Mr. Faibille added that he could not understand why anyone would make such allegations that could lead to public disaffection against him.
However, Mr. Gbande, who felt he had been caught, attempted to amend his statement, calling Mr. Faibille his brother.
In a sharp rebuttal, Mr. Faibille fumed, “We’re not brothers. Don’t call me your brother; we’re not from the same region. Don’t make that mistake,” effectively silencing Mustapha Gbande.
He further cautioned Mustapha to focus on his work and to respect himself while discharging his duties.
Aso-ebi styles have continued to evolve, and one of the most elegant trends making waves is the dazzling chocolate lace fabric. This sophisticated color exudes richness and class, making it a perfect choice for stylish women looking to stand out at their next owambe. The warm and earthy tone of chocolate lace blends seamlessly with various skin tones, enhancing the overall allure of the wearer.
When tailored into stunning silhouettes, chocolate lace Aso-ebi styles create a refined and timeless appeal. Fashion designers are increasingly experimenting with intricate patterns, adding unique embellishments such as pearls, sequins, and stones to elevate the beauty of the fabric. These details not only enhance the luxurious feel of the outfit but also ensure that the wearer exudes confidence and grace.
Modern trends have embraced diverse cuts, from figure-hugging mermaid gowns to flowing A-line dresses, allowing each lady to express her personal style effortlessly. The versatility of chocolate lace makes it suitable for dramatic sleeve designs, corset bodices, and daring high slits that add a touch of boldness to traditional elegance. These creative elements work together to ensure that every lady who steps into a party in chocolate lace turns heads instantly.
Pairing these outfits with the right accessories further enhances their sophistication. Gold or nude heels, statement jewelry, and well-coordinated gele styles add the final touch that completes the glamorous look. Makeup choices that complement the rich undertones of chocolate lace, such as warm nude lips and soft bronzed eyes, further emphasize the classy aura of the ensemble.
With the right combination of exquisite fabric, innovative designs, and tasteful accessories, dazzling chocolate lace Aso-ebi styles offer an unforgettable fashion statement. Every stylish woman who rocks this trend to an owambe effortlessly exudes charm, poise, and undeniable elegance.
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and 30 other distinguished individuals as members of the Council of State.
The members also include former speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho as Chairman of the Council.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday February 18, 2025, marks a significant moment in Ghana’s governance as these new members are expected to provide valuable advice and support to the President on various national issues.
The Council of State plays a crucial role in ensuring that the country’s governance structures remain robust and responsive to the needs of the people.
The newly sworn-in members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from diverse fields, including law, academia, business, and civil society.
The ceremony was attended by key government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various sectors of society.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate enforcement action against six radio stations operating without valid frequency authorisations.
These stations, located in different parts of the country, have reportedly failed to meet regulatory requirements, including payment obligations and submission of required documentation.
In a directive to the Acting Director-General of the NCA, the Ministry emphasized that
Accra, Feb. 18, GNA – The cinema premiere of Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin’s “A Country Called Ghana” movie has been set for Friday, February 28, 2025, across Silverbird Cinemas in Ghana and Nigeria.
The movie, since its debut last year, has won numerous international awards, including Best Indigenous Film at the 2024 Nollywood Film Festival, Best Production Design, and Best Make-Up Film at the 2024 Imo International Film Festival, among others.
Mr. Frank Fiifi Ghabin, Director of the movie, outlined plans to premier the movie in cinemas across all the 16 regions of Ghana at a media engagement in Kumasi.
Present at the media engagement were Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin and his wife, Okyeame Akwadaa Nyame, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Wezzy Empire, as well as some players in the movie industry.
Mr. Ghabin disclosed that “A Country Called Ghana” had won 17 awards out of 33 nominations both locally and on the international stage since its premiere last year despite challenges they encountered.
He said beyond entertaining Ghanaians and Nigerians, the movie had also promoted and projected the Ghana movie industry as well as Ghana as a country on the global stage.
According to him, because of their achievements on the international stage, they were asked to submit the movie for consideration into cinema distribution which resulted in Silverbirds Distribution International selecting it for premiering.
“In Nigeria, the movie is going to be premiered nationwide, so if you are in Lagos, Abuja, Ikeja, Onitsha, or wherever you find yourself, watch out for the movie “A Country Called Ghana” in a cinema near you,” he stated.
He encouraged movie lovers in Nigeria and the media to help promote the movie, saying that it was not just a movie but projection of Ghana as a country to the rest of the world.
“We are projecting “A Country Called Ghana” not just as a movie but as a means to sell Ghana to the world through authentic African story,” Mr. Ghabin emphasised.
In Ghana, the movie would be shown at the Silverbirds Cinema at the Accra Mall and West Hills Mall in Accra as well as the Golden Eagle Cinema in Kumasi on February 28, before extending it to other regions.
Mr. Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin spoke about the huge investment that had gone into the project and stressed the need for all stakeholders to support the local movie industry.
He said because he wanted to meet international standards, he had to procure high-quality equipment from outside the country for the production.
He told the media that his target was to see the movie on Netflix and that even if it doesn’t make it, he would continue to produce quality movies until he achieves that objective.
This, he noted, required the support of all players in the industry including the media and the government as Ghana strived to make a mark on the international stage.
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has ordered the immediate shutdown of Gumah FM in Bawku following urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
During an emergency meeting held on February 11, 2025, REGSEC extensively reviewed recent security developments in Bawku and parts of the North East Region.
Intelligence reports indicated that Gumah FM had been used as a platform to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the region.
The directive to shut down the station is issued in accordance with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empowers the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend or revoke frequency authorisations in the interest of national security, public order, or the public interest.
As per this directive, Gumah FM must cease all operations with immediate effect. Additionally, ongoing monitoring will be implemented to prevent the establishment of alternative platforms that may be used to propagate violence or further destabilise the region.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations in a statement on Tuesday February 18 urged all media entities to operate responsibly and strictly adhere to their frequency authorisation conditions.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding national security, public safety, and the rule of law,” it added.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has directed the Acting Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate enforcement action against several entities for operating without valid frequency authorisations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The entities affected by this directive are:
1. Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani – 90.1MHz 2. I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale – 89.7MHz 3. Abochannel Media Group, Adidome – 105.7MHz 4. Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani – 99.7MHz 5. Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman – 99.7MHz 6. Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta – 99.7MHz
The Communications Ministry in a statement on Tuesday February 18 noted that these entities have failed to renew their authorisations, fulfill statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
As a result, their authorisations have lapsed by operation of law, rendering their continued operations illegal.
In accordance with Act 775, it is unlawful to operate a broadcasting service without a valid frequency authorisation. The NCA will take the necessary steps to halt all unauthorized transmissions and ensure compliance with the law.
The Ministry is continuing its review of the frequency authorisation audit and will provide further directives in due course. All frequency authorisation holders are urged to comply strictly with the terms of their authorisations to avoid similar enforcement actions.
Anloga, (V/R), Feb 18, GNA – Mr Richard Kwame Sefe, Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency in the Volta Region, has inaugurated the second phase of his youth empowerment initiative for unemployed graduates in his constituency.
It is aimed at creating employment opportunities and equipping the youth with relevant skills.
The event, held at EP Church Anloga-Agorve, served as a platform for dialogue with the youth in his constituency to gather data on their expertise and qualifications.
The programme was co-hosted by key stakeholders and some executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including representatives from the National Youth Authority (NYA).
It provided an avenue for participants to engage in discussions on topics essential for future opportunities.
According to Mr. Sefe, the second phase was designed to enhance productivity among all those who completed various levels of education but were unemployed in the constituency.
The first phase, conducted between 2021 and 2024, benefited approximately 1,000 young people who received training in various vocational skills, including dressmaking, welding, plumbing, auto mechanics, and other crafts.
During the session, participants were educated on professional business proposal writing, the preparation of standard curriculum vitae, and effective networking strategies to access opportunities.
