The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a series of emergency and planned maintenance activities set to take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in parts of the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions. 

The scheduled works are aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a more stable power supply to affected communities.

In Greater Accra, ECG will carry out emergency maintenance between 9 am and 4 pm. The areas expected to be affected include Tseaddo, Marie Court Estate, Avenue Junction, New England, and nearby locations. ECG has expressed regret for the inconvenience this may cause to residents and businesses in the area.

Meanwhile, in the Ashanti Region, three separate planned maintenance operations will take place. In the first operation, scheduled between 9 am and 6 pm, power supply will be interrupted in several towns and villages. These include Adankwame, Achiase, Kronum Cement, Nketiah, Asuofua, Adugyama, Offinso, Kokote, Abira, Tetrem, Barekese, Ntiri Buoho, Hemang, KCG, Namong, Ahenkro, Denase, Akrowa, Kodie, Apagya, Akrofrom, Patasi, Aduman, and Aduamoah.

A second group of communities, including Fawoade, Mamponteng, Ntonso, Asenemaso, Aboaso, Hemang, Tano Dumase, Ankaase Hospital, Adwumakase, Dumanafo, Mpobi, Ejuratia and surrounding areas, will also experience power outages from 9 am to 5 pm on the same day.

In a third maintenance operation also scheduled for Thursday, power will be interrupted from 9 am to 5 pm in Piase, Deduako, Mim, New Brodakwaw, Beposo, Nyameani, UNICEM, Abono, Obo, Nyametiase, Nkoainkwata, Abretwen, Sawaba, Denase, Abenkyim, Anwiankwanta, Awhia, Dominase, Bhenase, Ntinanko, Poano, Daa, Apaaso, and Asanso.

ECG has reassured the public that these maintenance works are essential for improving the reliability of power supply and has apologised for any inconvenience caused. The company has urged affected residents to take the necessary precautions and prepare for the temporary outages.

Ghanaian businessman and governance advocate, Rev Kennedy

Liberia has appointed Ghanaian businessman and governance advocate, Rev Kennedy Okosun, as Consultant and Advisor for its inaugural Investment Conference, scheduled to take place in Accra on May 15 and 16, 2025.

The two-day high-level forum, spearheaded by the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Embassy in Ghana, will bring together West African investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to drive regional partnerships, deepen economic synergies, and position Liberia as a viable destination for investment.

Speaking to ModernGhana News in a pre-event interview on Tuesday, May 13, Rev Okosun — Executive Chairman of Krif Ghana Limited — stated that his mandate goes beyond ensuring the success of the event, extending to fostering long-term outcomes that last well beyond the conference.

“This conference seeks to deepen regional investment partnerships and engage key stakeholders across West Africa’s economic landscape. Though Liberia is the host, the benefits are expected to ripple across the region, including Ghana,” he noted.

The 2025 Liberia Investment Conference marks the first time the event is being held outside Monrovia, signalling Liberia’s strategic move to attract broader regional and international investor attention through Ghana’s globally respected platform.

Describing Ghana as a strategic choice for hosting the event, Rev Okosun stated:

“Ghana is the star of Africa. Ghana is the golden jewel. In one simple sentence, Ghana is the place to be.”

The conference is expected to attract key players from sectors such as agriculture, energy, maritime, transport, petroleum, telecommunications, engineering, real estate, waste management, environmental solutions, and more.

Rev Okosun also disclosed that the event will witness the official launch of two bilateral associations: the Ghana-Liberia Business Chamber and the Ghana-Liberia Friendship Association. Both initiatives aim to deepen and sustain economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

“These two initiatives will ensure that the relationship we begin to build from this conference does not end on May 16. As a consultant, my role is to ensure that the before, the during, and the after are all successful,” he said.

To sustain momentum, he hinted at a follow-up conference later in 2025 and a recognition ceremony in 2026 to honour entrepreneurs and businesses that emerge from the initiative. The recognition forum will commend, support, and publicly celebrate business pioneers born out of the Accra conference.

Rev. Okosun believes these efforts will leave a lasting impact on the region’s business landscape.

