral roots, Trump has positioned himself as a catalyst for change.
America’s Spiritual Heritage
The United States has a deep-seated history of Christian faith, from its founding fathers to its influence on global missions. Many of America’s greatest movements—abolition, civil rights, and humanitarian aid—were propelled by Christian principles.
During his 2025 inaugural address, President Trump reaffirmed this spiritual heritage:
“America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world.”
One cannot overlook America’s role in spreading the gospel. Missionaries, Christian publishers, and evangelists like Billy Graham have taken the message of Christ to the farthest corners of the world. Recognising this legacy, Trump remarked at the National Prayer Breakfast:
“One of the incredible Americans whose memory my order will celebrate is also recognised with a statue in the Capitol, representing the great state of North Carolina, and that’s a man known — who everybody loved: Reverend Billy Graham.”
However, in recent decades, the nation has witnessed a decline in biblical values. Trump’s administration is actively working to reverse this trend, bringing faith back into the national discourse.
Trump’s Faith and Divine Preservation
Donald Trump has been vocal about his Christian faith. On multiple occasions, he has publicly expressed his belief that America must return to God.
His survival of several assassination attempts, including one during his campaign in Pennsylvania, further deepened his conviction in divine providence.
In his inaugural address, he stated:
“Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again.”
This echoes the biblical principle found in Daniel 2:21:
“He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Throughout Scripture, God has preserved leaders for His purposes. King David, Daniel, and even Queen Esther were divinely positioned for such a time as theirs (Esther 4:14). Trump’s presidency appears to align with this biblical pattern—where a leader is spared to fulfill a divine mission.
Reforming America: A Modern-Day Josiah
The Bible records how King Josiah led one of the greatest spiritual reforms in Israel’s history. His reforms included:
Likewise, Trump’s administration has undertaken major steps to bring America back to its foundational Christian principles.
Here are three ways he is doing that:
1. Overturning Evil Agendas.
Like Josiah, who tore down pagan altars and cleansed Israel of idolatry, Trump has sought to dismantle policies that undermine biblical values.
On February 6, 2025, the White House issued a statement highlighting Trump’s executive order to counteract the weaponization of government against Christians:
“The previous Administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses. President Trump will not tolerate this abuse of government and is taking action to ensure that any unlawful and improper anti-Christian conduct, policies, or practices are identified, terminated, and rectified.”
Additionally, his administration has taken firm action against radical gender ideologies, stating:
“President Trump took executive action to protect American children from irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation.”
This aligns with Isaiah 5:20:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”
2. Restoring Morality and National Values.
The United States has increasingly drifted from its moral compass, embracing ideologies that contradict biblical teachings. Trump has made it clear that his administration will restore traditional values, stating in his inaugural speech:
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.”
This is in direct contrast to the moral confusion that had taken root in American policies. The White House emphasized:
“The President will establish male and female as biological reality and protect women from radical gender ideology.”
Proverbs 14:34 declares:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
For Trump, the restoration of national morality is not just a policy shift but a spiritual imperative.
3. Directing the Nation Back to God
The most significant parallel between Trump and Josiah is their shared mission to turn their nations back to God. Trump has made faith a central pillar of his leadership, reinforcing the importance of Christianity in governance.
During the National Prayer Breakfast, he stated:
“From the earliest days of our republic, faith in God has always been the ultimate source of the strength that beats in the hearts of our nation. We have to bring religion back. We have to bring it back much stronger.”
This is reminiscent of 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Trump recognizes that America’s greatness is intrinsically tied to its spiritual health. By emphasizing the importance of faith, he seeks to lead the nation toward divine favour.
Conclusion
Donald J. Trump’s second presidency is not merely about economic or political reform—it is about realigning America with its divine calling. Like Josiah, he has embarked on a mission to: overturn unrighteous policies, restore national morality and lead America back to God.
In his National Prayer Breakfast remarks, Trump affirmed his unwavering commitment:
“We will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our God. Can’t do that.”
Although we recognize that Trump, like all leaders, is not perfect, every student of the Bible understands that God can use any leader to fulfill His will, especially in a nation where His people reside. Despite his shortcomings, he can still serve as an instrument for good.
