The newly elected executives pledged to serve with diligence and integrity

The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries (GhCCI) has sworn in a new set of executives as the new leadership of the chamber following their victory in the GhCCI delegates’ election held last Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place in Accra after the successful conduct of the Chamber’s elective congress, brought together delegates from various professional institutions within the construction industry.

In all, 40 delegates were on the electoral roll, with 32 votes cast across the executive positions. Five candidates contested the elections for three key positions: the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and General Secretary.

Nana Opare Kwafo I, Acting Chief of Ahwerase and the immediate past Vice Chair of the GhCCI, was elected Chairperson after securing 31 votes.

The Vice Chairmanship contest was between Ing Henry Kwadwo Boateng of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, and Patrick Ebo Bonful, the immediate past President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA). Bonful emerged victorious with 24 votes, while Ing Boateng polled 8 votes.

Reginald Obeng of the Chartered Institute of Building was elected as the General Secretary of the chamber, after obtaining 20 votes to defeat Harriette Naa Lamley Bentil of the Artisans Association of Ghana, who had 12 votes.

The elections were conducted peacefully and described by delegates as transparent and credible.

The newly elected executives pledged to serve with diligence and integrity. They vowed to strengthen the operations of the chamber, promoting professionalism within the construction industry, and ensuring sustainable growth and progress of the GhCCI.

The new leadership also mentioned that it will work closely with stakeholders to advance the interests of the construction industry and contribute to national development.

Nana Kwafo I explained that he would ensure the quality of construction would be central to his tenure. He emphasised that quality must remain the ultimate standard, noting that roads are constructed to ensure safety, durability, and convenience for the communities.

“If roads are built and fail to last, they become a burden rather than an asset to the nation. The chamber would intensify advocacy against poor and unethical construction practices,” he remarked.

He said the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme was a major boost to the industry. Nana Kwafo I indicated that the initiative addresses longstanding concerns about delayed payments and accumulated debts in the road sector.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sealed four Chinese companies operating in the Mallam area of Accra for failing to keep and produce mandatory sales records, as part of an intensified tax enforcement exercise.

The actions formed part of a nationwide compliance drive aimed at ensuring businesses met their tax obligations.

Speaking to the media during the enforcement operation, Mr. Joseph Adjeikwei Annan, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Accra Area Enforcement, GRA, said the enforcement team visited five companies located within a large industrial yard, most of which are foreign-owned manufacturing and trading firms.

He said WZL Doors Manufacturing Company, Alicanonizing Company Limited, Hai Ning Chen Yu Limited, and Yida Feng Company Limited were sealed after failing to provide sales records upon request, with some also found to be selectively issuing VAT invoices.

Mr. Annan said Mingzhou Ghana Limited initially failed to present its records but was spared closure after producing the required documents when enforcement officers began sealing procedures.

He stressed that keeping proper records was a legal requirement under Ghana’s tax laws, noting that failure to do so constituted a serious infraction.

Mr. Annan said businesses sealed during the exercise would remain closed until they submitted their sales records to the Authority.

He added that the GRA had embarked on weeks of public education through radio, print, and other media platforms ahead of the operation, making it clearer that enforcement would follow non-compliance.

The Assistant Commissioner warned that the enforcement exercise would continue across the Accra area and beyond until compliance improves, urging all businesses to regularise their tax affairs.

He cautioned that tampering with GRA seals attracted stiffer penalties and that enforcement measures could escalate to arrests and prosecution where necessary.

Mr. Annan appealed to the public not to shield tax offenders, stressing that tax compliance was a shared civic responsibility essential for national development.

Former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has criticised the government’s handling of the Bawku Conflict mediation, describing the December 2025 presentation of the Asantehene’s Mediation Report at Jubilee House as a “gargantuan political scam.”

According to him, he is of the conviction that the process, the presentation of the Asantehene’s report at Jubilee House and the government’s subsequent statement were not grounded in law or the constitution.

‘The report should bind us all’ – Asantehene on peace efforts in Bawku

In his criticism of the government, Amidu suggested that the process was used as a political tool rather than as a genuine attempt to resolve the Bawku conflict.

“… In the absence of the government stating the legal basis of the Asantehene’s Mediation Report, I dare say that the concluding circus enacted and performed at the Jubilee House on 16 December 2025 and the Government of Ghana Statement on the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report of 17 October 2025 which have no constitutional or legal basis appears as a gargantuan political scam by the government on the Bawku Conflict to justify the needless deaths between 7 January 2025 and 16 December 2025 which in my estimation exceeds those of the past eight years under the previous regime,” he said in a statement dated December 18, 2025, and shared with GhanaWeb.

