A youth envangelism campaign, dubbed “Youth Fire Conference 2025” has transformed over 15,000 students as they pledge to live Christ-centered, life free from drugs, alcohol, and premarital sex.

Organised by World Conquest for Jesus (WCFJ) in partnership with Scripture Union Ghana, the five-day evangelism outreach held in the Central region, was aimed at reaching young people with the gospel while promoting a lifestyle of holiness and righteousness.

The conference, which took place at the Winneba Senior High School Park and included students from over 60 schools, including Swedru Senior High School and the University of Education, Winneba, was designed to address critical moral challenges facing the youth.

Thousands of the students who participated in the event, benefited from gospel music, counselling, teaching sessions during the five days led by Bishop Robinson and Dr. Elizabeth Fondong, the founders of WCFJ headquartered in the US.

Describing the participation as “overwhelming,” Bishop Robinson said at the end of the crusade that, “we have seen thousands of students eagerly responding to the invitation to walk more intimately and blamelessly before the Lord.”

“This has been nothing short of a moral revolution for the youth of Ghana, and by extension, the nation as a whole,” he stressed, indicating that Ghana’s youth are the future leaders and a beacon of light for their generation.

WCFJ, a non-denominational movement is committed to spreading the gospel worldwide, is dedicated to reaching one billion souls through evangelism, church planting, and missionary sponsorship.

Encouraged by the immense impact of the Youth Fire Conference, WCFJ has announced plans to continue its outreach efforts globally. Ethiopia has been identified as the next destination for the movement, but organizers have also committed to returning to Ghana in October to build on the momentum of this transformative event.

“The harvest is truly plentiful among the youth of Ghana,” said Bishop Robinson, adding that “as the doors of Ghana have now swung wide open, we are taking full advantage of this opportunity to bring young people back to the light of Jesus.”

BY TIMES REPORTER

Liverpool eased to a convincing 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points.

Knowing Arsenal had already lost to West Ham on Saturday, Arne Slot’s ruthless Reds seized their opportunity to stretch the gap even further in their pursuit of a first title since 2019-20.

“It is all over,” concluded Sky Sports’ Roy Keane. “Manchester City have been amazing last few years but you’re looking at Liverpool as the new champions.”

“Beating Manchester City home and away is as big a statement as you can make,” said Jamie Carragher.

The game was changed by two moments of first-half brilliance: a creative set-piece finished by Mohamed Salah and a precise low strike from Dominik Szoboszlai, teed up by Salah – his 40th goal contribution of the season.

City caused untold problems out wide as Jeremy Doku, completing a staggering 13 dribbles, was a menace all game, but had no focal point and even less threat with Erling Haalnd missing through injury. Their domestic reign looks to be meeting a rather unceremonious end.

Pep Guardiola’s side finish the weekend 20 points shy of the league leaders to underline their startling decline, the furthest they have been from the top of the table since July 2020. Qualification for next year’s Champions League is now their relatively modest aim.

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The National Celebrations Planning Committee (NCPC) has finalised activities for Ghana’s 68th Independence anniversary, outlining a series of events to mark the occasion.

According to a statement released on Sunday, February 23, the celebrations will begin with the commemoration of the 28th February Crossroad Shooting Incident on Friday, 28th February 2025. This will be followed by the finals of a nationwide school quiz competition on Sunday, 2nd March 2025, and a debate competition on Tuesday, 4th March 2025.

The President will host the annual School Children Awards Programme on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, leading up to the grand ceremonial parade at the forecourt of the presidency on Thursday, 6th March 2025.

In the lead-up to the 28th February event, the Communications Subcommittee of the NCPC will roll out historical and educational content to increase public awareness and engagement. A

According to the committee, “with this new approach, we hope to reset the interest and participation of the youth and the general populace in this significant national event whilst remembering and honouring our heroes.”

Read Also: 2025 Independence Day celebration to be held only at Jubilee House to cut cost

As part of the programme, an X-space conversation will be hosted on the theme “The Changing Face of Civil Protests in Ghana: Lessons from the Past and Present.” The committee has also encouraged “radio, television, online and print media to host and publish conversations to promote the anniversary theme and other activities to deepen public participation.”

The wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Nationalism Park at 8 a.m. on Friday, 28th February 2025, and will be broadcast live on multiple platforms. The public and media have been urged to participate actively.

Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has called on stakeholders to support the anniversary celebrations, stating, “We encourage the media, bloggers, and the public to actively participate by sharing information with your viewers, listeners, and readers.”

Read Also: Presidency unveils logo for Ghana’s 68th Independence Day commemoration

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Many Ghanaians have been wondering why media virtuoso, Kwami Sefa Kayi, has been missing in action for weeks now on the flagship Kokrokoo show on Peace 104.3 FM. His unusual absence from the show he popularized is not without a strange reason.

There is an elaborate scheme by the governing party, the National Democratic Congress, to get the celebrated media personality and host of Kokrokoo, Kwami Sefa Kayi, out of job, Whispers Media Network can authoritatively confirm.

The plot, according to credible sources close to the management of Despite Media Network, has already been rolled out, with the ultimate goal of seeing the exit of the ace morning show host on Kokrokoo out of the media entity.

The management of Despite Media Network, in a meeting with the leadership of the National Democratic Congress, agreed to the ‘blackmailing’ terms of the party in power, NDC. According to the consensus reached, Sefa Kayi, though not guilty of what led to the impasse between the media entity and the NDC, was coerced to apologize on air to the ruling party, which he did.

The regular host of Kokrokoo is to sit out of the program till the NDC, and the Mahama administration decide they are ready to allow NDC panelists to appear on the show. Sefa Kayi, according to the agreement reached, can only return to Kokrokoo as host only when the NDC rejoins the program.

This means that, should the NDC take 2 years to return to Kokrokoo, Kwami Sefa Kayi is enjoined to stay home. Whispers Media has picked up intelligence from the corridors of power that the NDC ‘will show Sefa Kayi where power lies since they’re not returning to the show anytime soon’.

According to the intelligence picked up, the ruling party is not in a hurry to return to Kokrokoo because, though they boycotted the show, the NDC managed to win power without the program. The goal is to see the exit of Sefa Kayi after taking him through a long period of frustration.

It can be recalled that, following a continued verbal and media attacks on Kwami Sefa Kayi and his show by then National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, his appearance on the show ignited an argument between Mr. Gyamfi and the host. Sefa Kayi asked Sammy Gyamfi to apologize to him and listeners of the show or walk out. Sammy Gyamfi chose the latter. Not only did he boycott the show, he also twisted the narrative.

The NDC boycotted the show in May 2020 after describing the host of the programme as a dictator and bias. A statement signed by Sammy Gyamfi, said the decision was taken following the radio station’s ‘unfair paneling’ system that the production team of that programme had continuously foisted on the NDC over a number of months.

“The National Communication Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to inform all its communicators, media monitors, and officials that the party has boycotted Peace (104.3) FM’s morning show (Kokrokoo) effective today, Wednesday, 6th May 2020”, Sammy Gyamfi, wrote in a statement.

The NDC further stated that all efforts to get the producers and host of the programme to replace the former NDC Central regional chairman of the party Allotey Jacobs with a fair-minded NDC member had proven futile, indicating that the party continued to be treated with utmost contempt, hence, the decision to boycott the programme.

Ultimately, the ruling National Democratic Congress, under the intolerant presidency of John Dramani Mahama, is bent on destroying the beautiful journalistic career of Ghana’s number morning show host, Kwami Sefa Kayi.

Writen by: P.K.Sarpong

Topline

Pope Francis is still in critical condition but has not had any “further respiratory cris[e]s,” the Vatican said Sunday, after the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was reported Saturday to be in critical condition following his week-long hospitalization for a lung infection.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

The Vatican released an Angelus statement from Pope Francis on Sunday, in which the pope remarked on the upcoming third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and thanked the public for their messages of support about his hospital stay, asking people to “pray for me.” “I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” Pope Francis said, as translated by The Vatican. “I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”

What Do We Know About The Pope’s Health?

The pope has pneumonia in both lungs, as well as bacterial, viral and fungal infections, according to his doctors. His doctors have given him supplemental oxygen when necessary, and they are treating him with a drug therapy they say Francis is responding to. Doctors also prescribed Francis “absolute rest,” and several of his public events have been canceled. Doctors have said the primary threat to Francis’ health would be the onset of sepsis, a serious condition that could arise from pneumonia complications, though Francis has not shown signs of sepsis so far.

Key Background

Francis, 88, has led the church as pope for 12 years since his election in 2013. Francis has been hospitalized several times in recent years, including one hospital stay in July 2021 for a narrowing of his large intestine, and another in 2023 for bronchitis. Francis has chronic bronchitis and a history of respiratory issues.