His leadership extends beyond American borders. As seen in Ghana, where previous U.S. administrations sought to pressure the government to adopt LGBTQ policies in exchange for aid, Trump’s stance on biblical morality carries global implications.
For believers worldwide, Trump’s presidency is a call to prayer. As Proverbs 21:1 reminds us:
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
May God grant Trump the wisdom and strength to stay on course, and may America truly experience a revival that echoes across the nations.
—
Eric Otchere is an avid Christian blogger who writes daily on https://livingourbible.com/ and can be reached at [email protected].
Sources:
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.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Oduro Sarfo has responded to President John Mahama’s call for transparency regarding government spending on national teams, particularly the Black Stars.
In his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Mahama emphasized that there should be no secrecy in how much the government spends on national teams, stating that budgets submitted by the GFA and other associations must be made public.
However, Oduro Sarfo has countered the President’s remarks, arguing that the GFA does not directly handle the Black Stars’ finances.
“The President has been misled in making that statement. The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters,” Sarfo stated.
President John Mahama assured Ghanaians that his government will ensure full transparency regarding expenditure on national teams and sports-related activities.
He emphasized that all budgets submitted by the GFA and other sports bodies would be made publicly accessible.
“There will be no secrecy on how much the government spends on the national teams. The budgets presented by the GFA and other associations must be known by the public. After all, it’s the taxpayers’ funds that are used to fund these activities,” Mahama stated at the 2025 SONA.
P-Square with Jude (middle)
Jude Okoye Chigozie, the former manager and elder brother of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group P-Square, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering involving a staggering sum of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Ltd., was presented before the court on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to face a seven-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Okoye to a correctional facility until proceedings officially begin. However, Okoye’s legal team opposed this motion, advocating for the defendant to remain in EFCC custody pending his bail hearing.
In response, the prosecution objected to the request, citing concerns over overcrowding in the EFCC detention facility and arguing that Okoye should be held in a correctional centre instead. After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Owoeye ruled in favour of the prosecution, ordering that Okoye be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility.
The court has set a bail hearing for February 28, 2025, with the trial scheduled to begin on April 14, 2025.
Finance and Economics professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred Bokpin, has welcomed as refreshing, President John Dramani Mahama’s recent pledge to fix the nation’s economic challenges.
He says the bold declaration gives hope.
President Mahama during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, declared: “I will fix the economic crisis of the country” after he had painted a picture of what he described as the low level the economy had been plunged by the Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking Friday on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Professor Bokpin emphasised that the President’s words signify more than just a promise; they reflect a willingness to take personal responsibility for the country’s economic situation.
“In fact, the President said, ‘I will fix it,’ and for me, that gives hope,” he said. “It is a demonstration of leadership taking ownership of the crisis, which is essential in times like these.”
Professor Bokpin also made a comparison to the economic situation in 2017 when President Mahama handed over to the then new Akufo-Addo administration and the kind of descriptions that greeted the economy then, pointing out that despite the challenges, both presidents have shown a strong commitment to addressing Ghana’s financial problems.
“This is not, as some have suggested, a lamentation,” Professor Bokpin continued. “I don’t think President Mahama intended to write the second book of lamentations in the Old Testament. Instead, what he did was lay out a clear and actionable plan.”
The professor also noted that State of the Nation speeches often focus on broad, political statements, but in this case, President Mahama’s address went beyond typical rhetoric.
“Clearly, the President outlined what they are going to do,” he said. “Others may say that these speeches are just political positioning, but the President took it a step further by detailing specific actions they will take.”
For Bokpin, the President’s pledge to “fix it” represents a hopeful and responsible approach to resolving the country’s economic issues.
While the road to recovery may be challenging, the clear commitment to action gives confidence that Ghana can overcome its financial difficulties, he said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
KILLED! Joana Deladem Yabani
A FEMALE Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has shockingly been found dead on campus.
The lifeless body of Joana Deladem Yabani, who is believed to be 22 years old, was reportedly found near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Center around 5am on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
She was rushed to the University Health Services by some Good Samaritans to help save her life but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel, who were on duty at the time.
