Anti-graft campaigner, Edem Senanu

Anti-graft campaigner Edem Senanu is demanding that the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, be held accountable for the alleged inflation of figures associated with the construction of the new Bank of Ghana headquarters.

This comes after the new BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, revealed that the state, under the previous Akufo-Addo government, paid $230 million to the contractor working on the new BoG building project, with an outstanding balance of $31.8 million still owed to the construction firm.

Speaking to Starr News, Mr. Senanu called for transparency and accountability from those involved in the project.

“I believe that those who were in charge of affairs should provide an explanation as to how they justified this decision. When we see a significant escalation in costs, shouldn’t we reassess our approach? We need to consider whether the inputs or raw materials used were appropriate, whether the skills involved were adequate, and whether the design was well thought out. We should aim to stay within reasonable limits that do not burden the state, especially at a time when the government itself requires resources to run the practical aspects of the economy.”

He added, “I agree with you, ultimately. Let us encourage, invite, and ensure that those in charge provide us with informed reasons for how and why they made these decisions. Who was involved in determining that this was so valuable and worthwhile for the nation at the time the decisions were being made?”

Cairo, Mar. 7, (dpa/GNA) – Dozens of people belonging to a religious minority community in Syria have been executed amid clashes between supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and the security forces of the new government, a monitoring group reported on Friday.

The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel-Rahman, said his UK-based monitor had documented the execution of at least 90 civilians from the Alawite sect, to which al-Assad belongs, by government forces in Syria’s coastal area.

“Massacres have been perpetrated against the Alawite sect,” Abdel-Rahman told dpa.

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commanded an Islamist-led rebel alliance that toppled al-Assad in December, has pledged to respect human rights in the war-shattered country.

The fighting in the coastal province of Latakia, a stronghold of the Alawite sect, is the deadliest since al-Assad’s overthrow.

The violence erupted after a string of attacks and ambushes blamed on al-Assad’s armed supporters targeted forces of the transitional government on Thursday.

A field commander in the government forces stated that major confrontations began early Friday following the arrival of large military convoys in Latakia.

Anas Khattab, the head of Syria’s General Intelligence Service, wrote on X that “initial investigations showed former military and security leaders affiliated with the defunct regime are behind the planning of these crimes.”

Spokesman for the Defence Ministry Hassan Abdel-Ghani said the government troops had made swift progress on the ground and reimposed control in the areas where the attacks against security forces had taken place.

He warned that anyone who refuse to hand over arms to the state authorities will face a “firm and uncompromising response.” 

Armed groups linked to the former regime remain active in several towns and villages in the mountainous coastal region. 

The state-run Syrian News Agency SANA said in response to the escalating violence, authorities in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia have extended an ongoing curfew until Saturday morning.

A power outage on Friday hit most parts of the Latakia province due to sabotage attacks unleashed by al-Assad’s loyalists, according to SANA. 

Syria’s new leadership has been endeavouring to re-establish security in the country ruined by civil war that broke out following a 2011 pro-democracy uprising against al-Assad’s rule. 

GNA

The Convenor of the Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman, Akomane Yeboah, has underscored the importance of showing reverence for the nation’s leaders, both past and present, acknowledging their immense sacrifices for Ghana’s progress.

His remarks follow the group’s petition to Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, over an alleged derogatory comment about JB Danquah.

During parliamentary proceedings, Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, reportedly labeled JB Danquah as a CIA operative and a traitor to the nation.

Speaking to Channel One Newsroom on Friday, March 7, Yeboah urged caution when discussing political figures, emphasizing that they should be held in high regard.

“It is essential that we respect our leaders, those who are gone and those who are alive. We should treasure them because they are the people who laid down their lives for this country. Unsavory comments like this should not be entertained in our body politics,” he stated.

The 3rd edition of the Whitray Junior Tennis Open kicked off on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium Lawn Tennis Court.

The tournament serves as a platform for young tennis players and features approximately 100 kids from various clubs across the country.

“We started Whitray Open two years ago, and it’s about how we can harness the talents we have in Ghana lawn tennis,” said organizer Mr. Abbey.

“This year’s tournament is different from the previous ones because it’s on the UCR system, which gives players more opportunities to play and accumulate points. In the future, these points can help them gain scholarships to the United States to compete at the college level or even pursue professional careers,” he added.

Beyond competition, the event aims to equip young players with essential skills, new techniques, and styles of play to enhance their performance.

The tournament, which began on March 6, will conclude on March 9, 2025.

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Guiness World Record contender, Adu Safowaah

Media personality and Guinness World Record contender, Adu Safowaah, has explained why the World Records body is yet to announce the results of her speech-a–thon attempt.

Safowaah, who attempted to break the record for the longest speech by an individual, completed her 130-hour marathon at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on February 15, 2024, at 4:05 am, following a six-day effort that began on February 9, 2024.

However, more than a year after her attempt, the body has yet to announce the results.

During an interview on Neat FM on February 5, 2025, Safowaah shared updates on the status of her record attempt.

