The Minority Health Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), labelling the Health Minister’s action as illegal, emotionally driven, and a blatant breach of administrative and constitutional protocols.
This comes after President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, dismissed the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, following reports of alleged negligence.
Reacting to this in a statement, the caucus argued that the decision publicly announced by the Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, publicly announced during a recent visit to the hospital, was executed without due process, flouting key provisions of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act.
The Minority accused the Minister of acting in an “authoritarian” manner, particularly after he allegedly stated that the “appointing authority owes nobody any explanation.”
The caucus described this remark as a flagrant violation of accountability and the rule of law.
“The law does not grant the Health Minister unilateral powers to dismiss a teaching hospital CEO, especially in the manner and under the circumstances in question,” the statement emphasized.
Referencing Sections 34(7) and 37(1)(e) of Acts 525 and 1009, the Minority clarified that the CEO serves as both a member and administrator of the hospital’s governing board, meaning any removal must involve presidential approval in consultation with the Council of State—not a ministerial directive.
Additionally, the caucus highlighted the absence of a disciplinary committee process, as mandated under Sections 42 and 46 of the law, declaring the dismissal procedurally and substantively defective.
Reggae and dancehall artiste Jah Lead has publicly accused music producer JMJ of blocking his song “Lonely” from streaming platforms and withholding earnings.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz, Jah Lead alleged that JMJ uploaded the track on his platforms, promoted it, and later reported Jah Lead’s version to YouTube, leading to its removal.
“I had an issue with JMJ. I still have that issue with him. On my Audiomack, a song I wrote by him playing the beats, has been blocked, that the rightful owner or the copyright owner of the song has authorised it to be blocked,” Jah Lead stated.
JMJ, who produced the beat for “Lonely,” responded by denying any wrongdoing, asserting that he did not earn any revenue from the song and had no involvement in blocking its distribution. He emphasised that he did not manage the song and had no malice towards Jah Lead.
“My problem is that my brother thinks I am the one orchestrating his not receiving his revenue, which is not true. What I want him to understand is that all the accusations he is levelling against me are false. He could have just gone to YouTube and identified the person flagging the content,” JMJ explained.
The dispute has escalated tensions between the two artists, with Jah Lead expressing frustration over JMJ’s unresponsiveness and vowing to confront him physically. “He should dare not think he’s older than me, coz he’s my age mate. That’s why I’ll talk to him like my age mate. I told him when the time comes I’ll meet him on the street, I’ll beat him mercilessly. I want people to talk about it coz I’ll face him like a man, I’ll beat him,” he reportedly warned.
Duayaw-Nkwanta (Ahafo), April 23, GNA-The 37-member assembly has approved the President nominee, Mr Pius Sampson Opoku as the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in the Ahafo Region.
Mr Opoku polled 36 ‘yes’ votes representing 97.3 per cent in an election conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission at Duayaw-Nkwanta, the Municipal capital.
He thanked the Assembly Members (AMs) for the trust and confidence reposed in him to lead the Assembly and expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity given him to serve the nation.
He urged the AMs to bury their personal and political differences and allow the development of the municipality to override their personal ambitions.
Madam Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister also thanked the AMs for confirming the MCE, saying with his endorsement the stage was now set for the Assembly to hit the ground running and to execute the reset agenda of the government in the municipality.
Accra, April 22, GNA – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals, which has been a source of inspiration and strength.
“Under your stewardship, Your Excellency, Ghana remains a beacon of democratic governance, economic progress and regional solidarity,” he stated.
“Your efforts in championing the upliftment of our dear region through diplomacy, collaboration and tireless transformative policies deserve our most profound appreciation and admiration.”
President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State, made the remarks in speech read on his behalf by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, at the launch of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of ECOWAS in Accra.
The event, on the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, was attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Togolese Prime Minister, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and representatives from all the 12-Member ECOWAS countries.
Similarly, President Tinubu commended the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the ECOWAS Commission staff; stating that their professionalism, commitment and collaborative spirit had been instrumental in making this day a resounding success.
He said five decades ago, their founding fathers from 15 nations envisioned regional economic integration, cooperation and shared prosperity; adding that from the ashes of colonialism and the turbulence of post-independence struggles, they forged ECOWAS, a beacon of hope for their people.
He said their dream was not merely to dissolve borders, but to build bridges of trade, cultural exchange and mutual progress.
President Tinubu said from the original Treaty of Lagos in 1975 to the momentous gathering in Accra for the ECOWAS@50 anniversary launch, ECOWAS had remained a pillar of integration and a beacon of hope for over 400 million citizens across their region.
“Remarkably, our journey over the past five decades has not been without challenges.
We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits and security threats, but we remain undaunted,” he stated.
“We shall not relent in our commitment to a united, peaceful, purposeful and prosperous West Africa.”
President Tinubu said as they celebrate numerous remarkable achievements that distinguish ECOWAS as the most successful regional economic community on the African continent, they had established one of Africa’s most vibrant free trade areas in five decades, fostering intra-regional commerce and lifting millions from poverty.
“We have championed peace through ECOWAS’ valiant efforts, mediating conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia,” he said.
“We have introduced the ECOWAS Passport, symbolizing our commitment to free movement. We have also advanced democratic norms, standing firm against tyranny and supporting transitions to constitutional governance.”
He said however, the journey towards a truly united and prosperous region was far from over.
“We must confront the hard truths of our present reality. Despite our shared vision, too many of our citizens still live in poverty. Too many of our children lack access to quality education.”
He reiterated that too many of the youth in the subregion remain unemployed, disillusioned or forced to seek opportunities abroad.
He said the region continued to grapple with new and evolving threats, violent extremism, climate change and food insecurity.
President Tinubu said the wave of unconstitutional changes in the region seriously threatens the democratic gains they had painstakingly built.
“As the current Chair of ECOWAS, I reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that guide us,” he said.
“Democracy, the rule of law, good governance and regional solidarity. These are not just ideals. They are the foundations for peace, development and the dignity of our people.”
President Tinubu said in this new chapter, they must reimagine ECOWAS as not just a community of states, but a community of people.
He said pledged Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with every nation, large or small, to build an ECOWAS that was resilient and prepared to confront the challenges of their time.
President John Dramani Mahama, who chaired the ECOWAS@50 launch, announced that Ghana was offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in the nation’s universities.
“This is not just a gesture, it is an act of solidarity. It is a bridge to a future where our young people who grew up seeing each other not as foreigners, but as partners,” he said.
Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said in marking the 50th anniversary their objective was to celebrate, reflect, and recalibrate their community.
Accra, April 22, GNA- The next chapter of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must be built on the foundation of past successes and consolidate the gains in the areas of peace and security.
The leadership underscored the need for the West African bloc to deepen economic/ political integration to engender growth and prosperity.
At the launch of the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS in Accra on Tuesday, President John Dramani Mahama, joined by other leaders within the sub-region, unveiled the ECOWAS@50 Logo and theme for the year-long celebrations across member states.
The theme for the Golden Jubilee is: “Stronger Together, For a Brighter Future”.
It highlights the power of unity, regional cooperation, shared commitment and foundation for building a prosperous and sustainable future for the citizens within the Community.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “The 50th anniversary milestone offers us an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, progress and sacrifices of those who envisioned the Community.”
“It is time to re-affirm our unwavering commitment of the ideals of our founding fathers.”
Mr Ablakwa said ECOWAS had made remarkable strides over the past five decades in advancing the collective aspirations of West Africans.
He called for concerted efforts by the leadership and key institutions to foster inclusive growth to benefit every citizen of the bloc.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the funding for the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary was borne by member states, noting that the Ghanaian taxpayer was not saddled with the cost of the event.
He commended the Planning Committee for its teamwork and sacrifices towards the celebration and urged the delegates to actively participate in the launch activities to chart the wayforward for the regional bloc.
The Economic Community of West African States was formed on May 28, 1975 in Lagos after the West African leaders signed the Lagos Treaty for economic and political cooperation towards advancing their collective growth and prosperity.
Some of the high profile personalities present at the launch were former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, and Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow.
The others were President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Oumar Alien Touray, and Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja.
As part of the launch, ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance within the Community would hold an extraordinary meeting of Council of Ministers to deliberate on the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the West African bloc to form the Alliance of Sahelian States.
The meeting would enable the Council to properly brief the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS during their next Summit.
Economic watchers are calling on the government to prioritise agricultural productivity as a buffer against growing global trade tensions.
This comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global economic growth forecast for 2025 down to 2.8%, a notable drop from the 3.3% projection made in January.
The downgrade is largely attributed to escalating trade disputes—especially between the United States and its trading partners—stemming from new tariffs.
Speaking to Citi Business News, economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin highlighted the situation as a pivotal moment for Ghana to revamp its agricultural sector.
“If you look at Ghana, we’re not even producing enough to feed ourselves, let alone think about exporting,” Prof. Bokpin said. “We rely heavily on imports from countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—so there’s definitely room to grow.”
He emphasized that current challenges also present opportunities: “We have the potential to transform our economy through agriculture, agribusiness, and agro-processing. Once we achieve self-sufficiency, we can look toward exporting to neighbouring countries. Africa’s food deficit runs into billions of dollars—there’s a huge market waiting.”