What resulted in the demise of Joana was not immediately known but allegations making rounds suggest that she may have been murdered.
A press release, dated February 27, 2025, authored by Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, Deputy Registrar, University Relations Office, KNUST, said the heartbreaking incident has been reported to the bereaved family.
“The university has officially informed her family, and we extend our deepest condolences to them during this difficult time”, he wrote, adding that investigations into the case are currently underway.
“A comprehensive investigation is underway in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), KNUST Internal Security, and the University Health Services to determine the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.
“The university management is fully committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to ascertain the facts”. Dr. Norris Bekoe indicated and said KNUST was committed to ensuring the safety of its students.
He said, “We wish to assure the university community and the public of our unwavering commitment to safety and well-being of all students and staff”, advising against the spread of false information about the death.
“We urge everyone to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and respect the privacy of the bereaved family during this difficult time. We will provide further updates as the investigation unfolds”, he indicated.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Kumasi
Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take firm action against appointees who fail to declare their assets to the Auditor General, as mandated by law.
In an interview on Joy News, Domelevo stressed the need for accountability, insisting that any appointee who does not comply with asset declaration requirements should be removed from office. He called on the president to reaffirm his commitment to fighting corruption by ensuring strict adherence to the law.
“President Mahama should make it clear to the public: ‘I will not shield anyone because I promised Ghanaians I would tackle corruption.’ He must take a firm stance and say, ‘If you do not declare your assets as required, I will take action against you.” Domelevo stated.
He further argued that assuming office without declaring assets is a violation of the Constitution. “If you hold public office without declaring your assets, are you not occupying the position unconstitutionally?” he questioned, emphasising the importance of transparency in governance.
Domelevo also recommended that the president closely monitor his appointees, particularly within their first month in office. He suggested that those who fail to comply with asset declaration rules or fail to address audit findings should be dismissed immediately.
His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with many supporting his call for greater accountability and transparency in government. A video of the interview, shared by Joy FM on its official Instagram page, has fuelled discussions across social media.
In the interview, Domelevo reiterated his long-standing advocacy for asset declaration, describing it as a crucial step in ensuring public officials uphold the highest ethical standards. “If I were in his position, I would keep a close eye on my appointees and, after one month, call them in for a thorough review,” he added.
President John Dramani Mahama
Nana Oduro Sarfo, a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, has responded to President John Dramani Mahama’s call for transparency over the government’s expenditure on the Black Stars.
Oduro Sarfo told Connect FM that President Mahama must have received erroneous briefings about the processes of budgeting and expenditure on the Black Stars.
He noted that the GFA, which manage the Black Stars, only prepare the budget and sends it to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for expenditure.
He averred that if the president and Ghanaians want accountability about expenditure on the Black Stars, the ministry is the place for them to direct their demands.
“The President has been misled in making that statement. The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters. If Ghanaians seek accountability, they should direct their concerns to the Ministry,” he stated.
His comments follow an order by President Mahama for complete transparency relative to expenditure on the Black Stars and other national teams.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama stated that the budgets of the various national teams would no longer be held in secret.
President Mahama assured that no association would withhold their budgets, emphasizing that taxpayers have the right to know how funds are allocated.
“There will be no secrecy on how much the government spends on the national teams. The budgets presented by the GFA and other associations must be known by the public. After all, it’s the taxpayers’ funds that are used to fund these activities.”
Meanwhile watch GhanaWeb’s breakdown of the uproar triggered by Jamie Carragher’s comments on the AFCON and Mo Salah below:
EK
Ghanaian media personality, Afia Pokuaa popularly known as ‘Vim Lady’
Ghanaian media personality Afia Pokuaa, popularly known as Vim Lady, has urged Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD) and Abeiku Santana not to disappoint Ghanaians, especially the youth, after receiving appointments in John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
In a video shared on social media on February 28, 2025, Afia Pokuaa said the two government appointees should work up to expectations.
Referencing Gifty Oware, the former Deputy Director of the Ghana National Service Scheme, who has been in the media over an alleged NSS payroll scandal, Afia Pokuaa said KOD and Abeiku Santana shouldn’t embarrass Ghanaians in such a manner.
