The Noyam African Dance Institute on stage

Noyam African Dance Institute has staged a brilliant production titled Goli to pave the way for more groundbreaking productions to tell the African story.

The spectacular contemporary African dance piece, written and choreographed by the award-winning choreographer and Artistic Director at Noyam African Dance Institute, Nii-Tete Yartey, is rooted in Dagbani cosmology, weaving together dance, spoken word, and African rhythms to explore the balance between traditional values and modern life

According to Nii-Tete Yartey, Goli follows the inner journey of an individual seeking meaning in a world shifting between tradition and modernity.

Speaking after the production, which took place last Thursday at the E.T.S. Drama Studio, University of Ghana, as part of the week-long Zadokeli Festival, Nii-Tete stated that the Noyam African Dance Institute continues to tell the African story to the world through contemporary dance productions and performances rooted in in-depth research.

“Over the years, Noyam has been at the forefront of developing contemporary dance in Ghana, and Goli is in line with that tradition, blending Ghanaian traditional movements and aesthetics with modern experience and technical effects to tell stories.”

“The production uses the moon as a symbol for Africa’s place in the world—always there and always felt, but sometimes more visible than other times. Goli turns the moon into a living symbol of Africa’s presence, always changing yet connected to a deep, unbroken history,” he said.

“Goli was also a test of the Ghanaian audience. As creators of dance, our development is inevitably tied to how much we can carry our audience/community with us, and new works like these help us gauge how our audience is growing in terms of how they interact with contemporary dance,” he disclosed.

The production brought together people from all walks of life to experience the rich Ghanaian culture and storytelling through dance and spoken word.

“The Noyam African Dance Institute has been creating contemporary dance in Ghana and across the world for nearly three decades, and is renowned for blending traditional Ghanaian movements with modern experiences. We tell African stories to the world through contemporary dance built on serious research,” Nii-Tete noted.

It can be recalled that a few months ago, Noyam African Dance Institute was awarded at the Ghana Dance Industry Awards for its exceptional work and contributions to the development of African contemporary dance in Ghana.

The Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to lift a freezing order placed on the bank account of one of his companies, Paradise Insurance.
The application challenged a decision by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to freeze the company’s account as part of ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to Wontumi and related entities.

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The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, has deployed reinforcement teams and armoured vehicles to Nalerigu and surrounding communities in the North East Region following violent disturbances that saw two houses set ablaze and threats of further attacks on residents.

The security deployment is intended to restore calm, protect lives and property, and strengthen police presence in the affected areas as authorities move to prevent an escalation of the violence.

According to him, the reinforcement will also ensure the effective enforcement of the government-imposed curfew on Nalerigu and its environs, which was introduced to contain the unrest and safeguard residents.

In addition, the teams will work with the North East Regional Police Command to intensify security patrols along major highways in the region to guarantee the safety of commuters and commercial drivers.

In a statement released on Thursday, December 18, the  Police assured the public, particularly residents of Nalerigu, that investigations into the arson attacks are ongoing and that all individuals involved will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, acting on the advice of the National Security Council, has imposed a curfew on Nalerigu Township and its environs in the North East Region.

The curfew, enacted through an Executive Instrument, takes effect from Thursday, December 18, 2025, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily.

In a statement, the government urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents of the area to exercise restraint and use non-violent means to address the challenges confronting the community, emphasising the need to maintain peace.

As part of the security measures, the government has banned all persons in Nalerigu Township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons. Individuals found in possession of such items will be arrested and prosecuted.

Additional restrictions include:

• A ban on the movement of motorbikes.

• A prohibition on wearing smocks.

• A ban on selling fuel in containers.

• A prohibition on unlawful assemblies.

Authorities have called on residents to comply fully with the directives to ensure the safety and security of the area during the curfew period.

By Iddi Yire, GNA  

Accra, Dec 18, GNA – Dr Dominic Akurutinga Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has formally transmitted a request to the United States Department of Justice for the extradition of former Finance Minister Mr Ken Ofori-Atta and his chef de cabine, Mr Ernest Darko Akore to face charges. 

Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series Press in Accra, Dr Ayine recalled that the Office of the Special Prosecutor investigated acts of corruption and corruption-related offenses by the former Finance Minister and his accomplices and proceeded to file charges in the High Court of Justice against them. 

He said on November 19, his office received a formal request from the Office of the Special Prosecutor to initiate extradition proceedings for Ken Ofori-Atta and Mr Ernest Darko Akore from the United States.  

