Ghanaian musician Worlasi has taken a bold stance against the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, following the emergence of a controversial video that has stirred public outrage.
The footage, which shows Sammy Gyamfi handing a wad of US dollars to self-styled evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has sparked heated conversations online — and Worlasi is not holding back.
Cassie and Sean Diddy
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, has testified in court that the music mogul controlled her life and coerced her into “humiliating” sexual encounters with male escorts.
In emotional testimony on Tuesday, Cassie described years of alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during their 11-year on-and-off relationship. She told the court Diddy would organise and direct sex acts involving her and male escorts — events she said often left her feeling “worthless” and “horrible.”
Known as “freak-offs,” the encounters allegedly took place in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and Ibiza. Cassie claimed Diddy paid the men in cash, sometimes as much as $6,000, and even arranged for their travel under the pretence of them being staff.
She also accused Diddy of hitting, kicking, and dragging her, leaving her with black eyes and swollen lips. Cassie said she used drugs like ecstasy and ketamine to cope and disassociate during these encounters.
“He was directing it,” she told the court. “If Sean wanted something to happen, that was what was going to happen. I couldn’t say no.”
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His legal team has not yet cross-examined Cassie.
Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto
The Africa Sustainable Energy Dialogue (ASED) is set to take place virtually on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 13:00 GMT, as part of a concerted effort to tackle the continent’s widening energy access gap.
Organised by the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), the high-level forum will be held under the theme “Bridging Africa’s Energy Access Gap – Challenges, Innovations & the Path Forward.”
The event will explore practical strategies to expand access to electricity across sub-Saharan Africa, where over 600 million people still live without reliable power.
It will bring together more than 1,000 participants, including national and global policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, academics, and innovators to share insights, discuss scalable solutions, and strengthen public-private collaboration.
Key speakers include senior figures from the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, United Bank for Africa, the African Development Bank, and the World Energy Council, as well as former energy advisers and regulators from Nigeria and Ghana. Discussions will centre on aligning energy transition efforts with Africa’s development priorities, accelerating investment in clean and accessible energy, and addressing persistent barriers such as infrastructure gaps, policy fragmentation, and financing limitations.
ASEC hopes the dialogue will contribute to building a unified regional approach to sustainable energy, transforming challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth and long-term resilience.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke
Six individuals have been convicted by the High Court in Tamale for their involvement in a payroll corruption scheme within the Ghana Education Service that resulted in wrongful salary payments to a former teacher.
The convictions were secured under a plea bargaining agreement initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), leading to full restitution and reparation of the stolen funds.
The convicted persons—school heads, payroll officers, and accountants—collaborated to illegally validate and reactivate salary payments for Tahidu Yakubu, a former teacher who had vacated his post in 2022 to take up a new appointment at MASLOC in the North-East Region.
Despite his resignation, Yakubu continued receiving salaries due to the deliberate actions of the co-conspirators.
Between August 2022 and January 2023, he was paid GH₵16,416.89 in net salary, although he had ceased working at Balogu Junior High School in Yendi.
Investigations by the OSP revealed a sustained scheme to manipulate salary validation systems. The fourth accused, former headmaster Mohammed Yusif Jay, unlawfully validated Yakubu’s status while the third accused, Schools Improvement Support Officer Sammy Suuk, verified those validations.
In January 2024, new efforts were made to retroactively reinstate Yakubu’s salary for an eight-month period, resulting in an additional GH₵47,064.34 paid to him.
According to the OSP’s investigation report, “the conduct of the accused persons resulted in the State paying out unearned gross salary of GH₵86,318.95 to the first accused.”
The Court, presided over by the High Court in Tamale, accepted the plea bargain on 30 April 2025 and ordered restitution and reparation totalling GH₵106,319.64. This sum has since been recovered in full.
As part of the plea bargain under Section 71 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), the accused also agreed to provide information to assist in further prosecutions. The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, confirmed in the report that these disclosures were made confidentially to both his office and the Court.
The convictions form part of a wider initiative to cleanse Ghana’s public payroll system. Launched jointly by the OSP and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department in November 2023, the Government Payroll Administration investigation is currently in Phase I, targeting the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service.
Further phases will examine payrolls across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
The OSP indicated that six other criminal trials are underway in Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi, with more prosecutions expected as the investigation deepens.
According to the Special Prosecutor, “these proceedings signal our renewed resolve to hold corrupt public officers accountable and recover every cedi lost to payroll fraud.”
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It is the nation’s first and only mixed-language-English and Twi-morning show.
The trio objectively addresses issues of public interest and aims to educate and engage listeners and leaders for better governance and development.
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Celebrated Ghanaian choreographer Usher1Baby has issued a powerful message of appreciation to the dance community across Ghana, highlighting the incredible contributions of dancers who are shaping the future of the industry.
“As an icon in the dance world, I am filled with pride every time I witness the passion, creativity, and strength of Ghanaian dancers,” says Usher1Baby. “You are not only making waves locally, but you’re placing Ghana firmly on the global map with every step you take.”
In his statement, Usher1Baby applauded dance crews, solo performers, instructors, and cultural custodians who continue to drive innovation and preserve tradition within Ghana’s vibrant dance scene.
He continued, “Thank you for believing in the art, for uplifting our culture, and for inspiring the next generation. The future of dance in Ghana is bright, and it’s because of you.”
Usher1Baby, known for his influential choreography and dedication to dance education, encourages the public and stakeholders to support and invest in the growth of the performing arts in Ghana.
About Usher1Baby:
Usher1Baby is one of Ghana’s most respected choreographers, known for his dynamic style, cultural pride, and commitment to developing young talent. With years of experience and international recognition, he continues to be a leading voice in Ghana’s creative scene.
Officials at the opening of the Regional Validation Meeting
The Director of Free Movement at the ECOWAS Commission, Albert Siaw-Boateng, has revealed that international migrant workers in West Africa reached approximately 4.1 million by 2020, up from 3.74 million in 2017, pointing to a growing trend in regional mobility.
According to him, labour migration accounts for 57.7% of the region’s 7.1 million migrants, with men comprising 64.1% and women 35.9% of the migrant workforce.
He made these remarks at the opening of the Regional Validation Meeting of the ECOWAS Labour Migration Strategy and Action Plan.
Mr. Siaw-Boateng stated that the objective of the meeting is to review and validate the ECOWAS Labour Migration Strategy and its accompanying action plan. “This milestone document is crucial for ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration in the region, aligning with ECOWAS’ regional economic agenda and commitment to the free movement of people,” he noted.
He added that the strategy supports the community’s strategic framework and the current management’s objectives by addressing the growing number of migrant workers in the ECOWAS region.
“Labour migration is a key driver of regional trade, employment, and poverty reduction, with remittances exceeding $40 billion annually,” he noted.
Mr. Siaw-Boateng also emphasised that the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons enables community citizens to establish businesses in any member state, thereby promoting economic development and labour mobility. However, he acknowledged that challenges persist, including informality, underemployment, exploitation, and limited access to social security.
“Notably, gaps in governance, infrastructure, and interstate coordination hinder effective migration management,” he explained, and added, “Addressing these gaps is crucial for promoting sustainable development and protecting the rights of migrant workers in the region.”
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, reiterated that, according to the World Bank’s 2024 report, approximately 3.7 million migrant workers moving between countries in West Africa represent a significant demographic.
He noted that the strategy presents a collective opportunity to transform labour migration in the region by moving from fragmented national approaches to true regional cooperation.
This, he indicated, is aimd at replacing exploitation with employment, and vulnerability with dignity—turning promises into practice.
“As we validate this strategy, three crucial priorities must guide our work. We need to build governance systems that work for people, simplify work permit processes, and improve labour market data systems,” he emphasised.
He further added that protecting vulnerable individuals is essential, requiring robust systems that prevent abuse and guarantee access to social security across borders.
“Additionally, we must harness migration’s development potential by channeling remittances into productive investments and connecting diaspora expertise with local businesses,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
For his part, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, Mr. Mohammad Lawan Gana, underscored that migration is a complex issue driven by various factors including socio-economic conditions, environmental degradation, and insecurity.
He stressed that effective management requires coordinated strategies among stakeholders to address root causes and respond to current and future challenges, ensuring the well-being and protection of migrants.
Also speaking at the event, Programme Support Officer at the African Union Commission, Adaeze Molokwu, noted that the ECOWAS Labour Migration Strategy aims to improve governance, protect migrant workers’ rights, and promote regional cooperation—aligning with African Union frameworks and international labour standards.
By Janet Odei Amponsah
Adeola, the 41-year-old missing daughter of actress Jumoke George has been found in Mali.
DAILY POST reports that the veteran actress had during an interview on Talk to B show, cried out for financial assistance over life struggles and health challenges.
However, giving an update about the incident on Wednesday night, ‘Talk to B’ show host, Biola Bayo announced that Adeola had been found in Mali.
Depaul Kwabena Heavens, the second in command to Kennedy Agyapong’s Security campaign team has presented an amount of GHC40,000 to Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital for the purchase of an Incubator.
Captain Depaul Heavens presented the physical cash to the hospital, which was received by the Medical Director of the facility, Dr. Kojo Tambil.
The government has directed owners and operators of excavators to register the equipment with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or have the equipment confiscated by the state.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, who gave the directive, said effective June 1 this year, any unregistered excavator would be confiscated by the state.
At a media briefing in Accra yesterday, Mr Kotey stressed that after the two-week ultimatum, the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team would go around the country, arrest and confiscate any excavator operating at any mining site or in commercial use without registration with the DVLA.
Additionally, he said, the DVLA, in collaboration with other state agencies such as the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), had started registering and tagging all new excavators coming into the country.
“This exercise is to enable the identification of every excavator and equipment that enters the country and to trace their ownership, including their operations, to curb the phenomenon of unregistered excavators and farm equipment in the system, which cannot be tracked for their activities,” he said.