“If you are an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or a policymaker interested in trade and investment in Liberia, this is an opportunity you should not miss,” he urged.

Following the Liberia Investment Conference, Rev. Okosun will host his flagship event — The Diplomatic Round Table and Trade Networking — on June 25, 2025, in Accra.

The event, themed “Trade Without Barriers,” is being organised by KRIF Media, KRIF Foundation, and Mediadotkom. It aims to foster stronger diplomatic and trade ties between embassies and Ghanaian businesses in alignment with the 24-hour economy agenda of the John Dramani Mahama-led government.

The diplomatic forum is expected to host representatives from the United Nations, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be moderated by former Ghanaian diplomat and minister, Ambassador Ekow Spio-Garbrah.

AM/KA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

I would like to pay trib­ute to my good old friend ex-international football star, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, who passed on last weekend. He was 88.

Before paying his well-deserved tribute, may I be permitted to divert a bit and express my disap­pointment in Sports Minister Kofi Adams for his remarks during the 24th anniversary of the histor­ic Accra Stadium May 9, 2001 disaster.

Most probably, in sync with the current national chorus fault find­ing, he questioned the credibility of the May 9 Foundation set up to handle the disaster victims. Based on some information, the Minister said he had gathered no proper accounting had been made by the Foundation. I can authoritatively say this is palpably false.

I thought having been blessed with two seasoned sports journal­ists at the helm of affairs at the National Sports Authority, the Minister would be speaking on sports matters based on facts and figures.

It is common knowledge that the Foundation’s fully manned secretariat folded up with a well audited record a couple of years ago after catering for a long list of dependents of the stadium disaster. Many talented dependents were educated up to the University, a few with Master’s degree.

The Presidential Commission appointed by President Kufuor did a marvellous work. Two of their landmark recommendations were education for the dependents and the setting up of a National Ambu­lance Service.

The Commission, which was chaired by renowned veteran law­yer Samuel Okudzeto, comprised two former Deans of Law at Uni­versity of Ghana, a top Professor of Pathology and a seasoned sports journalist. I can say with some amount of authority the Commis­sion did a good assignment.

The full report plus Government White Paper should be available at the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority. If con­tacted, I am sure the indefatigable veteran lawyer and politician, Mr Samuel Okudzeto, will be too will­ing to brief Minister Kofi Adams on the full history of arguably Afri­ca’s most deadly stadium disaster. I rest my case.

With this preamble permit me to pay my tribute to departed football icon Whidiem born Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum of blessed memory.

The aggressive forward player with bullet shots affection­ately called Bulldozer, led Kumasi Asante Kotoko to become a strong force in the 60s. He was a star player in Kotoko’s first Champi­ons League Cup final against Englebert of Congo Republic that Kotoko lost through the toss of a coin.

He played regularly for the national team, Black Stars, and made history by tearing the net with a bullet shot in an internation­al match against Tunisia at the Ac­cra Stadium in 1968. As captain of the Black Stars in 1965, he missed the AFCON in Tunisia that year due to a last minute injury during their preparations. As fate would have it, his deputy, Addo Odam­etey, brilliantly led the team to win the cup thus Ghana retaining it after the first triumph in Accra in 1963.

Sports Director, Ohene Djan, described “Mfum as a powerful in­dividualist with a lethal shot in the right foot. A fearless minesweeper and initiator of all onslaughts. A centre forward but in desperate moments he roamed the entire field for action and goals. He hated defeat and spent every iota of strength in him employing all tricks to convert defeat into victory.”

My observation was that Mfum had a telepathic understanding between him and wizard dribbler, Osei Kofi. Nimble footed Osei Kofi supplied the perfect passes and Mfum finished the goods in brilliant fashion.

It is said that in certain matches Osei Kofi would play so much to the gallery with prolonged drib­bling antics much to the annoyance of Mfum who was ever ready to find the net.

Mfum later played profes­sional football in the USA. The records say Mfum started his football career with Swedru All Blacks and later moved to Cape Coast Vipers and Kumasi Great Ashanti before moving to Asante Kotoko.

