Ukraine will not agree to any peace deal proposed by the US and Russia without its involvement, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned, after Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin pledged to begin talks to end the war.
“We cannot accept it, as an independent country,” Zelensky said.
The US president had talked of a “good possibility” of ending the war after he and Putin spoke by phone. It was not “practical” for Ukraine to join Nato, Trump said, and “unlikely” it could return to its pre-invasion borders.
He has now suggested that Russian representatives will meet Americans on Friday in Munich, which is hosting a security conference.
“Russia is going to be there with our people,” Trump said. “Ukraine is also invited, by the way. Not sure exactly who’s going to be there from any country but high-level people from Russia, from Ukraine and from the United States.
“I’d love to have them [the Russians] back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out. Look, it’s not a question of liking Russia or not liking Russia.”
Russia, which is not taking part in the annual forum, did not immediately comment on Trump’s claim.
Zelensky adviser Dmytro Lytvyn told reporters that “talks with Russians in Munich” were “not expected”.
Zelensky is to meet Trump’s Vice-President, JD Vance, in the German city on Friday.
The Ukrainian leader, who also had an individual call with Trump on Wednesday, said his country could not accept “any agreements [made] without us”.
“Europeans needed to be at the negotiating table too,” he said, and he told Trump his priority was “security guarantees”, something he did not see without US support.
Elsewhere, he said that Nato membership for Ukraine would be the “most cost-effective” option for its partners, without giving details.
“I also warned world leaders against trusting Putin’s claims of readiness to end the war,” he added.
Ukraine’s European allies also rejected any move towards a forced settlement on Kyiv:
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said there could be “no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine, and Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected a “dictated peace” and his defence minister said it was “regrettable” Washington was already making “concessions” to the Kremlin.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Washington of “appeasement” towards Russia. “We shouldn’t take anything off the table before the negotiations have even started because it plays to Russia’s court and it is what they want,” she said.
Trump, who made the first publicly acknowledged White House call with Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said he would meet Putin in Saudi Arabia. without giving details.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in the Oval Office, he said Putin wanted the war to end and he expected a ceasefire soon.
When asked if Ukraine was an equal member in the peace process, he said: “They have to make peace.”
His Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a press conference at a Nato summit on Thursday that peace negotiations would be “had with both” Putin and Zelensky” and he described Trump as the “perfect dealmaker”.
Hegseth, who on Wednesday said it was “unrealistic” to expect Ukraine to return to pre-2014 border and downplayed the prospect of Ukraine joining Nato, appeared to row back on his remarks, saying “everything was on the table” and the conversations were being led by the president.
The defence secretary also suggested financial aid to Ukraine during negotiations could be on the table, as well as US troop numbers in Europe.
Following the overthrow of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president in 2014, Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists in bloody fighting in eastern Ukraine.
The conflict burst into all-out war nearly three years ago.
Moscow’s attempts to take control of the capital Kyiv were thwarted, but Russian forces have taken around a fifth of Ukraine’s territory in the east and south, and have carried out air strikes across the country.
Ukraine has retaliated with artillery and drone strikes, as well as a ground offensive against Russia’s western Kursk region.
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The Central Regional Environmental Health Office has cautioned families who lose their relatives to cholera to bury them immediately to protect the community.
The office cautioned that the bodies of cholera casualties were highly infectious and could lead to an epidemic if not handled properly.
Mr Emmanuel Owusu Ashia, a Regional Environmental Health Officer in charge of Hygiene Promotion, entreated families to collaborate with environmental health officers to bury the deceased without delay.
“When somebody dies of cholera, we shouldn’t wait for one or two weeks. They must be buried quickly.
“When a family loses a relative through cholera, they should contact the environmental health division to help them with the disinfection of the body before burial. That is done to prevent the rest of the family from contracting the disease,” he said.
Mr Ashia issued the caution when he facilitated a training session on risk communication for some 30 health officers in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the wake of the cholera outbreak.
The training was organised by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate as part of practical measures to combat the cholera outbreak.
Cape Coast has so far recorded six confirmed cases and two suspected cases of cholera, all of which are being managed by the Cape Coast Metro Hospital.
Mr Ashia warned that cholera was very deadly and entreated the public to practice frequent handwashing and consume only treated water to prevent the disease.
For his part, Mr Samuel Kwabena Ofosu, the Cape Coast Metro Director of Health Services, clarified that nobody had died of cholera in Cape Coast yet as speculated by a section of the media.
He said the test results of a person who showed symptoms of cholera and later died came out negative.
Mr Ofosu gave assurance of the commitment of the Directorate to fight the outbreak head-on, explaining the essence of the workshop.
He announced that five different teams had been constituted and deployed to various areas to educate and sensitise the people, carry out disinfections in communities where cases had been recorded and undertake contact tracing.
“Because of our history with cholera outbreak within the Metropolis, we don’t want to take any chance. We want to as soon as possible, control the disease so that it doesn’t travel beyond our capacity,” he added.
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The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) has expressed its full support for the recent directive by the Chief of Staff to revoke all public service appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.
According to CEPD, this decision aligns with principles of good governance and ensures that employment opportunities are granted based on merit rather than political motivations.
In a press statement issued on February 12, 2025, CEPD highlighted concerns over the previous administration’s last-minute appointments, arguing that they failed to adequately consider vulnerable groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The organization noted that this exclusion has only deepened the marginalization of PWDs in the job market.
CEPD further called on the current administration to adopt proactive measures to ensure fairness and inclusivity in future public service recruitment.
The organization proposed three key policy recommendations: “1. Establish a Quota System for PWDs in Public Service Employment – To correct the long-standing imbalance, we request that a dedicated percentage of public sector jobs be reserved for qualified Persons with Disabilities, ensuring their rightful place in national development.
“2. Implement Inclusive Recruitment Policies – Moving forward, recruitment processes must be structured to guarantee that PWDs have equal access to employment opportunities, in line with Ghana’s legal commitments under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715) and international conventions.
“3. Engage Stakeholders in Policy Formulation – CEPD is ready to collaborate with the government, civil society, and relevant institutions to develop policies that promote sustainable employment for PWDs in both the public and private sectors.”
The statement added, “As an organization committed to advocating for the rights and economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, we commend the government for taking steps to rectify past injustices.
“We look forward to working together to ensure that future employment practices are inclusive, fair, and beneficial to all Ghanaians, particularly the most vulnerable.”
A five-month-old baby girl was brutally killed in Bawku after attackers snatched her from her mother and smashed her to the ground, leading to her tragic death.
The baby’s mother, who had gone out to trade, was reportedly tracked by the assailants, mercilessly beaten, and had her child forcibly taken from her before the horrific act was carried out.
This latest killing adds to the ongoing violence in Bawku and along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, bringing the death toll to 55 since the conflict reignited in October 2024.
Despite efforts by security forces to contain the violence in Bawku and protect travelers along the highway, armed assailants continue to carry out deadly attacks, heightening fears among residents and commuters.
The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has advised Ghanaians to prioritise their health and well-being as the country joins the rest of the world to commemorate St. Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14, 2025.
It, therefore, cautioned the public, particularly the youth, to avoid engaging in risky sexual behaviours to prevent being exposed to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Network gave the advice in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, signed by Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, its President, as part of its HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.
GHANET, with about three decades of experience in the fight against HIV and AIDS, said it was concerned about the continuous rise in HIV/AIDS infections despite years of interventions.
As of December 2023, the total estimated number of persons living with HIV in Ghana stood at 334,000.
Even more worrying was the fact that between January and September 2024, about 35,460 persons were diagnosed with HIV, GHANET said.
Even though the national HIV prevalence of 1.53 percent may seem low, the rate of new infections, especially in recent times, was quite alarming, the NGO said.
It, therefore, cautioned against risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, sex parties, hookups, and substance abuse, which significantly increases vulnerability to HIV infection.
“In this season of romantic celebration, we wish to remind the youth, especially, not to allow the sweetness of love becloud their sense of sobriety and propriety,” the statement said.
“While acknowledging that love and intimacy are essential aspects of human connection, we believe they must be expressed with utmost responsibility and self-awareness.”
GHANET also stressed the need for safe sex practices through the consistent and correct use of condoms to reduce the risk of contracting the HIV virus.
In Ghana, 80 percent of all HIV cases are a result of unprotected sex, it said.
It advised the public to abstain from sex if conditions were not right, indicating that abstinence was the safest HIV prevention method.
With more than 100,000 persons currently living with HIV and unaware of their statuses, GHANET encouraged the public to test for the viruso
“For those who may be worried about privacy issues, they can opt for HIV Self Testing (HIVST) kits,” it advised.
“It’s a season of love, let’s spread love; not the virus!”
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping young people with essential skills to meet the demands of the job market.
Speaking on Hard Talk with Serwaa Amihere, the minister outlined plans to scale up skills training initiatives to address the growing number of unemployed and unskilled youth in the country.
“One of the main things we intend to do is to scale up skills. This is to provide them with the requisite skills that they need to meet the job market that awaits them in the future,” Opare Addo stated.
According to the minister, a significant portion of Ghana’s youth falls into the category of not in employment, education, or training, posing a major concern for national development. To address this, he emphasized the need to create an enabling environment that fosters job creation and provides training opportunities tailored to the needs of the youth.
“We have to create an enabling environment to create jobs, assess their needs, and create programs to train them and provide avenues for education for them,” he added.
According to Opare Addo, the government’s strategy will focus on providing skills development programmes in various sectors, ensuring that young people have the necessary tools to thrive in an evolving job market.
In the meantime, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017
At just 20 years old, Thiago Silva’s football dreams were on the verge of collapse. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, his future in the sport seemed uncertain.
But the young Brazilian refused to let his illness define him. With determination, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for the beautiful game, Silva fought back against adversity and embarked on a journey that would take him to the pinnacle of footballing success.
From the darkest of times to the brightest of triumphs, this is the extraordinary story of Thiago Silva’s rise to legendary status.