He added that the inter-agency collaboration was meant to facilitate the government’s effort to fight illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Mr Kotey said the DVLA had the mandate to carry out the registration of excavators and other farm equipment under Section 38 of Act 683, which provides for the registration of motor vehicles and trailers.
He said although Section 38(1) of Act 683 stated categorically that “a person shall not own or drive a motor vehicle or motor trailer unless the motor vehicle or the trailer is registered under the Act”, the DVLA had become aware that there were some excavators operating in mining areas without registration with the authority.
Again, he said, some farm equipment found being used for galamsey had also not been registered with the authority.
“The DVLA has 34 offices across the country, so we have the capacity to register all excavators and farm equipment within the two-week ultimatum that has been given.
The authority stands ready to enforce our mandatory obligation without fail,” he said.
Mr Kotey said it was worrying that some persons continued to use excavators for illegal mining despite efforts that had been made by governments over the years to tackle the menace.
He said excavator use by illegal miners was what had aggravated the destruction of the environment, and stressed that the move to register and track the equipment would help to stem the tide.
The DVLA CEO said it had become imperative for all stakeholders to contribute their quota in a collaborative way to fight the galamsey menace.
“This collaboration must include the representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Customs Division of the GRA, and, of course, the DVLA, as well as other law enforcement agencies,” he stressed.
For over eight years now, there has been an upsurge in galamsey across the country, with the government making frantic efforts to tackle the menace.
There have been concerns that a system needed to be put in place to help in tracing excavators used for illegal mining to their owners for punitive action to be taken against them.
Last month, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revealed that the government had initiated the process to track the importation and use of excavators in the country.
The minister explained that the initiative, which formed part of measures to fight illegal mining, would involve trained enforcement officers at the port to tag and track all excavators being brought into the country.
Mr Buah had also indicated that the ministry was rolling out the system in collaboration with relevant state agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, GPHA, GRA, the DVLA, the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission.
Again, he said, apart from tagging excavators being imported, all such equipment already in the country would be tagged by a dedicated team spearheaded by the Minerals Commission.
The minister added that as part of the government’s resolve to deploy modern technology to facilitate the fight against galamsey, all legal small-scale mining concessions had been geo-fenced, while the coordinates of the site plans of each concession had been integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software at the Minerals Commission.
Asante Kotoko’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, has reiterated the club’s strong desire to win both the Ghana Premier League and the MTN FA Cup this season.
Speaking in an interview with Akoma FM, Duku emphasized that despite the challenges, Kotoko remains focused on achieving the double.
“Our goal of winning the double remains intact, and that is our primary focus right now,” he stated confidently.
Kotoko are in the FA Cup final and remain in contention in the league, keeping their hopes alive for a historic domestic double.
Duku’s comments reflect the club’s determination to end the season on a high, as fans rally behind the Porcupine Warriors in what could be a memorable campaign.
KSM is a veteran Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker
Veteran Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has said that Ghana has all the talent and resources needed to build a strong film industry, but lacks the right system to make it work.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Learning TV, KSM explained that the industry is filled with creative individuals, but there is a gap in how everything is put together.
“In Ghana, our film industry is amazing. We have all the ingredients for a great film industry, but I don’t think we have the recipe right yet,” he said.
He further used a cooking analogy to make his point, saying that Ghana has all the needed components, such as actors, directors, and creative storytellers, but the way these pieces are put together is not producing the best results.
He added that some filmmakers in Ghana have started figuring out the right “recipe,” but many are still struggling.
“We have some segments of Ghanaians who now have the recipe, but for the most part, that’s what we have struggled with in the industry,” he noted.
KSM also compared Ghana’s film industry to that of Nigeria. He admitted that Ghana still has a long way to go before reaching the level of Nollywood, Nigeria’s recognised movie industry.
“Unfortunately, it is still a growing industry. We can’t compare the film industry in Ghana to that of Nigeria. The Nigerians have had a longer time of being exposed to making films. And the more they make them, the more they get better,” he explained.
He praised Nigeria for building a strong system over time, in film production and also in distribution. According to him, the consistent efforts in Nigeria have led to the development of a working model that helps their industry thrive.
“The more they produce, the more they devise ways of distributing them. Eventually, you realize you’ve developed a system that works for you,” he added.
KSM also spoke about the struggles Ghanaian filmmakers go through, especially when it comes to distributing their work. He said it is difficult to find proper outlets to sell Ghanaian films.
“Somebody will hustle to make money, then hustle to pay for the film. And after paying for the film, the actors, and everyone else involved, they now have to hustle again just to distribute the film. There are no proper distribution outlets,” he lamented.
Meanwhile watch as King Promise wins Artiste of the Year at 2025 TGMAs:
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
AK/EB
The 6 officials have been convicted over payroll fraud by the OSP
A High Court in Tamale has convicted six individuals for their roles in a payroll fraud scheme within the Ghana Education Service, involving ghost names and fraudulent salary payments.
According to a statement from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the convictions resulted from guilty pleas entered under the OSP plea bargaining framework.
As part of the agreement, the convicts have made full restitution and reparation to the state.
The statement issued on May 15, 2025, via the official Facebook page of the OSP, disclosed that the individuals included school administrators, payroll officers, and accountants who colluded to validate and reactivate the salary of a teacher who had vacated his post.
Their actions led to the wrongful payment of more than GH¢86,000, all of which has now been recovered.
In total, GH¢106,319.64 has been retrieved by the OSP.
The OSP further confirmed that several other individuals remain under investigation as part of a wider probe into systemic payroll fraud in the public sector.
According to mynewsgh.com, those charged and now convicted are:
Yakubu Tahidu – Former teacher, Balogu M/A Junior High School, Yendi;
Abdulai Abubakari Sadic – IPPD Coordinator, GES, Yendi;
Sammy Suuk – School Improvement Support Officer, Yendi North Circuit;
Mohammed Yusif Jay – Headmaster, Balogu M/A Junior High School, Yendi;
Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres – Assistant Chief Accounts Technician, CAGD, Accra; and
Osman Issahaku – Headmaster, Balogu M/A Junior High School, Yendi;
The OSP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and intensifying its efforts to prosecute corrupt practices within government institutions.
Below is the statement from the OSP
🚨Six Convicted in Payroll Corruption Scandal
Six individuals have been convicted by the High Court in Tamale for their roles in a payroll corruption scheme involving ghost names and fraudulent salary payments within the Ghana Education Service.
The convictions followed guilty… pic.twitter.com/ETnZdI1w93
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) May 15, 2025
VKB/AE
Business mogul, Sam Jonah
On June 6, 2023, Ghanaian businessman, Sam Jonah called for the removal of non-tariff barriers to facilitate trade on the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Today, Africans no longer desire trade that only sees Africa as a market but rather as a partnership that would add value to the domestic economy,” he stated.
Read the full story originally published on June 6, 2023, by www.ghanaweb.com
Business mogul, Sam Jonah, has called for the removal of non-tariff barriers to facilitate trade on the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further called for the investment in technology, infrastructure, and human capital to boost trading activities.
Speaking at the Korea-Africa Business Summit in Seoul, Sam Jonah wooed Korean companies to expand their operations in Africa.
He said, “By taking advantage of the regional value chains and increased market access provided by the AfCFTA, Korean companies can expand their operations in Africa and increase their market share.”
“Today, Africans no longer desire trade that only sees Africa as a market but rather as a partnership that would add value to the domestic economy,” he stated.
The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063. It is a high ambition trade agreement with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas of Africa’s economy such as digital trade and investment protection, amongst other areas.
By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy.
AfCFTA, which came into effect in January 2021, is the largest free trade area globally, covering 55 African countries with a combined population of 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $3.4 trillion.
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Raul Asencio is facing criminal charges for sharing explicit video of a minor
Real Madrid defender, Raul Asencio, together with three former teammates from the club’s youth team are facing criminal charges for allegedly sharing sexual images a minor and woman.
Asencio is alleged to have solicited a video recorded by his former youth division teammates Andres Garcia, Ferran Ruiz an Juan Rodriguez, that depicted a June 2023 sexual encounter between his ex-teammates, a woman and a girl.
Upon thorough probe by the Gran Canaria High Court of Justice that was made public on May 14, 2025, they decided to formalise the criminal proceedings against the four players.
The decision has paved way for the prosecutor’s office to file charges and request trial for the case to be heard.
During proceedings, the judge stated that they have gathered evidence to substantiate allegations of crimes including violation of privacy, distribution of video to third parties without the victims’ consent.
Asencio’s appeal to end the investigation into his alleged role in the past was rejected by the court citing lack of concrete evidence.
It will be recalled that the four players were arrested by Spanish authorities in September 2023.
The police seized their mobile phones with the club confirming they had provided evidence to the officers.
The 22-year-old has been one of the best defenders for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, making crucial clearances and tackles despite Real Madrid going trophyless in the 2024/2025.
Daniel Quaye secures first-round KO victory in Welterweight showdown
SB/EB
Winner of the Best New Artiste at the just ended Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), Beeztrap KOTM (King of The Moment) says the most difficult project he’s ever worked on was the ‘Amen’ song which Sarkodie featured him on.
The ‘Fly Girl’ hitmaker explained that he had to rework on his verse before it was finally perfect and was approved by Sarkodie.
The Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Honourable Kwame Asare Obeng, aka A Plus, has called for the entire national executive committee members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to resign following their humiliating defeat in the 2024 elections.
Speaking on Adekye Nsoroma on UTV on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Honourable Obeng said the NPP has refused to learn from their election defeat and continues to engage in the same political tactics and cheap propaganda that handed them the most devastating defeat in the party’s electoral history.
President John Dramani Mahama and Sammy Gyamfi
President John Dramani Mahama has pardoned the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod), Sammy Gyamfi, following recent public uproar over a widely circulated video that showed him in a questionable encounter with Evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
The video, which sparked outrage on social media and in political circles, showed Sammy Gyamfi doling out bundles of U.S. dollars to the controversial religious figure, with critics accusing him of impropriety, violation, and ethical misconduct in public service.