He said following a preliminary review, their International Cooperation Unit observed that certain aspects of the request required clarification and enhancement to align with the applicable legal and procedural requirements.  

Dr Ayine said they communicated these observations to the Office of the Special Prosecutor via a letter dated 25 November, and requested supplementary documentation to ensure completeness. 

He noted that on December 9, the Office of the Special Prosecutor provided the requested additional documentation and addressed the observations that we reached, thereby finalizing the extradition request packages.  

The Attorney-General said subsequently, on December 10, his office transmitted a complete request to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the competent authorities in the United States, which in this case was the Department of Justice of the United States.  

“At this point, it is left to the American authorities, especially judicial authorities, to make a determination on whether a sufficient basis exists for the two accused persons to be extradited to Ghana to stand trial,” Dr Ayine said. 

“And because the matters have already been filed, and because they have been filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, I am not permitted to go into the details of the charges.” 

He noted that the charge sheet was a public document in which there were 78 charges against Mr Ofori-Atta and his accomplices. 

He said the charges bordered on causing financial loss to the state and using public office for private benefit 

He said the Government was committed to accountability, and that it had taken the requisite steps that were legally required for Mr Ofori-Atta and Mr Akore to be extradited to Ghana, to be brought to Ghana to face justice. 

The Attorney-General reiterated that it was now left to the judicial authorities in the United States to assess the entire package that they had presented to find out whether there was sufficient basis for him to be extradited.  

GNA 

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba  

A 28-YEAR-old student nurse at Goaso in the Ahafo Region has, allegedly, been raped by her male friend, who has since gone into hiding after committing the heinous crime, prompting a manhunt by the police in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.

The victim (name withheld) for security reasons, reportedly, had attended the graduation ceremony of her elder sister, Helena Boamah, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, on December 9, 2025.

Suspect Ransford Yeboah, who is a friend of the victim, also attended the same programme. When the event came to a close, Yeboah lured the student nurse to accompany him to Kotei, which is not far away from KNUST, so he could show her his residence.

The innocent student nurse, who didn’t suspect any foul play, followed Yeboah to his house at Kotei, only for the suspect to forcibly release his libido on her. Yeboah was said to be aggressive, so the victim bled profusely after the sexual encounter.

The victim has since been hospitalised and responding to treatment after being rushed to a nearby medical facility after her ordeal.

“On 10/12/2025 about 1700 hours, an extract of occurrence was brought from KNUST Police Station together with complainant Helena Boamah, aged 35 of Sewuah, reporting that, on 9/12/2025 about 2200 hours, her 28-year-old younger sister, a student Nurse at Goaso/Ahafo Region, came to her graduation at KNUST and a friend of hers by name Ransford Yeboah, took her to his house at Kotei with the pretext of showing her his residence, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

“That, after the act, victim bled profusely and was taken to KNUST Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment,” part of a statement from the KNUST District Police DOVVSU, confirming the rape incident, which the paper has sighted, disclosed.

It said after the case was reported, the police, together with the complainant, visited the victim at the hospital, where she was met responding to treatment, adding that the statement of the student nurse is yet to be taken.

“Police medical report form issued in the name of victim for endorsement,” the statement indicated and added, “Efforts underway to trace the suspect to assist with investigations.”

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi

Report by Ben LARYEA

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has stated that customs revenue for the country has increased to us $3,179,125,238.11 as at September, 2025, up from US $3,108, 226,482.40 in 2024.

According to the Association, stakeholders in this regard must put port performance in its’s broader economic context, adding that trader’s reality is shaped not only by port operations but also by taxes, exchange rates, inflation, interest rates among others.

The Executive Secretary of Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Mr. Samson Asaki Awiingobit was speaking to the media on the 2025 ‘’Business Performance Review and Current happenings ‘’ in the country’s port sector.

He said reports from port authorities indicates that operational reforms including 24-hour terminal activities have improved cargo handling, capacity and making the Tema port very competitive as a regional hub adding that port operations have enhanced clearances and have impacted positively on importers and exporters.

‘’The Association have however called on government for continued policy direction such as foreign exchange availability for importers and exporters, concessions support mechanisms to cushion businesses and reforms to make Ghana port a world class in the West Africa sub- region’’ he said.

He applauded government for creating an anabling and a conducive environment for trade and business and was quick to urge government to look into recent public reports about a planned Artificial Intelligence AI system solution at the country’s ports with credibility, transparency in relations to ICUMS.