His talent was undeniable, but his breakthrough was anything but straightforward. At 19, he joined Porto B but struggled for game time, prompting a move to Dynamo Moscow in 2005. That’s when disaster struck.
In Russia, Silva was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He spent six months in the hospital, with doctors even considering removing part of his lung. His career and life hung in the balance. Told he would never play football again, he decided to retire, only to be persuaded otherwise by his mother.
Against all odds, Silva made a full recovery and returned to Brazil with Fluminense. There, he quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in South America, earning a move to AC Milan.
In Italy, he formed an elite partnership with Alessandro Nesta, helping Milan win the Serie A title in 2010-11. His performances cemented his status as one of the best defenders in the world.
In 2012, Paris Saint-Germain made him the most expensive defender at the time (€42 million). He became their captain, leading the club to multiple Ligue 1 titles and an era of domestic dominance.
However, European glory remained elusive, with PSG suffering multiple Champions League heartbreaks, including the infamous ‘Remontada’ against Barcelona in 2017. At 35, Silva led PSG to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020, but they fell short against Bayern Munich. That summer, he joined Chelsea on a free transfer.
Yet, even in his late 30s and early 40s, Silva defied expectations, proving to be an elite defender in the Premier League.
In 2021, under Thomas Tuchel, he anchored Chelsea’s defence as they conceded just four goals on their way to winning their second-ever Champions League title. A true redemption arc.
After a storied career in Europe, Silva returned to his boyhood club, Fluminense, at the end of the 2023/24 season, where 55,000 fans welcomed him home.
When he eventually retires, his trophy cabinet will be overflowing, his legacy as one of the greatest defenders of his generation firmly secured. But perhaps his greatest triumph of all? Refusing to let his illness define him.
Meanwhile, catch up on the latest Sports Check with weightlifter Marie Agbah-Hughes on GhanaWeb TV below:
Scarlett Johansson has warned about the “misuse of AI” after a deepfake video purported to show her and other Jewish celebrities sending a message of protest to Kanye West.
It comes after the rapper recently left the X platform following a tirade of antisemitic posts, and also sold swastika T-shirts on his website.
In the fake video, Johansson and other stars including David Schwimmer and Jerry Seinfeld were depicted wearing a white T-shirt showing the Star of David on a hand giving a one-finger salute, above the word “Kanye”.
The US actress said that while she had no time for “hate speech”, she was as concerned about the threat of AI making us “risk losing hold on reality”.
‘Hate speech multiplied by AI’
In a statement to People, the Black Widow actress said: “It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends, that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction.
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind.
“But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it.”
She added: “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
Likenesses of Steven Spielberg, Adam Sandler and Sacha Baron Cohen were also used without their permission in the video, as well as other stars including Natalie Portman and Lenny Kravitz.
The video carries the slogan: “Enough is enough. Join the fight against anti-semitism.”
Kanye West and his wife, model Bianca Censori, caused a stir at the recent Grammy Awards, where she removed her coat to reveal a see-through dress
West, now legally known as Ye, repeatedly referred to himself as a “Nazi” and praised Hitler on X before saying he was closing his account on Sunday.
He also appeared in an advert during the Super Bowl directing people to his website, which started selling only one product: T-shirts with swastikas on.
On Tuesday, the site was taken down by Shopify due to policy violations.
On Wednesday, Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy condemned the ad in a note to staff.
“The ad, which was presented as a legitimate online apparel site before and during the airing of the Super Bowl, was switched at some point afterwards, and completely outside of our stations’ control respondents to the commercials were redirected toward the marketing of a wholly appalling product,” he said, Variety reported.
Meanwhile, Ty Dolla $ign, who collaborated with West in 2024 on his latest albums, Vultures 1 and Vultures 2, also distanced himself from the rapper this week, but stopped short of calling him out by name.
“I do not condone any form of hate speech towards anybody,” Ty Dolla $ign wrote on Instagram.
‘Stop being silent’
The new deepfake anti-Kanye video, posted online on Wednesday, is the work of Guy Bar and Ori Bejerano, digital marketers for Israel-based creative agency Gitam BBDO.
Posting the video on Instagram, Bejerano wrote: “It’s time to stop being silent and respond to antisemites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible.”
Writing in the Jewish Chronicle, Nicole Lampert said “it was was thrilling to see Jewish stars standing up to Kanye West – if only they had really done it”.
“A viral video of the campaign, which transpired to be AI-generated, only serves to highlight the deafening silence of the celebrity class.”
The issue comes as new figures from the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority suggest fake adverts featuring celebrities and public figures remain the most common type of scam adverts appearing online.
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Popular media personality and host of Your View on TVC, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, has assured Annie Macaulay-Idibia of her support and sisterhood solidarity.
Morayo gave the assurance amid the ongoing divorce drama between Annie and her husband, singer 2Face.
DAILY POST reports that 2Face recently announced his divorce from Annie and his engagement to a new lover, Natasha.
Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a $100m (£80.5m) lawsuit against the makers of a recent documentary about him, as he continues to face allegations of sexual assault.
The rapper is currently in a New York jail awaiting a federal criminal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, which he denies.
On Wednesday, Diddy’s lawyer said he was suing TV network NBC, its streaming service Peacock and production company Ample over their documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.
The legal action alleges the documentary featured untrue and defamatory statements about the rapper. The three companies have not yet commented.
The lawsuit says the “entire premise of the documentary assumes that Mr Combs has committed numerous heinous crimes, including serial murder, rape of minors, and sex trafficking of minors”.
It said the programme “maliciously and baselessly jumps to the conclusion that Mr Combs is a ‘monster'”, and included claims that makers “knew were false or published with reckless disregard as to whether they were false or not”.
Diddy is seeking $100m in damages for the “reputational and economic harm” caused by the documentary.
The lawsuit says the programme “falsely, recklessly, and maliciously accuses Mr Combs of murdering” figures around him including former partner Kim Porter and rapper Christopher Wallace, known as Biggie Smalls and The Notorious BIG.
Mr Combs’ lawyer Erica Wolff said NBC, Peacock and Ample “made a conscious decision to line their own pockets at the expense of truth, decency, and basic standards of professional journalism”.
They “maliciously and recklessly broadcast outrageous lies”, she said in a statement.
BBC News has asked NBC and Ample for comment.
The lawsuit comes after a string of allegations have been made against the rap star by both men and women over the past 16 months.
It’s thought there are currently more than 30 separate civil lawsuits against him.
The star has been accused of kidnapping, drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, sometimes through the use of firearms and threats of violence. Diddy is also accused assaulting and raping people.
Earlier this month, a lawyer who represents dozens of accusers said he expected Diddy to face more than 10 new civil lawsuits in addition to those previously filed.
Last week, the BBC published an investigation after speaking to more than 20 people who worked with Diddy at his Bad Boy Records, who described troubling incidents they say they witnessed during the label’s 1990s rise.
Mr Combs has consistently denied the allegations in the lawsuits, and has previously labelled them “sickening”. He has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.
In a previous statement to the BBC, Mr Combs’ lawyer said: “In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone – man or woman, adult or minor.”
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.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of YEA , Malik Basintale
Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) Malik Basintale stormed his office with an armed private bodyguard in a viral video.
The new Acting YEA CEO who was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama last month reported to work with a muscular bodyguard, locally known as “macho”.
Basintale, a dynamic figure in Ghanaian politics and one of the most prominent voices during last year’s December 7 Presidential Election campaign was captured in a viral video arriving at his office.
In the video, he was captured alighting from his V8 with his bodyguard who was carrying the CEO’s bag. The identity of the bodyguard is not known.
Basintale exchanged pleasantries with staff of the agency as he made his way to this office.
A gun was spotted on the bodyguard as he stretched to place the bag of his seated boss. The video has generated mixed reactions online.
Participants at a stakeholders’ meeting on the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act have called for its amendment to make it fit for purpose.
They said the Act was weak, not inclusive enough and had many gaps.
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations, traditional leaders and youth groups attended the meeting, organised by the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) in Accra.
The MIIF was established as a Special Purpose Vehicle with the mandate to manage the equity interest of Ghana by mining companies and receive dividends from these equity interests, to receive minerals royalties and other related income due to the country.
It was also to provide for the management and investment of funds.
Jennifer Moffat, the Country Manager, BudgIT Ghana, a civic organisation, said the Act must ensure contract transparency and beneficial ownership disclosures.
These must align MIIF governance with Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) 2023 EITI requirements 2.2 – 2.5 to facilitate the effective management of mineral revenues.
“Act 978 provides some provisions for public reporting and oversight mechanisms, but there are critical gaps in contract transparency, beneficial ownership disclosures, and open- data accessibility that weaken public confidence in the Fund’s governance,” she stated.
Moffat called for the introduction of a legal requirement for traditional authorities and local government representatives to be included in MIIF’s governance.
It should also ensure the establishment of an independent Mineral Revenue Oversight Committee, similar to PIAC, dedicated to petroleum monitoring, she said.
Mr Dennis Gyegyir, a Senior Programme Officer for Africa at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, advocated an increase in the percentage allocation to community development schemes.
He proposed a comprehensive Mineral Revenue Management Act to replace the existing one, including provisions for royalty management, accountability mechanisms, and reporting requirements.
Consideration should also be given to a merger of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and MIIF because the MDF received 20 per cent of MIIF’s funds to prevent ‘needless’ bureaucracy and waste of the public purse.
Gyegyir suggested a repeal of the MIIF Act and the creation of a new organisation to manage mineral revenues with clear provisions for transferring funds to communities and ensuring accountability.
He advocated an increase in the percentage allocation to community development schemes.
Alhassan Iddrissu, a legal advocate, said the country had failed to harness its natural resources efficiently to spur economic growth, despite decades of exploitation.
He attributed that partly to inefficient resource governance and the wrong priorities of governments regarding the extractive sector.
The CEPIL is a human rights civil society organisation comprising a group of legal practitioners who provide free legal representation and services to vulnerable people and mining communities, including Persons with Disability.