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has defended the constitutionally mandated secrecy surrounding the removal process of justices of the superior courts, stating that it is intended to protect the integrity and reputation of those involved.
His comments follow public concerns raised by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), who called for greater transparency and reform of Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
This article outlines the procedure for removing superior court justices, including the Chief Justice.
Prof. Prempeh’s remarks come in the wake of the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, a move that has sparked intense public and political debate.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Srem-Sai explained that the confidentiality mandated by Article 146 is not intended to shield the process from scrutiny indefinitely, but to ensure fairness and protect the dignity of the individuals involved.
“The reason there is a requirement for privacy is that some of the issues that may be raised in the petition, especially, where the issues are not founded, could be defamatory. So, the framers of the constitution were trying to balance the personal character protection of the accused justice and also the public interest.
“What I think is that during the proceeding, the constitution is very clear that it is in-camera. It doesn’t say that after the proceeding, the public will be denied the bases of the petition. We have also seen in order situation where the proceedings have ended and some of the decisions were made public,” he stated.
The Minority Health Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), labelling the Health Minister’s action as illegal, emotionally driven, and a blatant breach of administrative and constitutional protocols.
This comes after President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, dismissed the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, following reports of alleged negligence.
Reacting to this in a statement, the caucus argued that the decision publicly announced by the Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, publicly announced during a recent visit to the hospital, was executed without due process, flouting key provisions of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act.
The Minority accused the Minister of acting in an “authoritarian” manner, particularly after he allegedly stated that the “appointing authority owes nobody any explanation.”
The caucus described this remark as a flagrant violation of accountability and the rule of law.
“The law does not grant the Health Minister unilateral powers to dismiss a teaching hospital CEO, especially in the manner and under the circumstances in question,” the statement emphasized.
Referencing Sections 34(7) and 37(1)(e) of Acts 525 and 1009, the Minority clarified that the CEO serves as both a member and administrator of the hospital’s governing board, meaning any removal must involve presidential approval in consultation with the Council of State—not a ministerial directive.
Additionally, the caucus highlighted the absence of a disciplinary committee process, as mandated under Sections 42 and 46 of the law, declaring the dismissal procedurally and substantively defective.
Mahama sacks TTH CEO following allegations of negligence
play videoPopular Ghanaian fashion icon, Osebo the Zaraman
Popular Ghanaian fashion icon, Osebo the Zaraman, has stated that he sees nothing wrong with men marrying more than two wives, as long as they have the means to provide for them.
In an interview with Zionfelix on April 22, 2025, Osebo argued that having multiple wives can help reduce marital stress and frequent arguments.
“I don’t see any bad thing about marrying more than two wives. So far as you can take care of them, there is no problem… The Bible says that it would get to a point where a man would marry more than two wives. I have money so if I decide to marry plenty of women, I don’t have a problem because I can take care of them.
“If you are a woman and you don’t want it, you can go moreover there are a lot of women who would want to settle with me,” he said.
In addition to his views on polygamy, Osebo, cautioned men against choosing wives solely based on physical appearance.
According to him, the most important quality in a woman is good character.
“There’s no real love these days. The kind of love our mothers showed is rare now. Even when you meet such women, most men ignore them because they don’t fit their idea of beauty. But true beauty lies in a woman’s heart, not her body. Look for a woman who brings peace, not stress. Some women can destroy you, take your property, and move on to another man,” he stated.
He also dished out some strong opinions on infidelity within marriage.
“I will leave because the Bible said that is the only thing you can use to divorce a woman. If a woman cheats on you, don’t ever forgive her. You can be cool with her but don’t ever forgive her because she would still go back and do it. Also if a man cheats don’t forgive him as well,” he added.
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Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
Dr Ato Forson meets World Bank on Ghana’s Energy Compact under Mission 300
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has described Ghana’s energy sector as the biggest economic threat in recent times.
Speaking during a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the World Bank, Dr Forson warned that the sector is grappling with a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion annually.
He stressed that the magnitude of the shortfall surpasses Ghana’s domestic capital expenditure and must be treated with urgency.
He emphasised that the crisis cannot be resolved through tariff adjustments alone, pointing instead to the need for comprehensive reforms across the entire energy value chain.
“The problem is not just tariffs. The inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed on to the ordinary Ghanaian, making electricity costs unnecessarily high,” the Minister stated.
He added that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) could reduce the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies.
To tackle the challenges, he disclosed that Cabinet has approved private sector participation as part of the government’s strategy to revive the sector.
Additionally, a Legislative Instrument (LI) has been submitted to Parliament to allow for the competitive procurement of power generation services.
Dr Forson described the Ghana Energy Compact as a timely intervention and called for its rapid implementation.
“The compact has come at the right time. It will in the long run assist Ghana, and we are praying the process is not delayed,” he said.
He concluded with a strong appeal for urgency from all stakeholders.
“Time is of the essence. We must act quickly if we are to prevent further damage to our economy and improve the lives of Ghanaians.”
SP/MA
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Raymond Acquah, a well-known News Anchor at Joy FM and the former husband of popular United Showbiz host, MzGee, has taken on the role of Technical Advisor, Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Finance.
His appointment took effect on March 11th.
Mr. Acquah brings a significant amount of experience in the media landscape to his new position.
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Adentan, Akosua Manu, has raised alarm over the state of Ghana’s justice system, warning that it is at risk of being compromised following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 23, Manu expressed concern that the recent developments point to a broader political agenda aimed at undermining judicial independence.
According to her, the suspension of the Chief Justice is not an isolated action but part of a calculated attempt to reshape the judiciary to serve partisan ends.
“It is not that it is even her as the target per se. It is just the first domino effect on what they plan to do, which is the reset. She is not ultimately the target, nor the EC. The EC will be a casualty, but ultimately the Supreme Court judges,” she stated.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo on April 22 after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions. The action, taken in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, has sparked intense national debate.
However, Manu believes the issue transcends legality. She argues the move sets a dangerous precedent—one that could open the door to the manipulation of the judiciary for political gain.
“They will replace them with their people because they believe that the people there will not do their bidding. Justice will be subverted, and the conscience of this country can never live down what is happening today,” she warned.
Her comments reflect mounting concerns about the politicisation of Ghana’s judiciary and its potential impact on democratic governance. She urged Ghanaians not to dismiss the developments as remote or inconsequential.
“So if they are standing by, saying that even the woman is not my friend and stuff, so let the chiefs fall where they may, they are coming for you,” she said.
As discussions around the suspension continue to unfold, Manu’s remarks underscore a growing unease over what critics fear could become an erosion of the judiciary’s independence and credibility.
Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adam Atiku was sacked
The removal of Dr Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, has been condemned by the Minority Caucus, Health Committee in Parliament, who have described the action as unlawful and procedurally flawed.
It has been stated by them that the dismissal, which was confirmed publicly by the newly appointed Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, was executed without adherence to due process.
They described the move as a breach of constitutional, administrative, and governance standards.
It has been underscored by the Minority that the dismissal contravenes the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009). Under Section 37(1)(e), a teaching hospital CEO is required to serve both as Chief Administrator and as a member of the hospital’s Governing Board.
In addition, reference has been made to Section 34(7) of Act 525, which stipulates that removals of board members—including the CEO—must be effected by the President in consultation with the Council of State.
The Minority also noted that disciplinary matters, as outlined under Sections 42(2)(d) and 46 of the Act, must first be addressed by the hospital’s Disciplinary Committee.
They also criticised the unannounced visit paid by the Minister to the hospital, during which he reportedly engaged in a heated public confrontation with staff over poor infrastructure and non-functional equipment, including ventilators and diagnostic machinery.
It has been reported that the death of a patient was linked to the absence of a working ventilator.
The Minister’s confrontation took place in the presence of media and the public, a move which has been condemned by the Minority as “disrespectful, unprofessional, and harmful” to the dignity of the medical profession.
The dismissal of Dr Atiku has also been described by the Minority as a violation of the principles of natural justice. “No hearing was granted, nor was any allegation of misconduct formally presented to him prior to his removal,” they argued citing the law.
Minority argued that administrative actions affecting the rights or reputations of individuals must be preceded by a fair hearing—an obligation that, in this instance, has not been met.
Furthermore, a formal apology has been demanded from the Minister for Health to Dr Akwulpwa and the staff of the Tamale Teaching Hospital for the manner in which the inspection and subsequent discussions were conducted.
Support has been solicited from the Ghana Medical Association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, the Health Services Workers Union, and all relevant professional bodies, to defend due process and the integrity of public health institutions.
Civil society organisations have also been called upon by the Committee to advocate for the preservation of constitutional governance and institutional independence.
According to the Minority, the “ongoing demoralisation” of healthcare professionals must be halted, and the sanctity of Ghana’s public health system protected.
The Minority Caucus has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and has pledged to pursue all available legal and parliamentary avenues to ensure that the matter is properly addressed.
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The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has called on President John Mahama to render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians over his inability to deliver lofty promises, especially in tackling illegal mining, popularly called galamsey.
