You Cannot Be Ghanaian Ambassador To The US – Kevin Taylor Told
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Renowned Ghanaian social media activist Samson Waa has revealed why US-based Ghanaian journalist Kevin Taylor, host of the With All Due Respect show, cannot be appointed as Ghana’s ambassador to the United States. Speaking on her TikTok page, Samson Waa explained that Kevin Taylor’s American citizenship disqualifies him from holding the position. She noted that Taylor has been a US citizen for some time, making him ineligible for the role unless he renounces his American citizenship. However, she expressed doubt that Taylor would take such a step, given the significant effort required to obtain US citizenship.
This discussion follows speculation that President John Mahama might appoint Kevin Taylor as Ghana’s ambassador to the US, citing his vocal support for the NDC during the 2020 and 2024 elections.
Kevin Taylor is a well-known social media commentator who addresses political and social issues, particularly those affecting Ghana. Based in the United States, he hosts the popular online show With All Due Respect, where he boldly discusses topics such as politics, corruption, and governance. Taylor is recognised for his outspoken nature, often criticising leaders and politicians he believes are failing the public.
Taylor began his career in Ghana but later relocated to the US, where he continued his journalism work. Using social media, he has built a global audience, particularly among Ghanaians at home and abroad. His show has become a significant platform for discussing national issues, earning him a large following. However, his approach is polarising. While many admire his courage in speaking out against corruption and holding leaders accountable, others criticise him for his harsh tone and perceived bias.
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Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has hit back at criticisms aimed at President John Mahama over the discontinuation of certain prosecutions.
She argued that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had a full eight years in power to secure convictions but failed.
Speaking on Joy News’ on Monday, February 11, she questioned why the blame is now being shifted to Mahama’s administration when the NPP had all the time and legal backing to pursue these cases.
“Eight good years the New Patriotic Party had to prosecute some of these cases. Eight good years that they had a very favourable representation in our courts,” she stressed.
“Excuse me to say, but we all know the perceptions around the packing of the court by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and sometimes some of what people describe as procured outcomes from our courts.”
According to Shamima, if the NPP truly had strong cases against political opponents they accused of corruption, they would have secured convictions long ago.
“If they had any case at all against these political opponents that were facing persecution through the instrument of our law courts, they would have secured prosecutions and judgments, just as they did in previous tenures and jailed those individuals.”
She reaffirmed that President Mahama is not interested in covering up wrongdoing within his administration but in ensuring justice is pursued fairly and efficiently.
“We should have confidence that he is not going to cover up any member of his administration. He has announced that even as we are going to start operationalising ORAL findings under the legal mandate of Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, we will also bring on stream Operation Prevent All Loots (OPAL).”
Shamima underscored Mahama’s firm stance against corruption, pointing out that he is the only president in recent history to openly declare in his manifesto that no government official will be allowed to engage in state capture or illegal acquisition of state assets.
“He has put it in black and white. He is committed to doing it because there’s got to be an end to lamentations,” she stated.
“We cannot continue to lament over the things that are eroding our democratic gains and show no commitment in terms of leadership.”
She also touched on the controversial issue of state property acquisitions by political figures, describing the practice as unethical and morally indefensible.
“How on earth can we, with any conscience, purchase property that we know on the open market values more than, sometimes ten times the value for which we use our political positions to take those same assets? Nobody can justify that,” she argued.
Addressing concerns over the discontinued cases, she urged patience as the Attorney General is expected to provide a detailed explanation in the coming days.
“In the coming days, the Attorney General will disclose comprehensively the reasons and grounds on which those cases that have been discontinued have been discontinued,” she assured.
Two Nigerian businessmen who allegedly defrauded a colleague of $20,000 (GHC 336,000 cedis) have appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court.
Patrick Piniki, 57, and Adawale Julius, 52, allegedly collected the money from the complainant to secure him a vessel loaded with crude oil from Nigeria.
Charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences, Piniki and Julius pleaded not guilty.
The court, presided over by Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Basit, admitted each accused person to bail in the sum of GHC 200,000 with three sureties, who are to be public servants earning GHC3,000 a month.
The sureties must leave within the jurisdiction of the court and the accused are to report once every two weeks to the police.
“Accused persons must deposit their identification card with the court’s registry,” the court said.
However, they were unable to meet the bail conditions, hence their bail terms were varied when sitting resumed on Monday.
Each have been admitted to a bail in the sum of GHC 200,000 with three sureties who are to be public servants earning GHC 2,000 a month.
“All sureties must be justified and all other conditions applied.”
The matter has been adjourned to April 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, a third accused person, whose name was given as Engineer Chidi, is at large.
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder told the court that the complainant, Sawine Menual, was a resident of Kasoa in the Central Region. The accused persons resided in Tema.