He toured Europe in 1961 with the Black Stars and East Africa in 1962. He was awarded Central Organisation of Sports (COS) Master’s degree in sports in 1962. He was number two top scorer in the Black Stars next to Edward Acquah, “The man with the Sputnik Shot”. He also played in both the Tokyo 1964 Olympics and the 1968 Mexico Olympiad.

On his retirement from ac­tive football, he returned home from the U.S to serve as board member of Asante Kotoko.

Mfum’s passion for football never waned. He followed the game very well. He was espe­cially thrilled with the comparison of Hearts versus Kotoko matches as the Ghanaian version of the Spanish El Classico between Barce­lona and Real Madrid. Incidentally, the latest El Classico at the week­end which ended in a dramatic 4-3 win for Barcelona, had similarities with the Ghana version in Kumasi 42 years ago which Hearts won 4-3.

In that fully packed match on August 7, 1983 Zico Opoku Nti scored a hat-trick but his team lost just as Mbappe scored a hat-trick but Madrid lost.

In the Kumasi match under review, Hearts led 3-0 at half time through Emmanuel Botchway (9th, 40th), and Sam Yeboah (32nd) Opoku Nti (54, 55, 60) in six minutes made the scores even with powerful shots from the left flank.

Hesse Odamtten with a powerful in-swinger won the day for Hearts in the 76th minute.

What a match it was and what a time to recall the scoring prowess of one of the greatest goal scorers the nation has produced.

In his days, Mfum was nick­named Bulldozer which was the strongest earth moving machine in vogue.

Later on, we had “Soccer Articu­lator.” I’m referring to the powerful attacking forays of Agyeman Badu of BA United fame.

In our current dispensation, Mfum would have been called “ex­cavator” the strong earth moving machine which is the subject mat­ter in all galamsey affairs. Rest in peace Kwadwo Mfum. Your name will be in letters of gold when the history of Ghana football is truly written.

BY KEN BEDIAKO

VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a leading provider of digital and physical citizen services based in Brazil.

This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal step in VFS Global’s expansion journey as it continues to broaden its capabilities and deepen its impact in the public service delivery space.

With nearly two decades of pioneering innovation in citizen services, CiX has established a strong presence in Brazil. This success will be further scaled across other global markets, including Africa, leveraging VFS Global’s international reach and operational excellence.

This acquisition is centred on driving transformation through advanced digital technologies, including AI and data-driven platforms. By uniting CiX’s cutting-edge digital capabilities with VFS Global’s extensive global infrastructure and expertise in managing complex service ecosystems, we are positioned to deliver next-generation, integrated solutions to public and private sector clients around the world.

For both companies’ client governments and partners, this will lead to enhanced, tailored solutions that improve citizen engagement, access, and satisfaction.

Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Services, said: “Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America and beyond. This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens’ lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility and savings for governments worldwide.”

Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added: “We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition which will be value accretive for both companies – for CiX Citizen Experience and for VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments, and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this and our technological capabilities will provide the launchpad for CiX Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services worldwide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens’ quality of life and build renewed trust in governments.”

Since its founding in 2008, CiX Citizen Experience has established itself as a pioneer in public services, managing over 250 service centres across Brazil. The company offers more than 200 types of services to states and municipalities, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of government services. Over the years, CiX Citizen Experience has served over 150 million citizens, issuing more than 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licenses. With operations in key regions such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Ceará, CiX Citizen Experience continues to lead the way in digital and physical public service solutions, driving innovation and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.

VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has significantly expanded its global footprint. With over 3,600 Application Centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has processed more than 311 million applications since its inception in 2001. In 2023, the company secured seven major global contracts, including a landmark agreement with the UK government as the exclusive overseas provider to manage visa and citizenship services across 142 countries. Additionally, VFS Global won contracts with the governments of Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria,
further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in delivering secure, efficient, and innovative solutions for visa and consular services worldwide.

VFS Global has been enhancing citizen services in Ghana through two key projects as an integral partner to local Ghanian corporations: the Premium Passport Service and Vehicle and Driver’s License services.