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Interior of the newly renovated National Training Centre
The Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF) has inaugurated its newly renovated national training centre at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking at the event on February 12, 2025, Federation President and Member of Parliament, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, underscored the importance of the renovation in strengthening Ghana’s weightlifting prospects on the global stage.
“As you all know, this gym has been non-operational for almost a year due to necessary renovations aimed at upgrading the facilities and equipping the space for optimal use.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the reopening of a training center, but embracing a vision—one that represents growth, progress, and success for weightlifting in Ghana.”
He further emphasized the federation’s dedication to creating a safe and well-equipped environment for athletes, acknowledging the years of effort invested in advancing the sport.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, made his first official appearance at a sporting event since his vetting and approval.
He highlighted the need to invest in and promote lesser-known sports such as weightlifting, pledging support for its continued growth.
The newly refurbished centre is expected to serve as a crucial hub for the development of weightlifting talent in Ghana, providing athletes with the resources needed to compete at the highest levels.
Some of the stakeholders during the launch of the programme
The Economic Governance Platform (EGP), hosted by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), has launched an online Public Debt Tracker and an IMF Bailout Dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability in Ghana’s debt management.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra on February 13, 2025, Abdulkarim Mohammed, Coordinator of the Economic Governance Platform, underscored the need to simplify economic data for public consumption.
“Financial management issues often seem like they are meant for only a few people, but if we want a strong democracy where citizens take part in national discussions, we must break down complicated economic information so that everyone can follow,” he said.
Mohammed also pointed out that Ghana’s repeated IMF bailouts have constrained its borrowing options in international markets.
Dr. Angela Azumah Alu, Fiscal Policy Advisor at Oxfam Ghana, lauded the initiative, calling it a significant step toward greater transparency in financial management.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to fairness and economic justice. The people who suffer the most from Ghana’s debt problems deserve honest leadership and clear information about how the country’s money is managed,” she remarked.
She urged the public to utilize the platform to hold leaders accountable and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), applauded the Economic Governance Platform’s efforts in fostering fiscal transparency.
She highlighted the platform’s growth into a robust coalition of governance and anti-corruption experts, earning recognition from global institutions such as the IMF and World Bank as a model for civil society engagement.
Encouraging public participation, she urged citizens and journalists to visit egpghana.org for real-time debt data.
She emphasized the platform’s credibility and its value as a resource for advocacy and informed reporting.
Addah called for stronger fiscal policies and encouraged stakeholders to leverage the data to advocate for improved debt management and governance.
The Public Debt Tracker is a key component of the “Citizens Action for Sustainable Debt Management in Ghana” project being implemented by EGP, with funding support from the Open Society Foundation (OSF).
It is an innovative tool designed to provide simplified, user-friendly and timely updates on Ghana’s public debt and its composition, key developments in Ghana’s public debt management and making essential macroeconomic data readily accessible for citizens and other interested stakeholders.
The Dashboard on IMF Bailout on the other hand, provides an update on Ghana’s 17th IMF Programme with the IMF.
This initiative seeks to promote greater transparency and accountability in the
management of Ghana’s public debt, enabling effective citizens’ scrutiny and informed feedback and engagement with policymakers.
The newly launched online tools aim to empower citizens by providing accessible data on debt management policies.
The Economic Governance Platform is a coalition of civil society organizations dedicated to promoting economic transparency.
Its members include the Ghana Integrity Initiative, Institute of Economic Affairs, Oxfam Ghana, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, CDD-Ghana, and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams among the delegation from UG
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, will grace the official launch and balloting ceremony of the University of Ghana (UG) Corporate Football League on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.
His participation was confirmed following a visit by a delegation from the University of Ghana Sports & Wellness Directorate and RITE Sports Services, who extended their congratulations on his recent appointment and provided a briefing on the upcoming corporate league.
During the meeting, Adams commended the organizers for initiating such an innovative competition, highlighting its potential to enhance corporate fitness, networking, and recreation.
He pledged the full support of his ministry for the league, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting sports participation at all levels.
The UG Corporate Football League is an anticipated football competition aimed at fostering camaraderie, fitness, and teamwork among corporate institutions and colleges affiliated with the University of Ghana.
Scheduled to run for 20 weeks from late February to July 2025, the league will feature 16 teams from various industries, building on the success of the UG Corporate Football Gala held in November 2024, where “Union Ghana” emerged as champions.
The tournament will be played under floodlights at the University of Ghana Stadium every Friday night.
Some of Ghana’s top corporate institutions set to participate include Stanbic Bank, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana Armed Forces Officers Sports Club, UG Alumni Association, Lancaster Hotel, Ghana National Petroleum Authority, Forestry Commission, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Bui Power Authority, and Union Ghana, the defending champions of the UG Corporate Football Gala.
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated government’s commitment to work to improve the lives of all Ghanaians.
“The government remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring equitable development for all communities in Ghana,” she said.
The Vice President gave the assurance when the Council of Madina Zongo Chiefs paid a courtesy call on her at the Jubilee House, in Accra.
The visit, led by Sheikh Salmad Mohammed Alhassan, a Chief Imam of Madina, was to primarily congratulate President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on their decisive victory in the 2024 general elections.
It was to discuss pressing issues affecting the Madina Zongo community, including land litigation, education, and overall development.
The Vice President thanked the chiefs for their visit and their continuous efforts to improve the welfare of the Madina Zongo community.
She assured them of government’s commitment to working in the best interest of all Ghanaians, emphasising plans to expand access to education and implement policies that promoted national development.
The Muslim chiefs commended President Mahama and the government for reducing the Hajj fares as promised and making the pilgrimage more accessible to Ghanaian Muslims.
They stressed the need for continued collaboration between the government and traditional leaders in advancing the interests of the people.
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Weezy Empire has announced the cinema premiere of its award-winning movie, “A Country Called Ghana,” which will be showcased at Silverbird Cinemas across Ghana and Nigeria on February 28, 2025.
Led by Weezy Empire CEO, Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as ‘Lilwin,’ the movie 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.
The landmark movie celebrates the rich culture, history, and vibrant spirit of Ghana while fostering a deeper collaboration between the two nations.
Prior to the announcement of premiere dates at Silverbird, Weezy Empire will hold a media engagement session to brief the press about the modalities of the premiere at the Ridge Condos in Kumasi on February 18, 2024.
The upcoming media session promises to be an exciting opportunity for journalists, influencers, and film enthusiasts to connect with the creators and cast of the film.
The media engagement will include interviews and Q&A sessions with Ghana’s favourite actor, Lilwin, who doubles as the executive producer of the movie.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with key figures involved in the production and gain insights into the creative process behind “A Country Called Ghana.”
“A Country Called Ghana” is a cinematic exploration that delves into the diverse landscapes, traditions, and stories that define Ghanaian identity.
With stunning visuals and compelling narratives, some stars in the movie include Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum, Victor Osuagwu (popularly known as ‘Awilo Sharp Sharp’), Paa George, and Sweet Mimi, among others.
The excavators being burnt after the raid on illegal miners
Some sections of Ghanaians have expressed shock that the current government is resorting to burning excavators in the fight against illegal mining.
To them, they were thinking the current government would use a better approach after criticizing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government’s decision to burn excavators.
This comes after reports that there was a raid on illegal miners in the Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region where four excavators have been burned.
The comments are that of disappointment because they expected better from John Dramani Mahama’s government.
Presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has said that in 2017, her internal organs collapsed, but she was taken from the hospital to the office of the National Investigative Bureau (NIB) to be investigated.
She made this known while addressing issues about the former finance minister’s claim that he’s indisposed and therefore cannot come back to Ghana to assist the OSP with their investigation.
To her, the former finance minister has no excuse but to return to Ghana to be investigated for his alleged crimes.
“In 2017, my system collapsed, but I was carried to the BNI to prove that I was sick. My heart was the only organ that was working then, but I went. My auntie is my witness because she took me there. When they saw me, they plucked mango leaves and gave them to me. I swear, I was brought to the BNI,” she said.
She added that “he should have a Zoom meeting with the OSP to ascertain if he is indisposed.”
The office of the special prosecutor is investigating the former finance minister for his involvement in several corruption-related offenses during the tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Ankara fabric, with its vibrant colors and striking patterns, has become a fashion icon in both traditional and modern styles. One of the best ways to showcase this stunning fabric is by pairing it with jeans, creating an effortlessly stylish and chic look. Whether you’re going for a casual day out or a semi-formal gathering, an Ankara top paired with jeans can elevate your outfit, providing a blend of comfort, culture, and contemporary fashion. Here are some of the best Ankara top styles to slay with your jeans:
1. Peplum Ankara Tops
The peplum style is a flattering choice for many body types. The flare at the waist gives the top a feminine and playful silhouette. Paired with high-waisted jeans, an Ankara peplum top creates an hourglass shape while adding an air of sophistication to a casual look. This style works beautifully with both skinny and wide-legged jeans, making it versatile for different occasions.
2. Off-Shoulder Ankara Tops
For a bold, yet elegant look, the off-shoulder Ankara top is a must-try. Its exposure of the shoulders adds a hint of sexiness, while the bright Ankara patterns keep the look vibrant and fun. When combined with skinny or bootcut jeans, the outfit exudes effortless glamour and is perfect for both daytime and evening events.
3. Button-Down Ankara Blouse
A classic button-down blouse made from Ankara fabric adds a touch of structure and formality to your outfit, while still maintaining the boldness of the print. This style pairs wonderfully with straight-leg or mom jeans for a chic, polished look. You can tuck it in or leave it untucked depending on your preference, and accessorize with a belt or statement jewelry to complete the ensemble.
4. Crop Tops with Ankara Prints
For a trendy and youthful vibe, crop tops made from Ankara fabric are an excellent option. Whether it’s a simple, fitted crop top or one with ruffles, Ankara prints give it an exotic flair. Pair this with high-waisted jeans or flared pants for a look that is both playful and fashion-forward. It’s a perfect option for summer or casual outings.