In a press briefing held at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the matter has been reviewed at the highest level of government.
He said the Presidency had accepted Sammy Gyamfi’s immediate public apology and opted to issue a formal caution as the final action in the matter.
“In the last few days, there have been some matters relating to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, regarding a video that emerged of his interaction with Agradaa,” Mr. Ofosu noted.
He continued, “You would recall that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Mr. Sammy issued an apology and took on board the public concerns raised over the same.”
According to Mr. Ofosu, a day after the video surfaced, Mr. Gyamfi was summoned by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to the Presidency, where he provided his account of what transpired.
He indicated that at the time, President Mahama was out of the country, and was later briefed on the discussion and developments surrounding the incident.
Kwakye Ofosu said upon reviewing the matter, the Presidency determined that the Goldbod CEO’s swift admission of fault and the subsequent apology were in line with the expectations set out in the administration’s Code of Conduct.
“You would recall that when President Mahama launched the Code of Conduct, he stated clearly that one of the remedies for potential breaches was a public apology. He also mentioned that another appropriate remedy could be a formal caution from the highest level of government,” Mr. Ofosu explained.
He added that the Chief of Staff, having acknowledged Mr. Gyamfi’s apology, issued a stern caution and reminded him of the expectations associated with his position as a public servant.
“The Chief of Staff cautioned him, having acknowledged the apology, and impressed upon him to act in ways that reflect public expectation,” he said.
The minister confirmed that with both the apology and the official caution in place, no further disciplinary action would be pursued against Mr. Gyamfi. “The acting CEO of Gold Board has been cautioned, with no further action expected to be meted out to him,” he stated.
He further stressed the Mahama administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. “We value feedback. We are aware that Ghanaians expect high standards in the performance of our duties as public servants. We remain committed to meeting these high standards to ensure that we deliver the best governance to our people,” he intimated.
The Presidential Spokesperson noted that Mr. Gyamfi had pledged not to repeat such conduct. “Mr. Sammy Gyamfi has committed to ensuring that such an incident does not recur,” he said.
The incident has sparked wider conversations about the conduct of government officials and their associations, particularly with figures who may be perceived as controversial.
Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist, has frequently found herself at the centre of public scrutiny and legal battles, making the optics of the video particularly troubling for many observers.
By Ernest Kofi Adu
Isaac Acheampong
YOUTH FOR Action, a group of passionate individuals, have registered their displeasure over the sacking of some young people who, by no fault of their own, have been rendered jobless due to the insensitive nature of the John Mahama administration.
In a statement signed by its convener, Isaac Acheampong, the group shared their solidarity with the victims, indicating that they have aligned with labour unions, civil society organisations, other well-meaning Ghanaians, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as the Minority in Parliament, in condemning such acts.
Mr. Acheampong mentioned that the current government, while in opposition, launched its Youth Manifesto, in which several lofty promises were made to the youth of this country. Notable among these promises was the establishment of a Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit Institution, with a seed fund of GH¢750 million to disburse affordable loans to young entrepreneurs. This promise can be found in paragraph (e) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Manifesto under “Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Development.”
In February 2025, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), reaffirmed this commitment, reiterating at the launch of the Youth and Women Business Policy Environment Reform (YWPER) Project that the government planned to provide flexible loans to young entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses.
“Five months into the administration of John Mahama, and after presenting its first budget to Parliament, the government has gone completely silent on this major entrepreneurship initiative aimed at boosting youth-owned businesses.
“Instead, the government has sought to relaunch the NPP government’s YouStart initiative under the guise of the Adwumawura project—an attempt to confuse the public and renege on its promise of establishing Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit for the youth. The question we are asking today is simple: Mr. President, where is Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit, and where is the GH¢750 million? With due apologies to MTN, we ask, “Na sika no wɔ he?” (Where is the money?)” the statement read.
Utility Tariffs
Isaac Acheampong, in the statement, also lamented the recent increase in utility tariffs, stating that the NDC government, in April this year, announced increases of 14.75% and 4.02% in electricity and water tariffs, respectively, effective from May 3, 2025. This increment came at a time when public sector employees had received a meager 10% salary increase.
“For a government that promised a 24-hour economy anchored on industrialisation, and committed to implementing this policy through the provision of affordable electricity, it astonishes me that, less than five months into office, the John Mahama-led administration’s main preoccupation appears to be the impoverishment of Ghanaians through these utility hikes.
“The youth stand to suffer the most from these outrageous tariffs, as the artisanal economy, which employs a significant portion of the youth, relies heavily on affordable electricity,” he said.
Mr. Acheampong added that with this insensitive tariff hike, barbers, hairdressers, carpenters, cold store operators, iced water sellers, and others are bearing the brunt. He mentioned that youth employed in the formal industrial sector are also severely affected, as these tariff increases often lead to job cuts by industries attempting to offset operational costs.
“This tariff hike comes at a time when students in tertiary institutions are being threatened with the responsibility of paying for their utilities. Added to this burden are the thousands of young people who have been rendered jobless through the reckless termination of their employment. From public sector workers to private employees, artisans to students, the youth across all sectors of the economy have become the primary victims of this insensitive government, one that has yet to create a single job to alleviate the hardship Ghanaian youth are enduring,” he added.
Mr. Acheampong said the government’s response to this insensitive tariff hike has been to blame it on Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, even though all indicators point to the fact that this is a government-orchestrated increment.
“In less than three months into its administration, the John Mahama government increased the price of gas supplied to power providers astronomically. With such an increase, it was expected that power producers would, in turn, pass the extra cost onto consumers, thereby accounting for the tariff increase,” he added.
He further emphasised that in March 2024, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 6.56% reduction in electricity tariffs—at a time when Ghana was under the IMF programme, saying, “How then was President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo able to reduce utility tariffs under an IMF programme, yet Mr. Mahama cannot do the same?”
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke
The Founder and Leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare has revealed that Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, leader of the New Force knew he was not going to win the 2024 elections.
Archbishop Charles Agyinasare revealed he told Cheddar he can’t win without a political party and he understood his message.
Ghana’s energy sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the growing role of natural gas as a vital fuel for electricity generation.
The construction and operation of gas processing plants are key pillars of this transition.
As Ghana grapples with challenges such as power outages, energy sector debts, and the need for sustainable economic growth, establishing additional infrastructure, such as a second gas processing plant (GPP II) is increasingly justified.
Enhancing revenue and reducing costs
One of the most direct benefits of investing in gas processing infrastructure is the financial savings and economic value it brings to the country. Ghana Gas, through its transition from Chinese contractor Sinopec to local Ghanaian engineers in 2017, has saved the country an estimated US$250 million over time.
This milestone does not only demonstrate the competence of local engineers but also emphasises the cost-efficiency of indigenising strategic energy projects. The operationalisation of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (AGPP) helped the country cut down on crude oil and heavy fuel oil (HFO) imports for power generation, thereby saving foreign exchange.
Additionally, processed gas from Atuabo supplies fuel to thermal plants in Aboadze, Tema, and other industrial centers, contributing to more affordable electricity generation.
Natural gas is significantly cheaper than liquid fuels, reducing operational costs for the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). These cost reductions, if passed through to utilities and consumers, can improve financial sustainability within the energy sector.
Job creation and industrial development
The transition to local engineers and technicians at Atuabo did not just save money, it also empowered the Ghanaian workforce.
Ghana Gas has reportedly created thousands of direct and indirect jobs through its operations, contributing to local employment and skills development. The establishment of supporting services, logistics, maintenance, and ancillary industries in the Western Region has had a multiplier effect on economic activity.
With improved power supply reliability from gas-fired thermal plants, industrial zones such as the Tema Industrial Enclave and Free Zones can operate more efficiently. In turn, this enhances export potential, tax revenues, and foreign direct investment.
Improving energy sector stability and debt management
The energy sector’s financial health remains a persistent challenge in Ghana. As of early 2025, Ghana’s energy sector debt had ballooned to over US$3 billion. This debt largely stems from power purchasing agreements, inefficiencies in power distribution, and fuel supply issues.
One major consequence is the indebtedness of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to power producers and the Volta River Authority (VRA), leading to cash flow constraints and curtailments.
Gas infrastructure can help address this issue by lowering fuel costs and enhancing reliability. When thermal plants operate efficiently using gas from domestic sources, power producers reduce their cost of generation, improving their ability to meet financial obligations.
Furthermore, gas-based power is more predictable compared to hydroelectricity, which is subject to water inflows and climate variability.
Electricity generation and grid stability
Since 2017, the Atuabo Gas Plant has played a central role in stabilizing Ghana’s power grid. It has supported up to 450 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas supply capacity, feeding key thermal plants such as the Takoradi Thermal Power Station (T1-T3) and AMERI.
This has enabled Ghana to meet peak electricity demands while maintaining reserve margins. Gas also offers flexibility for load-following operations, allowing power stations to respond quickly to demand fluctuations, improving grid stability.
With increased supply reliability, industrial and residential users experience fewer outages, boosting productivity and improving quality of life.
Power distribution challenges and opportunities
Despite improvements in generation, power distribution remains a weak link. ECG and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) suffer from high technical and commercial losses, estimated at up to 30–40% of distributed power.
These losses translate into billions in unrealized revenue. While gas plants do not directly solve distribution inefficiencies, they improve the upstream supply chain, making investments in the distribution network more worthwhile.
For example, reliable generation encourages smart metering, grid automation, and private sector investment in mini-grids and embedded generation.
Justification for the second gas processing plant (GPP II)
The proposed Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II) is not merely an expansion project, it is a strategic necessity.
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) projects increased offshore gas production from fields such as TEN and Sankofa. The Atuabo facility, with a design capacity of 150 mmscfd, is already operating near capacity.