Amidu asserted that the mediation further undermined the constitutional processes needed to resolve issues pertaining to chieftaincy disputes.

“The Asantehene’s mediation whether pursuant to Nana Akufo-Addo’s request or President Mahama’s request is not a customary mediation under Asante tradition and customary law because the Bawku-Naba and the Nayiri are not subjects of the Asante Stool or residents of Asante to bring them under its customs.

“The Bawku-Naba and the Nayiri are Supreme Customary Rulers of their respective exclusive traditional areas in their own right for which reason the 1992 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act provides for how disputes between them may be resolved and appealed against,” he argued.

The anti-corruption advocate, who questioned the revitalisation fund, also raised concerns about the use of state funds for conflict management.

He noted that it could become a tool for corruption and may not be used effectively for its intended purpose.

“The composition of the management of the ‘One Billion Ghana Cedis (GHS1,000,000,000) Bawku Revitalisation Fund’ and the high-level Committee Chaired by The Minister for Finance, …, who also serves as the Acting Minister for Defence;… with the Upper East Regional Minister, and the Majority Leader who is the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central demonstrates how ineffective the utilization of the funds will be as it will be informed more by electoral politics than a reconciling and united national endeavour. It also smells of pure crony capitalism dressed as conflict resolution,” he noted.

Otumfuo issues stern warning to Cletus Avoka over Bawku conflict

Amidu also warned that “sycophancy and stomach politics will destroy and not help the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during this tenure of his government,” emphasising that “the 1992 Constitution demands at all times a government of laws, and not of men.”

Read the full statement below:

MAG/AE

What Cletus Avoka said that made Otumfuo warn him over Bawku conflict:

TWI NEWS

Wisdom Gomashie says the argument by the minister is flawed

A mining consultant, Wisdom Gomashie, has challenged recent government claims suggesting that mining in forest reserves is banned in Ghana.

He insisted that under the country’s existing laws, mining in forest reserves remains legal unless the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) is amended.

Sharing these arguments in a detailed public post, Gomashie accused the government of “playing with words” and attempting to mislead the public, urging media houses to report accurately on the matter.

According to him, Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which has been at the centre of public debates, does not grant licences for mining in forest reserves and never did.

Mining in forest reserves banned as government revokes LI 2462

Rather, he explained that the LI was introduced to impose tighter mining and environmental control standards on companies that had already been granted leases in forest reserves.

“LI 2462 was a law meant to ensure stricter environmental and mining standards for companies operating in forest reserves, not to legalise mining there,” portions of his statement said.

He further cited examples of large-scale mining firms such as Chirano Gold Mine and Newmont Akyem, which were granted mining leases in forest reserves as far back as 2005 — about 17 years before LI 2462 was passed.

He noted that these companies continue to operate, demonstrating that mining in forest reserves predate the controversial Legislative Instrument.

He also argued that Ghana’s forest depletion cannot be blamed solely on LI 2462, pointing to data showing that between 2002 and 2023, the country lost about 143,000 hectares of humid primary forest, accounting for 8.9 per cent of total tree cover loss.

Galamsey Fight: Forestry Commission pushes for paramilitary status

From 2001 to 2023, Ghana reportedly lost 1.64 million hectares of tree cover — a 24 per cent decrease since 2000 — largely due to illegal mining, illegal logging and other activities that predate the passage of LI 2462.

“If the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and President John Dramani Mahama genuinely want to stop mining in forest reserves, the solution is straightforward.

“State it explicitly clear in the Mining Policy Amendment Document. Eg. ‘Ghana will not allow mining in forest reserves’,” he added.

More importantly, he stressed the need to amend Act 703 to reflect that policy direction.

Specifically, he called for amendments to Sections 4, 5, 9, 11, 13, 18, and Sections 31 to 47 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, to legally prohibit mining activities in forest reserves.

“Until these amendments are made, mining in forest reserves remains legal under the laws of Ghana,” he emphasised, warning that revoking LI 2462 alone would create significant legal and operational challenges for the government.

See his full post below:

AE

Desire Caesar’s Paga-Accra walk has been halted

Desire Caesar, popularly known as The Mosiah Walkerman, had his walk from Pagan to Accra truncated following an accident during the journey.