5. Kimono Sleeve Ankara Tops
Kimono sleeves are an elegant addition to any outfit, and when paired with the bright patterns of Ankara fabric, they create a stylish fusion. The loose, flowing sleeves add a relaxed and breezy vibe to your look. Pair this with straight-leg jeans or flared jeans for a chic, modern appearance that is perfect for brunches, parties, or casual office wear.
Conclusion
Ankara tops offer endless possibilities for styling, especially when paired with jeans. The combination of the fabric’s bold prints and the comfort of jeans makes it a perfect match for fashion lovers who want to mix style with ease. Whether it’s a peplum, crop top, button-down blouse, off-shoulder, or kimono-sleeve style, you can confidently slay your look with Ankara. So, step out in style and let your jeans and Ankara top shine!
Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle, has knocked Nigerians who engage in public marriage proposals.
Naija News reports that the thespian, in a post via his Facebook page on Thursday, asserted that engaging in a public proposal with an entourage of cameras streaming live is imbecilic.
Patrick Doyle noted that the epidemic of narcissism and approval addiction consuming many people makes him wonder if some of them ever had any home training.
He wrote, “Asking a woman to marry you is perhaps the most intimate
From L-R: Dahlia Khalifa (IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa), Kojo Aduhene (Group CEO, LMI Holdings) signing the loan agreement
The role of the private sector in Ghana’s quest to achieve 10% renewable energy in the energy mix is considered crucial.
Wholly owned Ghanaian company, LMI Holdings has embarked on a journey to build a 1000MW solar plant at the Dawa Industrial Park here in the Greater Accra region.
Having successfully built Africa’s largest rooftop solar project which produces about 16.8MW of power at the Tema Free Zone enclave, LMI is expected to execute a 1000MW project in phases.
Group Chief Executive Officer of LMI Holdings, Kojo Aduhene in an interview with Joy Business said work will begin in March having signed a US$100 million loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at Tema Free Zone enclave.
“The board of IFC in Washington has approved a facility of US$100 million to enable us to build the first 150MW of the plant”
“This will be done in two phases. The first 100MW will be completed before December 1, 2026, and the remaining 50MW before December 1, 2027. Once production starts, Enclave Power will be distributing 100% renewable power”, he said.
Mr. Aduhene believes the project can significantly improve the country’s carbon footprint making Dawa City eco-friendly.
Per the company’s schedule, the first 200MW will be ready by mid-2028 and the third 100MW will be under construction due to power demand in the enclave.
“This project is technology transfer. We are going to be teaming up with the contractors post the 200MW.
“We want to do everything ourselves in the country looking beyond the power we are generating. Consistent power supply at a reduced cost in our Dawa enclave from March will help create additional jobs”, he added.
The company is open to selling power to the wider market after achieving the 1000MW target by 2031 for industries within its Dawa enclave.
LMI has also announced a 10% discount on the price of electricity effective July 1, 2025.
General Manager for LMI Utilities, Ing. Matthew Seddoh Akatey told Joy Business, “We have already completed feasibility studies. It’s going to be a ground-mount PV system.
“The selected contractors for the project will do the engineering, a subsidiary of LMI Holdings will handle the procurement and the contractor will take care of the construction”.
He was happy the project will provide a cheaper source of power and enable companies to export and find markets around the world.
IFC Regional Director for Central and Anglophone West Africa, Dahlia Khalifa lauded the Energy Ministry for Ghana’s roadmap towards renewable energy and expressed confidence in LMI as a partner.
“Going green and being respectful of the environment is how we can be sustainable and how we’re going to be building our bottom line. The country is ahead of the curve in the green journey”, she shared.
According to her the country again is laying the groundwork for future growth.
“Talk about value chains, making more export potential a reality, see the flow of international investment and able to catch the benefits. Areas including industrial and manufacturing whether it’s in the garment, food and agro-industries and others must remain a priority”
IFC said the US$ 100 million project goes beyond providing power but jobs, enabling industrial capacities with cheaper power, lives and livelihoods it will impact.
Director for Renewable Energy at the Energy Ministry, Seth Mahu said with the country’s goal of achieving 1400MW of installed capacity by 2030, LMI’s solar project is significant.
“Your effort is significant in enabling us to achieve this goal. Transitioning can also help improve the trade environment of the country. Countries which are not able to go green will find it difficult to access such markets”, he indicated.
He assured LMI of the government’s readiness to remove regulatory barriers that prevent companies from going into production and distribution of power to support economic development.
Mr Mahu touched on the need to replicate models of LMI in other places through public-private partnerships where energy is not a component but part of a bigger economic ecosystem.
Apart from lending support, the ministry will engage LMI in creating a model that ensures industries outside the enclave access cheaper power from the project in future.
He remains hopeful completion of the project will create green jobs helping industries in the enclave remain competitive within the global production space.
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.
The Sekondi Metropolitan Assembly has announced, for the information of cattle rearers, plans to impound stray cattle and prosecute owners.
The decision to impound cattle is based on a total disregard for the STMA bylaw stipulating the Control of Livestock 2017.
A statement from the Assembly indicated that owners of cattle should take their cattle off the streets by Monday, February 17, 2025.
Meanwhile, the operation to impound the stray cattle and prosecute their owners will begin on February 19, 2025.
Cattle rearers have been directed to call the Environmental Health Unit of the Assembly to be informed on the conditions to meet to keep animals in the Metropolis by the close of February 14, 2025.
At least 30 people have been injured, some seriously, after a car was driven into a crowd in Munich, just a week before the country’s federal elections.
The driver was a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, police said, and was identified in local media as Farhad N. He was arrested at the scene.
Police said counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation due to indications the suspect had an “extremist background”.
It comes after a series of deadly attacks in Germany – with some allegedly perpetrated by immigrants. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the driver “must be punished and he must leave the country”.
It has also taken place on the eve of the Munich Security Conference – with world leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance, due to arrive in the city.
The ramming occurred during a transport workers’ union rally at around 10:30 local time (09:30 GMT) on Thursday.
The car was seen approaching police cars at the rally in Dachauer Strasse, a short distance from Munich’s main train station, before speeding up and driving into a crowd police said. Police shot at the vehicle before detaining the man.
Rescue helicopters were quickly at the scene and Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter said children were among those injured.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC they saw people running for shelter in shops and residential buildings as the “distressing” scene unfolded.
“It is obviously very unsettling,” said a student who had been studying in a nearby coffee shop. “I can’t concentrate on anything else.”
The car-ramming again brings issues of immigration and security to the forefront of federal elections due to take place on 23 February.
According to the German Press Agency, the suspect came to Germany in 2016 as a minor and had his request for asylum turned down the following year.
The agency said he was meant to be deported in the autumn of 2020.
Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann said he had not been forced to leave Germany due to security concerns in Afghanistan.
Munich Police said the suspect had a valid residence permit at the time of the collision.
Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder called the incident a “suspected attack”.
“Something has to change something in Germany – and quickly,” he said.
For Germans, there were immediate reminders of an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg less than two months ago that killed six people and injured 300 others.
“When you get the news that someone has once again driven a car into a crowd of people, the fact that there are many injured, is a slap in the face,” said Premier Söder.
“We will clarify all the details, but we react cautiously to every attack like this.”
Police said they could not confirm whether anyone else was involved, following unconfirmed reports of a second person in the car.
They appealed for witnesses to come forward with information and footage of the incident.
Bavaria was hit by an attack only three weeks ago, when a toddler and a man aged 41 were killed in a stabbing at a park in the town of Aschaffenburg.
It soon emerged that the suspected attacker was an Afghan national with suspected jihadist sympathies, and Olaf Scholz had called on authorities at the time to explain why he was still in Germany.
Repeated attacks have propelled the issue of immigration and asylum policy to the forefront of Germany’s 23 February election, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) running second in the opinion polls.
The party’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, has publicly backed calls for “remigration”, seen as referring to mass deportations of immigrants.
Scholz, whose centre left Social Democrats are trailing behind the AfD, said the government was planning to increase deportations of serious criminals to Afghanistan. Deportations to Kabul began last August.
In a separate development, an Afghan man with suspected Islamist sympathies went on trial at a high-security prison in Stuttgart over a knife attack that killed a policeman and wounded five other people at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim in May last year.
Months later, three people were murdered by a man armed with a knife in the western city of Solingen. A Syrian who was due to be deported was arrested, and jihadist group Islamic State said it was behind the attack.
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.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to society. Originating in the early 20th century, this special day honors the fight for gender equality and women’s rights. It is not only an occasion to acknowledge the incredible impact women have in various fields but also a moment to express gratitude for their daily efforts and sacrifices.
The Managing Director of TVC Entertainment Channel and host of the ‘Your View’ program, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, has shared her thoughts on the ongoing divorce drama between singer 2Face and his wife, Annie.
DAILY POST reports that 2Face, in a viral video, confirmed his relationship with his new lover, Natasha Osawaru.
This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s kids made a surprise appearance in court, catching everyone off guard. The couple’s two sons, RZA and Riot, were seen walking into the courtroom with their parents.
The court appearance was part of ASAP Rocky’s ongoing assault trial. The rapper is accused of assaulting a former friend, and the trial has been ongoing for several weeks.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky have been very private about their children, rarely sharing photos or updates on social media. So, it was a surprise to see the kids make an appearance in court.
According to sources, the kids were well-behaved and quiet during the court appearance. They were seen sitting with their parents, looking curious about the proceedings.
The court appearance was a dramatic turn in the trial, which has been filled with twists and turns. ASAP Rocky’s lawyers have been arguing that the rapper is innocent and that the alleged victim is trying to frame him.
Rihanna has been a constant presence at the trial, showing her support for ASAP Rocky. She has been seen sitting in the front row, taking notes and whispering to the rapper’s lawyers.
The surprise court appearance by the kids added an emotional layer to the trial. It was clear that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky were trying to show the judge and jury that they are a family and that they are committed to each other.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks. ASAP Rocky’s lawyers are confident that they can prove his innocence and that the rapper will be acquitted.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s relationship has been under scrutiny since the trial began. The couple has been facing backlash on social media, with some people accusing them of being irresponsible parents.