“Congratulations to KOD and Abeiku Santana, but again, don’t go and disgrace Ghanaians like Gifty Oware, who has been accused of corruption and putting ghost names on the government’s payroll. If you do that, you will be destroying the chances of other potential youth who may have such opportunities as what you have,” she said.
Afia Pokuaa also criticised Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for not providing the youth in the party with the same opportunities that President Mahama has offered during his administration.
She added that the NPP would remain in opposition for a long time if they continue such practices.
“If they continue like this, then that means the NPP will be in opposition for a very long time. Also, all the young people would run to the NDC because they know they will get appointments. When Akufo-Addo was in power, he appointed his cousin, who didn’t even campaign during the elections. The NPP should forget about winning the 2028 elections if the NDC does well,” she added.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama, on February 26, 2025, appointed Kofi Okyere-Darko, popularly known as KOD, as the Director of Diaspora Affairs and Abeiku Santana as the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Abeiku Santana will work alongside the CEO of the GTA, Maame Efua Houajeto, while KOD will take over from Akwasi Awua Ababio.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile, watch how D-Black reacted to Tolon MP’s demeaning ‘movie industry’ remark
JHM/EB
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II (L) with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
The Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area in the Savannah Region, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, has praised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his victory in the National House of Chiefs elections.
The Buipewura, who contested and won the vice president position in the House of Chiefs, indicated that he would have lost the election but for the support of the Asantehene.
The paramount chief, who made these remarks when he called on the Asantehene at the Manhyia on February 26, 2025, went on to describe the Asantehene as his God on earth.
“Your life is important to me. God should give you long life. God should give you long life so that you would continue to hold the whole of Ghana together. I come here to show gratitude to you, to say thank you. You are my God on this earth. Thank you.
“Because of you, out of the 73, I got 54 votes. This was because of your blessings and support, so I couldn’t sit down without giving honour to whom it is due,” the Buipewura said.
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II asked the Asantehene to continue supporting him in his new role as he has been doing.
“There is a lot ahead of me, and I pray that you would share your God-given wisdom with me when I call on you either day or night.
“This is not the only support you have given me. People don’t know this. I was removed from my stool, but Nana said that this can’t happen,” he added.
Watch the chief’s remarks in the video below:
BAI/EK
Also, watch as Ahiafor explodes at Habib over ‘insulting’ deputy minister question
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Watch the latest episode of The Lowdown featuring NPP MP Patrick Yaw Boamah
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Sinking Fund provides a sense of financial security
You may have first heard the term “Sinking Fund” when news broke that President John Dramani Mahama directed the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) coupons and build a financial buffer through the Fund.
For those who may have come across the term but do not fully understand it, this GhanaWeb Business article provides a breakdown of what a sinking fund is, its purpose, and why it is important to have one in place.
A sinking fund, according to the Corporate Finance Institute, is a type of fund specifically created for repaying debt.
The account holder’s responsibility is to set aside a certain amount of money on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis for a particular purpose whether for debt repayment, education, a wedding, or other financial goals.
In finance, a sinking fund is mostly used by corporations for bonds, where money is deposited to buy back issued bonds or portions of bonds before their maturity date.
“It is also one way of enticing investors because the fund helps convince them that the issuer will not default on their payments,” the Corporate Finance Institute noted.
Simply put, a sinking fund is created to make debt repayment easier and to ensure that default does not occur by setting aside sufficient funds to meet obligations.
Although most bonds take several years to mature, having a sinking fund allows for gradual repayment of the principal amount, reducing credit risk over time.
A sinking fund cannot be created in isolation, as there are regulations governing its management to ensure proper oversight and accountability.
Sinking funds must be invested in accordance with guidelines set by regulatory bodies, such as the Bank of Ghana or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Having this type of fund provides a sense of financial security, as the money is reserved for a specific purpose.
It differs from a regular savings account, which can be used for multiple financial needs. While both serve to enhance financial stability, a sinking fund is designated solely for a predetermined financial obligation, such as debt repayment.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) coupons and build a financial buffer through the Sinking Fund.