In November 2024, the complainant wanted to venture into the crude oil business and contacted Piniki through a friend known as Olowo, who had experience in the oil business.
The prosecution said Piniki contacted Julius in Nigeria and they both came to Ghana after settling on the oil business with the complainant.
The complainant met the accused persons in Tema and they lodged in a hotel where they held several meetings.
During the meeting, they promised the complainant to secure a vessel of crude from Nigeria and asked him to pay $10,000 to Engineer Chidi, who was his friend and a manager of a vessel.
The prosecution said Engineer Chidi also arrived in Ghana and assured the complainant about the arrival of the vessel in the shortest possible time.
The accused persons again demanded that an additional $10,000 be paid for “the loading of the vessel,” which the complainant did with the hope that the transaction had been successful, but it turned out to be false.
In all, the complainant paid $20,000 (GHC336,000-cedi equivalent).
When he confronted the accused persons to refund his money, they only refunded $3,200, leaving a balance of $16,800.
The prosecution said in December 2024, Engineer Chidi left for Nigeria without informing the complainant.
After fruitless efforts to retrieve his money, the complainant reported the matter to the police at the Accra Regional Command, which led to the arrest of Piniki and Julius.
In their investigation caution statement, Piniki denied any wrongdoing, but Julius admitted that he and others collected money for the crude oil business, but it did not materialise.
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Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has denied allegations suggesting he is responsible for the pregnancy of former Big Brother Naija housemate, Nengi Rebecca Hampson.
Naija News reports that Diri attributed the viral claims to political opponents attempting to tarnish his reputation.
The rumor gained traction after a popular blogging platform alleged that Governor Diri was involved in the ex-BBN star’s pregnancy.
DCOP Kwasi Ofori, a former Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, has stated that the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Grande, who doubles as Deputy Director of Operations at the presidency, must be put in check.
According to the retired police officer, he aims to drag the presidential staffer to court over allegations and defamation concerning the demolition of his storey-building at Amranhia in the Greater Accra Region during his days in office.
Mustapha, on several platforms including Okay FM, has accused the retiree of collapsing his building.
However, DCOP Ofori asserted that the said building was demolished on the order of the court, and the duty of the police was to provide security, hence he should desist from threatening some of the officers who were part of the operation with dismissal.
Speaking in an interview on Okay FM on February 10, 2025, he stated, “The last time, he met some of the police officers and threatened them that he would sack them for providing security coverage for the demolition of his building.
“But in this country, there is a court system, and we, the police, are servants of the country. We just provided security; it was a court officer who was engaged in the demolition exercise, and the police were just providing security.
“So, I will plead with Mustapha that what he is doing, at least he is educated, so if he is knowledgeable enough to read between the lines, he shouldn’t disgrace himself, his party, or the government, and he should go straight to the facts.
“Because using your personal issues for politics is not right. I believe he should be put to order, no matter who he is. I told him that as police officers we have provided security on different assignments.
“If he believes I demolished his building, he should go to court. I will also take him to court.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communication
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communication, has promised that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration will continue to run a lean government with presidential staff appointments staying much below the 336 personnel assigned during Akufo-Addo’s administration.
In an interview with Channel One TV, Kwakye Ofosu questioned the reasoning behind the previous administration’s over 100 ministers and emphasized the government’s determination to limit ministerial nominations to 60.
“There were 333 or 336 political appointees at the presidency under Akufo-Addo. As I speak with you, there are not more than 50 at the presidency.
“It will not go beyond a certain limit. It will go nowhere near the 336 we had under former President Akufo-Addo There too, there’s going to be some serious cutting of numbers in order to ensure that we don’t go beyond reasonable limits,” a report by channel1news.com quotes him as saying.
He disagreed with calls for President John Dramani Mahama to reevaluate his choice to nominate only 60 ministers.
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Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
play videoAlexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu constituency
John Boadu, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has disclosed that the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was blocked by the party from representing the Effutu constituency as a parliamentary candidate in 2004.
According to him, Afenyo-Markin had won the party’s ticket, but the leadership had their preferred candidate, asserting that he was too young at the time.
Speaking in an interview on Otec FM on February 10, 2025, Boadu added that Afenyo-Markin’s patience had now led him to become the Minority Leader of Parliament.
“In 2004, Afenyo-Markin won as a parliamentary candidate for Effutu. However, when we were about to file, we said he was too young, so we couldn’t allow him to contest because we had someone else whom we could make a minister if he wins.
“So, we called Afenyo-Markin and told him that although he had won the parliamentary candidature on our ticket, we would not allow him to contest because we had someone else in mind.