Additionally, a team was established to collect accurate data on the attendees, including their bio data, and academic and professional qualifications. This effort aimed to build a comprehensive database to serve as a reference point for future employment engagements.
Addressing attendees, Mr Sefe assured them of a renewed focus on youth empowerment in Anlo.
He stated that “By the end of June, the outcomes of today’s exercise will begin to materialised. The welfare of my people remains my top priority, and I am committed to pursuing this at all times.”
He also emphasised the need for a robust database, explaining, that “Although the new John Mahama administration has several youth employment programmes to be implemented, it is also our responsibility as representatives to create the necessary avenues.
“Having a reliable database allows us to promptly connect beneficiaries with national opportunities as they arise,” Mr Sefe said.
The programme saw the participation of over 1,000 youth, made up of graduates who completed teaching and nursing training colleges, other tertiary institutions and Senior High Schools but were yet to be employed.
Their information was collated and would subsequently be synchronised into the newly established database for subsequent initiatives.
Mr Francis Susuawu, Director of the NYA, commended the MP’s initiative, noting, “Youth employment constitutes about 60 per cent of all employment in Ghana. This initiative by the MP will significantly contribute to preparing the youth for available opportunities.”
Mr Rolex Agbey Miheso, Anlo NDC Party Chairman, also encouraged the youth to remain disciplined and avoid social vices that could hinder their chances of securing employment.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to fostering a culture of youth empowerment within the constituency.
Some participants engaged by the GNA said the initiative was a sign of hope for them, adding that, “Some of us have been waiting at home for years since we completed school. This programme should not be a nine-day wonder but serve as a preparatory stage for our employment.”
Ghana Premier League side, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, has provided a new update on their decision to stay off the pitch following the tragic death of their staunch supporter, Nana Pooley.
The GPL record holders suffered a huge blow during their visit to Twumasikrom for a matchday 19 clash against Nsoatreman FC.
The game, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Kotoko, was overshadowed by heated confrontations both on and off the pitch. Tensions escalated when players from both sides clashed, prompting the referee to issue four red cards. The situation spiralled further out of control, which led to the death of the club’s devoted supporter.
To seek justice, the club decided to withdraw for the Ghana Premier League and put all first team activities on hold.
However, in a statement released by the club on Tuesday, the Porcupine Warriors have decided to return to training on Wednesday, 19th February, 2025, following a careful consideration and consultation with their medical department.
The club also reaffirmed that their decision to abstain from the Ghana Premier League and official matches remains unchanged.
“We also want to make it abundantly clear that this decision to resume training does not in any way alter our stance regarding footballing activities. Our position remains unchanged; we will not compete in any official matches until meaningful and decisive actions are taken to secure justice and protect the future of our game.”
Additionally, the management of the club pledged that they are committed to honoring the memory of Francis Yaw Frimpong by ensuring that such senseless violence never happens again.
The club have been in discussions with key government officials, including Minister of Sports Kofi Adams, Minister of Interior Muntaka Mubarak, and Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. These engagements, Kotoko said, have assured them that efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible for Pooley’s murder.
Reggae/Dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku has questioned why some Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Directors (MDs) of state enterprises are paid huge monthly wages.
He was responding to the issue of the GH¢70,000 paid monthly to the former Managing Director of the State Insurance Company (SIC), which was trending on social media.
The prolific singer insisted that he is baffled and does not understand why the president, who appointed these CEOs and MDs, earns less in monthly remuneration.
“Seriously, if you read or hear some of the monthly salaries these State CEOs and MDs receive, it’s quite huge, but I don’t really know how much the President receives,” he stated, as MyNewsGh.com listened.
“Even if the President receives 25K, it’s nowhere close or compared to what these CEOs and MDs get because we are talking about some people who are taking 90K or more every month.
“But these CEOs and MDs are appointed by the President, so how come that they take more monthly salary than the one who gave them their position? I’m baffled,” he queried in an interview with Amansan Krakye.
The Minister of Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, for his efforts in improving the Ghana Police Service.
He commended the IGP for enhancing the image of the service and making significant changes to its operations and infrastructure.
The Minister made these remarks during his visit to the Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 18th February.
Reflecting on his previous visit, he acknowledged the visible improvements in the environment and overall state of the service. He expressed appreciation for the transformation under Dr, Dampare’s leadership.
“I am not a troublemaker, so I’ve not been to the police headquarters. The last time I was here was in 2017. I think I must commend the IGP about the initial impression of the place, the progress and beautification of the place, the neatness and the uplifting of the service and the few changes he’s been able to make,” the Minister stated.
His comments highlighted the ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the police service.
The Interior minister’s commendation reinforces the government’s commitment to improving law enforcement and ensuring a more professional and efficient police service.
The recognition of Dr Dampare’s leadership further affirms the importance of continuous development within the security sector to enhance public confidence and safety.
KA
In the meantime, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has expressed concern over the previous government’s decision to prosecute the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, who is currently nominated for the position of Governor.
Simons described the move as “bizarre,” noting that the previous government turned policy issues into criminal indictments against Dr. Asiama.
Speaking on NewsFile on Joy FM on Saturday, February 15, 2025, Bright Simons explained that the decision to prosecute should not solely be based on legal grounds, as public policy considerations also play a significant role.
“The decision to prosecute or not is not entirely legal because there are many public policy considerations involved. This matter, specifically Dr. Asiama’s trial, is particularly interesting because, in the banking and finance sector, it’s not just legal issues that matter. There are also significant concerns related to macro-fiscal stability. The current Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) was executing a policy that his colleagues at the BoG agreed with: using the Emergency Liquidity Programme, a fund set up to support banks facing liquidity challenges, to prevent banks from failing.
“There are two types of liquidity provisions in this context: emergency liquidity, which can last up to three months, and intraday liquidity, which is crucial. Intraday liquidity means that if a bank is failing to settle transactions, the central bank can step in to ensure the overall banking system continues to function smoothly. When, for example, a payment is made from an account at Bank A to someone at Bank C, a settlement process is needed because the accounts are held at different banks. Typically, the central bank manages this settlement process by debiting the relevant accounts,” he explained.
Simons continued, “If the bank being debited doesn’t have sufficient funds in its settlement account, it could lead to payment failures, which could create significant distress across the entire financial system. So, given these factors, if a decision is made to prevent contagion in the banking sector by giving liquidity support to Unibank through UMB, since Unibank didn’t qualify for direct support at the time—this was a policy decision. With all of this in mind, how do you prosecute a deputy governor for making such a decision? I found that very difficult to understand.”
He also pointed out that in the banking and finance sector, factors such as macro-fiscal stability are equally important as legal issues.
Simons elaborated on the policy decisions made during Dr. Asiama’s tenure at the BoG, including the Emergency Liquidity Programme designed to support banks facing liquidity challenges.
He explained the two types of liquidity provisions used by the central bank: emergency liquidity, which can last up to three months, and intraday liquidity, which is critical to preventing payment failures within the banking system.
Simons noted that, at the time, the BoG decided to provide liquidity support to Unibank through UMB, as Unibank did not qualify for direct assistance. This decision was made to prevent contagion in the banking sector, a policy he believes was valid.
However, Simons questioned how such policy decisions could lead to the prosecution of a deputy governor like Dr. Johnson Asiama.
He further criticized the previous administration’s stance on the UT Bank matter, where the former Attorney-General argued that the central bank’s liquidity support violated the single obligor limit.
“Regarding the UT Bank matter, where the former Attorney-General suggested that the central bank’s payment of GH¢460 million violated the single obligor limit, I struggled to understand this argument. The single obligor rule applies to banks to prevent them from lending too much to one borrower, thereby concentrating risk. However, the central bank is not obligated to follow this rule when providing liquidity assistance to a bank. So, I didn’t understand why the central bank’s GH¢460 million payment to UT Bank would be considered a violation,” he lamented.
Simons further pointed out that the central bank is not bound by the single obligor rule when providing liquidity assistance to banks in distress.