Additional processing capacity is needed to handle incremental volumes and avoid gas flaring, which wastes valuable resources and poses environmental hazards.
GPP II will also:
* Enable greater volumes of lean gas supply for power and industry.
* Allow for more liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) extraction to meet domestic demand and reduce imports.
* Stimulate downstream petrochemical industries, including fertilizer and plastics production.
* Strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional energy hub, with export potential to Togo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast.
If strategically positioned in the Western Region, GPP II will benefit from existing pipelines and can be integrated into national infrastructure with lower marginal cost.
Game-changer
Gas processing infrastructure has proven to be a game-changer for Ghana’s energy sector. Since 2017, the Atuabo Gas Plant has contributed to significant cost savings, job creation, and improved power generation reliability. It has underpinned thermal generation, stabilized the grid, and allowed Ghana to reduce its reliance on costly fuel imports.
These successes justify the planned Second Gas Processing Plant, which will unlock further value from Ghana’s natural resources, enhance energy security, and bolster long-term economic resilience.
The integration of domestic gas into Ghana’s energy ecosystem is not just a technological upgrade, it is an economic imperative. With deliberate planning, policy coherence, and stakeholder collaboration, gas infrastructure can become the backbone of Ghana’s energy transformation and a catalyst for industrial development in the decade ahead
Richmond Eduku
Finance & Energy Policy Analyst
Kaba and slit outfits have long been a symbol of grace and cultural pride in African fashion, particularly in Ghana. This traditional ensemble, which combines a fitted top (kaba) with a stylish long skirt (slit), continues to evolve with contemporary flair. Whether you are dressing for church, weddings, funerals, or festive gatherings, Kaba and Slit styles offer the perfect blend of modesty and elegance.
1. Off-Shoulder Kaba with Flared Slit
This design blends tradition with modern fashion. The off-shoulder look adds femininity, while a flared slit offers movement and a touch of sophistication.
2. Peplum Kaba with High Slit Skirt
A favorite among curvy women, the peplum top accentuates the waist, while the slit adds a bold, modern edge—perfect for wedding guests or festive events.
3. Corset Kaba with Layered Slit
Inspired by contemporary tailoring, the corset-style top gives a structured fit, enhancing the silhouette. Pair it with a layered or pleated slit for extra style.
4. Cape Sleeve Kaba and Mermaid Slit
Add drama with cape sleeves and a mermaid-style skirt. This outfit makes a bold fashion statement, ideal for special occasions and photo moments.
5. Simple Fitted Kaba with Matching Head Wrap
For a classy and timeless look, go with a fitted kaba and straight slit skirt, complete with a matching head wrap (duku). This style is ideal for formal and religious events.
Kaba and Slit styles are more than just fashion—they are a celebration of culture, femininity, and confidence. With endless fabric options and modern twists, every woman can find a style that suits her personality and occasion. Embrace the beauty of African tradition and express yourself in these stunning, regal designs.
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Sunmbo Adeoye has shared an observation she made on Mother’s Day.
The mum-of-four, who is married to Pastor David Adeoye, stated that on Sunday, May 11, as many praised their mothers, she noticed many talk about how their fathers left and their mothers stayed to raise them alone.
Sunmbo questioned why men are leaving and pointed out the improtance of the father’s presence.
“No matter the challenges, your children need you to stay, to lead, to nurture, and to protect,” she wrote.
Sunmbo, who shares two sons with singer Tuface Idibia, urged people to be intentional about building stronger families. She added that a father leaving his children creates a void that no one else can truly fill.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight Newspaper has quizzed the former Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu following her write-up on Facebook defending former President Akufo-Addo.
The veteran journalist noted that Ursula Owusu detailed that Akufo-Addo was personally paying 127 members of parliament after the state had already paid them.
A civil society organisation, ActionAid Ghana, has called for measures to end illicit financial flows into the country.
Such measures, it said, must also lead to the repatriation of stolen wealth to support national development, such as the construction of roads, improvement in health care and empowerment of farmers to secure a more resilient future for the country.
It also called for progressive tax reforms that would ensure wealthy and multinational corporations pay their fair share of national revenue while protecting vulnerable populations.
The Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, John Nkaw, who made the call, added that billions of cedis were lost annually to illicit financial flows (IFFs), unfair trade practices and tax evasion.
He was speaking at a civil society dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD) in Accra yesterday. It was attended by coalition of voices from civil society, including representatives from Amnesty International, Oxfam, STAR-Ghana Foundation, Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Tax Justice Coalition, youth groups and development-focused NGOs.
The dialogue was part of the CSO’s commitment to advocating sustainable financing for development.
Mr Nkaw further called for increased investment in quality public services, particularly health care, education, sanitation and social protection.
He expressed concern over the disproportionate impact of weak social infrastructure for women and girls while stressing the need for a gender-responsive budgeting approach to development planning.
“No nation can thrive when its schools are overcrowded, its clinics under-resourced, and its social safety nets non-existent.
We must put people, especially women and girls, at the centre of our development agenda,” the Country Director added.
He also emphasised the need for climate-responsive fiscal policies that promote green and inclusive growth.
Mr Nkaw observed that the global financial system was failing the majority, with over 50 countries in a debt crisis struggling to keep hospitals running, teachers employed, and communities supplied with clean water.
“Ghana is not immune. By the end of 2023, our public debt stood at over GH¢608 billion.
That number represents more than just a macroeconomic strain—it reflects every stalled school project, every understaffed clinic and every young person left behind.
“And, as it is too often the case, it is women, girls and the poorest households who bear the heaviest burden,” he said.
The Programme Lead of Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Bernard Anaba, warned that illicit financial flows and the rising debt burden were crippling the ability of governments to finance public development programmes.
“Debt is increasingly rising around the world. Governments are trapped in a global financial system that encourages borrowing and makes it possible to roll over debts indefinitely.
“While governments operate in deficits, it is the private sector—multinationals, equity funds, banks and the bond markets that hold the credit,” he added.
Mr Anaba said development required control over the productive sectors of the economy but that increasingly, governments were being pushed to privatise such sectors, like mining, which reduces public control and limits the ability to generate domestic revenues.
Mr Anaba called for global cooperation where poor countries would work together to push for a fairer system, adding that debt relief and cancellation were key steps.
He emphasised the importance of domestic resource mobilisation and called for stronger enforcement of capital gains tax, gift tax and taxation of high-net-worth individuals and private equity funds.
File photo of a worried man
Dear GhanaWeb,
My health is declining significantly but I don’t want to waste the little savings we have on myself before I go. We have been married for fourteen years with three kids who are 13, 10 and 7 years respectively. I am forty-two and my wife is thirty.
Three months ago, I was diagnosed with cancer of the lungs. The doctor said I came too late to the hospital because my lungs are almost completely damaged by the cancerous cells hence we have to act fast because he doesn’t think I have enough time left to live.
Sincerely speaking, I have been intermittently falling sick for the past two years and no matter how much my wife forces me to go to the hospital, I just find some home remedies and forget about it.
I know these doctors are often scared to tell us we are going to die anyway. I want the best for my family when I am gone. My wife is still young and so are the kids. They have a long way to go. I am making arrangements for them to have everything I own and I am securing my kids’ education.
The only thing I want to do now is tell my wife of my condition. I feel dead already. I am on drugs though but I know I have a very short time to live.
I am creating the best memories with my family right now. My wife is in suspense, she keeps asking why the sudden change.
When I am telling her of how to manage the business, the investments and all that, she only breaks down in tears asking me what the problem is.
I hate to see her cry, I feel like telling her will make her cry even more and might not be strong enough to handle the family in my absence.
I love my family so much. Deep down, I wish this isn’t happening but God knows best. In a conversation with the doctor a week ago, I noticed he was really finding it difficult to tell me some things which is a sign my time is up.
Should I inform my wife about it or I should just keep quiet and go when the time is due? She is already broken emotionally because she suspects I am hiding something from her.
She is upset with the way I have come to have time and patience with the family. She thinks I am being too nice plus, she doesn’t get why I have given her documents of all that I own.
I’m so lost. Thoughts are already draining the little strength I have left. What do you suggest I do?
FG/EB
Meanwhile, Ghanaian fashion designer Jude Dontoh shares inspiration behind Lauryn Hill’s Met Gala outfit:
Felix Gyamfi is the Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA)
The National Service Authority (NSA) has said that it has uncovered multiple instances of individuals falsifying their records in an attempt to unlawfully receive payments as National Service Personnel (NSPs).
According to the institution, these individuals, who are permanent staff members working within customs offices, ministries, and other public and private institutions, conceal their employment statuses, falsify records, and enroll themselves on the National Service Scheme.
They were reported to have subsequently presented themselves as regular service personnel, fraudulently receiving monthly stipends.
According to the institution, this discovery was made during a recent cleanup of the service’s enrollment process.
A statement dated May 14, 2025 and signed by the Director-General, Felix Gyamfi, said; “As part of the ongoing reforms and comprehensive clean-up of the National Service enrolment process, the Management of the National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered a troubling trend involving the willful falsification of records by some individuals currently working as Teachers, Nurses, Midwives, Custom Officers, and others who work in Ministries, Departments, Agencies and private sector companies.”
He added; “These individuals who are confirmed to be permanent staff within the Public Service, are found to deliberately conceal their employment status and fraudulently enroll as regular National Service Personnel, they draw monthly Service Allowance as if they are regular National Service Persons in violation of established protocols and the laws governing the Public Service.”
The NSA also explained that although it provides an opportunity for individuals categorised as ‘study leave’ or ‘employed National Service Personnel’ — those who had not previously undertaken their mandatory National Service but are currently employed — to register and fulfill their service obligations, they are not entitled to receive monthly allowances.
This is because, unlike regular service personnel, they are already receiving salaries from their respective employers.