He said a company by name Truedare Investments Ltd, a Cyprus registered entity is expected to start operations with registration number HE 469406 at the port from January, 2026 on AI operations saying, the said company have no proper record on port automation or AI systems as the Association have expressed worries.

He said ICUMS is the core national customs platform hosting 100% of Ghana’s customs declarations, trade values, trade profiles of companies among others, adding it is not merely an operational tool but a strategic national data asset hence the Association be included in such sensitive deals.

‘’The Association therefore call for inclusion in any decisions regarding AI at the port operations’’ he said, indicating further that it is the only way to ensure the countries trade and business to remain resilient at the ports

Yunyoo and Chereponi Constituency in the North East Region have joined more constituencies in the region to have assure former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, of their unflinching support, and thus preventing him from going through the stress of campaigning to them.

Dr Bawumia, who is in the North East Region as part of his national campaign tour, has had a walk over, in terms of delivering his usual hour-long campaign message in many constituencies in the region, notably Walewale and Yagaba Kubore, where NPP members pleaded with Bawumia not to waste his time to campaign to them.

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the Yunyoo Chereponi constituencies, New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the constituency also prevented Dr Bawumia from campaigning to them, saying it will be a waste of his time because their minds were already made up to give him a resounding 100% win in January’s primaries.

As it happened in Walewale on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, delegates in the two constituencies, who had enthusiastically welcomed the former Vice President, prevented him from addressing, or campaigning to them because, as they put it, they were already convinced.

Various speakers in Yunyoo and Chereponi eulogised Dr Bawumia’s contribution to the NPP as well as his experience, insisting that he’s the most marketed and prepared candidate to deliver victory to the NPP in 2028, hence their resolve to give him a massive support, without even addressing them.

To demonstrate their support, all electoral area coordinators of the constituencies, declared their support for Dr Bawumia, which they said, reflected the will of their respective entire constituency.

On his part, Dr Bawumia expressed profound gratitude to the delegates and members of the party for their support and confidence in him.

Dr Bawumia has so far visited about 12 regions, and he has received widespread declarations of support from delegates of the NPP.

The NPP goes to the poll on January 31, 2025, to elect its 2028 flagbearer.

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

TWI NEWS

The government has completely revoked the Legislative Instrument L.I 2462 which granted power to the President to authorise mining in forest reserves in the country.

This comes after the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025 matured into law on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 following its laying in Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

The move forms part of the government’s renewed efforts towards the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

L.I. 2462, which allows mining activities in forest reserves, has faced fierce criticism from environmental activists and the public for its role in exacerbating the damaging effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

Many environmental and civil-society groups argued that L.I. 2462 opened up forest reserves to industrial mining in a way that undermines forest protection.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar with the now released servicemen

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has formally apologised to Burkina Faso for the unauthorised entry of a Nigerian military jet into Burkinabè airspace, an incident that led to the detention of 11 Nigerian servicemen.

Tuggar’s spokesperson told the BBC that the detained personnel had been released and were due to return to Nigeria, without saying when.

The plane was flying to Portugal when it developed a technical problem and had to land in Burkina Faso, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

The unauthorised landing sparked a diplomatic row with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) made up of Burkina Faso and its neighbours, Mali, and Niger.

In a statement, AES characterised it as an “unfriendly act” and said member states‘ respective air forces had been put on maximum alert and authorised to “neutralise any aircraft” found to violate the confederation’s airspace.

The three AES states, all run by the military, have withdrawn from the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, and moved closer to Russia, while most Ecowas members remain allied to the West.

Tuggar led a delegation to the Burkinabè capital, Ouagadougou, on Wednesday, to discuss the incident with military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

“There were irregularities concerning the overflight authorisations, which was regrettable, and we apologise for this unfortunate incident,” Tuggar said on national TV.

It remains unclear when the military personnel, said to be in “high spirits”, and the aircraft will return to Nigeria.

According to Nigeria’s foreign ministry, both sides agreed to “sustain regular consultations and pursue practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional integration”.

A tragic incident struck Anloga Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Basic School in the Volta Region on Wednesday, December 17, when a swarm of bees invaded the school compound, leaving one student dead and three others in critical condition.

According to sources, the chaos began when students were playing football, and the ball got stuck in a tree. In an attempt to retrieve it, a stone was thrown, inadvertently disturbing a hidden bee nest and triggering the attack.