In line with this directive, on Monday, February 17, 2025 the Ministry of Finance disbursed a Payment-In-Cash (PIC) coupon of GH¢6.081 billion to all DDEP bondholders.
Additionally, a Payment-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GH¢3.46 billion has been credited to bondholders’ securities accounts, in accordance with the terms outlined in the DDEP Memorandum.
To further strengthen the country’s debt management strategy, the government has also deposited GH¢9.7 billion into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account (Sinking Fund).
This move is intended to serve as a buffer for the next five DDEP coupon payments due in July and August 2025.
SA/MA
This article was initially published on February 20, 2025.
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Mohammed Kudus driving G-Wagon
Black Stars forward Mohammed Kudus was spotted driving a Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the United Kingdom.
In a video shared by a West Ham United fan on TikTok, the player was stopped by the fan, who requested an autograph.
The car is the 2025 edition of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which reportedly costs between £136,690 and £203,595.
The Ghanaian often shows his love for cars, particularly Mercedes-Benz, a brand he frequently flaunts in his off-season pictures.
Mohammed Kudus is currently the second-highest-paid Ghanaian footballer after Thomas Partey.
The 24-year-old joined West Ham in 2023, signing a five-year deal worth £4,680,000 per year.
Watch Mohammed Kudus driving Mercedes-Benz G-Class
@allsortsofcards On 7 September 2022, Kudus scored his first Champions League goal in a 4–0 win over Rangers. On 19 February 2023, he scored from a free-kick in the 84th minute of a league match against Sparta Rotterdam to earn Ajax a 4–0 victory. He celebrated by paying tribute to fellow Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, who died in the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake. He ran to the sideline and removed his Ajax shirt to display a white shirt underneath that read, “RIP Atsu. He scored 18 goals in 42 appearances with six assists in the 2022–23 season. Kudus started the season on 12 August with a goal in the 75th minute in Ajax’s 4–1 opening-day win against Heracles. On 24 August, he scored a hat-trick in his last game for Ajax in a 2023–24 Europa League play-off first-leg qualifier against Ludogorets in Bulgaria as Ajax won 4–1. West Ham United edit On 27 August 2023, Kudus signed for Premier League club West Ham United on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be €44.5m (£38m) plus add-ons. He also became the third Ghanaian player to play for West Ham following John Paintsil and André Ayew and the second most expensive Ghanaian footballer of all-time behind Thomas Partey. #allsortsofcards #ultimategoldpack #westham #toppschrome #paniniprizm #skysports #sportsdirect #potm #ghana #africa #chelseafc #fyp #akon ♬ Akon’s Beautiful Day – Akon
EE/EK
Meanwhile watch GhanaWeb’s breakdown of the uproar triggered by Jamie Carragher’s comments on the AFCON and Mo Salah below:
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed actor James Gardiner as the deputy executive secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA).
Gardiner will assist Juliet Asante, the current executive secretary appointed by the previous government. His appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovation to the Authority.
He will oversee the development and promotion of the Ghanaian film industry, ensuring its continued growth and sustainability.
Following the announcement, several industry colleagues, including Kafui Danku and Roselyn Ngissah, have taken to social media to congratulate him.
The NFA is mandated to regulate, nurture, and develop the Ghanaian film industry while overseeing the distribution, exhibition, and marketing of films.
Spokesperson to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has slammed President John Dramani Mahama for peddling untruths about the amounts in the ‘Sinking Fund.’
Presenting a message on the state of the nation to Parliament yesterday, President Mahama claimed the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) did not leave enough buffers to honour coupon payment to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bondholders.
News Hub Creator24min
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Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s address to Parliament, dismissing it as a rehashed narrative of lamentations rather than actionable solutions.
He argued that instead of presenting concrete policies to address the pressing challenges facing the nation, the President chose to dwell on past grievances and shift blame.
Reacting to the address on the floor of Parliament, the Minority Leader maintained that Ghanaians expected bold, pragmatic steps to tackle issues such as unemployment, economic challenges, and governance inefficiencies, rather than what he described as a repetitive cycle of complaints without clear direction.
He questioned President Mahama’s claim of reducing the number of ministers, arguing that the reduction was offset by an increase in presidential staffers and appointees.