Since 2018, VFS Global has operated biometric-enabled Premium Passport Centres in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale in Ghana and extending to the USA serving the Ghanaian diaspora with faster processing times and dedicated support.

VFS Global has played a pivotal role in streamlining passport services, strengthening ties with the Ghanaian community both domestically and abroad.

In 2024, VFS Global also began supporting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) with the launch of a new Ultra Centre in Accra for Driver’s License Renewals, License Replacements, International Driving Permits, and Vehicle Registration. The premium centres provide a user-friendly experience for citizens and residents of Accra, supported by dedicated customer service through contact centre and email services. Through these initiatives, VFS Global continues to support Ghana’s infrastructure development, ensuring seamless and accessible services for the people.

A five-member committee established by President John Mahama is set to commence hearings today, Thursday, 15th May, to probe three petitions filed against the Chief Justice.

The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was constituted in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.

Its establishment followed a determination of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice and was undertaken in consultation with the Council of State.

The committee is expected to convene three times a week and, upon the completion of its work, present its findings and recommendations to the President.

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is currently under investigation following five separate petitions alleging misconduct.

In response, President Mahama, after seeking advice from the Council of State, suspended Justice Torkornoo and set up a five-member panel to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the government’s commitment to resolving the indebtedness of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Speaking during a discussion at the 2025 African CEOs Forum Awards in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, President Mahama said upon his assumption of office for a second term, he inherited an energy sector that was messed up with debts of almost $2.5 billion owed to independent power producers and gas suppliers.

He noted that the energy sector had been number one in terms of priority areas as part of the government’s agenda. “They’ve been trying to renegotiate the debt and then see how we can ring-fence it. We have some strategies for dealing with it and I’m sure that by the end of the year, early next year, we should be able to make everybody happy in terms of dealing with that debt,” the President said.

“We need to clean the slates but in cleaning the slates, we must look at the whole value chain because a lot of the problem is coming from downstream, the distribution and because of the state-owned utility, ECG is not as efficient in collecting revenue.”

President Mahama said Ghana was experiencing technical and commercial losses of about 40 per cent.

He said the Government was planning a private sector participation in the billing and metering to bring efficiency in the revenue collection of ECG to be able to pay the independent power producers.

“We established a cash waterfall mechanism where ECG’s revenues were supposed to be shared proportionately so that everybody got something every month. Unfortunately, it was not followed and so a lot of debt accrued,” President Mahama said.

“We’ve gone back to the cash waterfall mechanism and we’re adhering to it properly, so everybody is seeing something every month while we fix the distribution end.”

Touching on the issue of privatization of the downstream operations of ECG such as billing and metering, the President said, he had heard of interest from private investors to tap into the downstream economy, however, he had told them that they should wait.

He said the Government was going to do expressions of interest and that they just got the report from the Committee that was advising them.

He said the Committee had given them three options and that the first option was to go for one concession holder for the whole country to do the billing and metering.

While the other was to divide the country into concession areas and have multiple partners working with them in this billing and metering.

He reiterated that the Government was yet to take a decision.

President Mahama said the Committee’s report was going to come to Cabinet and that Cabinet would decide on which option they were going for, after which they would do an expression of interest.

The President underscored the need for Ghanaian participation in the ECG downstream operations privatization.

“There must be Ghanaian participation. There must be local participation. So even if it’s an international company, it must have a local partner,” he said.

“I’m sure by next year our partners would be happy because we would have dealt, you know, appropriately with their debts overhang.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghanaian businessman and governance advocate, Rev Kennedy

Liberia has appointed Ghanaian businessman and governance advocate, Rev. Kennedy Okosun, as Consultant and Advisor for its inaugural Investment Conference, scheduled to take place in Accra on May 15 and 16, 2025.

The two-day high-level forum, spearheaded by the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Embassy in Ghana, will bring together West African investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to drive regional partnerships, deepen economic synergies, and position Liberia as a viable destination for investment.

Speaking to ModernGhana News in a pre-event interview on Tuesday, May 13, Rev. Okosun — Executive Chairman of Krif Ghana Limited — stated that his mandate goes beyond ensuring the success of the event, extending to fostering long-term outcomes that last well beyond the conference.