“If UT Bank had been giving out that amount of money and breached the single obligor limit, I would understand, but that would not involve the central bank. The current argument suggests that the previous administration was lax because the asset quality review conducted in 2015 and 2016 did not hold some banks accountable. While we all have policy disagreements, it’s important to remember that the law granting the BoG its powers was passed in September 2016, long after the issues at hand. This means the central bank didn’t have the necessary tools at the time to address the situation as the following administration did. Turning these policy decisions into criminal charges is simply bizarre,” he explained.
Bright Simons also referenced the ongoing debate surrounding the prosecution of officials involved in the banking sector crisis.
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame had recently criticized the discontinuation of several high-profile criminal cases by Dr. Dominic Ayine, his successor.
Dame described the decision as alarming, stating that it prioritized the interests of defense lawyers over those of the republic.
Godfred Dame emphasized that these cases involved significant losses of taxpayer money and were linked to the banking crisis that had a serious impact on Ghana’s economy.
He expressed concern that such decisions could be detrimental to the public interest.
In response, Bright Simons called out the decision to turn policy matters into criminal cases, describing it as “bizarre” and suggesting that it lacked a proper understanding of the broader economic context.
He also pointed out that the laws used during the resolution of these issues were passed after the events in question, meaning the central bank did not have the necessary tools at the time to address the situation in the way that the subsequent administration was able to.
MA
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The University of Ghana Corporate Football League is gearing up for an energetic start, with Union Ghana set to defend their title against the College of Humanities this Friday, 21st February 2025, at the UG Sports Stadium. This highly anticipated fixture marks the beginning of a thrilling season where corporate giants will battle for football supremacy.
The official launch and balloting of the league took place on Tuesday, 18 February 18, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
The event unveiled the tournament structure, match fixtures, and team placements. The Eighteen (18) competing teams include Union Ghana, Ghana Armed Forces Sports Club, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, College of Health Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Education, Telecel Ghana, Ghana Football Association, College of Humanities, Stanbic Bank, Media General, Bui Power Authority, National Petroleum Authority, Central Administration, Zenith Bank, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Lancaster Accra and Forestry Commission will compete in this season’s league.
The teams were placed in two (2) groups with GROUP A consisting of Union Ghana, Ghana Armed Forces Sports Club, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, College of Health Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Education, Telecel Ghana, Ghana Football Association, College of Humanities
Group B has Stanbic Bank, Media General, Bui Power, National Petroleum Authority, Central Administration, Zenith Bank, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Lancaster Accra, Forestry Commission
A total of five (5) matches will be played this Friday 21st February: University of Processional Studies Accra (UPSA) playing University of Ghana, as the curtain raiser game, setting the stage for Union Ghana vs College of Humanities, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation vs Ghana Football Association, College of Health sciences vs Telecel Ghana, College of Basic & Applied Sciences vs College of Education. The UG Corporate Football League, running for 20 weeks, offers professionals an opportunity to showcase their skills, build networks, and strengthen corporate relationships.
The opening match between Union Ghana and the College of Humanities will be a battle of champions, with UNION entering as the defending winners of the UG Community Games Football Gala. However, College of Humanities, known for their tactical discipline and high-energy play, will be eager to make a statement and start their campaign with a victory.
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of University of Ghana shared the joy of University Management embarking on this journey to bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon. Kofi Adams who was the Special Guest of Honour expressed his excitement to be a part of the launch. In his speech, he stated that “This vision also aligns seamlessly with the vice chancellor of UG commitment to bridging academia and the corporate world ,and I salute the thinkers, the dreamers of this initiative and those who partnered and joined in bringing it to live, RITE Sports Services we really thank you”
As the tournament unfolds, teams will compete for top honors while fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and a spirit of competition among professionals. With a blend of corporate excellence and football passion, the UG Corporate Football League is set to be one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.
Will Union Ghana maintain their supremacy, or will a new champion arise? The battle for the title begins this Friday 21st February at the UG Sports Stadium.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has terminated the appointment and recruitment of all teaching and non-teaching staff who were yet to be placed on the government payroll.
The directive which was contained in a letter directed at the top rank of GES, takes immediate effect and is in line with an earlier directive issued by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, which terminated all recruitments made after December 7, 2024.
Acting Director-General of GES, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, in a letter dated February 17, 2025, and directed at all Regional, District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Directors of Education, instructed them to ensure that the directive is strictly complied with.
“Pursuant to the letter dated 10th February, 2025 with reference No (number) SCR/DA/85/01/A on the above subject from the office of the President, I wish to inform you that all recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff who have not been placed on the payroll yet, have been terminated with immediate effect in accordance with the Chief of Staff’s directive,” the GES letter pointed out.
GES added that the Directors of Education at the various level will be notified of any further directive concerning this issue as and when necessary.
Concerns
The termination comes at a time that the minority and some groups have called on government to reverse its decision to terminate all recruitments made after the December 7, 2025, election.
National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) speaking at a press conference last week, described the President’s directive to the Chief of Staff to nullify all public service appointments made after December 7, 2024, as poorly conceived, lacks legal foundation and compromises the integrity of Ghana’s public service recruitment processes.
He said the government should recognise that public service appointments are not gifts, they are legitimate job opportunities earned through due process.
He cited the appointments of made by the previous NDC administration after losing the 2016 election, and urged Ghanaians whose livelihoods are at risk due to this ‘unfortunate directive’ from the Mahama Administration to remain strong as the NPP is dedicated to protecting their legitimate jobs.
“The NPP will fully support any legal action to undo the illegal and wrongful termination of appointments. We also encourage affected persons to come together and seek legal redress,” Nana B added.
The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has announced the National Economic Dialogue, set to take place on March 3 and 4, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government emphasized that the forum will provide a platform for Ghanaians to address pressing economic challenges and develop actionable solutions to drive sustainable economic growth.
President Mahama will lead the dialogue with a Keynote Address centred on “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together.”
“This initiative represents a crucial step in fulfilling President Mahama’s campaign promise to involve citizens in discussions that shape their economic future. The dialogue will promote consensus and collaboration among participants regarding priority policies and structural reforms.
“The outcomes of the forum are expected to begin the journey towards economic revitalization, ultimately enhancing business opportunities and improving living conditions across the country. It will bring together key stakeholders from the private sector, academia, public policy institutions, and civil society organizations.”
Participants will engage in detailed discussions through thematic sessions focusing on critical areas such as: • Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability
• Promoting Economic Transformation
• Advancing Infrastructure Development
• Implementing Structural Reforms
• Ensuring Private Sector-Led Growth
• Restoring Good Governance and Combating Corruption
The forum aims to reset the economy, ensuring long-term resilience and transformative growth for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Rwanda has announced the suspension of its bilateral development cooperation with Belgium, citing what it describes as Belgium’s politicization of aid and interference in the ongoing crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move, revealed in a statement by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores deepening diplomatic tensions as regional and international actors navigate the complex conflict in the region.
Belgium Accused of Undermining Mediation Efforts
At the heart of Rwanda’s decision is what it sees as an “aggressive campaign” led by Belgium, allegedly working alongside Kinshasa to block Rwanda’s access to development financing from multilateral institutions. According to Kigali, this pressure undermines the African Union (AU)-mandated mediation process, which is backed by both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“Belgium has made a political decision to choose a side in this conflict, which is its right, but politicizing development is plainly wrong,” Rwanda’s foreign ministry stated.
Rwanda argues that using development aid as a tool of leverage against a country in the region sets a dangerous precedent, one that risks derailing African-led peace efforts and prolonging instability.
Security and Sovereignty at the Forefront
Beyond concerns about aid conditionality, Rwanda’s move signals its broader frustration with what it sees as international reluctance to address the root causes of instability in Eastern DRC. Kigali has long insisted that the conflict stems from Kinshasa’s failure to disarm the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned rebel group with links to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security,” the statement read. “Our only aim is a secure border, and an irreversible end to the politics of violent ethnic extremism in our region.”
A Diplomatic Shift?