According to an official who was part of Walkerman’s team, the man was walking on the pavement when a police escort vehicle hit him.

It was reported that Walkerman sustained an injury to his foot and was quickly rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“When we got to Bonomanso, we rested for about an hour. When we resumed the trip, the police officers were engaging their commander, giving a report on the journey. I was in the police car when I heard something had hit him.

“At first, I thought it was a different car, only to later be told that the police car did it. He was wearing shoes and socks, both torn, and his foot would have been badly damaged if he had been barefoot,” he told Asempa FM.

The official blamed the accident on the negligence of the police officer driving the escort vehicle and added that it was determined Walkerman could not continue the journey due to the severity of the injury.

“I believe it was negligence on the part of the officer. He [Walkerman] was walking on the pavement… some high‑profile personalities called to check up on him at the hospital. I thought he could continue, but later, after some treatment of his bruises, we realized he could not…”

The 60-year old man leading a 832.4km walk from Paga to Accra, Desire Ceaser aka “The Mosiah Walkerman” has unfortunately been injured, after being hit by the police escort vehicle escorting him along the Bono Manso to Tuobodom Stretch.

The approximately 15-day walk towards… pic.twitter.com/0lUXaZtbYz

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) December 19, 2025

SB/JE

Vincent Antwi Agyei is the MCE for Sunyani

‎‎A writ has been filed at the Sunyani High Court by Alexander Amponsah of Adom Legal Consult, seeking GH¢900,000 in general damages for his client, Vincent Antwi Agyei, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Sunyani Municipal Assembly.

The legal action follows defamatory posts published by Raphael Cubagee, a suspended assembly member, on social media platforms, which allegedly portray Vincent Antwi Agyei as a corrupt official and criminal.

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‎The writ, issued on December 18, 2025, demands that the Sunyani High Court compel Raphael Cubagee to retract and remove the defamatory content from Facebook and issue a formal apology.

It also seeks a perpetual injunction to prevent further harmful publications against the MCE.

The legal team argues that the public statements are false, offensive, and calculated to undermine Vincent Antwi Agyei’s reputation and credibility as a public servant.

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‎The plaintiff’s claim centers on four Facebook posts made by Raphael Cubagee between October 2025 and December 2025, which include unsubstantiated accusations of corruption.

Key excerpts from the disputed posts include:

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‎“Painting of just 1 bungalow can cost GH¢550,000 stealing at its highest point. Vincent Antwi Agyei and Lawyer Alexander Amponsah should go to the Special Prosecutor themselves.

‎“Board member of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital Alexander Amponsah and Vincent Antwi Agyei order staff of the assembly to disrespect a court order.

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‎“Demonstration on 24 October for removal of MCE Vincent Antwi Agyei and Lawyer Alexander Amponsah from office for cover-up and stealing from the people.

‎“Pls John Dramani Mahama sack the MCE and Lawyer Alexander Amponsah… for cover-up of stealing GH¢39 million belonging to the assembly.”

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‎According to Alexander Amponsah, these statements falsely label his client as a “thief,” a “lawless” leader, and a “greedy” politician, all the while lacking any factual basis.

“The publications are defamatory by nature and designed to incite public hostility against the MCE,” he argued in the writ.

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‎Raphael Cubagee, a suspended member of the Sunyani Municipal Assembly since July 2025, was found guilty of 10 counts of misconduct, including unauthorised recording of meetings, misuse of official procedures, and unsubstantiated allegations against assembly officials.

His suspension followed an internal investigation that also noted his prior role as a member of the assembly’s works sub-committee, a position potentially connected to the allegations about construction projects.

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‎The plaintiff’s legal team further emphasised that Vincent Antwi Agyei has no involvement in the referenced bungalow project and denies all claims of financial misconduct.

“The defendant’s posts are malicious, baseless, and intended to tarnish my client’s public image and the integrity of the assembly,” said Alexander Amponsah.

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If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, it could set a precedent for holding individuals accountable for unsubstantiated allegations made on social media.

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‎The Sunyani High Court has yet to schedule a hearing, but legal experts suggest the case may take months to resolve. Meanwhile, Vincent Antwi Agyei’s office asserts it remains focused on serving the Sunyani community despite the ongoing litigation.

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‎In a statement, the plaintiff’s legal team said: “We are committed to ensuring the truth prevails and that the defendant is held responsible for the harm caused. The public deserves to know that leadership is not a platform for personal vendettas.”