Mr Thywill Deynu, Headteacher of the school, said the swarm affected many students and teachers, particularly the kindergarten pupils, who were unable to escape.

“Four students were critically injured and rushed to Keta Municipal Hospital for emergency treatment, while a seven-year-old girl was pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.

Describing the incident as devastating, Mr Deynu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a promising young child. He commended teachers for their quick response, which saved the majority of the students during the emergency.

He noted that the deceased child was particularly vulnerable and could not flee the swarm, suffering severe injuries that led to her death.

“We quickly alerted the Fire Service personnel from the Anloga district, and they arrived promptly to control the bee swarm and secure the scene,” he said.

The Headteacher added that the school has over 400 students, many of whom were affected by the swarm. Preparations were also underway for the Christmas vacation, scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 18.

The parents of the deceased child, who declined to speak due to the distressing situation, urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Parents, teachers, and pupils interviewed by the Ghana News Agency expressed deep devastation over the incident and called on authorities to urgently address the problem of bees invading school compounds.

The body of the deceased child has been deposited at the Keta Municipal Hospital mortuary for further examination and autopsy, while the injured pupils, all under nine years old, continue to receive medical care at the same hospital. Their conditions are being closely monitored by health officials.

GNA also gathered that school authorities, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, are reviewing safety measures to prevent future bee-related incidents and ensure the protection of students on campus.

Source: GNA

GTEC halts Bolgatanga Technical University VC leave, registrar appointment

Winnie Byanyima is the Executive Director of UNAIDS

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has urged African countries to identify gaps in their HIV response to help end AIDS by 2030, noting that over nine million people still need life‑saving treatment across the continent.

“Those most vulnerable include children, adolescent girls and young women, key populations, and general populations for treatment. This is not acceptable. We have to close the treatment gaps, and we absolutely have to address the new infections that we’re seeing,” she stated.

Ms Byanyima, who is also a United Nations Under‑Secretary‑General, made the call at a press briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2025).

She said Africa needed to urgently close prevention and treatment gaps, noting that the continent was “in the face of incredible opportunities with innovation, technology and community systems” but must prioritise and adequately resource HIV responses.

Ms Byanyima said that protecting human rights remained essential to effective HIV services.

“We have to make sure that communities lead in the responses, and we have to absolutely make sure that we do not stop now until we end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” she said.

Ms Byanyima noted that although some African countries had achieved the 95‑95‑95 targets ahead of 2030, it was important to identify remaining gaps.

She said certain populations, specific geographic areas,s and children were still being left behind in treatment, while adolescent girls and young women were most affected by new infections.

“This is where addressing societal barriers, stigma, ma and discrimination is absolutely critical to close those gaps for prevention and treatment, which is possible. We have the tools, we have the science, we have the know‑how, and we have the will to do it,” she said.

Ms. Byanyima urged countries yet to meet the 95‑95‑95 targets to prioritise HIV, invest in human resources, and strengthen political commitment.

She said gains made so far were fragile and required sustained investment backed by real budgets.

ICASA 2025, organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa, is being held from December 3–8 on the theme: “Africa in Action: Catalysing Integrated and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Responses to End HIV, Other Infectious Diseases, and Emerging Threats.”

The five‑day conference has drawn about 3,000 delegates, including global experts, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, partners, and leaders from 85 African countries.

Former Black Stars midfielder, Derek Boateng has revealed that injuries ruined Ghana’s chances of winning a major trophy during Stephen Appiah’s captaincy.

He explained that the team performed at its best when the former Juventus midfielder was fit and leading with his exceptional leadership qualities, which played a major role in their success.

However, the former Getafe midfielder noted that Appiah suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for a long period, disrupting the team’s chemistry and structure. This, he said, hampered their progress and ultimately denied them trophies.

Explainer: Why DR Congo might lose their 2026 World Cup Playoff spot to Nigeria

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Boateng stated that the injury cost Ghana the opportunity to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and other major titles, despite reaching multiple finals.

“As we went to about two or three finals, semifinals thereabouts, I feel like if not for Stephen Appiah’s injuries, he could have led us to win a trophy.”

“But the injury came so early, at his peak. And when you start having knee injuries, it means your career is going down. So I feel like when Stephen got that injury, that’s when things started dropping for us,” he said.

Speaking on Appiah’s leadership qualities, Boateng added: “Stephen would never ask a young player to do anything he wouldn’t do himself on the field or in training. I remember watching him train, the way he ran and worked. I said to myself, ‘Look at my senior, how he’s running, how he’s playing.”