According to Mr. Mustapha, since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government assumed the reigns of power, early signs clearly show that they are not going to deal with the challenges facing the country as promised, especially on illegal mining, and should therefore apologise to Ghanaians.
He said that members of the NDC who made all manner of accusations against former President Akufo-Addo for failing to deal with illegal mining and proffered to have solutions to the menace are now heavily engulfed in it, with some of its members heckling security operatives.
He said, “Today, the very people who were shouting on rooftops, who were veneers of propaganda, accused Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, hounded on him, called him names, and knew all the solutions, today are found wanting. Sadly, you can see NDC operatives heckling state security apparatus in full display of the public.”
“This shows the level of deception that the NDC engaged in as far as the electioneering was concerned. It was all for votes and nothing else. I think and I believe that this NDC administration needs to render an unqualified apology to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP,” he stressed.
The National Youth Organiser, who addressed journalists at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down following a meeting with the Regional Youth Organisers of the party, described the attitude of the NDC towards its own promises as malicious and should not be countenanced in modern governance, particularly under a government that took office few months ago.
“You cannot tell us that it was bad when you were in opposition but now, it is good because you are in office and your people are dabbling in it. No, that is unprincipled position, and we are asking government to do all it can. If it doesn’t have its hands in what is going on, fueling it, then it has the power to stop it. Like appointees of this government told the NPP government. They should declare a state of emergency. Because these were the things they campaigned on and used against the New Patriotic Party,” he stated.
The National Youth Organiser, who also touted some achievements of the previous government, said the NPP government created over 1.3 million jobs, which in his view, would be a difficult thing for President Mahama to achieve even under the 24-hour economy.
He also urged President Mahama to fulfil his promise of repealing the LI 2462 that permitted mining in forest areas, instead of an announcement to amend portions of the act, as promised in the lead up to the December 7 elections.
The Youth Organiser also described the current dismissals of public servants by the NDC government as a recipe for disaster and existential threat that could destroy the fabric of the Ghanaian society, citing the example of the Arab Spring that occurred in 2011.
He also called on the youth not to be discouraged by the challenges facing them under the leadership of President Mahama, who is presiding over unlawful and wrongful arrest and detention of individuals, while urging the government to deal with the upsurge of drug abuse by the youth.
A JUNIOR High School (JHS) Form One student, has been cruelly lynched by a mob after he was allegedly caught stealing a mobile phone and an amount of GH¢800 at Aboaso Zongo in the Ashanti Region.
The deceased, aged 13, was said to have stolen the mobile phone and money from a certain house at Aboaso Zongo around 3am on April 15, 2025.
According to Mamponteng police statement, the deceased was caught in the illegal act at that ungodly hour. An alarm was then raised and the suspect was eventually lynched by an angry mob.
“On 15/04/2025 at 1030 hours, Kufulu Ibrahim of ZB 67 Aboaso Zongo, accompanied by Nurin Mohammed, the Assembly man for Gyamfi Wonoo, came to the station and reported the death of a 13-year-old JHS one student of Islamic Call School, Gyamfi Wonoo.
“That on 15/04/2025 at about 0300hrs, the deceased allegedly went to steal a mobile phone and money from a house at Aboaso Zongo but luck eluded him and he was caught and lynched by a mob.
“That his brother, Faisal Osman, heard of it and rushed to the scene and rescued him,” a police statement, which has been sighted by the DAILY GUIDE, disclosed.
According to the police, Faisal Osman took his juvenile brother home to “clean him up to be taken to the hospital, but he passed on in the process,” adding that the case was reported to the police to take action.
“The police together with complainants proceeded to the scene where the deceased was found lying in a supine position, covered with a white cloth.
“The body was carefully inspected, and multiple marks of assault and blood were seen all over his body to suggest that the deceased was severely beaten.
“The body was conveyed and deposited at Methodist Hospital mortuary, Ankaase, for preservation and autopsy,” the police report further stated.
The report said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased allegedly went to a house and stole a mobile phone and cash of GH¢800.00 belonging to the mother of the Assembly man. That he was caught and the said exhibits retrieved.
“However, he was tied up and subjected to severe beatings by a mob who were attracted to the scene as a result of the alarm raised.”
Socialite and businesswoman Rose Gold has taken a strong swipe at critics who continue to gossip about her relationship with businessman Nana Prempeh, telling them bluntly to “go and die in the bush.”
Appearing on The Delay Show, Rose Gold responded strongly when host Delay asked what she would say to those alleging that Prempeh is romantically involved with multiple women.
“They should go and die in the bush,” she said. “If they feel grown enough to marry, that’s their business — we haven’t sent them. We’re still young and honestly, we don’t even have the time.”
She added that she does not rely on anyone and believes in divine provision. “In my family, getting married isn’t a struggle; we trust in God. He’s my provider — not any man. They should focus on what people are saying about them instead of obsessing over my life. They should leave my matter alone. Very soon, they’ll see me flourishing even more.”
Rose Gold’s comments come on the back of ongoing scrutiny surrounding her relationship with Prempeh. She earlier revealed that she was 17 years old when the relationship began, and she initially did not know he was married.
“I wasn’t sure if he had a wife or not. I only knew he wasn’t wearing a ring,” she said. “Even if he had told me he wasn’t married, I wouldn’t have believed him, so I didn’t bother to ask.”
She said it was about a year into their relationship that she discovered he was married, at which point she confided in her mother. “She advised me not to cross the path of the other woman. It’s not like she supported it, but I didn’t give her a reason to be worried,” she noted.
Despite the criticisms, Rose Gold insists she remains focused on her growth and won’t be distracted by what others say. “When the time is right, what will happen will happen,” she told Delay.
Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson is being linked to the pontiff vacancy
Following Pope Francis’s demise on Monday, April 22, 2025, a number of top cardinals of the Catholic Church have been named as potential successors.
One of the names being mentioned as a leading candidate for the papal position is Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson.
This is not the first time Cardinal Appiah Turkson’s name has been mentioned as a leading candidate for the office of the pontiff. His name came up during the past two conclaves to elect the next Pope.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has stated that Cardinal Appiah Turkson “is of the right age” and has “enough experience” to be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
An Appiah Turkson papacy would mean a great deal not only for the people of Ghana, but also for the entire African and Black race. This is because none of the 266 popes of the church, from St Peter (the first) to Pope Francis, has been from Africa.
About Cardinal Appiah Turkson:
Cardinal Appiah is currently the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican.
He has held several key positions in the leadership of the church, including being the first Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, former President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop Emeritus of the Cape Coast Archdiocese in Ghana, and the Treasurer of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
He also served on several Vatican bodies, including the Methodist-Catholic Dialogue (since 1997), the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (since 2002), and the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Goods of the Church (since 2002).
In Ghana, he is the Chancellor of the Catholic University College of Ghana. He is also a member of the University Council of the University of Ghana, Legon; the National Sustainable Development Council of the Ministry of Environment; the Board of Directors of the Central Regional Development Committee; and the Board of Trustees of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Educational Fund.
After studying at St Teresa’s Minor Seminary at Amisano and St Peter’s Regional Seminary at Pedu, he was ordained as a priest in July 1975 by Archbishop John Kodwo Amissah, whom he succeeded.
He did a licentiate at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome from 1976 to 1980, and then from 1987 to 1992, he studied for a doctorate degree at the same institute. In addition to English and his native Fante, he also speaks French, Italian, German, and Hebrew fluently, and has written knowledge of Latin and Greek.
He was born on October 11, 1948, at Nsuta-Wassaw in the Western Region.
Who can be a Pope:
According to the doctrines of the Catholic Church, any Catholic man below the age of 80 years can be elected Pope at the conclave of the cardinals of the Church.
However, throughout the history of the Church, only cardinals have been elected Popes.
Currently, out of 252 cardinals, only 135 are eligible to participate in the election of the next Pope — i.e. cast ballots and be voted for in the upcoming conclave, which is expected to be in about 15 to 20 days.
Out of the 135 eligible candidates, 53 are from Europe; 23 from Asia; 21 from Latin America; 18 from Africa; 16 from North America; and 4 from Oceania.
Other leading candidates to be the next Pope:
Aside from Cardinal Appiah Turkson, eight other cardinals have been mentioned as favourites to become the next Pope.
They include: Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy.
The remaining are Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke of the United States, Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk of the Netherlands, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka, Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller of Germany and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea.
BAI/AE
Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians
A former Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President, Samuel Okudzeto, says the suspension of the Chief Justice sends the wrong signals to the world and could have dire consequences for Ghana’s reputation and economy.
Speaking on PM Express on Joy News Tuesday night, the legal luminary warned that the action, though constitutional, is damaging in the eyes of the international community.
The recent plunge in crude oil prices on the international market may offer some relief at the fuel pumps, but it poses a significant threat to Ghana’s revenue projections — a development that could derail Ghana’s effort of achieving its fiscal policy target.
In the 2025 budget, government is banking on over one billion dollars in revenue from crude oil exports, based on a benchmark price of $74 per barrel.