“This conference seeks to deepen regional investment partnerships and engage key stakeholders across West Africa’s economic landscape. Though Liberia is the host, the benefits are expected to ripple across the region, including Ghana,” he noted.

The 2025 Liberia Investment Conference marks the first time the event is being held outside Monrovia, signalling Liberia’s strategic move to attract broader regional and international investor attention through Ghana’s globally respected platform.

Describing Ghana as a strategic choice for hosting the event, Rev. Okosun stated:

“Ghana is the star of Africa. Ghana is the golden jewel. In one simple sentence, Ghana is the place to be.”

The conference is expected to attract key players from sectors such as agriculture, energy, maritime, transport, petroleum, telecommunications, engineering, real estate, waste management, environmental solutions, and more.

Rev. Okosun also disclosed that the event will witness the official launch of two bilateral associations: the Ghana-Liberia Business Chamber and the Ghana-Liberia Friendship Association. Both initiatives aim to deepen and sustain economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

“These two initiatives will ensure that the relationship we begin to build from this conference does not end on May 16. As a consultant, my role is to ensure that the before, the during, and the after are all successful,” he said.

To sustain momentum, he hinted at a follow-up conference later in 2025 and a recognition ceremony in 2026 to honour entrepreneurs and businesses that emerge from the initiative. The recognition forum will commend, support, and publicly celebrate business pioneers born out of the Accra conference.

Rev. Okosun believes these efforts will leave a lasting impact on the region’s business landscape.

“If you are an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or a policymaker interested in trade and investment in Liberia, this is an opportunity you should not miss,” he urged.

Following the Liberia Investment Conference, Rev. Okosun will host his flagship event — The Diplomatic Round Table and Trade Networking — on June 25, 2025, in Accra.

The event, themed “Trade Without Barriers,” is being organised by KRIF Media, KRIF Foundation, and Mediadotkom. It aims to foster stronger diplomatic and trade ties between embassies and Ghanaian businesses in alignment with the 24-hour economy agenda of the John Dramani Mahama-led government.

The diplomatic forum is expected to host representatives from the United Nations, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be moderated by former Ghanaian diplomat and minister, Ambassador Ekow Spio-Garbrah.

AM/KA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

Isaac Adongo, MP for Bolgatanga Central and Board Member of the Ghana of Ghana

The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has expressed his enthusiasm about serving as a member of the governing board of the Bank of Ghana.

In February 2025, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Wing and some constituents of Bolgatanga Central voiced their deep disappointment and frustration following the appointment of their MP to the board of the Central Bank.

They argued that the appointment was merely a consolation prize and did not reflect his contributions to the party, nor did it fulfill the promise made by President John Dramani Mahama.

With the finalization of ministerial appointments, the youth emphasized that a board membership could not substitute for a ministerial role.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the NDC office in Bolgatanga, they insisted that Hon. Adongo deserved a ministerial appointment, citing his crucial contributions to the party both in opposition and in governance.

Mohammed Abdallah, who read the statement on behalf of the youth, added that the exclusion of Adongo from the final ministerial list had led to growing discontent among constituents, who suspect that internal party politics may be working against their MP.

However, in an interview with Joy News, Isaac Adongo, who is also the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, said he is content with the Bank of Ghana appointment and is working diligently with other board members to leave the institution in a better state than they found it.

“I think, to be honest with you, I am enjoying my work there. I serve on three critical committees: the Risk Committee, the Economy Committee, and the Budget Committee. In fact, I chair the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee, for me, is more exciting because we need to have a more deliberate programme to get out of the negative net worth of about 63 billion cedis that we came to meet. So we are working towards exiting the board someday with the Bank in a much healthier state.”

Isaac Adongo tells constituents: “I’m enjoying my work. I sit on 3 key committees—risk, economy, and budget. #PMExpress pic.twitter.com/BZDzOyl3jW

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) May 14, 2025

KA

Watch as Agradaa promises to share church money with Sammy Gyamfi if he’s fired