“I need to do more. I need to step up.’ Everything he asked us to do, he did it himself to show us we had no excuse. His leadership quality was amazing. When it was time to joke, we joked. When it was time for business, it was business.”

Watch the video below

Stephen Appiah would have led Ghana to a major trophy if not for his injuries – Derek Boateng#SportyDrive pic.twitter.com/KmexwJkay0

— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) December 17, 2025

SB/JE

Mahama promises Alan Kyerematen ‘a very special place’ ahead of AU chair position:

TWI NEWS

Sir Sam Jonah is a Ghanaian business mogul

Ghanaian business tycoon Sir Sam Jonah has filed several petitions over what he describes as the illegal takeover of two of his businesses in Nigeria, JonahCapital Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd, allegedly orchestrated by a prominent Nigerian businessman, Paul Odili, owner of Paulo Homes.

In the petitions, addressed to Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sir Sam Jonah outlined the sequence of events that led to the decision by the Registrar-General of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, to expropriate some of his shares in the companies, remove their directors, and invalidate their corporate filings.

According to him, the Registrar-General took these actions based on a police report relating to a dispute, despite a court injunction restraining such action, as well as a directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of Nigeria halting further steps in the dispute over the ownership of the River Park Estate.

Sam Jonah stated that the police report, issued by the IGP Monitoring Unit, overruled a report by a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) established by the IGP, which had been set up to investigate allegations of forgery against Paul Odili, who was claiming ownership of the River Park Estate.

“However, just before the SIP report could be given to the parties, Paulo Homes clandestinely requested a further investigation of the petition and complaint already investigated by the SIP vide a petition dated April 10, 2025, to the IGP Monitoring Unit (how a report that is yet to be released to any of the parties could be the subject of Paul Odili’s later petition, which in effect is an appeal/review of the SIP report, remains a mystery to us). The IGP Monitoring Unit interestingly approved the said petition on the same date of April 10, 2025, that the petition was submitted to them.

“DCP Akin Fakorede, of the IGP Monitoring Unit, single-handedly jettisoned what the ten-man SIP panel painstakingly investigated and hurriedly generated a second investigation report, which was released via a telecast on June 27, 2025. The said report shockingly indicted Sir Sam and other officers of the company, and further declared Paul Odili of Paulo Homes the owner of River Park Estate, even when he is aware that the ownership is being contested,” parts of Sam Jonah’s petition to Okudzeto Ablakwa read.

Sam Jonah cries foul over alleged takeover of his Nigerian businesses

The Ghanaian business mogul accused Paul Odili of falsely claiming to the public that he owns the River Park Estate, which is actually owned by Sam Jonah.

He added that Odili’s company, along with two others, has been encroaching on the park’s land and has even sold some properties belonging to his companies.

The ‘foolishness,’ ‘culture of impunity’ that we saw must not continue – Sam Jonah backs ORAL

“While JONAHCAPITAL NIGERIA LIMITED is the sole holder of the Development Lease Agreement, it recognised other third-party developers, including Common Consult operated by Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa (140 hectares) and Paulo Homes operated by Paul Odili (66 hectares). Each party operated within its allocation and exclusive of the other. It was the encroachment of Common Consult and Paulo Homes into the portions of land belonging to Sir Sam Esson Jonah (JONAHCAPITAL NIGERIA LIMITED and HFA, Nigeria) that has further deepened the crisis in River Park Estate.

“However, Paul Odili has consistently misrepresented to unsuspecting members of the public that he is the owner of River Park Estate, JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria. He has also falsely held out himself to government agencies, particularly FCTA and all other departments under it, as the owner of River Park Estate. Paul Odili and his company, Paulo Homes, have been illegally interfering with the proprietary interest of JONAHCAPITAL NIGERIA LIMITED and HFA, Nigeria, to unlawfully apply for and collect land title documents (Rights of Occupancy/Certificates of Occupancy), sell lands, and develop areas belonging to JONAHCAPITAL NIGERIA LIMITED and HOUSES FOR AFRICA NIGERIA LIMITED using letterheads dishonestly without our consent or authority. With this malicious misrepresentation,” he said.

He added, “Paul Odili has wrecked serious havoc on our business interest in River Park Estate, including selling our properties in excess of 120 hectares in various clusters of the estate, such as Clusters 1A and 5A.”