However, in the last two weeks global oil prices have been fluctuating between $61 and $65 per barrel, well below the forecast, and analysts warn of a potential shortfall in projected earnings.
The drop in prices is largely driven by weakening global demand and fears of an impending recession, with many analysts predicting a further decline. This, they caution, could derail Ghana’s revenue targets, further tightening the fiscal space.
Fitch Solutions in its recent report indicated that Sub-Saharan Africa oil-exporting markets will come under significant pressure should global oil prices fail to recover.
Brent crude prices have dropped by around 14.9% since April 2 2025 with rising fears of a global economic slowdown being exacerbated by the decision by OPEC+ to accelerate the return of its cut barrels to market.
The situation is particularly concerning given the potential dip in revenue from non-traditional exports due to new import tariff hikes by the U.S. — an added blow to the country’s already stretched finances.
On the flip side, some market analysts argue that lower crude prices could lead to reduced fuel costs locally.
This may help ease inflationary pressures and offer some stability to the cedi, providing a glimmer of relief amid the broader economic uncertainty.
Already, Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has announced that the government will soon engage transport operators to reduce fares in response to declining fuel prices.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum at Kwahu Mpraeso on Saturday, April 19, Mr. Nyarko emphasized the positive impact this move could have on inflation.
A police officer has been captured in a viral video threatening a suspect during an interrogation in an alleged criminal case involving a taxi robbery scheme.
According to reports, the suspects posed as a taxi driver and a passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. Once inside the vehicle, the victims were allegedly robbed of their belongings, mainly mobile phones.
In the video, the officer is seen aggressively questioning one of the suspects and threatening to release him to an agitated crowd if he fails to confess.
“Herh! Are you the one who took the phone? I am asking you a question. If you don’t tell me the truth, I will make them kill you,” the officer is heard saying.
A man behind the camera is also heard urging the officer to be patient with the suspect.
“Aban (officer), have patience,” he said.
The video, which was first shared on social media by Sikaoffial’s handle, was captioned, “Residents have nabbed two suspected armed robbers who were reportedly posing as a taxi driver and a passenger to rob unsuspecting victims seeking to take a taxi.
“The two were arrested and handed over to personnel of the Ghana Police Service after their attempt to rob a young man failed. Other passengers who had previously fallen victim to their operations also rushed to the scene to retrieve their stolen valuables, mainly mobile phones.”
Residents have nabbed two suspected armed robbers who were reportedly posing as a taxi driver and a passenger to rob off unsuspecting victims seeking to take a taxi.
The two were arrested and handed over to personnel of the Ghana Police Service after their attempt to rob a… pic.twitter.com/qxJeKoAxQm
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will offer 1,000 scholarships to university students from across the ECOWAS sub-region, as part of efforts to strengthen regional ties through education and shared experiences.
The announcement was made at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in Accra on Tuesday [April 22, 2025].
The event, held on the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration”, brought together heads of state, senior government officials, and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission.
“To mark this moment and strengthen regional bonds, Ghana is offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in our universities,” Mr Mahama said.
He described the initiative as a practical step towards building unity among West African youth.
“This is not just a gesture,” he said. “It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”
Mr Mahama stressed that diplomacy should not be limited to resolving disputes but must also include creating conditions for peace, inclusion and progress. He called for greater investment in youth and education as a means of strengthening regional ties.
“Our drive for integration through diplomacy must extend to economic, social and cultural areas,” he said. “Whether it is harmonising trade negotiations or advancing cooperation in education and health, our diplomatic tools must always work in the service of our people.”
The scholarship programme is expected to be implemented in partnership with Ghana’s public universities and coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
ECOWAS, established in 1975, was formed to promote economic cooperation and political coordination among West African states. As the community marks its 50th anniversary, Mr Mahama urged leaders to take practical steps to make the regional bloc more relevant to citizens, especially the youth.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has defended the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, stating that no constitutional provision prohibits the president from taking action while a matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
His remarks follow criticism from former Member of Parliament and private legal practitioner, Samuel Atta Akyea, who described the suspension as unconstitutional and possibly contemptuous of the Supreme Court.
Atta Akyea pointed to an interlocutory injunction application filed by the MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, which is yet to be determined.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Srem-Sai explained that public officials must balance competing interests and cannot be expected to halt all decisions simply because a legal challenge has been initiated.
He stressed that unless a court has issued a specific order to halt a public duty, it is legally permissible for the president or any public officer to proceed.
“When people make such assertion, what they forget is that you are balancing interest as an official. So, if the president says that ‘I will not proceed until a court’s decision is made’ the other side is that there is a group of people who are aggrieved and have adopted a constitutional required process for a particular outcome.
“That is why the law does not require anybody to stop performing his public duty merely because someone is aggrieved. This is because every public decision, step or action taken, there is someone who will be aggrieved about it, and you cannot base on that person’s grievances alone to stop performing your duty.
“The general jurisprudential understanding is that, it will be an injustice to the person who is aggrieved. That is why it is said that the public duty must continue until a court makes a definite order that it should stop. In this case, there is not court order stopping the process to suspend the Chief Justice,” he stated.
Suspension of Chief Justice unfortunate, potentially unconstitutional – Atta Akyea
The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has described Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s response to the petitions seeking her removal as damning.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s , the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) said the responses are even more damning compared to the allegations made in the three petitions.
Mr. Gyamfi claimed that Justice Torkornoo, in her response, admitted to misbehaviour and unlawful conduct.
“I am happy I did not intercept the petitions; if I had, people would have said it was because my party is in power. But I intercepted the responses through someone, and they are more damning than the petitions themselves,” he said.
However, he did not explicitly disclose what the alleged admissions in the Chief Justice’s responses were.
Sammy Gyamfi’s remarks follow the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The suspension, announced on April 22, came after the establishment of a committee to investigate multiple petitions seeking the removal of the top judicial official.
The move complies with constitutional provisions and followed consultations with the Council of State.
Meanwhile, Mahama has set up a five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang to investigate the petitions.
The other members of the committee, including eminent figures from the legal, military, academic, and public service sectors, will conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.
President John Dramani Mahama, joined the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahammudu Bawumia to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis who passed to eternal rest on Monday.
In separate posts the three leaders extolled the legacy of compassion, humility and commitment to social justice to inspire the generation while alive.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with Pope FrancisFormer President Akufo-Addo with Pope Francis
The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s passing after a prolonged struggle with illness, noting that although he had been discharged from the hospital recently and had resumed his papal duties, his death came suddenly, leaving millions of Catholics and world leaders shocked and mourning.
President John Dramani Mahama, in his post on X, formally known as Twitter, said the late Pope Francis’ legacy of “compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations.”
He fondly recalled visiting the Vatican with his wife, Lordina, where they met Pope Francis.
He extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic faithful in Ghana on behalf of his family and the people of Ghana.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Mahama prayed, as he mourned the passing of the influential spiritual leader.
Former President Akufo-Addo in his tribute posted on his X account, said he was saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing of the venerable Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State, His Holiness Pope Francis.
He said since his election, the late Pope Francis has been a latent force of tolerance and inter-religious cooperation.
Former President Akufo-Addo said late Pope Francis had given the world a clear indication of what his papacy would be in his choice of a papal name, Francis, after the great pilgrim Francis of Assisi.
“Pope Francis’ 12-year service as Pope has been one of genuine care for the downtrodden and the poor.
His deep concern for and vigorous pursuit of global peace and the progress of Africa had been consistently expressed during the times I had the privilege of meeting him at the Vatican.” he stated.
He said Pope Francis was indeed “God’s treasured gift to our world of today. I extend a message of deep condolence to the Catholic community and Christendom”.
We pray that this great servant of humanity finds rest in the bosom of the creator until the last day of the resurrection, when we shall all meet again,” he added.
On his part, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, expressing his deep grief over the Pope’s passing.
Dr Bawumia in a short tribute described the late Pope “as a man of unwavering peace and compassion” who lived a life of inclusiveness and humility.”
“When I visited him a year ago, he left such a remarkable impression on me as one whose true essence and outlook on life was to live pure and right,” Dr Bawumia wrote.
The former Vice President praised Pope Francis’s legacy, saying, “May his legacy inspire us as we continue to pursue our individual mandates on earth.”
Dr Bawumia extended his sincerest condolences to the Catholic community in Ghana and worldwide.
“I join the Catholic community in Ghana and worldwide to mourn this huge loss.” The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in a tribute expressed sorrow at the news of the death of the late Pope Francis, describing it as a heavy blow to many Catholic faithful.
He recalled that the Pope had only recently led the Church through the sacred triduum before his passing.
“Oh? Pope Francis just celebrated the sacred triduum with us, the flock and departed so soon after. This is a blow to many faithful, but God knows best. It shall be well with our souls,” Mr Bagbin wrote.
He described the late pontiff as “a blessing to humanity” and encouraged believers to celebrate his life with joy. Mr Bagbin also reflected on the spiritual lessons to be drawn from the Pope’s passing.
“His passing reminds us to always be prepared to go to Zion, anytime, any day, anywhere, the beautiful city of God,” he added.
