The MTN FA Cup Round of 16 takes center stage this weekend with thrilling encounters across the country.

The action begins on Friday, February 21, 2025, as Attram de Visser hosts Premier League side Gold Stars FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.

On Saturday, February 22, Medeama SC faces PAC Academy at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa at 6PM, while record holders Accra Hearts of Oak take on Golden Kick FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.

Sunday, February 23, sees four more clashes: Berekum Chelsea vs. Northern City at Golden City Park, Karela United vs. Young Apostles in Tamale, Techiman Liberty Youth vs. Bechem United at Wenchi, and True Democracy vs. Nania FC at Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex.

The Asante Kotoko vs. Eleven Wise match has been postponed, with a new date to be announced later.

By Wletsu Ransford

By Godwill Arthur Mensah  

Accra, Feb. 20, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader of Parliament, has said the Mahama-led government would make sports development a cornerstone under its 24-hour economy policy.  

He said to ensure this, plans were underway to negotiate a deal with SuperSports, a renowned South Africa-based sport channel, to provide coverage for the Ghana Premier League.  

The move, he said, would enable Ghanaian football talents to be marketed across Africa and the globe to secure contracts in major leagues worldwide.  

The Majority Leader, also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, made this known when contributing to a statement made by Mr Dickson Kyere-Duah, the MP for Berekum West, on the floor of Parliament.  

Mr Kyere-Duah’s statement on the floor of the House, raised concerns about the creeping hooliganism in Ghana football and called for stringent security protocols at the various stadia across the country.  

He referred to the disturbances that occurred at a football match at Nsoatre between Nsoatreman United and Kotoko Football Club, leading to the untimely death of Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly called “Pooley”.  

He called for sensitisation of soccer fans to understand that football “was not a life and death” affair but an avenue for friendship.  

While contributing to the statement, Madam Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, the MP for Sunyani West, whose constituency the disturbances occurred added her voice to the call to ensure strict security protocols at the country’s stadia.  

She expressed her condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and urged the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.  

Mr Sammi Awuku, the MP for Akuapim North, while contributing to the statement, suggested a ban on siting drinking bars within the precincts of any football stadium in Ghana.  

He said that would prevent soccer fans from patronising alcohol being sold near football stadiums.  

GNA 

Ghana stands on the brink of an innovation breakthrough. With a wealth of research talent and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, the country has all the ingredients for technological and economic transformation.

Yet, a critical gap remains—the disconnect between research, innovation and commercialisation. Far too many groundbreaking ideas never make it beyond the lab, failing to reach the markets where they can drive real impact.

To change this, a major push is underway to establish a solid legal and policy regulatory framework that will unlock Ghana’s innovation potential. Leading this charge is Heritors Labs in collaboration with The RISA Fund, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and key industry and government stakeholders.

The collective goal is to facilitate the finalization of the long-awaited Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill—a landmark policy designed to empower innovators, attract investment, and drive research and innovation commercialisation.

In furtherance of this, leadership of Heritors Labs, along with officials from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation Centre (GIRC Centre), and the consultants from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) working on the draft Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill, paid a courtesy call on the minister of communication, digital technology and innovations, Mr. Sam Nartey George.

Discussions were centered on outlining a strategic roadmap for advancing the draft bill, emphasising its critical role in shaping Ghana’s innovation landscape.

“The bill must be finalised and presented to Parliament by July 2025 before the legislative recess,” the minister said.

He added: “We must activate the bill process by May 2025 to ensure timely progress.” The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, stressing that “a wider public engagement process will be initiated before Cabinet submission to garner comprehensive stakeholder buy-in.”

Currently, the bill exists as a “zero draft”—a foundational version that needs refinement and stakeholder input before submission.

According to Mr. Christopher Lartey, Head of the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation (GIRC), the draft will be shared in phases, undergoing a rigorous three-step validation process at the committee, zonal, and national levels.

This meticulous approach ensures that the bill aligns with the needs and aspirations of researchers, innovators, startups, industry leaders, and government policymakers. It’s not just about passing a law—it’s about creating a lasting framework that will fuel innovation, attract investment, and drive sustainable economic growth.