Sir Sam Jonah requested that Okudzeto Ablakwa engage Nigeria’s Attorney-General to review the police report on which the Registrar-General relied to take action against his companies.

He further urged the Foreign Minister “to, in the course of these engagements, demand the immediate reversal of the unlawful alterations to preserve our assets from being dissipated while the cases in court are being determined” and to “alert ECOWAS of the breach of regional investment protections.”

Similar petitions were filed by the Managing Director of the companies, Kojo Ansah Mensah, at Nigeria’s House of Representatives and the country’s Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

Read the full petition below:

BAI/MA

FULL SPEECH: Asantehene’s statement on Bawku mediation report presentation

President Mahama delivers remarks at Bawku mediation report presentation

Dignitaries in a group photograph with students

The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, has assigned three High Court judges who will oversee cases submitted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS).

This announcement was made yesterday during the annual Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme, by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Gabriel Pwamang, in Accra.

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Patience Ozokwor

Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G and G for General, has expressed her profound appreciation to Ghanaian fans for the love shown her after arriving in Ghana for an event.

Patience Ozokwor was among some selected Nollywood stars who graced the maiden edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra last Saturday.

Mama G made this statement when some Ghanaian actors paid homage to her on the red carpet of the event.

The likes of Kalsoume Sinare, Jackie Appiah, among others were seen cheering Mama G and applauding her for years of dedication in Africa’s film industry.

In response to the affection shown her, Mama G stated that she is overwhelmed with the love shown her since she landed in Ghana.

“I don’t need a soothsayer to tell me I’m loved in Ghana. I’m very happy to be here,” she said.

Mama G was honoured with a citation for her decades of service in the movie industry.

Part of the citation read, “In recognition of an extraordinary career that has shaped the heart and soul of African Cinema, the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) proudly celebrates Patience Ozokwor, affectionately known across the world as Mama G.

“For over three decades, you have stood as a pillar of excellence in the Nigerian and African film industry. With unmatched versatility, powerful presence and a commanding ability to embody characters with depth, authenticity, and emotion, you have brought unforgettable stories to life and inspired millions across generations.

“Your work has transcended screens, echoing in homes, cultures, across the African continent and beyond. Through drama, humour, and compelling character portrayals, you have helped elevate Nollywood to global acclaim while nurturing the next generation of actors with passion.”

In response, the actress on social media wrote, “I woke up this morning with a grateful heart. Thank you @reffaawards for the honour. Thank you, Ghana. Thank you, Africa. Thank you, #MamaGLovers. Happy to be celebrated while I am still here. Hall of fame recipient #ReffaAwards.”

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Amarh-Kofi Buah, to resign or for President John Dramani Mahama to relieve him of his duties following the withdrawal of the lithium agreement from Parliament.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Mr Vincent Ekow Assafuah, described the government’s decision to withdraw the lithium agreement as an “embarrassment” to Parliament that has undermined public trust.

Mr Assafuah noted that although the Minority Caucus had raised concerns about the renegotiated lithium agreement when it was first presented, Mr Buah dismissed these concerns, which were also echoed by civil society organisations.

He emphasised that the Minister must take responsibility for his actions, especially after publicly assuring Parliament and the citizenry that the renegotiated agreement met all legal, technical, and procedural requirements.

“This matter is not about punishment; it is about responsibility. When the Minister gives Parliament firm and unequivocal assurances that all requirements have been satisfied, and the same agreement is later withdrawn due to unmet requirements, accountability must follow,” Mr Assafuah said.

He added, “The subsequent withdrawal, explained on grounds of inadequate consultations and the need for further review, directly contradicts the assurances given by the Minister to Parliament.”

While acknowledging the importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement with civil society organisations, Mr Assafuah stressed that such consultations should have occurred before the agreement was presented to Parliament.

“It is neither reasonable nor acceptable to assure Parliament that consultations have concluded, only to later cite insufficient consultations as justification for a reversal,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of managing a natural resource such as lithium, Mr Assafuah said its handling has far-reaching implications for the country’s economic growth and requires clarity, consistency, and foresight.

“The Minister’s erratic handling of this matter has undermined public confidence, weakened Ghana’s negotiating position, and exposed Parliament to avoidable embarrassment,” he added.

“In any functioning democracy, a sector Minister who presides over such contradictions and uncertainty on a matter of national importance must take responsibility for his actions. In these circumstances, the Minority of the 9th Parliament is firmly of the view that the honourable course of action is for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to resign,” Mr Assafuah concluded.

BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY

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