She revealed that after submitting her initial evidence, the GWR team requested additional documentation multiple times, leading to a prolonged back-and-forth communication process.

“After my attempt, we were given the option of a 12-day express review or the standard three-month review. We chose the three-month option.

“They wrote back after 3 months, saying they needed further evidence. So we sent. They later emailed again asking for more evidence. So I had to chat with them, asking what exactly they wanted so we sent it to them. They replied with what they wanted and we sent it.

“They later emailed again, asking for more evidence. So it’s been a back-and-forth with them for about 9 months. But they have not cancelled or disqualified my attempt,” she said.

Despite the extended review period, Safowaah said she remains optimistic, as her attempt has not been disqualified or cancelled.

Her last correspondence with the GWR team was on January 18, 2025, when they requested additional documents, including the log book and witness book.

Safowaah confirmed that all required evidence has now been submitted and expressed hope that this would mark the final stage of the review process.

“But as of right now, they have every piece of evidence they need. So I am hopeful this would be their last,” she said.

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During the meeting, Dr. Okrah emphasized TCDA’s commitment to supporting the shea industry

The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is taking significant steps to create an enabling environment for women in the shea butter industry by engaging key stakeholders and industry players.

As part of this initiative, the Acting CEO of TCDA, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, paid a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, to explore strategies for strengthening the sector and expanding job opportunities in the region.

During the meeting, Dr. Okrah emphasized TCDA’s commitment to supporting the shea industry through technical assistance, market linkages, and policy advocacy to ensure sustainable growth.

“Women play a vital role in the shea sector, and our objective is to help them scale up their businesses, access better markets, and enhance their livelihoods,” he stated.

Ali Adolf John commended TCDA’s initiative and reaffirmed the region’s support in strengthening the shea industry.

He underscored the economic potential of shea butter and stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to maximize its benefits.

As part of the visit, the TCDA delegation toured the Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center, a leading facility that employs over 240 women, making up 90% of its workforce.

The company has embraced the government’s 24-hour economy policy to boost production and meet growing market demands.

Madam Zakaria Adam, CEO of Yumzaa Shea Butter, highlighted the impact of the initiative, stating:

“By running 24-hour shifts, we are not only increasing our output but also creating more employment opportunities for women in the region. This allows us to expand into export markets and improve livelihoods.”

Dr. Okrah lauded the factory’s efforts and reaffirmed TCDA’s dedication to supporting women-led businesses, improving access to financing, and facilitating trade opportunities.

“Women are the backbone of the shea industry, and their empowerment is crucial to driving Ghana’s agricultural transformation. TCDA will continue working with partners to provide the necessary resources and training to help them thrive,” he assured.

The Northern Region remains a major hub for shea butter production in Ghana, with thousands of women engaged in processing and trade. However, challenges such as limited access to financing, fluctuating market prices, and inadequate processing facilities continue to hinder the industry’s full potential.

TCDA’s intervention seeks to address these barriers and position the shea sector as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment.

By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi  

Accra, March 7, GNA – The Government of Indonesia has congratulated Ghana on her 68th Independence Day Anniversary and extended its best wishes as the West Africa country strive in her democratic and socioeconomic growth.  

Mr Paskal A.B. Rois, Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, who lauds Ghana’s contributions and achievements, said the Day commemorated a remarkable milestone and called for reflection on the nation’s enduring journey of growth, resilience and national pride.  

In a Statement, he said: “The theme for this year’s Independence Day — “Reflect, Review and Reset” perfectly encapsulated Ghana’s commitment to introspection and progress, a vision that resonates strongly with Indonesia’s values of development, unity, and long-term sustainability.” 

Mr Rois said Indonesia stood in total agreement with the theme and fully supported Ghana’s ambitions to reflect on past achievements, review its current trajectory, and reset its path towards a prosperous and sustainable future.  

“We believe that through collaboration, we can help Ghana achieve its developmental goals while fostering a deeper bilateral relationship between our nations. As Ghana takes this important step forward, Indonesia is ready to provide its full support in several key sectors,” he said.  

Amongst the key areas he mentioned were agriculture and agribusiness where Indonesia, with its wealth of expertise would help Ghana unlock its agricultural potential by providing modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and access to advanced equipment to increase productivity, economic prosperity and ensure food security.  

The Honorary Consul also mentioned trade and investment to expand economic cooperation, support Ghana’s industrialization goals, help deepen investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and services to make Ghana a regional economic powerhouse. 

“On capacity building and education, Indonesia is dedicated to supporting human capital development, providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and training programs for Ghana’s youth by focusing on skill development and leadership training,” he said.  

Mr Rois said infrastructure development would be key in the collaboration where Indonesia’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects in transportation, energy and urban development would help spur Ghana’s infrastructure drive. 

“We are ready to assist Ghana in building and improving the necessary infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing economy. We believe that strong infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth and stability,” he added.  

He said tourism and cultural exchange would be an integral part of their collaboration, adding that promoting mutual understanding through tourism, art, and culture would strengthen the bonds between the countries while fostering unity and peace. 

GNA