“For clarity, ‘Study Leave’ or ‘Employed National Service Personnel’ are individuals who are gainfully employed and receive monthly salaries from their employers but had not previously undertaken their mandatory National Service. Such individuals are allowed to register and serve to fulfil legal obligations under the National Service Act; however, these persons are not regular National Service Persons so they are not entitled to monthly service allowances, as they continue to receive salaries from their respective employers,” the statement continued.
The NSA further stated that despite being aware of their ineligibility to receive monthly allowances, some of these individuals collude with certain executives and managers within the authority to falsify records — thereby defrauding the state by unlawfully receiving allowances intended for regular service personnel.
“Notice of their ineligibility to be paid regular National Service personnel allowance is stated clearly in their appointment letters and processes leading to their enrolment as National Service Persons. However, these gainfully employed persons sometimes collude with NSA District/Municipal/Metropolitan Managers and sometimes on the blind side of NSA Staff change their status, this category of persons receive their monthly salaries as well as the NSA allowance although it is illegal.
“This conduct constitutes a clear breach of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482) and contravenes the ethical and legal standards required of public officers. Specifically, it undermines Section 12 of the Act, which obligates public officers to exhibit honesty, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of their duties. It further constitutes unlawful enrichment and misappropriation of public funds, and shall be addressed with the full weight of applicable laws,” the NSA cautioned.
Meanwhile, the NSA has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating such instances of payroll fraud, stating that stricter verification processes are being implemented to detect and prevent these activities.
“In line with new reforms to eliminate payroll fraud, we are implementing stricter verification processes to sanitize the system and restore integrity to the National Service Authority. All records submitted for enrolment will now be validated against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) employment database to detect and eliminate instances of double remuneration and identity falsification,” it added.
Read full statement below:
MAG/AE
Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers
Stakeholders in a group photograph after the launch in Accra
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Insurance Commission (NIC), has officially launched the Inclusive Insurance Innovation Challenge (3IC) to catalyse the development of innovative insurance solutions that enhance financial resilience among Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.
The initiative, implemented through UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), aims to foster inclusive and accessible insurance products tailored to the needs of underserved populations, including informal sector workers, smallholder farmers, traders, persons with disabilities, young women, and people in climate-vulnerable areas.
Launching the 3IC in Accra, Dr Amina Sammo, UNDP Representative, highlighted the challenges’ potential challenges to unlock creative, community-driven insurance innovations that bridge protection gaps and support national development goals.
“This initiative is a critical step towards building resilience for the most vulnerable segments of our population and ensuring that insurance becomes a tool for sustainable development,” Dr. Sammo noted.
The 3IC calls on young entrepreneurs, insurtechs, fintechs, insurers, students, and socially driven enterprises to submit ideas under five key thematic areas:
· Agricultural and Climate Risk Insurance
· Building Resilience Among Young Women
· Digital Innovation for Inclusive Insurance
· Nature-Based Resilience Building
· Empowering Persons with Disabilities
From the submissions, ten promising concepts will be shortlisted to receive mentorship, technical advice, and regulatory guidance.
These teams will also benefit from hands-on coaching and engagement with key industry actors to help translate ideas into viable, market-ready products.
Dr Sammo shared the timeline for the 3IC rollout:
· Concept Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025
· Shortlisting of Entries: 4–11 June
· Training & Advisory Support: 23–27 June
· Prototyping & Proof of Concept: 28 June – 18 July
· Demo Day: 31 July 2025
During the final Demo Day, three winning solutions will be selected for further technical support, including potential integration into Ghana’s mainstream insurance sector by experts from both UNDP and NIC.
These innovations are expected to align with Ghana’s national agenda for financial inclusion and risk-informed development.
In his opening remarks, Bernard Ohemeng-Baah, Deputy Commissioner of NIC, described the 3IC as a “bold and innovative approach” to closing Ghana’s insurance protection gap.
“We see this as a platform for co-creation. We encourage insurers, tech developers, and students to partner with us and develop solutions that support livelihoods and protect small businesses, especially in the face of shocks and disasters,” he said.
Baah also emphasised the importance of meeting the 31 May submission deadline and urged all interested applicants to apply via the official 3IC portal.
The 3IC is expected to unlock new pathways for inclusive insurance in Ghana by catalysing solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and socially responsive, ultimately helping communities manage risk, recover faster, and build lasting resilience
Andre Dede Ayew’s Le Havre football club are battling for relegation survival
Ghanaian attacker Andre Dede Ayew has expressed optimism that his club Le Havre will escape relegation in the French Ligue 1.
Le Havre’s 3-1 defeat to Olympique Marseille on Sunday, May 10, 2025, left the club just a point above Saint Etienne in the relegation playoff.
The club will face Strasbourg in the last game of the season on May 17, 2025, with hopes of escaping relegation.
If Le Havre manage to win and FC Nantes lose, they will stay in the league.
Ayew, who made his 500th league appearance against Marseille, stressed that the team will fight to survive in the league at all costs.
The Black Stars forward noted that the entire team is determined and preparing diligently to win their final match and hopes it works for them.
“Never give up. We are still in,” the player said on social media, as reported by ghanasoccernet.com, ahead of Le Havre’s match against Strasbourg.
The former Swansea City player’s contract expires at the end of the 2024/2025 season; however, there have been no renewal talks yet.
Daniel Quaye secures first-round KO victory in Welterweight showdown
SB/EB
Renowned Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker, Kwaku Sintim Misa, popularly known as KSM, has shared his thoughts on the current state of the Ghanaian film industry, emphasizing that while the country possesses talent and resources, it still lacks the proper structure to thrive.
Speaking on program on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, KSM noted that Ghana’s film industry has great potential but is missing a clear blueprint for success.
“In Ghana, our film industry is amazing. We have all the ingredients for a great film industry, but I don’t think we have the recipe right yet,” he said.
KSM acknowledged that although some producers in Ghana have managed to figure out this “recipe,” the majority are still struggling to find their footing.
“We have some segments of Ghanaians who now have the recipe, but for the most part, that’s what we have struggled with in the industry,” he added.
He attributed this challenge to the fact that Ghana’s film sector is still in a developmental phase. Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, he explained that the Nigerian film industry has had more years of exposure and experience, which has allowed them to refine their production and distribution systems over time.
“Unfortunately, it is still a growing industry. We can’t compare the film industry in Ghana to that of Nigeria. The Nigerians have had a longer time of being exposed to making films. And the more they make them, the more they get better. The more they produce, the more they devise ways of distributing them. Eventually, you realize you’ve developed a system that works for you,” KSM stated.
In contrast, Ghana, he said, has not had a solid, long-term system in place — particularly when it comes to distribution.
“Somebody will hustle to make money, then hustle to pay for the film. And after paying for the film, the actors, and everyone else involved, they now have to hustle again just to distribute the film. There are no proper distribution outlets,” he lamented.
KSM recounted earlier years when CD and DVD formats served as the primary means of distribution in Ghana. According to him, after a film was completed, producers would burn it onto CDs or DVDs and market them on the streets.
“It got to a point where, when you made a film in Ghana, it went straight to CD. Even before DVDs, there were CDs. To sell the film, you had to mount a float and sell the CDs. This is not a distribution system. The recipe is not working,” he stressed.
Despite these challenges, KSM praised some filmmakers who have managed to get their movies into cinemas. However, he pointed out that due to the absence of a well-developed distribution network, even these films struggle to reach wider audiences across the country.
“We have some great filmmakers in Ghana. Even now, I know great films. In places with a developed system, once a film is released in one cinema, it is simultaneously shown in others — Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Sunyani — reaching over 200 cinemas at the same time. But in Ghana, because we don’t have a well-developed system, a film may premiere at Silverbird in Accra, and then the producers have to manually arrange for showings in Kumasi. That kind of model doesn’t support industry growth,” he concluded.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed its members and prospective aspirants to cease all forms of campaigning and soliciting support for internal positions until official nominations are opened.
This move, the party said, was to ensure fairness and integrity in the party’s internal electoral process.
A statement signed and issued by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, yesterday (Wednesday, May 14, 2025) said the premature campaigning could undermine party unity and disrupt efforts to strengthen the party for the 2028 general election.
“Premature engagements not only undermine the authority of the party’s organs but also risk disrupting the careful and strategic efforts currently underway to reposition the party for victory in the 2028 general election.
“We, therefore, urge all members, supporters, and stakeholders to fully cooperate with this directive and refrain from any activities that could compromise party unity or the integrity of our processes.
Let us remain focused and supportive of the internal reforms and efforts being spearheaded by the leadership to build a more formidable and cohesive party,” the statement said.
“The party remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, fairness and due process, and it will provide timely updates on all relevant timelines and guidelines when nominations are officially opened,” it added.
It expressed its appreciation to all members, supporters and stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation in its efforts to rebuild the party towards the next general election.
Asante Kotoko’s communications head Sarfo Duku has hinted at the possibility of technical director Karim Zito assuming the club’s head coach position permanently next season.
The revelation comes amid media speculation linking former coaches Maxwell Konadu and Samuel Boadu to the role once the 2024/25 campaign concludes.
Duku dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations with external candidates during an interview with Akoma FM, stating, “We have not held discussions with any coaches. The names circulating are surprising to us.” He emphasized the club’s current focus on securing a league and FA Cup double, calling the ambition “achievable and intact.”
When pressed about long-term plans, Duku acknowledged the fluid nature of football appointments. “Karim Zito could lead the team next season, or a new coach might emerge. Such decisions will follow post-season consultations with stakeholders,” he said. Zito currently serves as interim coach while maintaining his technical director responsibilities, a dual role he has managed since earlier this year.
The club’s potential retention of Zito reflects both his familiarity with the squad and the challenges of abrupt managerial changes mid-season. His interim tenure has seen mixed results, with Kotoko positioned mid-table ahead of their Sunday clash against Legon Cities at Baba Yara Stadium.