Mr. Nashiru Salifu, Deputy Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support, stating, “MEST recognises the strategic importance of this bill in positioning Ghana as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.”

The recognition of Heritors Labs’ role as a key enabler in this process was also evident as a senior government official noted: “Heritors Labs, in partnership with The RISA Fund and FCDO, has been instrumental in aligning international best practices with Ghana’s unique innovation ecosystem.”

Mr. Kofi Ocloo, Vice President of Heritors Labs, stated, “The comprehensive report presented sheds light on the current innovation landscape in Ghana. By highlighting these challenges and opportunities faced by startups and innovators within the Ghanaian innovation economy, Heritors Labs has gathered critical data that provides a solid foundation for the draft bill that genuinely addresses the needs of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem.”

“Through collaborative efforts with policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts, Heritors Labs continues to shape a policy landscape that fosters a conducive environment for startups, researchers, and investors alike,” he added.

Heritors Labs, with the support of FCDO and the RISA Fund, has pledged to continue providing funding until the Innovation and Startups Bill is passed in Parliament, helping to drive the successful implementation of the bill. Other key government officials and technical experts at the meeting included

Present at the meeting were: Mr. Alexander Arphul, Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology & Innovations (MOCDTI); Barbara Barnes, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management (RSIM) at MOCDTI.

The team from Heritors Labs were represented by Kofi Ocloo—Vice President, Emmanuel Amartey—General Manager, and Barbara Aidoo–Programme Engagement Lead. Others were consultants Roland Asare, Mavis Akuffobea-Essilfie, Gordon Akon-Yamga, and Wilhemina Quaye, who are leading the drafting process of the bill.

The prosecutor in the teenage lovers’ gold theft case has told the court that the police suspect a larger criminal syndicate with several possible accomplices involved in the crime.

Chief Inspector Gilbert Abagna Anyongo, the prosecutor, therefore, appealed for more time to conduct further investigations into the case.

He also stated that the police needed additional time to verify the true ages of the suspects.

The Assin Fosu District Court, where the two appeared today, remanded them in juvenile cells to reappear on March 5, 2025.

The two teenage lovers were arrested for allegedly stealing gold and GH¢41,000 from a gold shop at Twifo Praso in the Twifo Ati Morkwa District of the Central Region.

The suspects, who both claim to be 17 years old, were remanded into juvenile cells by the court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu.

Chief Inspector Anyongo informed the court that the police were also investigating the true ages of the suspects, as there are concerns that they may be older than they claim.

The girl had initially told police she was 15 years old but later revised her age to 17 years, while police suspect her boyfriend may be older.

He further revealed that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had been planning the theft for some time, monitoring the gold shop’s activities before executing the crime.

The two were arrested on Sunday, February 16, 2024, by the Twifo Praso District Police Command, led by District Commander Superintendent Charles Addae Boateng.

The girl was arrested at her hideout in Egyaa near Anomabo, in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, while her boyfriend was apprehended at a separate location following a tip-off.

Reports indicate that CCTV footage captured the girl stealing from the gold shop before allegedly distributing the stolen money among her accomplices, including her boyfriend.

The police have urged anyone with information about the theft or the suspects to come forward and assist with investigations as efforts continue to track down the remaining accomplices.

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.

Director of ISSER, Professor Peter Quartey

The Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, has cautioned the government and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) against hastily reinstating licenses for local banks affected by the financial sector cleanup.

According to him, a rushed process could destabilize the banking sector and undermine confidence in the economy.

Speaking in an interview with Citi Business News, Prof. Quartey called for caution, stating, “We should tread carefully. Reversing the Central Bank’s decisions too quickly could set a dangerous precedent. If anyone disagrees with the decision, they should challenge it in court.”

His comments come amid growing debate over the reinstatement of revoked bank licenses, particularly following the appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiama as the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

Prominent figures such as Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, founder of GN Bank, and Seidu Agongo, majority shareholder of Heritage Bank, have consistently argued that their banks’ closures were unjust.

However, former BoG Governor Dr. Ernest Addison, before his early retirement, firmly opposed reinstating the revoked licenses.

With foreign entities now controlling two-thirds of Ghana’s 23 commercial banks, concerns over the decline in local ownership within the financial sector have intensified.