Despite the backlash, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky seem committed to each other and to their children. They have been spotted out and about with the kids, enjoying family time and trying to keep things as normal as possible.
The court appearance by the kids was a bold move by Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. It showed that they are willing to do whatever it takes to prove ASAP Rocky’s innocence and to protect their family.
The trial has been a difficult time for Rihanna and ASAP Rocky, but they seem to be staying strong. They have been leaning on each other for support, and they seem committed to getting through this tough time together.
Rihanna has been using her music as a way to cope with the stress of the trial. She has been working on new music, and fans are eagerly awaiting her next release.
ASAP Rocky’s lawyers are confident that they can prove his innocence. They have been presenting evidence and calling witnesses to testify on the rapper’s behalf.
The trial has been a dramatic and emotional rollercoaster for Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. But they seem to be staying strong and committed to each other.
The surprise court appearance by the kids was a turning point in the trial. It added an emotional layer to the proceedings and showed that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky are a family.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s relationship has been under scrutiny since the trial began. But they seem to be staying strong and committed to each other.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks. ASAP Rocky’s lawyers are confident that they can prove his innocence and that the rapper will be acquitted.
Rihanna has been a constant presence at the trial, showing her support for ASAP Rocky. She has been seen sitting in the front row, taking notes and whispering to the rapper’s lawyers.
The surprise court appearance by the kids added an emotional layer to the trial. It was clear that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky were trying to show the judge and jury that they are a family and that they are committed to each other.
The trial has been a difficult time for Rihanna and ASAP Rocky, but they seem to be staying strong. They have been leaning on each other for support, and they seem committed to getting through this tough time together.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s kids making a surprise court appearance was a bold move by the couple. It showed that they are willing to do whatever it takes to prove ASAP Rocky’s innocence and to protect their family: comment and share. Thank you!.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has provided a detailed explanation for his decision to withdraw the charges against former COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo.
He maintained that the grounds for their prosecution were untenable, citing significant evidence proving the efficacy of Lithovit liquid fertilizer which is at the centre of the prosecution based on which they were charged for causing financial loss to state.
Upon assuming office, Dr. Ayine reviewed prosecutions initiated by his predecessors, Gloria Akuffo and Godfred Yeboah Dame, and made strategic decisions regarding their continuation. He emphasized his commitment to upholding accountability while ensuring fairness and reason in prosecutorial decisions.
Justifications for Withdrawal
The Attorney General also gave three key reasons for dropping the charges: on ethical and professional considerations, he said he could not, in good conscience, continue certain prosecutions given the weight of evidence contradicting the charges.
He also mentioned defective charges, where he said thorough review revealed that some charges were not supported by facts or common sense. There was also overwhelming doubt regarding guilt, which he said the prosecution failed to prove that Lithovit fertilizer was ineffective, contrary to the claims of the state.
Dr. Dominic Ayine, at a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, stressed that his decision aligns with constitutional requirements, particularly Article 296, which mandates fairness, reasonableness, and transparency in the exercise of discretionary power.
According to him, he consulted widely with the Director of Public Prosecutions, defense lawyers, investigators, and stakeholders before making his determinations.
Traditionally, the Attorneys General are not required to explain the entry of a nolle prosequi, but Ayine insisted on transparency. He outlined the distinction between entering a nolle prosequi, which allows for future re-prosecution, and withdrawing charges, which leads to acquittal if done after the prosecution closes its case.
Evidentiary Support for Lithovit’s Efficacy
The case against Dr. Opuni and Seidu Agongo hinged on the assertion that Lithovit fertilizer was substandard, causing financial loss to the state. He however, confirmed that no farmer was called by the prosecution as a witness to substantiate this claim.
Instead, statements from COCOBOD officials and field reports indicated that Lithovit was highly effective and preferred over other fertilizers.
“More importantly, in the course of the investigation, [EOCO] took statements from two farmers. Whiles 1 (one) stated that he did not see any significant change on his farm, the second farmer stated that after using Lithovit fertilizer, he saw a significant increase in yield, and that Lithovit fertilizer is a very good fertilizer.
“Again, in the course of the trial, the defence tended an official report from COCOBOD which covered field visits by COCOBOD officials. The report, which was tendered, is to the effect that Lithovit fertilizer is a very good fertilizer and that farmers actually preferred Lithovit fertilizer to other fertilizers and was the fertilizer of choice in areas in which Lithovit fertilizer was supplied.
“This is clear evidence that contrary to the case of the Prosecution, the use of Lithovit fertilizer rather increased yield. The farmers who used Lithovit fertilizer, including the then national best farmer, in their evidence testified that Lithovit fertilizer use increased their yield and that Lithovit fertilizer is a good fertilizer.”
He also stated the fact that investigators received conflicting reports from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). The first, conducted by the cosmetics department, which GSA officials told the court, lacks the mandate to test fertilizers, stated that Lithovit lacked fertilizer components. However, he noted, a second test, conducted by the material science department, which is the appropriate department, confirmed that Lithovit was indeed a fertilizer and efficacious.
Additionally, the prosecution’s key witness, Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah, was accused of perjury for allegedly providing false testimony against the accused.
Dr. Ayine expressed concerns about judicial impartiality in the case. He criticized former trial judge Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga for expunging crucial exculpatory evidence in his chambers whilst ruling on the submission of no case, and also failing to hear the perjury application against Dr. Adu Ampomah.
“This is most unacceptable because in a criminal trial it is important to hold the scale of justice evenly and any doubt raised must inure to the benefit of the accused,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Justice Anokye Gyimah’s decision to conduct a de novo trial was swiftly overturned, and the judge transferred from Accra to Kumasi, raising concerns about fairness.
He also highlighted instances where judges handling politically sensitive cases were promoted, creating perceptions of inducement.
“The decisions by the executive branch of government to promote some judges who were sitting on some of the cases is very concerning. The perception whether true or not, is that the promotion may be an inducement to convict the accused persons.”
The Attorney-General also explained the reasons behind cases involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Governor of Bank of Ghana Dr, Johnson Asiama, and Member of Parliament for Asutifi South Collins Dauda.
He assured the public that his decisions were made independently and in the best interest of justice. He rejected claims of external influence, affirming that President John Mahama had not directed him to drop any case. While emphasizing the distinction between causing financial loss and outright corruption, he noted that none of the accused had looted state resources.
Dr. Ayine therefore reiterated his commitment to balancing public interest with the rights of accused persons and ensuring that the judicial process remains fair and credible.
Get a latest heavy layered long hairstyles, this is your real step to get wonderful long hairstyles. Before you go to the hair salon, spend some time finding through magazines or websites and find out everything you want. If possible, it’s better to to give the hairdresser an image as illustration therefore you are near fully guaranteed to have it how you choose it.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Oluwabukola Ajoke, popularly known as Bukky Wright, has opened up on how her children contributed to helping her get out of depression.
Naija News reports that the movie star, during an interview with media personality, Teju Baby Face on his show, said she battled depression and was taking depression antidepressants.
A convener of the Save Ghana Football Movement, Bright Kankam Boadu, has stated in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports that most of the items the pressure group listed in its petition to address several ills in Ghana football have not been addressed.
Kankam Boadu, the 2025 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Journalist of the Year winner, was part of a group of sports journalists including former SWAG Journalist of the Year winner Saddick Adams, who protested on February 14, 2024 after Ghana got kicked out of the AFCON at the group stage.
A petition highlighted problem areas that need to be changed were presented to the Ghana Football Association and the government of Ghana but Kankam Boadu believes that most of the items have not been addressed.
“Honestly, most of the things, I am very disappointed, most of the things we asked for have not been addressed. One of the key things we called for a halt on was the search for the Ghana Black Stars coach.”
2025 SWAG Journalist of the Year Bright Kankam Boadu
“Sadly, the very day we were doing the demonstration was the day they called Otto Addo to interview him and we all know how it’s turned out to be. If they had listened and taken time, I’m sure we would have been able to search for a better coach.”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo
Under Otto Addo, Ghana failed to qualify to the 2025 AFCON after failing to win a game in six 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
MP of Afigya Sekyere East Constituency, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu
The Member of Parliament of Afigya Sekyere East Constituency, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, has condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region.
It could be recalled that on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region was marred by violence and vandalism, leading to widespread condemnation from lawmakers and citizens alike.
In a statement delivered in Parliament on February 13, 2024, Nkansah-Boadu denounced the acts of lawlessness that disrupted the electoral process.
The MP expressed deep concern over the recent surge in election-related violence, including attacks on EC officials, arson, and unlawful takeovers of state agencies.
She stated that such acts undermine Ghana’s democratic integrity and threaten national peace and stability.
“The country, in recent weeks, has witnessed election-related violence, including physical attacks on Electoral Commission officials, arson, unlawful takeover of state agencies, attacks on security personnel and other forms of vandalism.
“These acts of lawlessness are alien to Ghanaian culture and values, undermine the integrity of our democratic process and threaten the peace and stability of our great nation. The violence we have witnessed in recent days is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” she said.
Nkansah-Boadu also urged the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service to discharge their duties without fear or favor, while calling on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that all perpetrators face the full force of the law.
“We, therefore, call on His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to condemn this undemocratic and violent act and ensure that all culprits, regardless of their political affiliations, face the full force of the law. We are a nation with a proud history of peaceful transitions of power. We should not allow these recent events to tarnish our reputation and undermine our progress,” she added.
She also criticised the EC’s decision to order a re-run of the election in the Ashanti Region, despite a clear winner emerging before the disruption, and called for heightened security during the re-run to prevent further violence.
“It is unfortunate that the Electoral Commission has announced a re-run of the Council of State election in the Ashanti Region, despite there being a clear winner. We call on the Police Service to heighten security for the re-run to prevent any disruptions,” she said.
In her concluding remarks, the MP stressed that violence during elections is an assault on Ghana’s democracy and a betrayal of the nation’s constitutional values.
She urged Parliament to take a firm stand against such acts, ensuring that Ghana remains a beacon of democratic stability in Africa.