The suspension of the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium marks a significant shift in Rwanda’s diplomatic posture. Traditionally, Rwanda has maintained strong development partnerships, ensuring accountability in the use of foreign aid. The decision suggests that Kigali is willing to forgo financial assistance if it believes its national security is being compromised.
“Development partnerships must be based on mutual respect,” the statement emphasized, warning that selective pressure on Rwanda while ignoring the deeper issues fueling the conflict would not lead to a lasting solution.
Regional and Global Implications
Rwanda’s move comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with M23 rebels—who claim to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis—gaining ground in Eastern DRC. While Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the group, Kigali has consistently denied involvement, arguing that the focus should be on addressing long-standing ethnic tensions and disarming groups like the FDLR.
The suspension of cooperation with Belgium could set a precedent for how Rwanda engages with other international actors moving forward. It also raises questions about the broader effectiveness of external interventions in the region’s protracted conflicts.
With diplomatic fault lines hardening and the crisis in Eastern DRC showing no signs of abating, the next steps by regional and international stakeholders will be closely watched. For Rwanda, the message is clear: security and sovereignty come first, even at the cost of longstanding partnerships.
Accra, Feb. 18, GNA – The 2023 District League Table (DLT), a tool for tracking the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on key development indicators, has revealed widespread disparities among the districts.
The DLT, an initiative by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) with support from UNICEF, raised issues regarding quality-of-service delivery and disparities in wellbeing among the 261 districts.
The 2023 Report covered indicators such as education, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, energy, governance, energy, and child protection.
In the area of sanitation, the Report showed that while the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality and Tema West Municipality both achieved scores of 100 per cent, the East Mamprusi Municipality scored 12.1 per cent.
In terms of water coverage, while seventeen MMDAs enjoyed 100 per cent access to potable water, Savelugu Municipal had only 10 per cent coverage.
In the area of health (which looked at the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0-3 months and Vitamin A coverage of children 6 to 959 months, among others), there was a stark disparity between Korle-Klottey Municipality which ranked first with a score of almost 100 per cent and the lowest ranked Assembly, Ablekuma North Municipality which scored only 28.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Sunyani Municipality ranked first overall, with a score of 94.2, followed by the Ayawaso West Municipality, and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, with a score of 93.9 and 90.2 respectively.
The Central Gonja District in the Savannah Region placed last with a score of 31.2.
The DLT is developed as a tool for tracking national development and highlighting districts that are doing well and those challenged in terms of wellbeing of their populations.
The overarching objective is to generate accurate District-level data and provide findings and recommendations with key messages to foster policy dialogue and actions at both the national and sub-national levels.
Commenting on the report, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman, NDPC, emphasised the need to put “human face” to the scores to enable the public to experience development beyond the rankings.
He said the NDPC would prioritise research to underpin its development plans and urged the country to pay attention to the challenges of the Assemblies to propel national development.
“Are things really improving? Are health services improving? Are schools improving? Enrolment may go up, but are people really learning?” Dr Thompson asked, adding: “These are the human elements that I would like this report to evolve to become.”
Dr Pauliina Sarvilahti, UNICEF Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion, said the widespread disparities among the districts should be a matter of concern.
“I wish to make a humble appeal to the National Development Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance to seriously consider including in the Budget Guidelines, reference to the District League Table as one of the tools which the MDAs could use to guide their allocation of financial and human resources to the district level, for the sake of the low-ranked Districts,” she said.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced that former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is expected to return to Ghana in May 2025 following a medical assessment abroad.
His statement comes after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared Ofori-Atta wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into corruption-related offenses. The OSP also urged the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Afenyo-Markin stated that the former minister’s legal representatives have been in contact with the OSP and have confirmed his scheduled return.
He added that Ofori-Atta is prepared to appear for an in-person interrogation upon his arrival.
The case has generated significant public interest, with the OSP intensifying efforts to ensure accountability in financial governance.
A letter from the ex-finance minister’s lawyers read by the Minority leader in the Chamber said: “We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February 17, 2025, we respectfully indicate that our client who is much due for his return cannot be any time before six to eight weeks of his possible surgical intervention as stated in the hospital’s letter.
“Our clients hold that taking into account surgical dates from March 20 to 21, and his recuperation period he should be able to be back into the jurisdiction between May 14 and 30, 2025. We hope you take note of this date and same can guide your office in fixing a day for the in-person of our client to your office,” he stated.
The Special Prosecutor’s several charges preferred against Ofori-Atta included involvement in the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA Contract, termination of the ECG-BXC contract, payments related to the National Cathedral, procurement of ambulances, and Utilisation of the Tax Refund Account.
Gifty Mensah, the former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), is at the center of a massive corruption scandal following allegations that she fraudulently inserted over 80,000 ghost names into the NSS system. The revelation, first reported by The Fourth Estate, has sparked nationwide outrage, with many demanding accountability for the alleged financial losses incurred under her leadership.
Despite the mounting criticisms, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has come to Gifty Mensah’s defense, describing the allegations as politically motivated. According to Nana B, the claims against the former NSS boss are baseless and an attempt to tarnish her reputation and that of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a recent radio interview, Nana B dismissed the corruption allegations, arguing that the NSS payroll system has strict verification processes that make it impossible for ghost names to be added undetected. “The payroll is only activated following stringent verification processes, and only personnel who pass the verification process are paid through the GhiPPS System, a Bank of Ghana subsidiary system,” he emphasized. He further stated that all payments are made only after monthly validations confirm that personnel are at their designated postings.
The Fourth Estate’s investigative report alleged that under Gifty Mensah’s leadership, the NSS was riddled with irregularities, including the registration of individuals with fake identities, overaged persons, and those with foreign IDs. According to the report, these loopholes allowed fraudulent withdrawals of huge sums of money meant for genuine national service personnel.
However, Nana B insists that these claims misrepresent the facts. “The publication by The Fourth Estate is false in suggesting that simply because monies allocated by Parliament exceed verified postings, some ‘ghosts’ are drawing pay,” he argued.
Former NSS executives, including Osei Assibey Antwi and Hon. Mustapha Ussif, have also refuted the allegations, insisting that robust measures were put in place to prevent fraudulent activities during their tenure. “We committed to implementing strong enrolment and verification mechanisms to reduce the occurrences of unscrupulous attempts to circumvent the system,” they said in a joint statement.
With pressure mounting, President Mahama has ordered an investigation into the matter to establish the facts. The outcome of the probe will determine whether Gifty Mensah is guilty of mismanaging the NSS payroll system or if she is the victim of a politically motivated attack.
For now, Ghanaians await the full truth behind this high-profile scandal.
President John Mahama has sworn in the newly appointed and elected members-designate of the Council of State.
The event took place at Jubilee House on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
This follows their successful election as representatives of the 16 regions during the Council of State elections.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the official start of their roles as a council of elders, offering wisdom and oversight to the presidency.
The institutional nominees include the former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, who takes charge as the Chairman of the Council of State.
Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo; the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan; the former Chief of Defence Staff, Michael Samson-Oje and the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
Other nominees include the Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi, Daasebre Boamah Darko; the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II; former Supreme Court Justice, Vida Amankwah Akoto-Bamfo; the Paramount Chief of Mankpan Traditional Area, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I; former Zebila MP, Cletus Avoka; former Health Minister Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah; former Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu, Cynthia Komley Adjetey; former Ambassador Molly Anim Addo and the Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area, Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II.
The 16 regional representatives bring expertise from diverse professional fields, including education, business, law, and agriculture.
The newly appointed members will serve for the duration of President Mahama’s tenure unless they resign, become incapacitated, or are removed from office by the President with parliamentary approval.
They include Maxwell Boakye representing the Western region, Hakeem Addae – Central region, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I – Greater Accra; Gabriel Adovoe Kwabla Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple – Volta region;
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Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club are set resume training on Wednesday to prepare for the return of the Ghana Premier League.
The Ghanaian top-flight was put on hold following the death of late Kotoko supporter, Nana Pooley, who was stabbed to death in Nsoatre during the clubs week 19 game against Nsoatreman FC.