“The President again says that he has delivered fewer ministers, but it is clear that his strategy is if less is more divided. You have appointed fewer ministers, but more and more and more presidential staffers and more appointees,” he remarked.
The Minority Leader further accused the President of repackaging old narratives as though they marked a fresh start.
“The President again came to this House with a familiar story—the usual lamentations. He packaged it in a language as though we have a new beginning. If the President has any concerns, his duty is to fix them,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.
He also criticised the lack of female representation in Mahama’s cabinet, which consists of 19 ministers, only two of whom are women.
“The daughter of the founder of the NDC is missing from his administration. Where are the women in his government? In percentage terms, we have only 10% female representation in cabinet,” he noted.
Turning to economic matters, he questioned the government’s claims of payment of domestic bonds and energy sector debts.
“The President, as part of his lamentations, is telling the nation that they have been able to do two things: pay domestic bonds that matured and successfully undertake some financial engineering to pay energy sector debts to keep our lights on. My question is, Mr. Speaker, where are the revenues used for this purpose?” he asked.
He further accused the Mahama administration of exacerbating unemployment, stating that in under 100 days, the government had sacked many workers.
“The same government he has condemned has today told us that we have 2.2 million unemployed. What he has forgotten is that in his administration, in less than a hundred days, we are seeing mass termination of workers. Today, the youth of the country are saying ‘One Mahama, Many Terminations,’” he stated.
Mocking President Mahama’s new poultry initiative, Mr. Afenyo-Markin drew a parallel to a past initiative that failed to deliver.
“We are happy to hear from the President that he is going to launch ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ (to wit: small chickens). We are happy to hear this, but we are curious because only yesterday we heard of ‘Akonfem’ (Guinea fowl),” he quipped.
On the School Feeding Programme, the Minority Leader contended that President Mahama failed to acknowledge the efforts of previous administrations.
“The President talks about the School Feeding Programme and claims they are now feeding the children well. What he didn’t say was that when he assumed office, the previous government had paid every single one of the caterers.
“He also failed to mention that former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who is seated in this chamber, was the one who initiated the School Feeding Programme,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin concluded.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Samospharma Limited has strongly denied any affiliation with Aveo Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd and Westfin Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd, the two companies recently implicated in a BBC investigation into the illegal sale of opioid pills in West Africa.
This comes in the wake of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) revoking Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification following a BBC Africa Eye exposé that linked the company to the unauthorized distribution of opioid-based medications across the region.
According to the investigation, Aveo Pharmaceuticals—through Westfin International—allegedly exported unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, powerful and highly addictive opioids, to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. These substances, when abused, pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death.
In response to the revelations, the FDA directed Samospharma, a Ghanaian importer, to immediately cease all transactions with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International. However, Samospharma has rejected any association with the companies in question and is demanding an immediate public correction from the FDA.
In a strongly worded statement, Samospharma described the allegations as “baseless and damaging” to its reputation. The company called on the FDA to either provide concrete evidence supporting its claims or retract them entirely.
“We do not, and never have, engaged in any fraudulent practices as alleged in the BBC report, nor do we associate with entities such as Aveo Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd and Westfin Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd that engage in such activities.”
Beyond refuting alleged ties to Aveo and Westfin, Samospharma also pointed out errors in the FDA’s communication regarding the manufacturer of Timonidin Eye Drops, an FDA-approved product.
The FDA had stated that Indiana Ophthalmics LLP was responsible for manufacturing Timonidin Eye Drops. However, Samospharma clarified that this claim was incorrect, stressing that Indiana Ophthalmics LLP has never been involved in the production of Timonidin Eye Drops.
While acknowledging Indiana Ophthalmics as a reputable ophthalmic company, Samospharma urged the FDA to review its internal records and correct the misrepresentation promptly.
To substantiate its position, Samospharma attached several documents to its letter, including:
Samospharma has urged the FDA to act responsibly in correcting what it describes as a “grave misrepresentation.”
“We trust that the FDA, as a reputable regulatory body responsible for upholding integrity and factual accuracy, will act expeditiously and responsibly in resolving this issue,” the company stated.