“Violence in any form during elections and their aftermath is an assault on the very foundation of Ghana’s democracy and a betrayal of the values enshrined in our Constitution. Our nation has long been a beacon of democratic stability in Africa, and any act of electoral violence undermines not only the sovereign will of the people but also the hard-won peace that defines our nation,” she concluded.
What happened?
The violence during the Ashanti Region’s Council of State election was reportedly triggered by the unexpected defeat of National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, who was considered a frontrunner.
Supporters, allegedly aggrieved by the outcome, instigated the chaos, demanding a review of the results. Thugs stormed the election venue, destroying ballot boxes, scattering voting materials, and attacking officials and journalists.
Despite the presence of security personnel, the situation escalated, forcing the EC to suspend the process.
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Frank Abrokwa, was subsequently removed from his position following the incident, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for accountability and measures to safeguard future elections from similar disruptions.
ID/AE
In the meantime, watch the story of the Ghanaian team that rode motorbikes from Accra to Dakar and back in 17 days, below:
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has announced a nationwide strike in response to the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of CLOGSAG made this decision after a meeting on February 11, 2025, to address concerns about the appointment of politically exposed persons in the Civil Service and Local Governments.
The Council noted that Botchway, a politically exposed person, assumed office as the Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry on February 12, 2025 for which reason CLOGSAG has decided to declare a nationwide strike starting on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
In a press release dated February 13, Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, stated, “The National Executive Council (NEC) decided that should Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway assume office as Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry, CLOGSAG should declare a nationwide strike.
“Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway took office on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The Association has no option but to call for a nationwide strike from Thursday, February 20, 2025.”
CLOGSAG is calling on all its members to stay at home from the specified date until further notice.
The association’s decision underscores its opposition to the appointment of politically exposed individuals to key positions within the Civil Service and Local Government, which they believe undermines the integrity of these institutions.
Read also
Govt’s revocation of ‘last minute’ appointments justified – Austin Gamey
LetselevateHer Ghana’s journey to Bolgatanga highlighted its unwavering commitment to uplifting women and fostering sustainable economic development.
Among the communities visited the Kologo community of basket weavers stood out for their remarkable craftsmanship, which has been hindered by challenges such as inadequate shelter, fluctuating market prices, and limited infrastructure.
Dr Roberta Ayalingo, the visionary behind LetselevateHer, emphasised during the visit, “Empowering women is not just about addressing their immediate needs; it’s about building lasting solutions that create generational impact.” This guiding principle shaped the team’s interactions and initiatives in the region.
The team facilitated meaningful discussions with the artisans, uncovering their struggles and aspirations. In response, LetselevateHer took immediate action by purchasing over ten baskets, rebranding them for wider market access and ensuring fair compensation for the artisans. This effort not only provided financial relief but also laid the groundwork for sustainable economic opportunities.
Recognising the importance of long-term solutions, LetselevateHer is developing plans to build permanent shelters for the basket weavers equipped with solar panels to enhance their working environment. Infrastructure improvements and market development initiatives are also on the horizon to bolster productivity and income stability.
The visit underscored the power of collaboration, with LetselevateHer engaging local chiefs, the Ghana Education Service, and municipal leaders to align its initiatives with community priorities. This collaborative approach ensures that the foundation’s efforts are sustainable and impactful.
Through these initiatives, LetselevateHer is transforming the lives of women in Bolgatanga, fostering economic resilience and empowerment. The foundation remains steadfast in its mission to create equitable opportunities for women.
To learn more about our projects or support this life-changing work, visit www.letselevateher.org.
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As a long-term wearer and outspoken fan of the Oura Ring (I wore the Oura Ring 3 daily for over two years), I was unduly excited when they announced they were launching the Oura Ring 4.
The stylish smart ring has made fans of celebrities and athletes across the globe, including Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr, and is quickly earning a place as one of the buzziest wearables on the market. I’ve been stopped on the street, in bars, and on the tube by people curious about whether the Oura Ring is worth it.
For a few years, Oura dominated the smart ring market. That was until brands started launching some competing rings – such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring – and Oura has had to keep up by launching a shiny new ring and overhauling the compatible Oura app.
I made the switch over to the Oura Ring 4 about four months ago now, and have spent that time comparing and contrasting the new ring to its predecessor, as well as doing a comprehensive Oura Ring 4 review. I also chatted to Jason Russell, VP of Consumer Software Product at Oura, to get a better understanding of what has changed between the two rings and to get some insight into how the technology works.
The WH rating:
Oura Ring 4
Credit: Hearst owned
Pros
Thinner and more stylish design than the Oura ring 3
Highly detailed and accurate sleep tracking
Long battery life
Comfortable to wear and sleep in
Accurate cycle tracking
Built-in guided meditations and breathwork sessions
Built-in heart rate monitoring
Built-in temperature sensor
Symptom radar alerts you when you might be getting unwell
Cons
Need to pay for a subscription on top of an already expensive device
Can only be charged using an Oura specific charger
Workout and activity trackers could be improved
Takes a few weeks to understand where you are on your menstrual cycle
Seems to scuff faster than the Oura Ring 3
Included accessories
Oura Ring, charging dock and cable-USB
Battery life
Up to 8 days
Charging time
20 to 80 minutes, depending on battery level
Guarantee
2 year guarantee included
Compatible with
Android and IOS
Dimension
7.90mm width, 2.88mm thickness, 3.3 to 5.2 grams (depending on ring size) weight
Water resistant
Up to 100m/328 ft
Materials
Titanium
Oura Ring 3 vs 4
Jason told us that the most significant difference between the devices is a new technology called Smart Sensing. ‘Oura Ring 4 is powered by a breakthrough technology, Smart Sensing, which adapts to the finger to find the optimal signal path,’ he says. ‘We don’t all have the same skin thickness or exact location of our main artery, for instance, so Smart Sensing enables us to provide accurate and continuous data from day to night.’
According to Oura, Smart Sensing is ‘powered by an algorithm that works with the research-grade sensors [including red, green and Infrared LEDs, an accelerometer and a digital temperature sensor] to make them even smarter and even more accurate. Those sensors don’t just measure your biometrics, they now adapt to your finger. Understanding its unique structure and skin tone, it intuitively finds the most efficient signal to monitor your health. The sensors adapt, working in the background to ensure accuracy. The result is a more accurate experience with fewer gaps in your data, all while optimising battery life.’
Hearst owned
Top: Oura Ring 3, bottom: Oura Ring 4
On top of this improved accuracy, Jason added that the ‘Oura Ring 4 also features recessed sensors on its interior to make for a more comfortable fit, and it is thinner and lighter than Oura Ring 3. The combination of these changes makes Oura Ring 4 our most accurate and comfortable ring yet. We’ve also expanded the size range to include sizes 4-15 to accommodate even more individuals.’
Along with a newly designed charging port, Jason concluded that the ‘Oura Ring 4 has improved battery life and can last for up to 8 days compared to Oura Ring Gen 3, which can last up to 7.’
The main differences between the Oura Ring 3 and 4 are:
The introduction of Smart Sensing technology
Improved accuracy
A new design and a more comfortable fit
An expanded size range
A new charging port and an improved battery life.
From my perspective, I always found the data from my Oura Ring 3 to be fairly reliable, but since upgrading to the 4 I have noticed an improvement in the accuracy of Oura Ring sleep tracking and cycle tracking. The recessed sensors also mean my finger no longer visibly lights up when the sensors are taking measurements, and it does look a bit more stylish than its predecessor.
What is an Oura Ring? Everything you need to know
Before we dive into my review of the Oura Ring 4, it’s probably best I define what exactly an Oura Ring is. The Oura Ring is a smart ring that’s been designed to track health metrics like sleep, activity, menstrual cycle, body temperature and stress levels in the accompanying Oura app. The health tracker looks like a regular ring and comes in different metals so you can choose one that best fits your style.
Oura Ring 4 sizing kit
For the Oura Ring to be as accurate as possible, it needs to fit snugly on your finger. When you buy your Oura Ring, you will first be sent a sizing kit with plastic rings in 12 different sizes for you to try on and decipher which is the best size for you.
While the Oura Ring can technically be worn on any finger, they recommend the index finger for optimal accuracy. The ring should be snug but not uncomfortable, and the brand recommends wearing the sizing ring for a day to see how it feels before you confirm your size.
How is the readiness score calculated with the Oura Ring 4?
Each morning when you open the Oura Ring app you get some scores based on the data the ring has collected, such as the readiness score.
Hearst owned
Every morning when you open the Oura app this is what you’ll see
You might be wondering what a ‘readiness score’ actually is, and that’s a fair question. We posed this query to Jason, who gave us a run down: ‘Readiness is a holistic picture of your health — taking into account your recent activity, sleep patterns, and direct body signals [like resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and body temperature] that can signify if your body is under strain. Your Readiness Score also influences your Resilience level.’
He added that your readiness score is ‘the sum of seven daily readiness contributors’ and these ‘answer deeper questions about how your body is responding to your lifestyle in three core pillars – sleep, activity, and body stress.’
He explained further that ‘these contributors are entirely personal and are designed to help you spot signs of strain from stress, illness, injury, or another shift in your health — before you even feel anything in some cases. If your temperature is elevated, Oura will automatically alert you and give you the option to use tools like Rest Mode to help you care for yourself’.
Jason advises us to ‘keep in mind that your Readiness Score places a unique emphasis on how your health is trending over time. While many wearables focus on today or last night, Oura believes that health is a journey for long-term balance and supports that exploration with long-term contributors: Sleep Balance, Activity Balance, and HRV Balance.’
How does sleep tracking work with the Oura Ring 4?
Oura’s sleep tracking is the brand’s main selling point and a huge part of the reason it’s become so popular with health-conscious consumers. The past few years have seen people taking their sleep more seriously than ever, so accurate and reliable sleep tracking is a major draw for the Oura Ring. Jason explained that ‘unlike other wearables that were originally designed as activity trackers, Oura was engineered to prioritise accurate sleep insights.’