The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, also in tribute to Pope Francis, described him as a leader chosen by the Holy Spirit to respond to the unique challenges of his time.
He was known for championing care for the environment, an inclusive approach to leadership and tackling abuses that had plagued the Church.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show after the death of the pontiff at the age of 88, Most Reverend Gyamfi said the “Catholic Church and the entire world are mourning, having lost a Pope who embodied compassion, reform and strong moral leadership.”
The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has raised concern over a major setback in Ghana’s fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, following the suspension of United States of America (USA) government funding through USAID.
Speaking during an Easter HIV screening and sensitisation event held at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on April 21, 2025, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of GHANET, described the US “stop work” directive as the most significant hitch currently facing HIV/AIDS efforts in the country.
“This has been a major blow to us as far as funding is concerned,” Ortsin stated.
He explained that Ghana was already grappling with declining donor support and limited government funding, which had put the country at risk of missing global targets set by UNAIDS.
Ortsin emphasized the urgent need for the government to honor its 2025 Budget promise to allocate more resources to the health sector.
He also called on authorities to activate the long-dormant National HIV/AIDS Fund to compensate for the funding gap left by USAID’s withdrawal.
“We need the national HIV/AIDS fund urgently because now the US government their withdrawal of funding is going to affect us,” he said.
“If the government doesn’t make resources available, that is really going to affect the national campaign against HIV.”
Ortsin urged Ghanaians to embrace regular testing, emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to halting the spread of the virus.
He disclosed that in 2024 alone, more than 35,000 people in Ghana were newly diagnosed with HIV.
“So, it means the disease is still very much with us,” he said.
“We are encouraging people to test, know their status, so they don’t have to pass on the virus to their loved ones, especially pregnant women, so they don’t pass it on to their unborn children.”
The targets require countries to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2025.
Ghana’s current statistics, however, show that only 65% of people with HIV are aware of their status, 69% of those are on treatment, and 89% have achieved viral suppression.
The Easter weekend exercise saw about 500 people screened for HIV, with over 100,000 condoms distributed as part of awareness efforts. The campaign also promoted the use of HIV self-test kits, which were made freely available at the event.
AM/KA
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The mother of Diamond X Muzik, a recently evicted contestant from TV3’s Talented Kidz, has leveled serious allegations against the popular children’s talent show, accusing organizers of corruption, favoritism, and prioritizing profit over genuine talent. Her son’s elimination on April, 2025, sparked an emotional response that’s now gone viral on social media.
In a TikTok video, the aggrieved mother claimed that families were pressured to spend thousands of Ghana cedis weekly to keep their children in the competition. According to her, those who didn’t comply faced eviction—regardless of their talent or performance.
“They already know the winner before the show even begins,” she alleged. “It’s not about talent anymore. Change the name from Talented Kidz to Pay and Win—that would be more honest.”
She further claimed that the final outcomes are often predetermined, suggesting that votes and talent have little to do with who takes home the crown. Her frustration echoes a broader concern about transparency in reality TV competitions, especially those involving children.
The mother didn’t stop there—she questioned the legacy of the show, pointing out that most past winners have faded into obscurity. “This is the 16th season. Show me ten past winners who made it far. You can’t—because the show doesn’t nurture talent; it exploits it.”
The accusations come after Diamond X Muzik, Dirriu De Poet, and the dance group Beat Monsters were evicted from the current season.
The show’s organizers have yet to respond publicly to the accusations.
This controversy has reignited conversations about fairness and accountability in youth-focused entertainment platforms, with many calling for greater transparency in how such competitions are judged and managed.
The information gathered reveals that two new petitions have been filed against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for her removal from office.
The two more petitions filed against the suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo bring the petition against her to five.
According to the presidency communication signed by the Minister of Government Communication, John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice following a prima facie case being determined against her by the Council of State.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has described Ghana’s energy sector as the most significant economic threat currently facing the country.
In a post on X after a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 22, Dr. Forson stated that the sector is weighed down by a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion—an amount he noted exceeds Ghana’s entire domestic capital expenditure.
“During a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the WorldBank Yesterday, I reiterated that Ghana’s energy sector is currently the biggest economic risk we face. The sector is burdened with a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion.
“This amount surpasses our domestic capital expenditure. This challenge goes beyond tariffs. The entire energy value chain requires urgent reform. Inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed onto the ordinary Ghanaian through high tariffs,” part of his post stated.
He highlighted that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) alone could significantly reduce the deficit if it addressed operational inefficiencies.
Dr. Forson added that the government is already taking steps to introduce private sector participation, with cabinet having approved the move. A Legislative Instrument has also been submitted to Parliament to allow for competitive procurement of power plants.
“ECG alone could cut the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies. Cabinet has already approved private sector participation, and we have submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament to enable competitive procurement for power plants. These are critical steps toward bringing transparency and sustainability to the sector. The Energy Compact has come at the right time.
“It has the potential to make a lasting impact, and we are hopeful that the process will not be delayed. Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to turn this around for the good of our economy and the well-being of our people,” the X post stated.
His remarks come just a week after Ghana reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the fourth review of its IMF-supported programme.
The agreement is expected to unlock approximately $370 million in financial support to bolster the country’s economic recovery efforts.
The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT).
The ceremony is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe as the Catholic Church bids farewell to its spiritual leader.
Following his death, Francis’ open coffin was placed at the altar of the chapel in the Santa Marta guesthouse—his former residence. On Wednesday, his remains will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful
Rev. Charles Owusu, the former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission, has called for a radical shift in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He argued that the ongoing struggle cannot be won through rhetoric, political interference, or isolated crackdowns.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsemprogramme on Tuesday, April 22, Rev. Owusu stressed that galamsey is a long-standing issue that will require time, strategy, and unwavering political will to eradicate.
“It cannot simply be wished away, as it has been entrenched for so long,” he remarked, suggesting that substantial time and effort would be necessary for its eradication. He also recalled that the late President J.E.A. Mills had established a task force to combat galamsey during his tenure.
Rev. Owusu lamented the spread of illegal mining activities across the country, particularly following the withdrawal of military personnel from anti-galamsey operations in November 2022.
He expressed concern over the continued expansion of the problem, stating, “It is saddening that the scourge is spreading even as we continue to wage the war to eradicate it.”
He acknowledged that while the current government made strong commitments to combat galamsey while in opposition, the reality has proven to be more complex. “I know this government said a lot while in opposition, but I am aware that the fight will not be won in a single day. It requires careful planning, which must be followed through to ensure success,” he stated.
Rev. Owusu referenced the recent invasion of the Subri Forest Reserve by over 10,000 illegal miners and highlighted the scale and speed of the environmental degradation. “Consider the number of people who have invaded the forest and wreaked this havoc. Dismantling the settlement and destroying their belongings does not mean they have left,” he cautioned.
Drawing a biblical analogy, he warned that ineffective or unsustained interventions could worsen the situation. “The Bible says if you cast out one demon, it goes in search of seven stronger ones and returns with them. Similarly, these illegal miners will find a way to return,” he explained.
He aligned himself with calls made by former Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, for a more action-oriented approach. “How to sustain the fight is of great importance to me, and I subscribe to Omane Boamah’s recommendation. It must be less talk and more action. Anyone engaged in an illegality must face the law,” Rev. Owusu emphasised.
The emotional public reaction of Lands Minister, Armah Kofi Buah, who was seen in tears during a recent media engagement about the devastation caused by illegal mining, was also criticised. Rev. Owusu remarked, “The Lands Minister’s crying will not solve the problem. It may even signify failure, suggesting that he is overwhelmed, which is why he is crying.”
He continued, “We have been empowered by the state to correct wrongs. We cannot expect President Mahama to come crying because life has become difficult. Lands Minister Armah Kofi Buah should lace his shoes and get to work. We want to see him succeed.”
While acknowledging the need to keep the public informed, Rev. Owusu stressed that emotion alone cannot address the crisis. “Weeping in public does not solve the issue. More illegal miners are entering the fray day in and day out, even as we take some out,” he added.
In what he described as a long-term solution, Rev. Owusu proposed the establishment of a Forest Protection Unit within the Ghana Armed Forces, specifically tasked with guarding forests and lands vulnerable to illegal mining.
“If we want to succeed, politicians must stay away. We should establish a Forest Protection Unit as a wing of the Armed Forces and assign them the responsibility for managing forests and lands—particularly those areas that are being devastated,” he recommended. “Galamsey would be a thing of the past, and we would no longer need to hold this conversation.”
He also proposed setting up mechanised barracks in key regions across the country. “Let the Ashanti Region have its mechanised barracks, specifically dealing with illegalities within and outside the forest domain. Let the Western Region, Western North, and Northern Region each have their own. Then, we will not need to have this conversation again.”
When asked about concerns over possible military compromise, Rev. Owusu responded firmly, saying, “Won’t you be concerned if you hear that the Ghana Armed Forces have been compromised? That will not happen. The issues you speak of usually arise when operations are led by politicians. How can a party loyalist arrest a party chairman involved in galamsey?”