FDA suspends Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ certification over opioid smuggling
…..Says US$400M spent on Agenda 111, yet no hospital operational
The President, John Dramani Mahama, yesterday called out Dr Bernard Oko Boye, Kweku Agyeman Manu, and Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the managers of Akufo-Addo’s Agenda 111 Hospital Projects, when he disclosed that approximately US$400 million, had been spent on the projects without a single facility being fully operational.
President John Dramani Mahama has commended Parliament for its swift vetting and approval of his Ministerial nominees, describing the process as “unmatched in the history of the Fourth Republic.”
Delivering his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, President Mahama expressed his gratitude for the efficiency of the approval process, which he said demonstrated the progress that could be made when there was a collective commitment to serve the nation.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to Parliament for the prompt vetting and approval of my nominees for Ministerial positions,” President Mahama said.
“This efficiency is unmatched in the history of the Fourth Republic, demonstrating the strides we can make when we come together in our dedication to serve the people of our great country,” he stated.
“I believe that a similar dispatch will be applied to the approval processes for my Deputy Ministerial nominees.
This will enable them to promptly assume office and assist their Ministers in delivering on our noble vision of Resetting Ghana,” President Mahama said.
The President also said his intention to reduce the number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers to 60, including Regional Ministers, was in response to concerns about the size of previous administrations and associated cost implications.
This move, he said, was aimed at reducing government expenditure and promoting fiscal discipline.
“I considered the long-expressed sentiments of the Ghanaian people about the sheer size of previous administrations and the associated cost implications,” Mr Mahama explained.
“I trust that this significant reduction will set the stage for further reductions in the size of future governments,” he said.
Mr Mahama also revealed plans to significantly reduce the number of staff at the Presidency, compared to the previous administration, as part of efforts to cut government expenditures and reduce the budget deficit.
“With the inauguration of the Council of State, we can begin appointing staff for the Presidency.
I intend to significantly reduce the number of staff compared to what existed under the previous administration.
All this is aimed at leading by example in cutting down government expenditure and reducing the budget deficit,” Mr Mahama said.
He also promised to reform existing anti-corruption agencies by increasing funding and improving transparency and accountability.
President Mahama’s commitment to fighting corruption was a key campaign promise, and he reiterated his government’s dedication to achieve a sustainable, zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
He also acknowledged the need to restore public trust in the judiciary, which he described as “alarmingly low,” and pledged to work with the Judicial Council and services to depoliticise justice delivery and combat corruption effectively.
In addition, Mr Mahama announced plans to submit a bill to Parliament to regulate and restrict the sale and disposal of public lands and state assets.
This move aims to prevent the misuse of state resources and ensure that they are utilised for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
President Mahama said he recently inaugurated a Constitution Review Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the country’s fundamental law, the 1992 Constitution and ensure that it reflected the hopes and aspirations of the citizenry.
He said the committee that composed of distinguished scholars, jurists, and professionals, would engage Ghanaians and consult with relevant stakeholders and experts over the next six months.
President Mahama emphasised that the findings would be presented to the public for approval in a referendum, followed by submission to Parliament for enactment into law.
Former Deputy Minister of Health and Akim-Oda MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has blamed the delay in operationalizing some completed Agenda 111 hospitals on the termination of appointments for health practitioners recruited under the Akufo-Addo administration.
He revealed that although three health facilities have been completed and fully equipped, they remain non-functional due to a shortage of medical personnel.
Speaking to Citi News after President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, Acquah explained:
“They are not operational because we have to put staff there, and the practitioners we have recruited are the same people they are sacking away.
“So if you are terminating the appointment, GHS will not have the ability to post people to these facilities, but otherwise, we have mentioned that three facilities have been fully completed.
“We have done the tooling, and it is ready to be operated. We have the Trede in Atwima Kwanwoma, we have the Kokoben in Oforikrom, and then we have the Bokro in Ahanta West.”
By Iddi Yire
Accra, Feb 28, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Ghana’s unwavering commitment towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said the Government of Ghana remained unwavering to its commitment to achieve the SDGs and would work closely with the United Nations and member states of the UN in the promotion of global peace and security during turbulent times marked by geopolitical tensions.