In a statement, the Porcupine Warriors reiterated its deep pain over the tragic death of their staunch supporter and reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice.
“The wounds from that dark day have not healed, and our resolve for justice remains as strong as ever,” the club said.
Kotoko confirmed that after consultations with their medical department, the team will return to training to maintain the players’ physical and mental well-being. However, the club insisted that this decision does not mean they will take part in competitive matches until meaningful action is taken to address security concerns in the league.
“Our position remains unchanged; we will not compete in any official matches until meaningful and decisive actions are taken to secure justice and protect the future of our game,” the statement added.
The club have been in discussions with key government officials, including Minister of Sports Kofi Adams, Minister of Interior Muntaka Mubarak, and Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. These engagements, Kotoko said, have assured them that efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible for Pooley’s murder.
Kotoko urged the Attorney General’s department to expedite legal processes, emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
The club concluded by reaffirming its commitment to ensuring such incidents never happen again, vowing to honour the memory of their fallen supporter.
It goes without saying that the mining sector is essential to the country’s economy, contributing significantly to government revenue through corporate and employee taxes, royalties and dividends.
In 2022, the sector generated approximately GH¢6.4billion in direct domestic tax receipts – making up about 16.6 percent of the country’s total tax revenue.
In addition, mining operations generate significant expenses, creating a market for mining support services which offer specialised goods and services at various stages of operations.
According to Dr. Charles Ofori, Policy Lead for Climate Change and Energy Transition at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ghana must implement a robust industrial policy to establish itself as a hub for mining support services within the West Africa sub-region.
He emphasised that an effective industrial policy would provide stakeholders with a framework to drive development and ensure sustained growth in the mining support services sector.
Dr. Ofori maintains that industrial policy is critical for transforming Ghana into a leading provider of mining support services in Africa. Mining companies in the country spend a substantial portion of their budgets on procurement, primarily for goods and services which account for 31 percent to 64 percent of their mineral export revenue.
Gold production, in particular, is vital for foreign exchange earnings; accounting for around 39% of Ghana’s merchandise exports between 2011 and 2022. In 2022, gold generated around US$6.6billion, outpacing crude oil and cocoa exports.
These expenditures, estimated between US$995 million and US$3.2 billion annually, are categorised into local spending, energy costs and imported consumables.
Over the past decade, it is estimated that about US$1.4 billion has gone to local suppliers, US$658 million to energy costs and US$278 million to imports, with local transactions representing around 87 percent of total spending.
According to ACEP, it creates a market worth US$2 billion for mining support service companies. It is on the back of this value that Dr. Ofori stresses the need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking the manufacturing and industrial sectors to the mining sector to make what has been envisaged a reality.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry will have to lead industrial policy efforts and the Energy Ministry must provide manufacturers competitive pricing regarding tariffs, working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its key agencies.
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Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has revealed that he has no intention of returning to football administration even after his ban is lifted, citing the traumatic experience he endured.
FIFA initially handed Nyantakyi a lifetime ban from all football-related activities following an explosive investigative documentary by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The documentary, which premiered in June 2018, aimed to expose alleged corruption within Ghanaian football and showed Nyantakyi accepting $65,000 from an undercover reporter posing as a businessman.
However, Nyantakyi appealed the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which reduced his ban to 15 years. This led to speculation that he was seeking a way back into football administration.
Despite this, in an interview with Kessben TV, the former CAF Vice President admitted that while he still loves football, he has no desire to return.
“Although I still have a passion for football, I am not interested in becoming FA President again or taking up any other administrative role. The fear of going through a similar ordeal will always be there,” he stated.
He further explained that even if the ban had not been imposed, his experience after the documentary completely deterred him from considering a return. He described the situation as an attempt on his life.
“Honestly, even if I hadn’t been banned, I wouldn’t have returned. That experience showed me that they had the power to harm me because it felt like they wanted to kill me. Not many people can survive such an ordeal,” he added.
Nyantakyi served as GFA President from 2006 until his resignation in 2018. His tenure saw Ghana qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2006, marking a historic milestone for the nation.
He also oversaw the country’s participation in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the Black Satellites’ FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph in 2009.
Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid
A recent video capturing Empress Gifty’s visit to her mother’s grave, weeks after she was laid to rest, has gone viral on social media.
In a video making rounds online on February 18, 2025, the gospel musician, dressed in an all-white outfit, was seen pouring anointing oil and powder on the grave of her mother, Evangelist Agnes Aba Annan, popularly known as “Agaga.”
The ‘Watch Me’ hitmaker, visibly emotional, couldn’t hold back her tears as she bid Agaga farewell one more time in the caption, “My irreplaceable mother Agaga, I miss you. Exactly one month since you left us, maa. May your soul rest in peace.”
Empress Gifty’s mother’s funeral was held on January 18, 2025, at the Tema Community 8 School Park.
Born in 1954, Agaga passed away in January 2024.
She was a well-known actress and appeared in numerous TV commercials, known for her outspoken and bubbly personality despite her age.
Watch the video:
Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid:
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for the immediate past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, to be hauled before the General Legal Council for alleged misconduct in the prosecution of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the controversial ambulance procurement case.
According to Mr. Kpebu, Mr. Dame’s actions—allegedly coaching a prosecution witness to lie against an accused person—were disgraceful and brought the legal profession into disrepute.
Swedish coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, has been officially introduced as the new head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens in a ceremony in Accra. His appointment follows the departure of Nora Hauptle and marks a new era for the team.
The event was attended by Executive Council Members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Gideon Fosu and Samuel Aboabire, alongside General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, Technical Director Professor Joseph Mintah, and assistant coach Anita Wiredu Mintah.
With 18 years of coaching experience across Sweden, China, and the USA, Bjorkegren boasts an impressive résumé, including league titles with Apollon Ladies and Linköpings FC.
Gideon Fosu expressed confidence in his leadership, highlighting his expertise in women’s football and sports psychology.
Bjorkegren will soon lead the team on a 10-day tour in Morocco, playing friendlies ahead of their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to host the National Economic Dialogue on March 3 and 4, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The announcement, signed by the Acting Spokesperson of the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on February 18, 2025, highlighted the significance of the event.
“This important gathering will provide a platform for Ghanaians to address pressing economic challenges and develop actionable solutions to foster sustainable economic growth.
“President Mahama will lead the dialogue with a keynote address on the theme, ‘Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together,’ the statement read.
The initiative marks a crucial step in fulfilling President Mahama’s campaign promise to engage citizens in shaping the country’s economic future.
The dialogue aims to foster consensus and collaboration among participants on priority policies and structural reforms.
The government emphasized that the outcomes of the forum will set Ghana on a path to economic revitalization, enhancing business opportunities and improving living conditions nationwide.
The event will bring together key stakeholders from the private sector, academia, public policy institutions, and civil society organisations.
Participants will engage in in-depth discussions through thematic sessions focused on critical areas such as:
• Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability
• Promoting Economic Transformation
• Advancing Infrastructure Development
• Implementing Structural Reforms
• Ensuring Private Sector-Led Growth
• Restoring Good Governance and Combating Corruption
“By establishing clear commitments and milestones, the forum aims to reset the economy, ensuring long-term resilience and transformative growth for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded.
Josephine Oppong-Yeboah is a media personality and gender advocate
Renowned media personality and gender advocate, Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, has called on the government to prioritise the appointment of more women to political offices.
She believes empowering women in leadership roles is crucial for Ghana’s progress and prosperity.
Oppong-Yeboah stressed the importance of equal representation in decision-making, noting that women bring unique perspectives and solutions.
She applauded the government for appointing some women but urged them to recognise the untapped potentials of more women in Ghana.
“Women are a vital part of our society’s fabric. To advance our nation, we must elevate more women to leadership positions,” she said.
Oppong-Yeboah also emphasised that women in political offices must deliver concrete results and prove themselves capable of leading effectively.
She encouraged women in political positions to go beyond ceremonial roles and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Her advocacy is part of a broader push for gender equality, as she believes that empowering women is essential for societal and economic growth.