Further Reading

Pope Francis isn’t out of danger but his condition isn’t life-threatening, medical team says (Associated Press)

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Spencer Wan Blog of Sunday, 23 February 2025

Source: Eric Afatsao

Accra, Feb. 23, GNA – Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service stationed at the Akanu Sector Command with the support of some officers of the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division have intercepted a truck loaded with smuggled cocoa beans.  

The Officers acted on intelligence waylaid the truck with registration number AS 2103 -W driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu.  

There were 1115 gallons stuffed with cocoa beans found in the truck at the Ave-Havi border post to be smuggled to Togo 

This was contained in a press release issued and signed by Michael Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration in charge of Public Relations and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday in Accra. 

It said the 1115 gallons of cocoa beans had been handed over to officials of COCOBOD while the truck had been impounded and the driver assisting in further investigations.  

“The Ghana Immigration Service is hereby issuing a caution to all would-be smugglers to desist from such activity since it negatively affects Ghana’s economy and also loss of revenue to the Government,” it added.  

The Service commended members of the border community for their collaboration and support in protecting Ghana’s borders 

GNA 

Vatican City, Feb 23 (Reuters/GNA) – Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, remains in a critical condition for a second day running and his prognosis is still guarded, the Vatican said on Sunday.

The pope, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

The Vatican first described his condition as critical on Saturday, reporting that Francis had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions that day after a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis”.

“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises,” the Vatican said on Sunday.

Blood tests also indicated a “mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” it said.

“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for the pharmacological therapies to show some effect, require that the prognosis remains guarded,” it said.

The statement described the pope as “alert and well-oriented” and said he was receiving “high-flow oxygen therapy” through a tube under his nose.

In a written message for his usual Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square, which the pope was unable to read out for a second consecutive week, Francis said he was continuing “confidently” with his treatment in hospital. He thanked his doctors and people who have sent him messages of support.

GNA/Reuters

President John Mahama has appointed Dr. Zakari Mumuni as the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

With over two decades of experience in central banking, macroeconomic policy analysis, and financial market development, Dr. Mumuni is expected to bring expertise and strategic insight to Ghana’s monetary policy.

His nomination is subject to confirmation by the Council of State. If approved, he will play a key role in stabilizing the nation’s financial sector amid ongoing economic challenges.

Dr. Mumuni is currently the Director of the Financial Markets Department at the Bank of Ghana and a member of its Monetary Policy Committee. Throughout his career, he has held crucial roles, including Head of Modelling and Forecasting in the Research Department and Special Assistant to the Governor. His expertise in macroeconomic forecasting, debt sustainability analysis, and monetary policy implementation makes him a strong candidate for the position.

His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nottingham, an MPhil from the University of Ghana, and extensive research publications on inflation targeting and monetary policy.

Dr. Mumuni’s nomination follows a period of significant leadership transitions at the Bank of Ghana. In recent years, the institution has seen the resignation of key figures, including former governors who stepped down. 

With Ghana facing complex economic conditions, Dr. Mumuni’s appointment is expected to bring stability and a renewed focus on monetary policy reforms. His extensive experience positions him as a key figure in shaping the country’s financial landscape.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi arrested over $2M Sky Train scandal

Associate Professor at the University of Fraser Valley in Canada, Edward Akuffo, has emphasized Canada’s commitment to Ghana’s development as both nations strengthen their relations amid a shifting global landscape.

Delivering a lecture on Friday at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) campus in Dzorwulu, Accra, he highlighted Ghana’s consistent role in global peacekeeping as a key factor in Canada’s continued support.

The lecture, titled “Africa’s Geopolitical Space and Canada-Africa Relations in a Shifting Global Order,” explored Canada’s evolving role in Africa. The continent is increasingly fostering close cooperation with BRICS, moving beyond traditional partners such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Established in 2009, BRICS seeks to strengthen economic ties among member states. The bloc has since expanded to ten countries, including key African economies South Africa and Egypt.

Professor Akuffo commended Ghana’s soft power, emphasizing its democratic stability and leadership in global affairs.

“Ghana has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations for a very long time. In fact, it is one of the top 10 contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Since 1992, Ghana has remained democratic, and although there are economic challenges, it looks like Ghanaians, every four years since 1992, have elected a new government. That is a positive sign of Ghana’s soft power.