He contrasted this with military training zones, such as the Achiase Jungle Warfare training school, which remain untouched. “Have you heard of anyone undertaking galamsey in the Achiase Jungle, where the military has its training base? It cannot happen because it is a military zone. If we want to fight galamsey, we must declare such areas military zones, except where proper mining licences have been issued,” he said.
Rev. Owusu credited the idea to former Lands Minister Collins Dauda and called for bipartisan cooperation to remove politics from the galamsey debate. “The galamsey fight has been mired in politics for far too long,” he said. “The NDC told the NPP that the war could be won in a day if the government were committed by declaring a state of emergency. Now, the NPP is telling the NDC to declare a state of emergency. This back-and-forth will get us nowhere.”
He concluded by urging that the establishment of forest protection units and military zoning be prioritised. “How would anyone attempt illegal mining in the Subri Forest if it has been handed over to the military for training? No one would dare,” he argued. “Let us take action and stop wasting money. We can even allocate funds to the Armed Forces to recruit staff for this job. Within four months, they will get it done.”
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Communications Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has denied ever supporting calls by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for a state of emergency to be declared in communities affected by illegal mining under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
According to him, he strongly opposed such calls and instead advocated for a “state of emergency” on the removal of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his appointees, whom he accused of overseeing the illegal mining menace to the detriment of the Ghanaian people.
Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, Sammy Gyamfi clarified that while some individuals within the NDC supported the idea, the party as a corporate entity never endorsed it or issued any official statement in support.
“Go and check. I spoke about this even on Good Morning Ghana. I said I disagreed with those calling for a state of emergency. The real issue was not to declare a state of emergency in mining areas, but rather to declare one on Akufo-Addo and his gang—to vote them out, because they were the ones supervising the illegal mining activities,” he stated.
“At the time, you saw appointees, regional ministers, and mayors directly involved in the galamsey issue. And you say ordinary Ghanaians who had invested in mining should be penalized? The NDC as a party never supported those calls. Some individuals within the party may have done so, but show me one official NDC statement that supported it,” he emphasized.
He added, “It was in 2017/2018, when the NPP government banned mining, that Ghana exported more gold than ever before—a feat that hasn’t been matched since. The ban was a façade. That’s why I didn’t support the state of emergency calls; they would have simply used it as an excuse to seize people’s concessions.”
play videoThousands flock to beaches across Accra for Easter Monday festivities
Thousands of revelers thronged popular beaches across the capital on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, turning places like Dansoman, Labadi, and Sakumono into vibrant hubs of celebration.
The annual Easter Monday beach tradition saw families, friends, and fun-seekers flooding the shores to enjoy the public holiday, with music, dance, food, and games setting the tone for the day.
“Today is a holiday and I am here to have fun,” said one excited beachgoer at Labadi Beach.
Others had more personal motivations. “I am here to swim, talk to people, and meet new friends,” said another.
“I am actually here to release some stress and feel my best,” a young man shared.
Vendors took advantage of the large crowds, offering everything from grilled seafood to colourful beachwear.
Security personnel were also present to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
AM/KA
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Following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the most senior judge on the bench, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice.
This development follows President John Mahama’s decision made in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution that there is sufficient basis to proceed with three petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will temporarily lead the judiciary until a substantive Chief Justice is appointed.
This transition is in line with the Constitution of Ghana, which mandates that the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court assume leadership in the absence of the Chief Justice.
Profile of the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
Early Life and Education
Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was born on 26 December 1956. He began his education at the Goaso Local Authority Primary and Middle Schools, completing his Middle School Leaving Certificate examinations in the late 1960s.
He attended Konongo Odumase Secondary School, where he obtained his GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level certificates between 1969 and 1976. He proceeded to the University of Ghana and subsequently the Ghana School of Law.
While at law school, he was roommates with the late former NPP General Secretary Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, and close friends with former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. He fondly described the three of them as forming “a trio of village law students.”
Legal Career
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was called to the Bar in Ghana in 1983. He began his judicial career as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and later served as a High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2006.
In June 2008, President John Agyekum Kufuor appointed him as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Notable Case
In 2013, he was part of the panel of Supreme Court Judges that adjudicated the landmark election petition filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which sought to annul approximately four million votes from the 2012 general elections due to alleged irregularities. The petition was ultimately dismissed by the court.
Personal Life
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie hails from Sewua in the Bosomtwe District through his father, Opanyin Baffoe-Bonnie, and from Breman in Kumasi through his mother, Ama Kyerewaa.
He is married to Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who serves as the Director-General of Prisons.
He is also the brother of the late Kwasi Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie, the founder of Network Broadcasting Company Limited, which operates Radio Gold.
Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called for the establishment of a comprehensive National Orientation Programme aimed at reshaping the mindset of Ghanaians especially the youth—towards civic responsibility, meritocracy, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
He advocated for a national reorientation agenda and the depoliticization of entrepreneurship, drawing from his own challenging experiences as a young businessman navigating Ghana’s transport and logistics sector.
Afenyo-Markin made the call while speaking at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum held in Mpraeso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region. The forum was themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”
The Minority Leader emphasized the need for a cultural shift to build a nation that rewards excellence and fosters inclusive economic development.
“I believe the time has come for Ghana to consider establishing a National Orientation Programme built around values that instill civic responsibility, discipline, hard work, and enterprise in our national psyche,” he stated.
He lamented the prevailing perception that opportunities in Ghana are often based on political connections rather than merit, arguing that such a system stifles growth and competition.
“We must deliberately shift to a new Ghanaian mindset—one that values hard work over shortcuts, merit over connections, and contributions over entitlement. Those who deserve opportunity should be given opportunity, regardless of political affiliation.
“That is how we build a nation. That is how we create competition. That is how we create progress,” he emphasized.
Afenyo-Markin further noted that the public sector was oversaturated and could no longer absorb the growing number of job seekers. He stressed that the future of employment lies in the private sector, and called on policymakers, educators, and industry players to redirect focus towards entrepreneurial development.
“The jobs of the future will be created in the private sector. This is the mindset people need to have.
“Such a programme, particularly if targeted at the youth, will play a transformative role in reshaping national attitudes and helping us build a country where excellence is expected, rewarded, and sustained,” he said.
He also shared his personal entrepreneurial journey to highlight the challenges many Ghanaian business owners face from high-interest bank loans and inconsistent labor practices to politically motivated sabotage.
“I started a transport business as a young man. My trading partners were Kwahus, who supplied me with tyres and spare parts on credit. But I went through extremely difficult times with the banks.
“My contract payments were often insufficient to service my loans due to pilferage, poor worker discipline, and high operating costs,” he explained.
He recounted how, during his contract with Guinness Ghana, his monthly payments were routinely reduced due to operational losses caused largely by driver misconduct, including theft and absenteeism.
“Drivers would abandon their duties to play football or steal drinks. In Awaso, where I ran a bauxite business, they simply didn’t care,” he added.
To address managerial inefficiencies, Afenyo-Markin said he hired a Canadian expert, despite already having a transport manager.
“That expert helped, but it cost me in dollars,” he noted. He also recalled appearing before the Weekend Courts due to SSNIT defaults, resulting from pressure by workers who “used their union to stage protests.”
He further revealed that his transportation business faced politically motivated sabotage after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost power in 2008.
“At each axle load station, my trucks were deliberately stopped while others were allowed to pass. The reason? They said, ‘That boy is an NPP boy,’” he recounted.
He explained that he was operating a critical logistics route from Togo to Aflao and onward to Buipe, supplying gypsum and limestone to Diamond Cement factories. The sabotage, he said, became so severe that his partner had to appeal to then Vice President John Dramani Mahama, who intervened to stop the obstruction.
“President Mahama called the officers to order after we explained that halting the supply chain would cripple the cement factory in his own region,” he disclosed.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that he shared these experiences not for sympathy, but to help private sector actors appreciate the political hurdles entrepreneurs face and to urge political leaders to create a more supportive environment.
“Entrepreneurship should not be viewed through a partisan lens. The success of a business must not depend on which political party is in power. We must stop tagging and targeting entrepreneurs.
“Our job as political leaders is not to frustrate businesspeople, but to foster fairness, merit, and innovation,” he stated.
He reiterated his belief that entrepreneurship is not merely about individual profit, but about nation-building.
“I understand the thrill of opportunity and the weight of challenges in business. I have lived it. That’s why I believe in championing policies that empower the private sector,” he said.
The Minority Leader also urged banks and financial service providers to play a more proactive role in nurturing local businesses.
“The role of the financial sector in the growth of indigenous businesses cannot be overstated. For our economy to thrive, we must ensure that financial institutions support local enterprises, not just with capital but with opportunities for growth,” he emphasized.
He called for tailor-made financial products to address the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by young Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
“We must bridge the gap between access to finance and entrepreneurial potential. Let us develop financial solutions that meet the specific realities of our local business environment. By doing so, we will cultivate industries that are sustainable, innovative, and grounded in Ghana’s socio-economic context,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin urged banks to become not just financiers but strategic partners in the growth of Ghanaian enterprises.
“You are expected to rise to this challenge. Do not just provide capital become true partners in the growth of a prosperous Ghana,” he appealed.