Musician, Bright Homenya, popularly known in showbiz circles as Article Wan, has disclosed why it’s not good for an artiste to have hit songs all the time.
According to the ‘Feel Okay’ crooner, having consistent hits puts a lot of pressure on the artiste, which might even stifle their creativity.
“You cannot be on top forever, so sometimes when the scene is normal without a hit song, it’s a good time for you to relax, think well, and come back again.
“But when you are always hot in the system, it even puts pressure on you, which might stifle your creativity because there are all eyes on you,” he continued on Cape Coast-based Property FM.
Article Wan added that he is ok with not having consistent hit songs because times change. He explained that he uses that as an opportunity work on his craft.
“To me, I don’t really have a problem when I don’t have any hit songs for a while because I always believe that things keep changing.
“Me, I take advantage of every situation. When the music is not kicking like the way it’s kicking, it’s the right time to sit down and go to the drawing board,” he answered, as MyNewsGh.com reported.
Sam George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has ordered the closure of seven radio stations across the country.
The affected stations include Gumah FM in Bawku, Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani (operating on 90.1 MHz), and Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani.
Sharing this update on his X page on Tuesday, January 17, 2025, the minister stated that the decision was made in accordance with the country’s broadcasting regulations and due to national security concerns.
“Today, in two separate cases, I have directed the NCA Ghana to suspend and enforce a prohibition of broadcast on a total of seven (7) radio stations.
“In one instance, the decision was based on national security grounds, while in six other cases, it was due to broadcasting without a valid frequency authorization following a recent frequency audit. Enforcement of this directive is immediate, and further action will be taken in the coming days,” he noted.
Sam Nartey George also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all media houses comply with the country’s media regulations.
“I reiterate my commitment to sanitizing our airwaves and ensuring strict adherence to the law regarding frequency authorizations. I urge all media houses to ensure they are complying with ALL the terms of their frequency authorizations,” he stated.
Read the post below:
Today, in two separate cases, I have directed the @NCAGhana to suspend and enforce a prohibition of broadcast on seven (7) radio stations in total.
In one instance, on national security grounds and in six other cases on the grounds of broadcasting without a valid frequency… pic.twitter.com/pb9ZZqkkZ6
Alex Mould in a group photo with management and staff of MiDA
In a significant leadership transition at the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Alexander Mould has assumed the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer.
He brings with him a proven track record of excellence and a depth of expertise from both the private and public sectors, with over three decades in finance, energy, and governance.
During his inaugural address to the MiDA team, Mould emphasized his collaborative leadership style and acknowledged the wealth of experience within the organization. “I am, first and foremost, a people person,” Mould stated, expressing his readiness to learn from the existing team.
“I will be relying heavily on your expertise and institutional knowledge to bring me up to speed so we can collectively deliver the results expected from this important institution.”
Mould previously served as the CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), where he spearheaded transformative reforms at both organizations, driving operational excellence and growth.
At MiDA, he is expected to bring a fresh perspective on aligning the institution’s objectives with the government’s development priorities.
Hence, a key focus of Mould’s vision at MiDA involves strengthening the organization’s alignment with government initiatives, particularly the proposed 24-hour economy program.
He outlined plans to engage in substantive discussions with government stakeholders to identify opportunities for MiDA to take on a more prominent role in the nation’s development agenda.
He highlighted the immediate priority of having meaningful conversations with government officials to explore effectively integrating programs that will support the 24-hour economy initiative, as well as the importance of synchronization between MiDA’s activities and the government’s broader growth agenda, stressing that “MiDA needs to be in perfect sync with the government’s vision.”
Emphasizing the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration, he stated that MiDA would actively work with various ministries to identify and potentially assume management of strategic projects to ensure effective project management and implementation, delivering tangible results for Ghana.
Looking toward the future, Mould articulated an ambitious vision for his tenure at MiDA.
He expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the opportunity, entrusting him to transform MiDA into a world-class project implementation organization to deliver his government’s flagship projects in support of the 24-hour economy agenda.
“The legacy I want to leave is to establish MiDA as the government of Ghana’s go-to project implementation unit.”
The appointment of Alex Mould marks a new chapter for MiDA, with a renewed focus on alignment with national development goals and efficient project implementation.
His emphasis on collaborative leadership and strategic alignment with government initiatives suggests a potentially transformative period ahead for the organization as a key player in achieving the government’s broader growth agenda.
Vinicius Junior has completed the purchase of Portuguese second-division club FC Alverca for £6.7 million, as the club sets its sights on securing a place in the top flight.
According to reports by UOL, the Brazilian forward spearheaded a group of investors from his home country and Spain, securing ownership of an estimated 70–80% stake in Alverca.
Based near the capital, Lisbon, Alverca currently sits second in Liga Portugal 2 and now dreams of joining Portuguese giants Sporting CP, Porto, and Benfica in the top tier next season.
The acquisition comes just a year after the club won Liga 3, marking a remarkable resurgence following its 12-month shutdown in 2005 due to financial difficulties.
Alverca confirmed the purchase with a statement, “Ricardo Vicintin has sold his qualified stake in the public limited company to a group of investors. More information on the matter will be communicated in due course.”
The club has previously played in the top division, featuring in three out of five seasons between 1998 and 2003. Their home ground, the Complexo Desportivo, has a capacity of 7,705.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. will be a key figure when Real Madrid faces Manchester City on Wednesday, February 19, as they aim to secure a spot in the Champions League last 16.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile watch this explainer on the dismissal of the No. 12 corruption case after Anas refused to testify without mask
M23 rebel troops arrive at the Rusizi border post, joining Congo’s Bukavu with Cyangug in Rwanda
The UN human rights chief accused Rwanda-backed rebels who seized a second major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of killing children and attacking hospitals and warehouses storing humanitarian aid.
Volker Türk said in a statement Tuesday that his office “confirmed cases of summary execution of children by M23 after they entered the city of Bukavu last week. We are also aware that children were in possession of weapons.”
He provided no details or did not refer to specific events, but UN agencies have previously accused both Congolese government forces and the rebels of recruiting children. The United Nations Human Rights Council earlier this month launched a commission that will investigate atrocities, including rapes and killings akin to “summary executions” committed by both sides since the beginning of the year.
The M23 rebels on Sunday captured Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million people, after seizing Goma, 101 kilometers (63 miles) to the north last month. At least 3,000 were reported killed and thousands displaced in the Goma fighting.
The M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups vying for control of eastern DRC’s trillions of dollars in mineral wealth that’s critical for much of the world’s technology. The rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to UN experts.
Rwanda accuses DRC of enlisting Hutu fighters responsible for the 1994 genocide of minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus. M23 says it’s fighting to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin from discrimination and wants to transform DRC from a failed into a modern state — though critics say it’s a pretext for Rwanda’s involvement.
Unlike in 2012, when the M23 briefly seized Goma and withdrew after international pressure, analysts have said the rebels this time are eyeing political power.
The decades-long fighting has displaced more than 6 million people in the region, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
A Ugandan military official said Tuesday that Ugandan troops had entered the eastern Congolese city of Bunia to assist the Congolese army in quelling deadly violence by armed ethnic groups.
Ghanaian entrepreneur and TV show host Deloris Frimpong Manso, popularly known as Delay, has promised to adopt an 11-year-old girl from her four siblings.
The girls are being raised by a single mother after their father passed away.
Delay made this kind gesture during the launch of Linzzy Pad and Baby Diapers Market Activation in Ashaiman, where she was impressed by the young girl’s dance performance.
Delay took the opportunity to encourage the girl to be obedient, listen to her mother’s advice, and assure
Nana Yaa Jantuah and Ken Ofori-Atta
Nana Yaa Jantuah a Presidential staffer has said the former finance minister Ken Ofori Atta has tainted the holy words of the Bible and made nonsense of Christianity and Christ.
Her comments come after the OSP Kissi Agyebeng declared Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive for failing to appear for interrogation into corruption-related investigations.