“Our collective vigilance is essential to curb threats such as terrorism and also to address the impact of climate change, two pressing international issues that require our immediate attention and action,” President Mahama stated in his address at the 2025 Exchange of New Year Greetings, the first since his assumption of office on the 7th of January, for a second term in office.
The President on behalf of the Government and the People of Ghana and in his own name, extended warm wishes to Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana for a happy and prosperous 2025.
This year, the event was organized with a difference at the Presidency in Accra, instead of Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region.
The President said this formal gathering with Members of the Diplomatic Corps represents a renewed hope for partnership and promise of new beginnings as we step into the year 2025.
“On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to nurturing the bonds of friendship, cooperation and goodwill that exists between Ghana and your respective countries,” he said.
The President said Ghana’s membership of and active engagement in organisations like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) showcases their dedication to advancing social and developmental goals through international collaboration.
He said their focus on regional stability within ECOWAS remained paramount, recognising the deep connections between regional stability and national security.
“The safety of our nation is intertwined with the security of our neighbours, and therefore fortifying our border security is essential for safeguarding our nation’s safety and preserving our sovereignty,” President Mahama said.
“We understand that stability is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built, and we are committed to cooperating in key regional initiatives, including relations and collaboration with the Alliance of Sahelian States.”
The President said this alliance emphasised collaboration among member countries in addressing security challenges and combating terrorism and fostering economic development.
He said by working with their Sahelian partners, they could reinforce their collective efforts to ensure peace and stability in the West African sub-region, which was crucial for the prosperity of all their nations.
He said good governance was the bedrock of Ghana’s foreign policy, and that they uphold transparency and accountability in all their processes to foster trust and constructive relations, not only with their international partners, but everyone else.
The President underscored how important protocol was in Ghana’s engagements.
He therefore urged all Diplomatic Missions, Consulates and International Organisations in the country to at all times deal with state institutions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry was going to have an open-door policy, and that if they had any problems, they should feel free to contact the Ministry.
“In so doing, you will be keeping with the established Diplomatic Protocol and facilitating more efficient and effective collaboration, and thereby enhancing our mutual respect and understanding,” he said.
“Together, let us champion the principles of mutual respect, inclusivity and shared prosperity as we confront the opportunities and challenges of this new year.”
He said it was through dialogue, collaboration and collective action that they could navigate the complexities of their times and emerge stronger, united and more resilient as a people.
GNA
President John Dramani Mahama (R) and Alexander Afenyo-Markin (L)
The Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has taken a swipe at President John Dramani Mahama for the appointments made in his administration.
Expressing his views, Afenyo-Markin stated that the president had promised a lean government with fewer ministers, even claiming to have achieved that goal.
However, he argued that the president has ultimately appointed more presidential staffers, a move he believes is unprecedented.
The Member of Parliament for Effutu further expressed concern over the establishment of numerous committees since the president and his government assumed office.
“The president says he has delivered less ministers but it is clear that his strategy is if less, more divide. You have appointed few ministers but more presidential staffers and committees,” he expressed on the floor of parliament during the SONA on February 27, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin asserted that the president’s strategy regarding his promise of a lean government appears to be undermined, as the appointment of additional presidential staffers is now a key component of his administration.
His comments follow President Mahama’s declaration of his decision to significantly reduce costs by limiting the number of presidential staffers to be appointed at the Jubilee House under his administration.
According to President Mahama, previous administrations witnessed an increase in the number of staff at the presidency, resulting in unnecessary expenditure, something he would not repeat.
“We cannot continue to run a government where the cost of administration outweighs the benefits to the people. My government will take decisive steps to reduce the number of presidential staffers to promote efficiency and accountability.
“A smaller, more competent team is what we need to drive our development agenda. We must cut down on bureaucracy and focus on delivering results that positively impact the lives of Ghanaians,” President Mahama assured.
Afenyo-Markin’s statements were strongly contested by the Majority side of the House, who expressed their disagreement with the lawmaker.
MAG/EK
Also, watch as Ahiafor explodes at Habib over ‘insulting’ deputy minister question