He commended President John Mahama for initiating the Kwahu Business Forum, describing it as a valuable platform for dialogue on Ghana’s economic future.
“I thank President Mahama for putting together a platform like this, which continues to focus on the business future of Ghana. The initiative is crucial not only for promoting dialogue but also for translating those conversations into tangible actions,” he noted.
He also acknowledged the contributions of industry players present at the forum, urging them to sustain the momentum and serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship in the country.
“Let this be the beginning of sustaining the spirit of enterprise. Let us walk the talk and build a Ghana where the youth are empowered, businesses thrive, and progress is driven by merit and innovation,” he concluded.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
You Can’t Leave Your Wife and Come Here to Insult Me – Jennifer Queen on Live TV
News Hub Creator3d
A dramatic on-air altercation erupted on UTV’s Adekye Nsroma morning show on April 17, 2025, when Jennifer Queen, Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, clashed fiercely with Hopeson Adorye, former Deputy National Security Coordinator and now a leading voice in the Movement for Change.The heated exchange unfolded after Hopeson repeatedly interrupted Jennifer during her submission. She snapped, promising to repay the constant interjections: “Since I’m being interrupted, I’ll interrupt you too when it’s your turn.”
In the middle of the fracas, Hopeson claimed he had trained her in communications—a remark that ignited further outrage.
“You trained who?” Jennifer fired back. “You’ve told all your people that you trained me, and they are mocking me… If God repaid evil, you wouldn’t be alive by now.”
The tension climaxed when Hopeson angrily asked, “Are you mad?” prompting Jennifer to deliver a fiery rebuke: “Am I mad? Like how? You can’t leave your wife there and come here to insult me.”
The NPP issued a strongly worded statement condemning Hopeson’s conduct, describing it as “unprogressive, undemocratic, and primitive.” Signed by Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah, the party emphasized that “threats of assault on women for expressing political views must not be tolerated.”
Ghanaians are now debating not only the ethics of political discourse but also how women in politics are treated—especially when they speak with conviction.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern warning to Peace FM, stating that it will boycott the station’s popular morning show, Kokrokoo, unless veteran journalist and host, Kwame Sefa Kayi, is reinstated. The party’s decision comes amid growing tension between the NPP and Despite Media, the owners of Peace FM.
According to sources, the NPP’s decision stems from what they perceive as “unfair treatment” meted out to Kwame Sefa Kayi, a respected figure in Ghanaian media known for his balanced and professional approach to political discussions. The party believes that his sudden removal or sidelining from Kokrokoo is politically motivated.
The Kokrokoo show has been a major platform for political discourse in Ghana, with Kwame Sefa Kayi playing a central role in shaping national conversations. His absence from the program has raised eyebrows, and the NPP’s stance seems to confirm speculation that internal wranglings may be at play.
A senior member of the NPP stated that the party will not appear on the show until Sefa Kayi is fully restored to his position as host. “We believe in press freedom, but we also value fairness. If one of the most credible voices on radio is being silenced, we must ask why.”
The situation has sparked public debate, with many Ghanaians calling for transparency and urging media organizations to resist political interference. Despite Media has not yet issued an official response to the NPP’s threat, but industry insiders suggest that the management is caught between maintaining editorial independence and managing political pressure.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how political actors engage with independent media platforms moving forward. As Ghana gears up for the 2028 elections, the relationship between media and political parties will undoubtedly face more scrutiny. The NPP’s decision to take a stand for Kwame Sefa Kayi highlights the party’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the media.
According to a report from GhanaWeb, former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has voiced strong objections to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the move as unexpected and the recommendation behind it as deeply problematic.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on April 22, 2025, Tuah-Yeboah expressed concern over the decision, particularly criticizing the Council of State’s advisory role in the matter.
He noted that while the President has the authority to act on such recommendations, there is no obligation to accept them, and in this case, he believes the advice should have been rejected.
He said, “But that’s the president’s decision. I see the advice of the Council of State as being very poisonous.”
He raised alarm over the potential consequences of the Council of State’s involvement, warning that such actions could upset the constitutional balance among the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
According to him, any call to suspend the head of an independent arm of government must be based on substantial justification.
Tuah-Yeboah stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity and independence of state institutions, especially the judiciary.
He argued that decisions of this nature should be approached with caution to avoid undermining the foundations of governance.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the rationale provided for the suspension, he questioned the credibility and weight of the grounds presented publicly.
He maintained that if the reasons cited are the actual basis for the Chief Justice’s removal from office pending an inquiry, then the action is deeply troubling.
Mourners gather ahead of procession carrying Pope to St Peter’s Basilicapublished at 06:36 British Summer Time
06:36 BST
Image source, Reuters
Tens of thousands of mourners have been descending on Vatican City over the last two days to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who died of a stroke on Easter Monday aged 88.
Today, the coffin carrying the Pope will be taken from Casa Santa Marta, where he died, to St Peter’s Basilica at 09:00 local time (08:00 BST).
He will then lie in state until his funeral on Saturday, giving mourners a chance to say a final goodbye.
Pope Francis will be buried at St Mary Major Basilica, making him the first pope since Leo XIII, who died in 1903, to be buried outside the Vatican.
Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky are among world leaders set to attend the the funeral. Kensington Palace also announced that Prince William would travel to the Vatican on behalf of his father, King Charles.
Yesterday, details of the late pontiff’s final moments were shared by the Vatican, with those who were near him describing his death as “discreet”, “without long waits or too much clamouring”.
The Vatican also shared images of the Pope lying in his open coffin in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, which served as his papal residence for 12 years.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest developments as today’s prayers and procession commence, so stay with us.
US President Donald Trump has said that he has “no intention of firing” Jerome Powell after repeatedly criticising the head of the Federal Reserve.
But he added that he would like Powell to be “a little more active” when it comes to cutting interest rates.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump also said he is optimistic about improving trade relations with China.
Last week, the president intensified his criticism of the Fed chief, calling him “a major loser”. The comments sparked a selloff of stocks, bonds and the US dollar, but financial markets have since been recovering from those losses.
The latest remarks came after the director of the National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Friday that Trump was looking into whether it would be possible to sack Powell.
During his first term in the White House, Trump nominated Powell to lead the central bank in 2017. Then-President Joe Biden nominated him for a second four-year term at the end of 2021.
The Fed has not cut rates so far this year, after lowering them by a percentage point late last year, a stance Trump has heavily criticised.
It is unclear whether Trump has the authority to fire the Fed chair. No other US president has tried to do so.
Also on Tuesday, Trump said he would be “very nice” in negotiations with Beijing and tariffs would fall if there was a deal, but not to “zero”.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly said he expected a de-escalation of the trade war with China, describing the current situation as unsustainable.
After the remarks, most major Asian stock markets were higher on Wednesday as investors appeared to welcome the latest remarks.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose about 1.9%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong climbed by around 2.2%, while mainland China’s Shanghai Composite was down less than 0.1%.
That came after US shares made gains on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 ending Tuesday’s session up 2.5% and the Nasdaq rose 2.7%.
US futures were also trading higher overnight. Futures markets give an indication of how financial markets will perform when they open for trading.
Investors feared that pressure on Powell to lower interest rates could cause prices to rise at a time when trade tariffs are already seen boosting inflation.
Trade tensions between the world’s biggest economies, as well as US tariffs on other countries around the world, have triggered uncertainty about the global economy. Those concerns triggered turmoil in financial markets in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, the forecast for US economic growth for this year was given the biggest downgrade among advanced economies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to uncertainty caused by tariffs.
The sharp increase in tariffs and uncertainty will lead to a “significant slowdown” in global growth, the Fund predicted.
Trump has imposed taxes of up to 145% on imports from China. Other countries are now facing a blanket US tariff of 10% until July.
His administration said last week that when the new tariffs are added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.
China has hit back with a 125% tax on products from the US and vowed to “fight to the end”.
The Chinese government has not yet officially responded to the latest statements from the Trump administration.
However, an article in the state-controlled Global Times on Wednesday quoted commentators who said the remarks showed that the US is beginning to realise the tariffs do more harm than good to America’s economy.
Ekow Vincent Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region, has expressed strong concerns over the impartiality of the committee established by the government to investigate petitions against the Chief Justice.
In a statement dated April 22, 2025, Assafuah argued that the committee is politically biased, noting that three out of its five members have known political affiliations, making them unfit to deliver an objective assessment.
Films made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to win top awards at the Oscars, according to its organisers.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued new rules on Monday, which said the use of AI and other digital tools would “neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination”.
Generative AI – which can create text, images, audio and video in response to simple text prompts – helped to produce some of the films awarded top industry accolades in March.
But the Academy said it would still consider human involvement when selecting its winners.
The Academy said its new language around eligibility for films made using generative AI tools was recommended by its Science and Technology Council.
Under further rule changes announced on Monday, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category in order to be able to take part in the final round of voting, which decides upon winners.
The use of AI in film became a hot topic after Adrian Brody took home the award for Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist at this year’s Oscars ceremony in March.
The movie used generative AI to improve the actor’s accent when he spoke Hungarian.