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The newly elected executives pledged to serve with diligence and integrity

The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries (GhCCI) has sworn in a new set of executives as the new leadership of the chamber following their victory in the GhCCI delegates’ election held last Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place in Accra after the successful conduct of the Chamber’s elective congress, brought together delegates from various professional institutions within the construction industry.

In all, 40 delegates were on the electoral roll, with 32 votes cast across the executive positions. Five candidates contested the elections for three key positions: the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and General Secretary.

Nana Opare Kwafo I, Acting Chief of Ahwerase and the immediate past Vice Chair of the GhCCI, was elected Chairperson after securing 31 votes.

The Vice Chairmanship contest was between Ing Henry Kwadwo Boateng of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, and Patrick Ebo Bonful, the immediate past President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA). Bonful emerged victorious with 24 votes, while Ing Boateng polled 8 votes.

Reginald Obeng of the Chartered Institute of Building was elected as the General Secretary of the chamber, after obtaining 20 votes to defeat Harriette Naa Lamley Bentil of the Artisans Association of Ghana, who had 12 votes.

The elections were conducted peacefully and described by delegates as transparent and credible.

The newly elected executives pledged to serve with diligence and integrity. They vowed to strengthen the operations of the chamber, promoting professionalism within the construction industry, and ensuring sustainable growth and progress of the GhCCI.

The new leadership also mentioned that it will work closely with stakeholders to advance the interests of the construction industry and contribute to national development.

Nana Kwafo I explained that he would ensure the quality of construction would be central to his tenure. He emphasised that quality must remain the ultimate standard, noting that roads are constructed to ensure safety, durability, and convenience for the communities.

“If roads are built and fail to last, they become a burden rather than an asset to the nation. The chamber would intensify advocacy against poor and unethical construction practices,” he remarked.

He said the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme was a major boost to the industry. Nana Kwafo I indicated that the initiative addresses longstanding concerns about delayed payments and accumulated debts in the road sector.

The passengers say the situation has become a recurring problem whenever demand for transport rises

The plight of passengers in Accra continues to worsen as some commercial transport operators allegedly impose unauthorised fare increases, especially during festive periods.

Commuters say drivers of commercial vehicles are increasingly disregarding approved fares and charging passengers arbitrary amounts, leaving many with little option but to comply.

The situation, passengers argue, has become a recurring problem whenever demand for transport rises.

On the Accra–Kasoa route, passengers report being charged as much as GHS 30.00, despite the approved fare standing at GH¢10.00.

Similar complaints have been raised on the Accra–Tema corridor.

Passengers travelling to Nungua, who are expected to pay GH¢5.00, say they are instead being charged higher Accra fares.

Many commuters have described the situation as exploitative and unfair, noting that efforts to challenge the drivers often result in heated arguments or refusal to transport them.

For low-income earners who rely on public transport daily, the arbitrary hikes are placing an additional financial burden on already stretched household budgets.

The development has triggered public outcry, with Ghanaians calling on transport regulators, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to step in and enforce adherence to approved fares.

Commuters argue that failure to act decisively only emboldens drivers to continue flouting the law.

As the festive season approaches and passenger traffic increases, commuters are hopeful that authorities will intensify monitoring at transport terminals to curb the practice and protect the interests of the travelling public.

The Deputy Director–General in charge of Operations at the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Dr. Awal Mohamed, says Ghana is making gradual progress in standards compliance, but significant challenges remain, particularly in enforcement, education, and price sensitivity.

Speaking during a JoyNews National Dialogue on declining adherence to standards, Dr. Mohamed noted that assessing compliance cannot be reduced to simple numerical comparisons without considering the country’s broader socio-economic realities.

According to him, awareness and understanding of standards among Ghanaians are improving, even though full compliance will take time due to long-standing reliance on local products and traditional practices.

“For adherence to standards, I would say Ghanaians are getting to understand them better, and we are gradually enforcing some of them. But because communities have used local products for a long time, implementing and enforcing standards will naturally take time,” he explained.

Asked to rate Ghana’s current level of standards compliance, Dr. Mohamed placed the country between five and six out of 10, describing the situation as one of steady but incomplete progress.

“If I were to rate where we are as a country, I would say maybe a six. We are beginning to understand what needs to be implemented and adhered to, even though challenges remain,” he stated.

He stressed that sustained public education is critical to improving compliance, noting that enforcement alone will not yield results without broad public understanding.