Prof. Quartey stressed the importance of due diligence, stating, “We’ve heard calls for further investigation. Let’s not rush to reinstate individuals who may have caused financial losses to the state.”

The Bank of Ghana has repeatedly urged market participants to comply fully with regulatory requirements, emphasizing that adherence to guidelines is crucial for enhancing transparency and mitigating risks in the financial sector.

ID/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Nana Agradaa is the General Overseer of the Heaven Way Chapel

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has questioned Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah after the latter called for President John Dramani Mahama to remove IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare from office.

In a video sighted by GhanaWeb on February 20, 2025, Nana Agradaa noted that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare had done nothing wrong to be forcibly removed from office.

She emphasised that Owusu-Bempah is speaking out of bitterness because Dampare arrested him for threatening her life.

“What is your interest if the NDC government decides to maintain Dampare for the next four years? You are calling for his removal because you brandished guns and knives to threaten me, which the law doesn’t permit, and nobody is above the law… He arrested you because of what you did,” she said.

Agradaa reiterated that despite Dampare issuing her arrest, she still respects him because the IGP was only doing his job.

“IGP Dampare made me spend 40 days in cells, but that doesn’t mean I am going to hate him. I will never hate the IGP because whatever happened to me was influenced by powerful people above him. I know he wouldn’t have treated me the way he did if he wasn’t asked to do so,” she noted.

Agradaa further called Owusu-Bempah a false prophet after he publicly disclosed that the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, influenced him to dislike the then-opposition leader, John Dramani Mahama.

“You are claiming that the same Chairman Wontumi made you dislike John Mahama, and you stood on your altar to falsely prophesy about Mahama, meanwhile, you are a liar,” she added.

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below:

JHM/AE

President John Mahama has urged public sector institutions to cut their budgets to enable the government to gather enough resources for the benefit of all.

He stated that upon assuming office, he discovered that the Nana Akufo-Addo administration had poorly managed the economy over the years.

Read also: NPP gov’t “criminally mishandled” Ghana’s economy – Mahama

He said he is committed to doing his best to transform the system, with one of the approaches being the reduction of public expenditure.

“Cut expenditure as much as you can; we, as the government, will cut as much as we can because we must all make those sacrifices,” he said.

He added, “It is said, ‘let’s create and share,’ so let us begin preparing the meal now so we can share it once it’s ready.”

The President also emphasised that although he could choose to pretend that everything was fine with the economy, doing so would not benefit the people. “What effect will it have on Ghanaians if we behave like ostriches, bury our heads in the sand, and allow the economy to crash?” he questioned.

Mr Mahama made these remarks at the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, where the government announced a 10% increase in the base pay for public sector workers, effective from January.

Read also: Gov’t increases base pay by 10% for public sector workers

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.

Confirmation of Return Date

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ongoing Investigations

Dr. Yaw Baah, Former Secretary-General, TUC

A former Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Yaw Baah, has expressed deep concern over the wages of public sector workers, describing them as inadequate and unacceptable.

According to him, Ghana’s current minimum wage, which is just slightly above one dollar, is a disgrace.

He emphasized that the National Tripartite Committee must negotiate a better deal for public sector workers regarding the minimum wage.

Currently, Ghana’s minimum wage stands at GH¢18.15, a rate that has been strongly opposed by workers.

Dr. Baah further stated that this wage is woefully insufficient and an insult to workers who dedicate an entire day’s labor for such low compensation.

“This is not the Ghana we wanted to build. This is not the Ghana Kwame Nkrumah envisioned. After 68 years of independence, the people of Ghana are working eight hours for just one dollar. This is a big shame. I hold both the government and employers accountable for keeping the minimum wage so low,” Dr. Baah stated.

He urged employers to acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and take action during the ongoing wage negotiations.

“It is simply wrong, and I hope that in these negotiations, employers will realize the gravity of this issue,” he was quoted as saying by Citi Newsroom.

The National Tripartite Committee, which consists of representatives from the government, employers, and organised labor/associations, has commenced discussions to determine the 2025 minimum wage.

The committee began negotiations on February 3, 2025, marking an important step in setting wage standards for the upcoming financial year.

SSD/MA

Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below