Each morning when you wake up, you open the Oura app to see a sleep score. Your score will range from 0-100 – under 70 indicates your sleep wasn’t great, 70-84 indicates your sleep was good and you’re on the right track and over 85 indicates an optimal night’s sleep.
Hearst owned
Oura Ring vitals: Sleep, readiness, activity, cycle and stress
But how exactly is Oura able to assess your sleep from your finger? Jason explained that ‘using a combination of your body temperature and activity patterns, Oura can detect how your body temperature naturally drops as you’re falling asleep and rises again just before you wake up. Once Oura has determined that you’re asleep, it collects an abundance of highly detailed data and divides your sleep into 5-minute intervals. It then classifies your data into sleep stages – awake, light, deep, and REM – by looking for which sleep stage patterns are most dominant in your data. Oura Ring leverages your movement and changes in your heart rate, respiration, and temperature to identify the signatures of each sleep stage.’
An element of sleep tracking I’ve found very helpful is the ability to add tags that can help you spot trends. For example, if I’ve had a terrible night’s sleep and I suspect the two glasses of wine I had the night before were to blame, I could tag ‘alcohol’ and then I’ll be able to see in the trends tab whether or not I’m having lower quality sleep on the night’s I’ve been drinking.
If you want to see whether a new supplement or meditation routine is helping you get better sleep, you can add them as tags to the nights you implement them into your routine and eventually, you’ll be able to see whether they’re having a positive impact on your sleep score.
How does menstrual tracking work with the Oura Ring 4?
When I first got an Oura Ring I was most excited about the sleep tracking data, but as time has gone on the feature I find myself talking about the most is the cycle tracking. Oura’s Cycle Insights feature offers comprehensive menstrual cycle tracking inclusive of cycle phases, cycle variability, typical cycle length, typical period length, period prediction, and more. This technology is seriously clever.
Hearst owned
The Oura apps cycle insights feature
As this is the feature I’m most enthusiastic about, I was excited to pick Jason’s brain about how exactly it works. He explained that ‘throughout your menstrual cycle, your body temperature changes in response to fluctuating hormone levels during the different phases. These temperature fluctuations can provide crucial insights into your menstrual cycle and reproductive health. Oura can be a helpful tool for spotting changes in your entire body during your menstrual cycle by delivering accurate, personalised resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, sleep, and body temperature trends’.
After you’ve been wearing your ring for a couple of months, Jason shared that the ‘Cycle Insights feature establishes your body temperature trends, which it uses to forecast the start date of your next period and tell you which phase of your menstrual cycle you’re in’. In my experience, the prediction has consistently been accurate, and I do start my period on the day the app predicts.
I have also found the feature Fertile Window helpful, as it helps users estimate which days during their cycle they’re most likely to conceive. According to Jason, Fertile Window works by estimating ‘the ovulation day and window based on past cycles and by using physiological data like body temperature trends, heart rate, HRV, and respiratory rate’.
Oura Ring 4: Battery life and charging
When compared to health trackers with built-in displays, Oura’s up to eight days of battery life is pretty decent indeed. It can be fully charged from drained in 80 minutes, which isn’t bad for over a week of juice.
I found the battery to live up to the advertised eight days pretty consistently, but things such as blood oxygen sensing (SpO2) can decrease the battery life. I’ve also found it handy to have notifications on so the Oura app can alert me when the ring needs to be charged, otherwise I would definitely forget.
The only thing I find frustrating about the charging process is the fact you can only charge it with the Oura charging dock. This means if I go on holidays without it there’s no way to charge it, and I end up losing out on a few day’s worth of data.
Oura Ring 4: Design and comfort
Historically, I’ve hated sleeping in a smartwatch because I find it quite uncomfortable, but the Oura Ring is so lightweight I wear it around the clock with no issues. I only take it off when I’m putting on body moisturiser, but apart from that, I wear it 24/7.
Made from titanium, the ring is sleek and stylish and looks just like a normal ring to most people. The prices vary depending on what finish you opt for, and it’s available in silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold and rose gold. I opted for gold, which is the same choice I made for the Oura Ring 3.
One thing I will note is my Oura Ring 4 does seem to be scuffing a bit faster than my Oura Ring 3 did. I also compared my ring to my colleagues who is wearing the 3 and mine looks significantly more scuffed than hers does, despite us both wearing it around the clock and getting mine more recently.
Is the Oura Ring 4 accurate?
Jason makes it clear that the Oura Ring is not a medical device. However, he clarifies that the ring ‘has capabilities that are nearly perfect when compared to advanced medical technologies’.
As Jason is the Vice President of Consumer Software Product at Oura, he’s well placed to give us a few highlights when it comes to the rings accuracy:
Oura Ring measures resting heart rate at 99.9% reliability compared to a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG) and validated against the sleep lab golden standard – PSG.
Oura Ring measures heart rate variability at 98.4% reliability compared to medical-grade ECG.
Oura Ring temperature sensors match performance with research-grade sensors at >99% and can detect baseline deviations as small as 0.13 °C.
The Oura Ring infrared PPG sensor matched performance with clinical-grade ECG and consistently outperformed other PPG tools relying on green light LEDs.
The new sleep staging algorithm was found to achieve 79% agreement with gold-standard PSG for 4-stage sleep classification (wake, light, deep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep).
The Oura Ring has an almost perfect agreement with PSG for 2-stage sleep classification and an inter-device reliability of 94.8 %.
Hearst owned
The Oura app helps you see trends in your health data that can help you make necessary changes
On top of these impressive stats, Jason tells us that ‘in addition, a new sleep accuracy study was recently conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital which evaluated the accuracy of sleep-staging algorithms in three consumer wearable devices, including Oura Ring, against gold-standard polysomnography. We’re really proud that the study found that Oura Ring was the most accurate sleep tracker in four-stage classification’.
In my experience wearing the Oura Ring, I’ve found the accuracy of sleep and cycle tracking to be impressive. The activity tracker could use a little bit of work, however, and I have found that it slightly overestimates my step count and isn’t intuitive in detecting strength workouts.
The Women’s Health verdict: Is the Oura Ring 4 worth it?
If you’re looking for a discreet, stylish, lightweight and accurate wearable that’s clever enough to track your health metrics in detail, the Oura Ring is a fantastic option. While it’s not cheap, with options starting at £349 and the subscription on top costing £5.99 a month, the quality and accuracy speaks for itself.
An Oura Ring is definitely an investment, but as someone who has now been wearing one for three years, I can say that having access to my health data has helped me make healthy changes to my routine that I wouldn’t have made otherwise.
Where to buy an Oura Ring UK
We recommend buying an Oura Ring directly from the Oura website. The website has covered all the questions you might have and has a plethora of details about the science behind the ring if you want to learn more.
Oura Ring 4: FAQs
Does Oura Ring track steps?
Yes, it does. The Oura app allows you to set daily step goals and keeps count of how many steps you’re doing across the day. If I’m sitting still for too long the app with alert me that I should get up and do some movement, which is helpful for someone with a mostly sedentary job.
How much is an Oura Ring?
The price of your Oura Ring will depend on the finish you opt for. Silver and black are both £349; brushed silver and stealth are both £399; and gold and rose gold are the most expensive at £499.
On top of this upfront payment, the Oura Ring subscription costs £5.99 a month or £69.99 a year to access the app.
Is Oura Ring waterproof?
The ring isn’t fully waterproof but it is water-resistant up to 100 metres, so you can wear it swimming, showering, or snorkelling, but deep sea diving or keeping it submerged in water for over 12 hours is a no-no.
What finger should I wear my Oura Ring on?
You can technically wear your Oura Ring on any finger, but the brand advises that wearing it on your index finger offers the most accuracy.
Jessica O’Donnell is Women’s Health UK’s Ecommerce Editor, specialising in testing the latest and greatest product releases in Beauty, Gym Wear, Fitness, Health and Nutrition, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Jessica is passionate about helping women choose products that will help them look and feel their best. She looks after some of Women’s Health’s most important guides, including the best mattresses for back pain, the best fitness trackers, and the best bikinis for big busts (she’s got range!).
Jessica has been a writer since 2018, and her work can be found in publications such as ELLE Australia, Harper’s Bazaar Australia and Cosmopolitan UK. When she’s off the clock, Jessica can easily be found either nagging her friends to join her for a long run, bragging about her Oura Ring sleep stats, trying out a new pilates studio or adding to the ever-growing stack of books on her bedside table.
You can keep up with Jessica on Instagram @jessicajeanodonnell
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s establishment of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, describing it as a tool for political persecution.
Addressing journalists in Accra on February 13, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, accused the Mahama administration of failing in the fight against corruption.
“President Mahama’s administration is a growing disaster, particularly in the fight against corruption. The government-established ORAL Committee, for us, it looks like the committee was just set up as a political persecution mechanism.”
He further accused the government of selectively targeting NPP officials while neglecting cases involving its own appointees.
“The ORAL committee didn’t find it appropriate to tell Ghanaians where Sedina Tamakloe is.”
On April 16, 2024, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labor.
The trial, which began in 2019, featured six state witnesses. Tamakloe-Attionu was tried in absentia after she fled the country following court approval for a medical check-up abroad.
Her conviction stemmed from the misappropriation of funds allocated for MASLOC activities between 2013 and 2016.
In one instance, she and her co-convict withdrew GH₵500,000 as a loan from Obaatampa Savings and Loans but later demanded a refund when the institution refused to provide a 24% interest rate. Although evidence of the refund was presented, the amount was never recorded in MASLOC’s accounts.
Majority apologises to Ofori-Atta for raid on his residence
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Gospel actress, Toluwalope Adegboyega-Alagbe, popularly known as Flora in the film, Abattoir series, is dead.
Naija News learnt that Flora, reportedly passed away on February 4, 2025, from injuries sustained in a December 2024 car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
In a post via Facebook on Thursday, the renowned drama evangelist and founder of Mount Zion Faith Drama Ministry, Mike Bamiloye, mourned Flora in a heartfelt tribute.