Ken Ofori Atta has been accused of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings including the construction of the famous National
Buttoned gowns are a classic wardrobe piece, combining elegance and practicality effortlessly. Their versatility makes them perfect for daytime wear, offering both comfort and style.
Here are some beautiful buttoned gown options that stylish women can confidently wear to church
Midi dresses with button-down fronts are both stylish and functional. These dresses often feature flattering silhouettes that complement various body types. Pairing them with sandals or ankle boots creates a polished daytime look. Consider browsing collections with a variety of button-front midi dresses in diverse patterns and styles.
Linen maxi dresses with button detailing are ideal for warm days. The breathable fabric ensures comfort, while the buttons add an elegant touch. These dresses can be cinched at the waist with a belt for a more defined silhouette. Explore collections with an assortment of buttoned maxi dresses in different styles.
Shirt dresses are a must-have for daytime wear. Their structured yet easy-going fit makes them perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Pairing a button-front shirt dress with sneakers or flats provides a comfortable and chic ensemble. Browse options that showcase button-front shirt dresses in a variety of lengths and styles. Floral buttoned gowns offer a feminine and refreshing flair.
A-line button-down dresses are flattering and versatile, making them perfect for events like brunches, picnics, or casual outings. Pair them with wedges or ballet flats to complete the look. For diverse floral buttoned dresses, explore collections with a range of designs.
Denim button-front dresses offer a trendy yet casual option for daytime wear .Style them with sneakers for a relaxed vibe or dress them up with heeled sandals for a more refined appearance. Explore denim button-down dress options in a variety of cuts and styles. When choosing a buttoned gown for daytime wear, consider the fabric, length, and fit to match the occasion and personal style. Complementing accessories and footwear can elevate the overall look, helping fashionable women wear their buttoned gowns with confidence all day long.
President John Dramani Mahama has apologised to the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for the delay in extending invitations to them for the ongoing National Education Forum in Ho.
His apology follows concerns raised by the two Christian bodies in a press statement, expressing their disappointment over being excluded from the crucial discussions on Ghana’s education system. The Forum, launched on Tuesday, February 18 in the Volta region, aims to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on policies and reforms in the education sector.
Addressing the issue at the forum’s launch, President Mahama acknowledged the oversight and reassured religious leaders of his government’s commitment to inclusivity in national dialogues on education.
“Let me express my sincerest apologies on behalf of the planning committee of the forum to our stakeholders of the faith-based organizations for the unpardonable omission committed in your delayed invitation to this forum,” he stated in the Volta Regional capital.
He emphasized that the mistake had been quickly rectified but still warranted an apology.
“The omission was very speedily remedied, but you still deserve an unqualified apology for this oversight,” he added.
Recognizing the vital role religious organizations play in education, Mahama expressed confidence that they would extend their understanding.
“And since you are the purveyors of God’s mercy on Earth, I’m sure that you have forgiven us… And we know you’re important stakeholders because you own some of the schools, and so this educational forum is important to see how we carry everybody together.”
The National Education Forum brought together education experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Ghana’s education system.
Discussions are expected to focus on key issues such as curriculum development, teacher training, infrastructure challenges, and the role of faith-based institutions in shaping the country’s educational landscape.
Despite the initial oversight, the participation of faith-based organizations in the forum is expected to contribute significantly to the discourse, given their long-standing involvement in the provision of quality education across the country.
Catholic Bishops, Christian Council protest omission from National Education Forum
Ghanaian-American comedian and actor, Michael Blackson, has taken to social media to officially declare that he is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the government’s announcement to settle Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) coupons worth GH¢6.081 billion.
In a tweet on February 17, Michael Blackson expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the payment of the coupon.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has ordered the immediate shutdown of Gumah FM, a radio station in Bawku.
It follows the urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The directive comes after an emergency REGSEC meeting held on February 11, 2025, where intelligence reports indicated that Gumah FM was being used as a platform to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in Bawku and parts of the North East Region.
Citing Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), the government directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enforce the station’s closure in the interest of national security and public order.
As part of the enforcement measures:
Gumah FM must immediately cease all broadcasting operations. Authorities will monitor the situation to prevent the creation of alternative platforms that could propagate violence or instability.
The Communication Minister reiterated the importance of responsible media practices, urging all broadcasters to adhere strictly to their frequency authorisation conditions.
“The government remains committed to preserving national security, public safety, and the rule of law.”
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.
Accra Hearts of Oak suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Heart of Lions in a club friendly on Tuesday afternoon.
The game started with both teams struggling to convert their chances in the first half.
But the visitors broke the deadlock through Ebenezer Abban’s strike from the penalty spot during the 63rd minute.
The Rainbows, however, pressed high in a search of an equaliser, which came in the 90th minute when Seth Osei scored his debut goal.
Despite conceding late, Heart of Lions quickly restored their lead through Seedorf Asante Afful, who capitalised on Hearts’ poor defending to score, which gave the visitors an important win at Kpobiman.
The contest looked destined for a draw until Afful came off the bench and popped up with the crucial goal in added time.
Coach Bashir Hayford will hope his team can continue this imperious form when the league returns, but Coach Aboubakar Ouattarra will hope he can fix these errors before the league returns.
With the Ghana Premier League put on hold, both teams are expected to feature in warm-up games to keep their form in shape.
Accra Hearts of Oak are level on points (33) in fourth, behind Lions on goal difference after matchday 19.
The Movement for Change, one of the independent political groups in the 2024 general elections, has charged the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, to dissolve all forex bureaux in the country to allow foreign currencies to be exchanged directly at commercial banks.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, the spokesperson for the Movement for Change, Andrew Appiah Danquah, called on the government to completely overhaul the forex sector, scrap levies such as the betting tax, and maintain the flat rate for Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MMSEs).
The Movement believes this will go a long way in restoring financial confidence in the financial sector.
“The stabilisation of the local economy is of prime importance in maintaining a healthy economy. In this regard, while working towards a more robust and comprehensive medium to long-term solution, particularly in the area of boosting exports and enhancing import substitution, the ministry should introduce some short-term policy interventions designed to regulate the demand and supply of foreign exchange.
“In this regard, government should suspend with immediate effect until further notice. The operation of all forex bureaux and mandate all forex transactions to be conducted through the commercial banks and the Bank of Ghana. In addition, government-existent regulations on the retention of frauds from export revenue must be strictly enforced.”
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Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has noted that he is no longer with the Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation For West Africa (MFWA).
The Fourth Estate is an investigative institution which has undertaken investigations into various activities over the years. The latest investigative work undertaken by the Fourth Estate is the National Service Secretariat scandal.
In the NSS Scandal, officials at the National Service Authority (NSA) allegedly circumvented mandatory validation processes for payments of allowances to national service personnel, enabling thousands of nonexistent names to be added to the payroll.
This made it easy to use the ghost names to drain the public purse of millions of Ghana cedis in allowances intended for national service personnel.
Meanwhile, the Media Foundation for West Africa, the parent company of the Fourth Estate, works to promote freedom of expression, press freedom, access to information, internet freedom and media development.
Manasseh Azure Awuni has worked for the two esteemed organisations since he left the Multimedia Group. But in a Facebook post, the outspoken journalist emphasized that he no longer works for the aforementioned institutions.
He thanked those tagging him for the staggering revelation in the NSS Scandal but pointed out that he is no longer part of the team.
“Thank you for the mentions, but let me state once again that I’m no longer with The Fourth Estate, the MFWA’s project,” he posted.
Manasseh Azure Awuni is currently schooling in the USA. It is unclear if he will return to work with the two companies after his education or not.
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DjQwequ Blog of Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Source: Emmanuel Jacob Amissah
In a move to sanitize the airwaves and enforce strict adherence to frequency authorization laws, the National Communications Authority Ghana has suspended seven radio stations. This directive, issued by Sam Dzata George, was made in two separate cases, with one instance citing national security grounds and the other six cases involving stations broadcasting without valid frequency authorizations.