“And it is on the basis of this that, for example, the Canadian government continues to support Ghana’s development,” he stated.

He further noted that Canada had selected Ghana as a beneficiary of The Elsie Initiative Fund, which aims to increase the participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations. Ghana’s Armed Forces was among the first to participate in the initiative when it was launched in 2017.

Addressing Canada’s economic ties with Africa, Professor Akuffo revealed that Canada has significant investments in Ghana’s mining sector. However, he expressed concern over the environmental and human security risks posed by illegal mining.

“In fact, perhaps one area that may be of particular interest to the Canadian government, to mining companies, is the issue of illegal mining or what is called in Ghana, Galamsey, because this not only threatens the environment, but it also poses significant danger to human rights and human security,” he explained.

The foreign policy lecture, organized by UniMAC’s International Relations Directorate with support from the university’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), attracted lecturers, students, and journalists.

Speaking to reporters after the lecture, Dr. Lawrencia Agyepong, Director of the International Relations Directorate, described the engagement as part of a broader collaboration between UniMAC and the University of Fraser Valley.

“University of Fraser Valley is one of the institutions that we are having collaborations with. One of the visions of our current vice-chancellor is to give an international outlook to the University of Media, Arts and Communication, and because of that, we are forming collaborations with institutions across the globe,” Dr. Agyepong said.

Attendees expressed a deeper appreciation of the Canada-Ghana relationship, particularly its impact on student visa processes for Ghanaian students seeking education in Canada.

“I got to learn that because of the relationship Ghana has with Canada, international students from Ghana are favored a lot, so getting a school in Canada is easier,” said Rita Nsiah, a Level 300 student at the university.

“If we continue to have good relations with Canada, then Ghanaian students are really going to benefit from it,” added Frank Obeng, another attendee.

Former Deputy Education Minister and current Member of Parliament for Assin South, Ntim Fordjour, has expressed concerns over the disappointment of senior clergymen in President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. 

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen last week, he revealed that some prominent religious leaders feel let down by the president’s actions.

“Some very senior clergymen are very pained and disappointed by the actions of President Mahama,”Fordjour stated. 

He explained that these clergy members had expectations based on promises made to them but now feel sidelined. While acknowledging that it is still early in the administration, he noted that their concerns are growing.

According to the Assin South MP, one of the most pressing grievances among religious leaders is the president’s decision not to appoint any clergymen to the Council of State. 

“Some of the promises that were made to them have not been ignored, but it’s early days yet. However, one that hurts the most is the non-appointment of any clergymen to the Council of State, unlike what former presidents did,” he remarked.

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.

Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, CEO of National Petroleum Authority

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo has affirmed government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM).

He assured businesses operating in the LPG distribution chain of the petroleum downstream continued collaboration to deal with the lingering issues and promote growth.

Tameklo gave the assurance when he toured LPG Bottling Plants belonging to Goil, New Gas and Blue Ocean in the Tema enclave, to acquaint himself with the new LPG distribution chain.

He was accompanied by his two deputies, Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari.

He stated that the NPA was pro-business in the exercise of its regulatory mandate as it protected Ghanaian businesses that complied with the standards and played by the rules.

Commenting on the challenges enumerated by the bottling plant owners, the NPA Boss said the Authority would address the issue of unlicensed companies offering LPG door-to-door services which undermined safety protocols for handling LPG.

Ghanaian Dancehall and Afrobeats artiste and producer, Article Wan

Ghanaian Dancehall and Afrobeats artiste and producer, Article Wan, has taken a firm stance against individuals who plot the downfall of talents in the music industry.

Speaking on Atinka TV’s Entertainment Lounge with Odefour DiAsa Paapa, he criticized so-called “gurus” who invest their energy in undermining artistes instead of pushing the industry forward.

“The same energy used to bring down artistes should be channeled into projecting the industry,” he stressed, adding that no one can bring him down.

Reflecting on the unexpected success of his hit song Towa, Article Wan revealed that it was inspired by the DiAsa reality show for plus-size women.

“I wasn’t thinking of pushing it big, but before I realized, it went viral,” he said.

The song’s widespread reach surprised him, especially after it was featured on Russia’s Got Talent and shared by Congolese music legend Awilo Longomba.

Article Wan acknowledged the shift in music promotion, noting that social media now plays a crucial role. However, he believes that when a song is destined for greatness, it will naturally take off.