It then emerged similar voice-cloning technology was used to enhance singing voices in the Oscar-winning musical Emilia Perez.
The technology’s ability to quickly alter or match the tone and style of an artist, or perform edits such as subtly changing someone’s appearance, has helped it become more popular in the production of music and film.
But AI use remains controversial, and artists and actors have voiced concerns over the material used to train such tools and its impact upon their livelihoods.
Concerns and limitations
Actors and screenwriters previously highlighted fears about losing work to AI during the 2023 strikes in Hollywood.
“If you can take my face, my body and my voice and make me say or do something that I had no choice about, that’s not a good thing,” actress Susan Sarandon told the BBC from a picket line.
And screenwriters are concerned studios would seek to cut costs and save time by using tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for tasks such as researching, treatment and script writing, instead of humans.
Safeguards around the use of AI were established as part of the agreements reached between unions and studios that marked the end of the strikes.
But while some actors have seemingly embraced the technology, others, such as Scarlett Johansson, have issued warnings about its potential to allow abuse of their image or likeness.
Animators told the BBC in 2024 generative AI tools were not yet good enough to be able to replicate the quality of their work – certainly not to an award-winning standard.
“It’s like having a bad writer help you,” said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder and chairman of global streaming service Rokit Flix.
“Sure it will get an outline done, but if you need something with emotional weight, an AI isn’t going to get you an Oscar.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has said during a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the World Bank in Washington, US, on Tuesday April 22 said that Ghana’s energy sector is currently the biggest economic risk we face.
Dr Forson indicated that the sector is burdened with a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion.
This amount surpasses the domestic capital expenditure, he said.
“This challenge goes beyond tariffs. The entire energy value chain requires urgent reform. Inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed onto the ordinary Ghanaian through high tariffs. ECG alone could cut the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies,” Dr Forson wrote on his X page after the meeting.
He further stated that cabinet has already approved private sector participation.
“We have submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament to enable competitive procurement for power plants. These are critical steps toward bringing transparency and sustainability to the sector.
“The Energy Compact has come at the right time. It has the potential to make a lasting impact, and we are hopeful that the process will not be delayed. Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to turn this around for the good of our economy and the well-being of our people.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is leading the country’s delegation to the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings.
This is the first such participation under the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration led by President John Dramani Mahama.
The meetings come just one week after Ghana secured a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund on the fourth review of its IMF-supported programme.
This agreement is expected to lead to the release of approximately 370 million dollars in support of Ghana’s economic recovery agenda.
What makes the deal particularly noteworthy is that it was reached despite the fact that several structural benchmarks and quantitative targets under the programme had been missed before the new administration took office.
The agreement reflects renewed international confidence in Ghana’s direction, largely driven by the swift and targeted actions taken by the new government.
The Mahama-led administration has worked tirelessly to reverse the country’s fiscal challenges. In many cases, it has fast-tracked the implementation of key structural reforms while introducing additional corrective measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and credibility.
One of the most urgent issues addressed has been the large buildup of payables in 2024, which created a significant primary deficit—far exceeding the modest surplus that had been programmed.
The government has responded with a bold and pragmatic reform package to curb arrears, reinforce spending discipline, and strengthen Ghana’s public financial management system.
Veteran Ghanaian musician and Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar has called on musicians in the country to focus on the awards schemes in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Sisil Prempeh on April 19, 2025, Rex Omar noted that the Grammy Awards were not created for Ghanaian artistes; therefore, they should be content with what the country has.
He emphasised that musicians should also stop disrespecting the award schemes the country has.
“Sometimes when I hear Ghanaians talk, Grammy is for America. So, if you disrespect the Ghana Music Awards and you think you want to go to the Grammy, I don’t understand it. Because Grammy was not created for you.
“BET is an American TV station that ended up also doing their own awards. You get what I mean? So the whole situation is we have to believe in ourselves and things that we do in Ghana,” he said.
Rex Omar further proposed that industry players create an awards scheme that matches the Grammy Awards.
According to him, such an initiative would attract the interest of musicians in other countries.
“We can also develop our own award if we speak well about it, if we do it well. Other countries will also want to be part of it. So the whole thing is, it goes beyond just receiving an award.
“It’s a whole value chain and ecosystem that must be developed so as to be able to make any meaningful impact,” he added.
JHM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD Ghana
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed concerns about the current procedure for dismissing justices of the higher courts, calling for increased transparency and institutional reform.
This follows the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Prof. Prempeh strongly criticized Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the process for removing justices of the higher courts, including the Chief Justice.
“I have at least two problems with Article 146 in its present form,” he stated. “First is the secrecy or lack of transparency surrounding the removal petition. Even if the removal proceedings must be held in camera, I believe that, at a minimum, the findings and outcome of the proceedings including the grounds and supporting evidence behind the removal petition—must be made public after the fact.”
He emphasized that accountability and access to information are essential for preserving public trust in the judiciary.
“The public must not be kept in the dark as to why a removal petition failed or succeeded,” he said. “In the interest of justice, I believe the grounds and evidence supporting the committee’s decision whichever way it goes must be made public, so that the public, too, can judge for themselves whether justice was served,” he was quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.
Professor Prempeh also raised concerns about the composition of the five-member committee tasked with investigating removal petitions, especially when the Chief Justice is involved.
“Where the removal petition pertains to a Chief Justice, no sitting judge should be included in the five-person removal committee constituted to hear the petition,” he argued.
“None of the CJ’s judicial peers should sit in judgment on a removal petition involving their judicial colleague or ‘boss,’ as they are likely to have an interest in the outcome.”
He advocated for a more politically inclusive and impartial process for selecting committee members, suggesting the use of retired jurists or experienced public servants to eliminate conflicts of interest.
“It is better to keep the President out of the removal process, except to implement, after the fact, the final outcome of the process as determined by an independent removal committee,” he added.
On April 22, 2025, President John Mahama announced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
The suspension, implemented in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, followed the President’s consultation with the Council of State.
In line with constitutional provisions, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, has assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice.
A five-member committee has been established to look into the claims, but the public, civil society, and legal experts are all becoming increasingly alarmed by the lack of public transparency about the substance of the petitions and the supporting documentation.
KA
Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians
The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, calling it a “brazen judicial coup” and an alarming misuse of executive authority.
In a statement released on Monday, April 22, 2025, the Minority accused the President of pursuing political revenge and undermining judicial independence—especially as the legality of the removal process remains under review by the Supreme Court.
Ghana stands ready to serve as a bridge to help re-knit the fabric of West African unity, President John Dramani Mahama, has stated.
“We believe that through sustained dialogue, patient diplomacy, and principled negotiation, we can restore cohesion and rebuild trust in our good community,” President Mahama stated in his address at the launch of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra.
The event, on the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, was attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Togolese Prime Minister, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and representatives from all the 12-Member ECOWAS countries.
President Mahama said the recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Sahel to withdraw from ECOWAS was a regrettable development.
“Yet, even in this, continuous engagements must remain our road star. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage,” he said.
“Since assuming office as President, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sahelian neighbors.”
He said Ghana had appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States.
“I have personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations.”
President Mahama said these efforts reflected their belief that they had a shared destiny as a sub-region, and that unity, however difficult, remained the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability.
President Mahama said the period, called for giving greater solidarity and understanding for the difficult challenges that confronted their brothers in the Sahelian states.
He said diplomacy was not only about resolving disputes, and that it was about creating the conditions for peace, for inclusion and progress.
Adding that it was about fostering mutual respect and advancing their common interests.
He said in this regard, their commitment to integration through diplomacy must extend into economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
“Whether we are harmonizing trade negotiations, whether we are facilitating free movement of our people, or championing education and health cooperation, our diplomatic instruments must always work in the service of our people.”
President Mahama advocated the empowerment of ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly, credibly, and transparently.
“Our citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not some distant bureaucracy, but a living community that understands their struggles and champions their hopes,” he said.
“And let us never forget the power of soft diplomacy. Our shared languages, our new faith, our literature, and youth culture.”
He underscored that they were powerful tools binding them together more deeply than any treaty could.
“Let this 50th anniversary be a turning point for diplomacy in West Africa.”
He called for more investment in early warning systems, mediation capacities, and youths and women as peace builders.
He urged his fellow West African leaders to put position as sub-region ECOWAS, not only as a political and economic bloc, but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent; model of integration, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, in speech read by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, lauded President Mahama’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength.
He said as a proud member of ECOWAS, Nigeria pledged to collaborate with every nation, large or small, to build an ECOWAS that was resilient and prepared to confront the challenges of their time.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said in marking the 50th anniversary their objective was to celebrate, reflect, and recalibrate their community.
![Chief Justice’s responses to petition removal very damning – Sammy Gyamfi [Video]](https://www.ghanamma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5d2868ffe97242446d73644bf5097456.jpeg "Chief Justice’s responses to petition removal very damning – Sammy Gyamfi [Video]")
According to a report from GhanaWeb, former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has voiced strong objections to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the move as unexpected and the recommendation behind it as deeply problematic.