The suspensions are effective immediately, with further action expected in the coming days. George emphasized the importance of media houses complying with the terms of their frequency authorizations, urging them to ensure they are operating within the law.
This development highlights the National Communications Authority’s commitment to regulating the broadcasting industry and ensuring that all stations operate within the legal framework. The authority’s actions aim to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and maintain national security.
The National Communications Authority Ghana is responsible for regulating the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, ensuring that all operators comply with the laws and regulations governing these sectors.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has filed a lawsuit challenging what he describes as the unlawful termination of appointments for individuals employed both before and after December 7, 2024.
Nana Boakye argues that the directive, issued by the Chief of Staff on February 10, 2025, is unconstitutional and exceeds her authority.
According to him, the decision violates Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects public service employees from dismissal without just cause.
He explained that neither the Chief of Staff nor the President has the power to arbitrarily revoke legally sanctioned appointments.
As part of his reliefs, he is asking the Supreme Court to declare the directive null and void, prevent government institutions from enforcing it, and affirm that the President is bound to uphold constitutional protections for public sector employees.
He is also seeking an order for the government to cover legal costs.
The Attorney General, who has been named as the defendant, has 14 days from the date of service to file a response to the lawsuit.
Background
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has instructed all heads of government institutions to revoke appointments made by the previous Akufo-Addo administration after December 7, 2024.
This directive was issued in a letter dated February 10, 2025, and addressed to leaders of public institutions.
In the document, Julius Debrah emphasized that appointments and recruitments made after the stated date do not align with principles of good governance.
“In line with the government’s position on end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to inform you that all such engagements in Ghana’s Public Services after December 7, 2024, are inconsistent with established governance practices,” the letter stated.
See the lawsuit below
JKB/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has filed a lawsuit challenging what he describes as the unlawful termination of appointments for individuals employed both before and after December 7, 2024.
Nana Boakye argues that the directive, issued by the Chief of Staff on February 10, 2025, is unconstitutional and exceeds her authority.
According to him, the decision violates Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects public service employees from dismissal without just cause.
He explained that neither the Chief of Staff nor the President has the power to arbitrarily revoke legally sanctioned appointments.
As part of his reliefs, he is asking the Supreme Court to declare the directive null and void, prevent government institutions from enforcing it, and affirm that the President is bound to uphold constitutional protections for public sector employees.
He is also seeking an order for the government to cover legal costs.
The Attorney General, who has been named as the defendant, has 14 days from the date of service to file a response to the lawsuit.
Background
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has instructed all heads of government institutions to revoke appointments made by the previous Akufo-Addo administration after December 7, 2024.
This directive was issued in a letter dated February 10, 2025, and addressed to leaders of public institutions.
In the document, Julius Debrah emphasized that appointments and recruitments made after the stated date do not align with principles of good governance.
“In line with the government’s position on end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to inform you that all such engagements in Ghana’s Public Services after December 7, 2024, are inconsistent with established governance practices,” the letter stated.
See the lawsuit below
JKB/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has removed former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, from its list of wanted persons following a communication from his legal team confirming his voluntary return to Ghana.
On February 18, 2025, Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyers transmitted a communication to the OSP, providing a definite date for his return to the country.
The OSP, in response to the communication, deemed Ken Ofori-Atta’s stated return date reasonable under the circumstances.
Consequently, the OSP rescheduled the date for Ken Ofori-Atta’s attendance, aligning it with his voluntary return.
As a result of this development, Ken Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP’s list of wanted persons and is no longer considered a fugitive from justice, pending his return on the agreed date.
The OSP in a letter said, “If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to voluntarily return to the jurisdiction on or around his stated date, or if he fails to attend the OSP on the rescheduled date, he will be re-entered on the OSP’s wanted list. The OSP will then consider him a fugitive from justice and take all necessary legal steps to secure his return and ensure his attendance at the OSP’s office.”
The OSP reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, emphasizing that all actions will be guided by due process and fairness.
Background
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that all indications suggest Ofori-Atta has absconded from Ghana to evade investigations into alleged corruption.
He stated that Ofori-Atta has two choices; either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or face the consequences.
The former finance minister is under investigation regarding contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.
Another investigation concerns the termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited for distribution loss reduction and network improvement.
He is also being investigated over procurement, payments, and activities related to the controversial National Cathedral project.
Additionally, he has been linked to contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health initially through the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
Furthermore, the OSP is examining payments made from and the utilization of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.
Following these allegations, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng demanded Ofori-Atta’s immediate return to Ghana to face investigations.
In an era where personal style and luxury have become statements of power and prestige, former Deputy Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has taken the fashion world by storm. With a flair for the extraordinary, she recently flaunted her exquisite taste in timepieces, turning heads with her stunning $360,000 Richard Mille watch, among other coveted brands.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, a charismatic figure known for her leadership and dedication during her tenure at NSS, has now become a beacon of elegance and sophistication. The vibrant public figure took to social media, showcasing her jaw-dropping wrist adornments in a series of posts that captivated her followers and the fashion-forward community alike.
The Richard Mille RM 56-02, which Gifty sported, is not just a watch; it’s a masterpiece. Known for its bold aesthetics and technical craftsmanship, this watch is made from sapphire crystals, providing a transparent view of its intricate inner workings. Each piece is precisely engineered, and the materials used are often exclusive, adding to its value and allure. Owning one is synonymous with status, and Gifty’s decision to wear such an iconic timepiece showcases her refined taste and appreciation for luxury.
But Gifty doesn’t stop at just one remarkable watch. Alongside her Richard Mille, she has been spotted showcasing an enviable collection featuring other luxury brands, including Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Hublot, and TAG Heuer. Each brand carries its unique story and heritage, appealing to a wide range of watch enthusiasts.
Audemars Piguet, known for its Royal Oak, is a staple among the elite. Gifty effortlessly paired her beautiful timepieces with elegant outfits, showcasing how versatile luxury watches can be.
Patek Philippe, often regarded as one of the finest watchmakers in the world, emphasizes traditional craftsmanship. Gifty’s choice of a Patek Philippe Nautilus added an urban edge to her stunning wardrobe.
In terms of craftsmanship and style, Rolex remains unparalleled. Gifty’s Rolex Day-Date, famous for its association with power and success, complements her approach to life and work.
Omega, always a favorite for its innovative technology and classic designs, appears in Gifty’s collection as well. Furthermore.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has provided an update on the cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in the Upper West region, revealing that over 129 cases have been recorded as of Sunday, February 16.
Unfortunately, the outbreak has resulted in 16 deaths, while 29 individuals are currently receiving treatment.
Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is a serious inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. CSM is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck and back, vomiting, joint and muscle pain, drowsiness, light sensitivity and seizures
Addressing Parliament on the outbreak in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, Minister Akandoh identified the most affected districts as Wa Municipal, Nanduli, Wa West, Jirapa, and Nandum.
Despite the significant number of cases and deaths, he assured the public and Parliament that efforts are being made to control the outbreak.
“Mr. Speaker, despite the substantial cases and unfortunate deaths, I wish to assure the House and the good people of Ghana that we have considerable efforts to keep the outbreak under control,” he stated.
Highlighting the positive developments, Akandoh noted that there has been a noticeable decrease in new meningitis cases in the Upper West Region.
“Our efforts are paying off. Already, a wave of improvement is evident in the Upper West Region where new meningitis cases are decreasing,” he said.
The Minister attributed this positive change to the swift and decisive actions taken by the Ministry of Health.
These actions included deploying experts to support local teams, conducting a high-level visit to assess the situation, providing support and ensuring free treatment for all affected individuals.
“This positive change follows the Ministry of Health’s swift and decisive actions, which included deploying experts to support local teams, conducting a high-level visit to assess the situation, and providing support and ensuring free treatment for all affected individuals,” he explained.
Additionally, the Ministry activated an emergency operations center for coordinated response efforts and engaged in consultations with international experts to address the crisis effectively.
Read also…
Be calm, CSM and Cholera outbreaks under control – Akandoh