He described Flora’s death as a transition to eternal rest, reaffirming
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has issued an apology to the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, following a raid by armed men in military uniforms at his residence at Cantonments.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Member of Parliament of Bawku Central gave further details on the incident, describing it as an unfortunate occurrence that should not have taken place.
“So, Speaker, it is true that the private residence of the former Minister of Finance was entered into by operatives of the military and the police, led by somebody who we believe works at the National Security Coordinator’s office. Mr. Speaker, his name is Richard Jakpa…
“I personally extend my apologies to the former Minister of Finance, and I believe that this should suffice,” he apologised.
According to Ayariga, the security agencies, along with the ministries of interior and defence, have assured that such an illegal incident will not be allowed to happen again.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to its resetting agenda, emphasising the goal of building a country with properly functioning institutions, law-abiding citizens, and officials dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all.
“Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to the Minister of Interior, who has spoken with his IGP and Minister of Defence and all of them give their assurance to this House that a thing like that will not happen again. Let me indicate to my colleagues on the other side [Minority] that this side of the House remains committed to ensuring the country is reset, its institutions function properly, its officials act in accordance with the law and the rights and liberties of every citizen are upheld and protected under the regime of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
Reports emerged on February 11, 2025, regarding a raid by armed men in military uniforms at the Cantonments residence of former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that the widely reported raid by alleged military personnel in uniform at the residence of former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta was staged by dubious individuals.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to declare Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the reported raid was orchestrated with the intent to create disaffection for the OSP and obstruct the ongoing investigations into him.
Kissi Agyebeng further emphasised that such attempts would not deter his office, assuring the public that the investigations would proceed as required by law.
“Our intelligence indicates that the purported raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged or, at best, an impostor action intended to discredit the OSP and derail the investigation. The OSP will not be deterred by such occurrences, and the investigations will continue as prescribed by law,” he said.
Watch the video below:
MAG/AE
You can also watch what an NPP MP said after OSP’s declaration of Ofori-Atta wanted below:
Edward Bawa has been reassigned as Group CEO of GOIL
Edward Bawa has been reassigned to the state oil marketing company, GOIL, as Group CEO.
According to him, the move forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader energy sector strategy.
He made the announcement on his personal Facebook page on February 13, 2025, and wrote, “I have been reassigned to GOIL as Group CEO, effective immediately, as part of the president’s broader energy sector strategy.”
On January 17, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Edward Abambire Bawa as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
His appointment took effect on January 17, 2025, and was contained in a letter signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama.
The letter stated, “His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 10(2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L. 64), has appointed you as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation pending receipt of the required advice of the Honourable Minister for Energy, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.”
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Labour consultant Austin Gamey has endorsed the government’s decision to revoke public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024, describing it as a fair and necessary measure to safeguard the country’s financial stability.
This follows a directive issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on behalf of the government, canceling all last-minute public sector employments made after the specified date.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Gamey argued that the previous administration failed to ensure transparency during the transition process.
“As an HR practitioner and a labour consultant, I can say they didn’t do the right thing. The transition period was vital. The former president and the new president sent their team to meet, but they were not honest enough to put on the table all the things they have as a concern—that they have employed this large number of people and that it will become part of the fiscal burden of the government,” he stated.
Gamey stressed that the country’s financial health is already fragile, and the addition of unjustified employees to the public sector payroll would only worsen the situation.
“The financial health of this country is already bleeding, and they further created more problems for the financial health of the nation. I think this is most unfair. So I think that is a fair step being taken by the government to ensure that all of them are first withdrawn,” he said.
He further asserted that only those who genuinely qualify for employment should be reappointed through a proper process.
“Those who genuinely merit the employment and not through partisan means can be recruited at the appropriate time. It is an unfair act to be done against this government and shouldn’t be done in the first place,” he added.
Moscow, Feb 13, (dpa/GNA) – The Kremlin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy’s proposal, to exchange the part of the western Russian region of Kursk captured by Kiev, for territory held by Russia in Ukraine.
“This is impossible,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow on Wednesday. Russia has never discussed the subject of an exchange of territory and never will, he said, and insisted that the Ukrainian units that invaded Kursk would be destroyed or driven out.
Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region in 2014, and launched a large-scale invasion of its neighbour three years ago. A fifth of Ukraine is currently occupied, which corresponds to a little more than 110,000 square kilometres.
The conquests made in the Kursk area during a Ukrainian counterattack, have now shrunk to around 400 square kilometres.
Nevertheless, Kiev sees it as a bargaining chip for negotiations, to get at least a small part of its own territories back.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, Zelensky said if US President Donald Trump managed to bring Moscow and Kiev to the table, he would propose an exchange of territory. “We will swap one territory for another,” he said.
He did not specify which Ukrainian regions he wants back. Experts consider an exchange of land in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv to be most likely, because Moscow has not officially claimed these parts of the country – in contrast to the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya.
Earlier, Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, had also sharply rejected the proposal.
The Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk are entitled to an area of two square metres and one and a half metres in depth without any exchange, she said – implying that the Ukrainians would be buried there. GNA
Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, has defended the funds allocated to the National Cathedral project, insisting that every cedi spent is justified and worthwhile.
Speaking on the Angel Morning Show with Saddick Adams on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Acquah addressed ongoing criticisms, particularly from members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have questioned the financial commitment to the project.
Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has criticized former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, attributing significant economic hardship to policies implemented during his tenure.
Azeem’s remarks follow the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) ongoing investigations, in which Ofori-Atta has been named as a suspect.
Speaking on Eyewitness Newson Citi FM, on Thursday, February 13, Azeem asserted that the former minister’s policies had far-reaching negative consequences.
“This former finance minister did a lot of harm not only to Ghana as a nation but also to individuals. The haircuts and the banking sector cleanups actually negatively affected people,” he said.
He highlighted the suffering of pensioners and individuals whose finances were severely impacted.
“People have lost their lives, pensioners have gotten their money locked up and cannot use it for anything, and when you hear that these monies were wrongly taken, it is very painful,” he noted.
Azeem further emphasized the distress pensioners faced due to financial measures under Ofori-Atta’s leadership.
“Pensioners have gotten their money locked up, they cannot use it for anything,” he reiterated.
While expressing support for the Special Prosecutor’s probe, Azeem criticized the delay in taking action.
“For me, I think the Special Prosecutor has moved in the right direction because he’s taken too long, although I will say that he delayed a bit by allowing him to leave the country,” he remarked.
Read also…
Power crisis looms as Karpower threatens shutdown over $370m debt
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Mercy360 Blog of Thursday, 13 February 2025
Source: Mercy Mensah
Following the unexpected departure of former Executive Committee member Gifty Oware-Mensah, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the holding of emergency elections, sending shockwaves through the Ghanaian sports world. Her abrupt departure coincides with an expanding scandal concerning ghost identities in the National Service Scheme (NSS), generating serious concerns about governance and accountability in GFA.
Oware-Mensah, who has long been a divisive character in the GFA, reportedly left the nation on short notice, leaving stakeholders and football fans perplexed and concerned. The NSS phantom names affair, in which multiple persons were accused in a scheme that reportedly stole funds through bogus names, degrading the integrity of several governmental programs, including GFA’s financing sources, has sparked speculation about its influence.
The NSS issue, which has been brewing for months, has sparked public outrage. Allegations include widespread use of fictitious names for service allowances, resulting in tax-payer money being misused. As scrutiny of the system grew, many people wondered what role personalities like Oware-Mensah played in this complicated web of corruption, considering her powerful position within the GFA and sports management in general.
In response to rising concerns over governance, stakeholders in Ghanaian football convened for an emergency meeting, which resulted in the decision to schedule elections to address the imminent leadership vacancy. The interim president of the GFA remarked, “We believe that a transparent and accountable leadership structure must be restored.” “Our dedication to the ethical management of Ghanaian football cannot be compromised.”
The GFA’s impending national and international tournaments highlight the gravity of the situation. Many people are concerned that instability at the top may affect teams’ performance on the field, damaging Ghana’s historic football history. Fans, players, and sponsors alike call for immediate action and reform to restore trust in Ghanaian football government.
As the call for emergency elections grows, new candidates emerge, each promising transparency, ethics, and a plan to revitalize the sport. Conversations abound about Ghanaian football’s future and how officials might repair the immense harm caused by scandals while also restoring the country’s pride on the world stage.
The public discourse is infused with the enthusiasm of potential candidates like as former players, well-known coaches, and impassioned reformers.
The operators of Karpowership Plant located at Aboadze in the Western Region have notified the Government that it will not be able to continue with the supply of power if the debt owed to the company is not settled immediately.
This was made known at a meeting between the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Jinapor, and officials of the Karpowership barge at the Ministry.
The Electricity Company of Ghana owes the company a staggering $379 million dollars.
In response, Mr. Jinapor appealed to the operators of the plant to exercise restraint while the new administration explored alternatives to settle the bills.
Ghana’s energy sector is facing a critical challenge with its debt burden escalating to over $3 billion as of January 12, 2025.
The IMF has raised several red flags cautioning that the Government needed to undertake far-reaching reforms to save the sector from imminent collapse.
The Minority in Parliament has criticized the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for summoning Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh over alleged inciteful remarks.
Annoh-Dompreh had urged New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in Ablekuma North to stand by their fellow party members in confrontations with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Minority argues that the NIB’s actions reflect double standards, citing the agency’s failure to summon NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande after he allegedly threatened the life of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on February 7, 2025.
Addressing journalists, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei condemned the NIB’s approach, calling it an unfair application of justice.
“If the NIB is truly committed to upholding law and order, they must explain why the Minority Chief Whip was swiftly summoned for interrogation over his comment while the deputy director of operations at the presidency, who openly threatened the Minority Leader’s life, was allowed to walk free without consequences.”
“This double standard raises serious concerns about the selective application of justice and the use of state institutions to police certain political figures while others are allowed to act with impunity.
“If public remarks are to be scrutinized, all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, must be held to the same standard,” she added.
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