Dismissing claims of conflicts with fellow artistes, he clarified:

“I am on good terms with everyone. No artiste has ever turned down my request for a collaboration, but even if one does, it’s not a big deal. Professionally, artistes have their reasons, and we must respect that.”

He also praised Shatta Wale, dismissing critics who try to undermine the dancehall king’s achievements.

“If he was that bad, do you think Vybz Kartel would rate him? Would Beyoncé have worked with him? He just bought a Rolls-Royce… He has done his part at this level. Let others work to reach his level,” he stated.

Having toured the world, Article Wan revealed that China is his next target.

“My first international show was in South Africa, where I won multiple awards. I was shocked at the massive fan base I had there and felt the same in London. I’m grateful to my fans.”

Currently, he is not signed to any label but is focused on building Link Up Empire.

“We are creating an empire, and I’m open to working with serious business-minded people for production,” he added.

Article Wan is wrapping up another banger, Feel Okay, a song that showcases his creativity. The audio is already available on all streaming platforms, with visuals set to be released soon.

He also called on the government to implement laws that will bring structure to the music industry.

“Things are not in order, and that is what I recommend the government to focus on. Aside from this, the creatives are doing very well,” he said.

As he continues his journey, one message is clear—unity is the way forward, and those with negative energy will never go far.

Member of Parliament for Assin South and former Deputy Education Minister, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has strongly countered arguments made by senior presidential advisor on the economy, Seth Terkper, regarding the government’s recent 10% salary increment for public sector workers.

The disagreement arose after Mr Terkper attempted to justify the modest pay rise in a post on X, arguing that wage increases should be considered in relation to inflation trends.

In his post, Seth Terkper stated, “When inflation rises to a high 50% plus, a 20% plus wage rise is inevitable. When you ‘half’ inflation to about 20% plus & claim to have stabilised the economy for JM, it is not consistent to rubbish a 10% raise WITH A PROMISE.”

@SethTerkper By your misconceived analysis of pay rise equating to half of inflation, in 2023, workers would have been given a paltry 15% by JM (around half of 38.11% inflation recorded) instead of the whopping 30% pay hikes workers enjoyed under Akufo-Addo. In any case, for the… https://t.co/ZTS8jGLQcm

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) February 23, 2025

His comment was aimed at defending President John Dramani Mahama’s administration against criticism that the salary increment was insufficient.

Ntim Fordjour, however, dismissed Mr Terkper’s reasoning, pointing out that his argument was both inaccurate and misleading. Responding directly to the post, the Assin South MP stated, “By your misconceived analysis of pay rise equating to half of inflation, in 2023, workers would have been given a paltry 15% by JM (around half of 38.11% inflation recorded) instead of the whopping 30% pay hikes workers enjoyed under Akufo-Addo.”

He also corrected Mr Terkper’s inflation figures, clarifying that “2023 inflation stood at 38.11%, not the ‘50% plus’ you misled your audience with.”

Fordjour further compared wage increments under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration to highlight disparities in Mahama’s offer. He noted that in 2024, despite inflation standing at 23.8%, public sector workers received a 23% salary increase from January to June and 25% from July to December under Nana Akufo-Addo.

He argued that under Terkper’s logic, “JDMahama would have thought workers deserved only 12% (half of what NPP offered). Workers deserve better than the paltry 10% JM gave them.”

His remarks reinforced his position that the government’s justification for the lower salary increment was flawed and that Ghanaian workers should receive more substantial wage adjustments.

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Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

Economist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has cautioned the government against hastily seeking financial aid from the international market amid the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

He advised the government to focus on strengthening Ghana’s domestic bond market to restore investor confidence and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Prof. Bokpin emphasized that the Sinking Fund, which the government is using to access the bond market, will yield positive results.

“Before turning to the international capital market, we should first focus on trading within our own bond market. The government needs to operate in the short- to medium-term segment of the yield curve, and I believe the operationalization of the Sinking Fund will help reopen the bond market,” he stated.

The renowned economist further pointed out that the government struggled to meet its auction target before the 2025 general elections, with the November 2024 treasury bill auction failing to reach expectations.

“Immediately after the elections, there was a noticeable boost in confidence, with some deposits of trust placed in the government’s account. This was reflected in the treasury bill market, where oversubscription rates sometimes exceeded 40%,” he added.

Amid Ghana’s economic challenges, Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to implement measures to facilitate economic recovery.

SB/MA