Dr. Mohamed also highlighted price sensitivity as a major barrier to compliance, explaining that standardised products often cost more, making consumers reluctant to prioritise quality over affordability.

“When a product meets standards, it is likely to be more expensive, and many consumers focus on price rather than quality,” he observed.

Despite the challenges, the GSA official expressed optimism that with consistent education, stronger enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration, Ghana’s adherence to standards will continue to improve over time.

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.

For months, fans of Black Sherif have passionately debated the true meaning behind his emotional track “One”, one of the standout records on his Iron Boy album that dominated music streaming charts throughout 2025.

While some listeners believed the song was a heartfelt conversation with God, others interpreted it as a cry for help from an artiste weighed down by fame and pressure.

The Ghanaian musician has now put the speculation to rest.

In an exclusive interview with Zionfelix, Black Sherif revealed that “One” was inspired by a painful real-life experience that struck his family at its core.

According to the award-winning artiste, his father suffered a devastating loss when his garage in Greece was destroyed by fire, a tragedy that shook the entire family and left them emotionally broken.

Black Sherif recounted how the constant phone calls from his mother during that difficult period affected him deeply.

Hearing the pain, fear, and uncertainty in her voice left him emotionally disturbed and helpless, especially because he was not physically present to support them.

He explained that turning that pain into music was the best decision he could make at the time. It allowed him to process the loss, confront his fears, and speak honestly about a moment when life humbled him completely.

Watch the interview below for more:

Watch Ofori Amponsah discuss interesting issues surrounding Lumba’s death, career path on this episode of Talkertainment:

PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has highlighted the Commission’s enforcement record for 2025, revealing that 163 people have been arrested in connection with 109 drug-related cases nationwide.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, December 19, he explained that the higher number of arrests compared to cases is due to the fact that several suspects are often linked to a single investigation.

“In terms of arrests, we have about 163 people involved in the 109 cases we are handling,” he said.

Mr Opoku Amoah added that close to 50 of the cases have already been filed in court, with trials ongoing at various levels of the judicial system. He expressed optimism that all outstanding cases would be concluded by next year.

On outcomes so far, he disclosed that NACOC has secured five convictions, with the offenders currently serving prison sentences ranging from six years to longer terms, underscoring the Commission’s firm stance against drug-related offences.

“Currently, at different levels of the courts, we have close to 50 cases that are still pending. We hope that by next year, all these cases will be concluded. So far, we have secured five convictions from the cases in court, and the convicted individuals are serving prison sentences ranging from six years to longer terms.”

Comparing current figures with last year, he noted that arrests have declined, with fewer than 100 suspects apprehended in the previous period. He attributed the change to evolving enforcement patterns and strengthened investigative processes.

More than 11 drug swoops conducted nationwide – NACOC

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia 

The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has declared his firm and unflinching support for former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) best candidate ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 2026.

Speaking ahead of a campaign engagement in the Savannah Region, Mr. Jinapor affirmed that Dr. Bawumia remains the best option to lead the NPP into the 2028 General Election.

“Dr. Bawumia can unite our base, appeal to the floating voters, and inspire hope across the country. He is not just a candidate for the primaries, he is our pathway to victory in 2028,” he stressed.

Mr. Jinapor highlighted what he described as Dr. Bawumia’s clean reputation and strong track record.

“He is well marketed, he is formidable, and he is credible,” he noted, adding that the former Vice President is “somebody you cannot associate with anything of corruption or incompetence.”

The former Lands Minister argued that Dr. Bawumia’s visibility and performance in the 2024 national elections have made him an already recognisable figure to the Ghanaian electorate, positioning him as a candidate with broad national appeal.

“I believe if we present him again for 2028 and we rally behind him, he has a strong chance of winning the 2028 election,” Mr. Jinapor said.

He added that the party’s grassroots are ready to support Dr. Bawumia’s renewed bid for the flagbearer slot.

“I am convinced the party will support him on January 31, and I am convinced the party will elect him because the party wants to win,” he declared.

Dr. Bawumia, known for spearheading the Akufo-Addo-led government’s digitalisation agenda, is seeking to return as the NPP’s presidential candidate. His campaign has gained momentum as influential figures within the party continue to publicly rally behind him.

Mr. Jinapor’s endorsement reflects growing confidence within the party that Dr. Bawumia is the candidate most capable of uniting the NPP and securing a decisive win in the next national polls.

A Daily Guide Report