Observers note that Kotoko’s hesitation to commit externally aligns with their recent strategy of promoting from within, though fan pressure for high-profile signings persists. The coming weeks will prove critical as management balances immediate trophy pursuits with long-term leadership plans for Ghana’s most decorated club.
Siemens (SIEGn.DE) still expects to increase its full-year sales by between 3 and 7% “despite increased uncertainty”, the German engineering group said on Thursday, as it reported better-than-expected profit during its second quarter.
The company, whose products include factory software, controllers and trains, said its industrial profit rose 29% to 3.24 billion euros ($3.63 billion) in the three months to the end of March.
The figure, helped by a 315-million-euro gain from the sale of its wiring business to ABB (ABBN.S), beat analysts’ consensus forecast of 2.75 billion euros.
Sales rose 7% to 19.76 billion euros, ahead of forecasts for 19.22 billion euros, while orders increased 10%.
As a result, Siemens confirmed its outlook for its full-year sales to increase by 3-7% despite seeing “increased uncertainty in the economic environment”.
“Our customers continue to rely on our technology, and our global footprint demonstrates our resilience,” said Chief Executive Roland Busch in a statement.
In March, Chief Financial Officer Ralf Thomas noted hesitancy among customers due to uncertainties about tariffs, with many delaying investment decisions.
But Siemens, whose results give an indication of the broader industrial economy, said it was seeing an improving situation in most of its businesses.
Although Digital Industries, the company’s flagship automation unit, struggled, with a 5% drop in revenue, Siemens said it saw signs of destocking by customers coming to an end.
The weakness was compensated by Smart Infrastructure, which combines hardware and software to manage electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, and data in buildings. It increased sales by 12% while profit jumped 61% helped by the sale of its wire accessories business.
The division is benefiting from sustained demand for electrification, power distribution and the construction of data centres for artificial intelligence.
Mobility also saw revenue and profit rise, buoyed by global investments in rail and transport infrastructure such as electric trains in the United States.
Source: www.reuters.com
Ghana’s recent currency gains are not only drawing global attention but also prompting bold regulatory action. Riding high on the cedi’s remarkable rebound, Bank of Ghana board member Isaac Adongo has disclosed plans to clamp down on over-the-counter US dollar withdrawals in a move aimed at sustaining the local currency’s momentum.
The policy, which builds on existing restrictions, will introduce even tighter controls—essentially halting routine dollar cash withdrawals from bank counters except in rare, approved cases.
“If you put your dollars in the bank account, it is okay. We are happy with that; you can only get dollars if indeed you are going to use them for a dollar-denominated transaction,” Adongo explained in an interview on Joy News.
The Bolgatanga Central MP emphasised the Central Bank’s authority in determining how foreign exchange is used within the economy.
“The Central Bank’s role includes regulating the use of our legal tender. When you request dollars, we’ll provide cedis instead.”
At the heart of the move is a strategy to neutralise speculative dollar demand and reduce the pressure on the local currency by limiting access to physical dollars.
“You’ll see the results reflected in the dollar rate,” Adongo stated. “We’re eliminating dollar speculation through bank accounts. Deposited dollars will only be released for legitimate foreign transactions – dollars are meant for spending abroad, not domestically.”
The cedi, which hovered around GH₵15.50 to the US dollar earlier in the year, staged an impressive rally to GH₵13.1 by early May 2025—its strongest level in over a year.
The appreciation has earned it the status of the world’s best-performing currency in recent months, bolstering confidence in Ghana’s monetary authorities.
However, not everyone is crediting the turnaround solely to regulatory reforms or the government’s much-touted gold-for-oil and gold-reserve initiatives.
Banking Consultant and Economist Dr. Richmond Atuahene believes the cedi’s appreciation is the result of several converging factors—not just gold-backed strategies.
“The currency is not strengthened because it is only gold. Let me tell you on record, remittances have been revamped in this country. People talk, and they forget,” he said on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV.
Dr. Atuahene pointed to a significant uptick in foreign remittances, which he said has boosted cedi liquidity in the banking sector and provided banks with better access to domestic currency reserves.
He also highlighted strong performance in Ghana’s cocoa exports as a vital contributor to the cedi’s resurgence.
“Don’t forget cocoa. It will shock you to know that a year ago [2024], cocoa was sold at [$]4,825 per metric tonne. Today, go to the market—we’re talking about [$]8,000,” he noted.
In addition to exports and remittances, Dr. Atuahene underscored the importance of government fiscal discipline and tighter monetary policy in stabilising the economy.
“All these things are the factors, in addition to the fiscal discipline, tightened monetary policy, and what have you. So, you can’t lay your hands on just the gold. Let’s get it that remittances are giving lots of banks cedis,” he added.
As the cedi continues its rally, the Bank of Ghana’s clampdown on dollar access signals a firm intention to defend its value—backed by more than just gold, and driven by an increasingly coordinated economic strategy.
The Ghana Bankers Association has refuted claims suggesting an imminent restriction on over-the-counter (OTC) withdrawals of foreign currencies, particularly U.S. dollars, from banks and financial institutions in Ghana.
This clarification follows recent comments by Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a Board Member of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), who indicated that the central bank was preparing to tighten controls on dollar withdrawals to help stabilise the Ghanaian Cedi.
However, the President of the Bankers Association, John Awuah, stated categorically that no such directive has been issued by the Bank of Ghana.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Mr. Awuah said:
“We have not received any directive from the Bank of Ghana that bars the withdrawal of foreign currency over the counter. As we have been operating in the past, as it is today, it will be the same tomorrow until such directive is formally communicated to us, the mode of operations for foreign accounts in Ghana.”
Mr. Awuah reaffirmed that banks remain guided by the existing legal and regulatory framework, and that no official changes have been made to affect the public’s ability to access foreign currency.
“We operate under Act 721 of 2006, which may undergo some review, but that is the guiding act, as has been updated with notices and directives from the Bank of Ghana.
None of those directives stipulates the barrment or discontinuation of over-the-counter foreign exchange withdrawal, there is a process.”
He acknowledged that due diligence procedures are in place, but stressed that account holders with legitimate needs can still access foreign currency as usual.
“Obviously, you cannot just walk to a bank and say ‘I want to withdraw Dollars’. You would be asked questions.
If you have a legitimate need for which reason you need a foreign currency account, you will get it, it is yours.
If you want to purchase foreign currency from the bank to undertake a legitimate transaction in foreign currency you will be able to do so,” he added.
Accra, May 15, GNA- miLife Insurance Limited has appointed Mr Walters Yeboah Adofo as new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Mr Kwaku Yeboah-Asuamah.
“miLife, Ghana’s leading inclusive insurer, today announces the retirement of CEO Kwaku Yeboah-Asuamah after nine years of dedicated service. Under his leadership, miLife has grown annual premiums by over 20x to more than GHS 400 million, in doing so expanding access to affordable, high-quality insurance for millions of Ghanaians”.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Thursday said Mr Yeboah-Asuamah joined the company in January 2016 and led a transformation that had seen the company expanding its distribution channels, leaped forward with technology and driven better outcomes for its 1.3 million customers.
“This is evidenced by the strength of the company’s customer-first strategy, where annual new business policies have grown more than 30x to nearly 400,000 last year. These results are also reflected in the company’s bottom line, where miLife has delivered top quartile underwriting and operating profits”.
The statement said the Board of Directors had selected Walters Yeboah Adofo, current Chief Financial Officer, as the incoming Chief Executive Officer, pending regulatory approval.
“Walters brings 18 years of experience in the insurance industry including nine years at miLife, where he has been instrumental in driving sustained growth, financial resilience, and operational excellence. Walters will lead the company in its next stage of growth, with a continued focus on inclusive innovation, customer centricity and social impact.
“As I take a bow, I remain optimistic about the future of miLife. The company is in capable hands, led by a new generation of dynamic, brilliant, and tech-savvy leaders. I have full confidence in Walters and the current management team to build on our momentum. I expect to see even more efficient service delivery and sustained profitability under their leadership.
“Looking back now, choosing Kwaku almost 10 years ago has proven to be one of the most important decisions we have made at the company and we are thankful for Kwaku’s stewardship which has established miLife as a market leader in the life insurance sector,” Steve Kyerematen, Board Chairman at miLife has said.
A board member and stakeholder representative at LeapFrog, Michael Joyce said working alongside Kwaku over the past decade to transform miLife was rewarding experience for them at Leapfrog.
“We are immensely grateful for Kwaku’s visionary leadership during this period, and we are confident that Walters will build on the strong foundations already in place to help miLife rise to even greater heights.
“He leaves behind a company with deep roots and wide reach and ready for the future because of the foundation he built. Kwaku’s legacy goes beyond miLife, he has left a lasting mark on Ghana’s insurance industry, and on the lives of millions who now have the security and peace of mind that only insurance can bring”.
GNA
GRB
Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi is the former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, expressed joy over the recent performance of the country’s currency against foreign currencies, including the United States (US) dollar.
Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV on May 14, 2025, Dr Adomako Kissi said that he is very happy because the appreciation of the cedi bodes well for the economy and thus the livelihood of Ghanaians.
He indicated that it would be hypocritical for him not to acknowledge the strong performance of Ghana’s currency against other major foreign currencies.
“I’m happy because if the cedi is performing well, it impacts all of us in our lives. So, I will not sit here and say that I’m not happy that the cedi is appreciating,” he said.
The former legislator, however, noted that the John Dramani Mahama government does not deserve all the credit for the performance of the Ghana cedi.
He pointed out that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government also deserves credit because of some of the steps it took, which he says are playing a key role in the appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
“But let us be very frank with Ghanaians that it is a sum of the total of many factors, including… reserving more gold, which was touted (by the NPP) and the infamous Gold-for-Oil programme,” he said.
He added that people who spoke against some of these policies when they were introduced by the NPP government have now become their “ambassadors.”
Watch his remarks in the video below:
If the cedi is performing well, it impacts all our lives, so I’m happy… – Dickson Adomako Kissi (Former MP, Anyaa Sowutuom) #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert #GHToday pic.twitter.com/JJWglKxBGB
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) May 14, 2025
BAI/
Watch as Agradaa promises to share church money with Sammy Gyamfi if he’s fired because of her
President John Mahama has made a compelling case for foreign investment in Ghana, assuring the international business community that the economy has overcome its most significant challenges and is poised for growth.
Speaking at a CEO Summit in Abidjan yesterday, the President said Ghana was open and ready for business, outlining key reforms such as infrastructure and sector-specific opportunities that abound in the country.
President Mahama stated that although the economy was in its worst shape when his administration took office on January 7, 2025, it had initiated some bold measures, including an IMF-backed Extended Credit Facility programme that had restored stability.
“We have completed the fourth review and remain on track to exit the programme by April next year,” he said.
The President also said that Ghana’s debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework had seen agreements with most creditors, except commercial bondholders, adding that negotiations were still ongoing.
To prevent future fiscal crises, he stated that the government had revived the Sinking Fund and adopted prudent borrowing strategies.
The highlight of the President’s address was the “Big Push Programme”, which he told the investor community would inject some $2 billion investment annually, to drive targeted roads, bridges, health facilities, schools and security infrastructure.
He also mentioned the government’s 24-hour Economy flagship policy, designed to make Ghana a competitive investment hub by ensuring a reliable power supply, offering tax incentives, and facilitating round-the-clock business operations to boost job creation.
Other initiatives include the “Million Coders Programme,” which President Mahama said would equip the youth with digital skills, along with support for startups and small businesses.
“We are preparing our young people for the future of work while fostering entrepreneurship,” he said.
The President added that with vast arable land and a favourable climate, Ghana was positioning itself as an agribusiness powerhouse, capable of feeding its 33 million population and exporting to the 400 million-strong West African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In the oil and gas sector, President Mahama announced renewed engagement with investors to ramp up production and explore new blocks.
Infrastructure projects, including port expansions, railway development and airport upgrades, were also mentioned to demonstrate Ghana’s determination to become West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub.
President Mahama likened Ghana’s economic recovery to a flight and assured the investor community that the economy’s worst moments were over.
“As your pilot, I assure you the turbulence is over. It will be a smooth flight to 2028 and beyond,” he said.
Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor
The Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda and Singapore’s Global Financial Technology Network, has launched the Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure (DPI) project – a central bank-led initiative designed to overhaul Africa’s cross-border payments ecosystem and establish a model for future financial integration across the continent.
The project was highlighted at the 3i Africa Summit 2025 Policy Forum in Accra, where policymakers, central bankers and private sector leaders convened to advance the continent’s digital finance agenda.
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Ernest Addison described the DPI as a platform for accelerating interoperability across financial systems, enabling digital trade and enhancing financial inclusion through scalable pilots.
“This initiative aims to modernise Africa’s cross-border payment ecosystem through a central bank-led, innovation-enabled approach co-developed with fintechs and financial institutions,” said Dr. Johnson Asiama, representing the Bank of Ghana at the opening session.
The DPI initiative is emerging at a time when mobile money has already transformed the financial landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. GSMA’s latest State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025 shows that the region accounts for 53 percent of all global mobile money accounts and two-thirds of global transaction value – over US$1.1trillion in 2024.
GSMA’s senior regulatory specialist, Karim Dia, noted that mobile money has become the backbone of intra-African remittances and trade, processing US$3million per minute.
Despite such progress, challenges persist. Fragmented regulatory frameworks and limited interoperability continue to hinder cross-border transactions.
The DPI project aims to address these pain points by harmonising regulatory regimes, scaling innovation through pilot programmes and aligning financial infrastructure to drive inclusive growth.
Dr Asiama emphasised that realising the vision of a digitally integrated Africa requires bold, coordinated action from both public and private sectors.
“The gains we are witnessing – fintech expansion, regulatory sandboxes and digital payments – must be reinforced through continental coordination,” he said. He urged stakeholders to prioritise actionable outcomes, not just dialogue.
The DPI effort aligns with African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals by enabling faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments. It also supports the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which is working to reduce dependency on foreign currencies for intra-African trade.
Vitaliy Kramarenko, Deputy Director-African Department at the International Monetary Fund, welcomed the DPI initiative and stressed the role of digital innovation in Africa’s economic transformation. He however warned that macroeconomic pressures – such as subdued commodity prices and tightening global financial conditions – require African economies to rely more on internal growth drivers, including digital finance.
Kramarenko noted that while mobile money penetration is strong, overall digital infrastructure remains underdeveloped – with internet access still at 33 percent and electricity access at only 50 percent across sub-Saharan Africa.
He called for creative infrastructure investment models, such as public-private partnerships, to drive digital transformation. “Policymakers should focus on digital finance innovation and regional trade facilitation as key levers of structural reform,” he said.
To support the policy agenda, the IMF has been working with central banks across the region to enhance digital payment systems, focusing on financial inclusion and transaction cost reduction.
Kramarenko said forthcoming IMF research will delve into central bank digital currencies, fast payment systems and crypto assets, urging governments to establish robust policy frameworks to manage emerging risks.
The DPI project is expected to act as a template for other African economies, with pilot programmes designed for scalability across borders. It represents a new model of digital public infrastructure built on collaboration between regulators, central banks and fintechs.
“Let this forum be a turning point where vision meets action, where policy enables innovation and where Africa steps confidently into the role of a digital financial powerhouse,” said Dr Asiama.
Ghanaian actress Ellen Kyei White has recently ignited a wave of concern and speculation among her fans after a video surfaced, revealing a troubling issue with her leg. This footage has quickly gone viral on social media, showing the actress in a condition that has left many Ghanaians feeling shocked and anxious.
People who are accustomed to seeing Ellen Kyei White in her lively and dynamic roles in the Kumawood film industry have immediately reacted when they see her in the clip with a leg that is clearly affected. The video doesn’t provide specific details about her condition, leading to a flurry of questions and worries from fans and the public alike.
As of now, there hasn’t been any official word from Ellen Kyei White or her team regarding her leg condition or the context of the video. This lack of communication has only intensified speculation and concern, with many hoping for a swift update to ease the growing anxiety.
Ellen Kyei White is well-known for her significant contributions to Ghanaian cinema, especially in the Kumawood sector, where she has earned a reputation for her captivating performances and commitment to her art. Her unexpected appearance in such a vulnerable state has resonated deeply with her audience, highlighting the strong bond she shares with her fans.
https://youtu.be/nqz-5aXenkw? si=7a9a0Wkl1jcDmzrU
This situation also highlights the influential role of social media in spreading information and the responsibility that comes with it. While the quick sharing of the video has drawn attention to Ellen Kyei White’s condition, it also underscores the importance of accurate information and respectful conversations, particularly when it comes to sensitive personal issues.
In the absence of clear details, the public is encouraged to be patient and avoid spreading unverified information. During this trying time, supporters and well-wishers are reminded to concentrate on sending positive thoughts and prayers.
Source:
Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming the party lacks the courage to hold Sammy Gyamfi accountable over the recent dollar gift controversy.
His remarks come in the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to pursue further disciplinary action against the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi following a viral video that captured Gyamfi handing an undisclosed sum of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, widely known as Nana Agradaa.
Dr. Zaato stated that President Mahama’s response was unsurprising, citing Gyamfi’s significant influence and strategic role within the party. He explained that Gyamfi’s visibility and vocal presence make it nearly impossible for anyone in the NDC to question or challenge him, even in the face of controversy.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 15, he said the president’s reaction, though eyebrow-raising for some, was anticipated due to internal party dynamics and the loyalty Gyamfi commands among top party members.
“No matter how you look at these issues, no one in this country will say they are surprised by this development. If you look at the politics and who the person is, nobody will say he or she is surprised that the president took only the apology and let it go,” Dr. Zaato stated.
He suggested that President Mahama’s leniency was driven by a desire to maintain internal party cohesion and avoid alienating a powerful figure whose influence continues to shape the NDC’s public narrative.
“This man is so big, so important to the NDC that there is no one in the party who has the balls to go out and tell the president to fire Sammy Gyamfi,” he declared.
Dr. Zaato further argued that the absence of dissent following the scandal demonstrates just how entrenched Gyamfi’s power has become within the party. He noted that rather than face internal criticism, the embattled party communicator received open support from both party loyalists and government officials.
“There is nobody in the NDC who has the stature and the power like Sammy Gyamfi to go and tell the president to fire him. That is why when this issue happened, almost every government appointee fell in line. They were all whipped into line. Some of them went on national television, adding their support to him.
“The problem is this: when the president came to power, he wanted to establish that he was different from the former president. But how different can you claim to be when your response to such a serious incident is merely to accept an apology and move on?” he added.
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Tripartite High-Level Session of the upcoming Fair Recruitment Initiative (FRI) Conference scheduled to take place from May 19 to 21, 2025, at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Headquarters in Geneva.
Hon. Pelpuo will chair the session alongside Hon. Ali Bin Saeed Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour of the State of Qatar.
The conference will be supported by the Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers, reinforcing a tripartite dialogue among governments, workers, and employers.
The conference will focus on promoting fair recruitment practices globally, particularly in the protection of migrant and vulnerable workers from exploitation, contract deception, exorbitant fees, and forced labour.
The ILO’s Fair Recruitment Initiative champions recruitment based on merit and transparency, devoid of discrimination by gender, race, or religion.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo emphasised the global urgency for ethical recruitment systems. “This is more than a labour policy discussion, it’s a call to action to protect dignity and fairness in the world of work,” he said.
With shifting global labour dynamics, the conference presents an opportunity to build on existing FRI gains, tackle emerging challenges, and shape a more just and inclusive recruitment framework for all workers, regardless of nationality.
Sammy Gyamfi’s dollar gift doesn’t violate Code of Conduct – Kwakye Ofosu
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer, has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to end the controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi’s dollar gift incident.
Dr. Rashid Computer commended the president for choosing not to take disciplinary action against Gyamfi, describing the move as one that has helped restore calm and defuse unnecessary political tension.
His comments come after President Mahama announced that no further action would be taken against Sammy Gyamfi, acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, following the circulation of a viral video that showed him handing an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, also known as Nana Agradaa.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 15, Dr. Rashid Computer defended Gyamfi’s gesture, insisting it was motivated by kindness rather than impropriety.
“Sammy Gyamfi’s action was just out of generosity. The woman was pestering him, and Sammy is just a cheerful giver, that is how the young man is,” he explained.
He further argued that Gyamfi’s background may offer context for his actions, noting that his humble upbringing likely influences his desire to help others—even in situations that may be misunderstood by the public.
“Sometimes, when someone is doing something like that, just watch where he is coming from. It could be that he might not have come from a rich background, so when he sees someone suffering, he wants to help the person.”
The video sparked widespread backlash, with civil society organisations and opposition figures calling for Gyamfi’s dismissal. Critics claimed the act may have breached the Foreign Exchange Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, raising concerns about ethical standards in public service.
Nonetheless, President Mahama, on Wednesday, May 14, revealed that Gyamfi had apologised and that the matter would be laid to rest. The decision has since polarized public opinion—welcomed by some as politically pragmatic, but criticised by others as undermining accountability.
Dr. Rashid Computer, however, believes the president made the right judgment call, asserting that it avoided unnecessary drama and allowed the government to refocus on critical national priorities.
“Let us thank the presidency for bringing sanity into this matter. The matter is dead and gone, so let us all allow it to die,” he emphasised.
Dollar gift: Mahama lacks courage to sanction Sammy Gyamfi – Dr. Zaato
Ankara fabric has become a staple in African fashion, celebrated for its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and versatility. One of the most popular and effortlessly elegant ways to wear Ankara is in the form of short gowns. These dresses are perfect for almost every occasion—be it casual outings, weddings, date nights, or even office events with a twist. With designers constantly reinventing styles, Ankara short gowns have moved from traditional to trendy while still reflecting cultural pride.
1. Fit and Flare Gowns
– This timeless silhouette cinches at the waist and flares out at the hem, creating a flattering feminine shape. Perfect for all body types, it works well for brunch dates or semi-formal events.
2. Off-Shoulder Ankara Gowns
– Flaunt a little skin with this playful and elegant style. Off-shoulder gowns are a favorite for parties and weddings, giving you that sultry yet classy appeal.
3. Shirt Dress Style
– Combining the comfort of a shirt with the beauty of Ankara, this style is ideal for casual days out. It’s easy to wear, trendy, and effortlessly chic.
4. Peplum Hem Gowns
– For a modern twist, go for gowns with peplum or ruffled hems. This design adds a touch of drama and works perfectly for both formal and informal settings.
5. Bell Sleeve Ankara Gowns
– Bell sleeves give your dress a unique edge, making it look both contemporary and elegant. It’s a standout option for fashion-forward ladies.
Ankara short gown styles offer a blend of tradition, style, and comfort. Whether you prefer simple cuts or elaborate designs, there’s a short Ankara gown to suit every personality and occasion. Don’t hesitate to embrace these vibrant outfits and let your wardrobe reflect your African pride with style and grace.
The Ministry of Health has announced the start of its recruitment process for Medical Officers who have completed their House Jobs and have been duly verified by the Medical and Dental Council under the 34th and 35th lists.
According to the Ministry, the recruitment will officially open on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Eligible candidates are required to submit their applications via the Ministry’s online portal by visiting https://hr.moh.gov.gh. Applicants must follow the provided instructions to select their preferred agency under the Ministry.
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, May 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The Ministry stressed that the recruitment process is fully transparent and warned prospective applicants against individuals who may attempt to exploit the process for personal gain.
“All applicants are strongly advised not to make any form of payment as part of this recruitment process. Anyone who pays money does so at his or her own risk,” the Ministry warned.
Private citizen withdraws CHRAJ petition to probe Sammy Gyamfi’s dollar gift
The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered a major payroll fraud scheme in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
Two senior officers—the District Manager and the MIS Manager—have been interdicted after confessing to orchestrating an elaborate system of illegal payments to ineligible service personnel.
This was revealed in a statement by the NSA, which described the act as dastardly and a betrayal of public trust.
“This is not merely a disciplinary matter. It is a breach of public trust, a violation of the National Service Act, and a direct assault on the integrity of our public institutions,” parts of the statement issued by NSA Director-General Felix Gyamfi read.
Detailing the culprits’ modus operandi, the NSA explained that the two officers manipulated records to validate and process monthly allowances for 29 individuals during the current 2024/2025 service year and 49 others in the previous 2023/2024 cycle.
Many of these individuals were already employed or on study leave with pay but were fraudulently enrolled and paid as regular National Service Personnel.
“These were not mistakes. They were calculated and deliberate acts of deception. We presented them with substantial evidence. In the meeting this morning, they admitted to their direct involvement in the fraudulent activity,” the statement added.
According to the National Service Authority (NSA), the scandal in Birim North is just one part of a nationwide problem threatening its credibility.
“As part of ongoing reforms and a comprehensive clean-up, we have uncovered a troubling trend involving willful falsification of records by individuals currently working as teachers, nurses, midwives, customs officers, and others in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and private companies,” the NSA disclosed.
The statement further revealed that some permanent public servants fraudulently register as National Service Personnel to receive monthly allowances while also drawing salaries from their main employers—an illegal double benefit that clearly violates public service laws.
“For clarity, ‘Study Leave’ or ‘Employed National Service Personnel’ are not entitled to monthly service allowances. Their appointment letters state this in no uncertain terms. Yet many collude with NSA District Managers to change their status and siphon public funds,” it added.
Citing Section 12 of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482), the Authority warned that such conduct undermines the legal and ethical standards required of all public officers.
“This is unlawful enrichment. It is a misappropriation of public funds. It shall be addressed with the full weight of applicable laws,” the NSA warned. “Anyone who attempts to defraud the system shall be found out, shamed, and held fully accountable.”
As part of sweeping reforms, the NSA has announced stricter verification protocols to cross-check National Service enrolment data against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) database. This will expose cases of identity falsification and double remuneration.
Moreover, all individuals involved in the fraudulent practice have been warned to immediately cease submitting allowance forms and to report voluntarily to their regional NSA offices by May 23, 2025, to rectify their status.
“This is a clear warning. The staff of the National Intelligence Bureau and whistleblowers have been monitoring quietly for months. The net is tightening,” the statement cautioned.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption and protecting the integrity of national service.
“We have zero tolerance for this conduct. Staff found guilty will be dismissed. Public servants involved will face termination, prosecution, and permanent disqualification from public service. The era of impunity is over.”
Dr. Johnson Asiama
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, is calling for a continent-wide digital strategy to accelerate economic integration and growth across Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 3i Africa Policy Forum in Accra, Dr. Asiama emphasized the importance of digital coordination among African nations, stressing that harmonized systems are critical for the continent’s financial future.
He noted that Africa’s digital transformation presents an opportunity to create a unified financial infrastructure, capable of supporting small businesses, promoting trade, and increasing financial access across borders.
“As promising as these national initiatives are, they are not enough. To fully realise the vision of One Africa, One Market, we must scale our efforts through continental coordination,”he said.
This, he said will mean harmonising regulatory frameworks, fostering interoperability across financial infrastructures, and building trust and transparency across jurisdictions.
Dr. Asiama reiterated the Bank of Ghana’s commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border transactions, which he said are vital for unlocking the full potential of the continent’s growing digital economy.
He stressed that the central bank is working with regional and continental partners to remove barriers and enable real-time payments and digital financial services across African countries.
“The Bank of Ghana remains firmly committed to this agenda. Our work with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and more recently our bilateral fintech passporting collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda, reflects our conviction that regional integration is achievable through trust-based partnerships” He added
The 3i Africa Policy Forum, which focuses on innovation, investment, and inclusion in Africa’s fintech landscape, has attracted central bankers, tech leaders, and policymakers from across the continent.
Dr. Asiama’s remarks echo growing calls from African financial leaders for deeper collaboration on digital infrastructure to enhance intra-African trade and economic resilience.
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.
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.
Cedi has appreciated in recent times
Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.
In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢12.44 and a selling price of GH¢12.45 to a dollar.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢16.55 and sold at GH¢16.57, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢13.95 and a selling price of GH¢13.96.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on May 15, 2025, at 08:40 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢13.75 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢18.50 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢15.80 on the retail market.
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lFormer New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Hopeson Adorye has angrily warned online critics to stop involving his wife, gospel singer Empress Gifty, in his ongoing dispute with Evangelist Mama Pat, also known as Agradaa.
Adorye expressed his frustration during a recent social media live interaction, stating that he considers himself his wife’s protector and will not tolerate online insults directed at her.
The feud between Adorye and Agradaa began after Adorye urged NDC supporters to target Agradaa for potentially harming Sammy Gyamfi’s political career following a viral video of Gyamfi giving Agradaa money. This led to calls for Adorye’s dismissal and investigation for alleged corruption. Gyamfi has since apologized for the cash gift.
Agradaa retaliated against Adorye’s comments by involving his wife, Empress Gifty. During a TikTok live session where both Adorye and Empress Gifty addressed some of the issues, Adorye became furious at insulting comments made about his wife by participants. He declared he would not allow netizens to insult her, emphasizing, “If you touch my wife, you touch me.
source :YEN.com
President pardons Sammy Gyamfi
The Presidency has accepted the public apology of the Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, in relation to his United States dollars gift to Prophetess Patricia Asieduaa popularly known as Agradaa.
Consequently, no further action will be taken against him, the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, told journalists yesterday.