“He cried several times, but we went ahead with our preferred candidate. He later contested as an assemblyman and became a presiding member of the district. When his time came in 2008, he contested again. And now, is he not the leader?” he said.
The government will from Monday, February 10 to Friday, February 14, 2025, hold discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by their Mission Chief for Ghana, Stephane Roudet.
The discussions will centre primarily on Ghana’s progress under the IMF-supported Programme and the policy direction of the government on the 2025 Budget.
A statement issued in Accra said other critical areas that would be discussed would include revenue administration reforms, the energy sector reforms, expenditure rationalisation, and monetary and exchange rate policy.
It said the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Revenue Authority, the Controller and Accountant General Department and other key institutions were expected to be present in the scheduled meetings.
The government assured the public of its commitment to prioritising macroeconomic stability, job creation and improved livelihood for the people of Ghana.
Ghanaian musician Mzbel and fashion critic Charlie Dior have reacted strongly to Apostle Solomon Oduro’s recent official statement regarding the dissolution of his marriage to Rev. (Counselor) Charlotte Oduro after three years of separation.
The couple, who were once celebrated as marriage counsellors, have faced public scrutiny since their split which was announced on February 10, 2025, with many questioning the credibility of their marital advice.
In reaction to the news, Mzbel took to social media with a sarcastic jab, writing, “When the marriage councillors’ marriage is not marriaging… lol.”
Charlie Dior, on the other hand, expressed deeper concerns about the content of Reverend Oduro’s teachings.
In a detailed post, Dior criticized the one-sided nature of his advice, which often places the burden of maintaining a marriage on women.
According to her, marriage should be a partnership, with both parties equally responsible for its success.
“I really dislike how she speaks with such authority about what women need to do in marriage, as if there’s a one-size-fits-all formula.
“It’s always about how women should behave, what they should tolerate, and how they should cater to their husbands, but there’s barely any accountability or guidance directed at men”, Dior added.
The critic argued that such teachings reinforce outdated gender roles and place unnecessary pressure on women, calling for more balanced and realistic conversations about marriage in 2025.
Apostle Solomon Oduro, General Overseer of the Royal Victory Family Church, officially announced the dissolution of his marriage to Rev. Charlotte Oduro, a well-known marriage counselor, after three years of separation.
In a statement released on February 10, 2025, Apostle Oduro cited irreconcilable differences and emphasized that the decision followed extensive efforts to reconcile.
He appealed for public understanding and prayers while reaffirming his commitment to his ministry.
Rev. Charlotte Oduro, who has yet to comment, has come under criticism over the irony of her divorce despite her role as a marriage counsellor.
The announcement has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the credibility of public figures offering marital advice while facing personal challenges.
play videoAlexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu constituency
John Boadu, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has disclosed that the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was blocked by the party from representing the Effutu constituency as a parliamentary candidate in 2004.
According to him, Afenyo-Markin had won the party’s ticket, but the leadership had their preferred candidate, asserting that he was too young at the time.
Speaking in an interview on Otec FM on February 10, 2025, Boadu added that Afenyo-Markin’s patience had now led him to become the Minority Leader of Parliament.
“In 2004, Afenyo-Markin won as a parliamentary candidate for Effutu. However, when we were about to file, we said he was too young, so we couldn’t allow him to contest because we had someone else whom we could make a minister if he wins.
“So, we called Afenyo-Markin and told him that although he had won the parliamentary candidature on our ticket, we would not allow him to contest because we had someone else in mind.
“He cried several times, but we went ahead with our preferred candidate. He later contested as an assemblyman and became a presiding member of the district. When his time came in 2008, he contested again. And now, is he not the leader?” he said.
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo among other staff of Bulk Oil Distributors
The Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has held a meeting with the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagements.
The discussions, which took place on Monday, February 10, 2025, were shared by the NPA through its official social media handles.
The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the NPA and CBOD while addressing key operational challenges facing the downstream petroleum sector.
Tameklo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that challenges within the industry are resolved in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders.
During the engagement, Tameklo emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships within the industry to drive efficiency and sustainability.
He assured the bulk oil distributors that his leadership would prioritise dialogue and cooperative efforts to achieve mutual growth and stability in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of CBOD, Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori expressed the chamber’s full support for the Chief Executive’s initiatives.
He highlighted CBOD’s readiness to collaborate with the NPA in implementing measures that would improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall performance of the downstream petroleum industry.
Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana feels the pressure of his record-breaking price-tag at Premier League side Southampton.
The 20-year-old, who primarily plays on the left, signed a four-and-a-half-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2027.
The Ghana international is yet to sparkle for the Saints since his record £22m (€25m) move from French side Rennes.
The speedster has struggled with injuries since his switch to the St Mary’s amid concerns over his attitude.
But the talented wideman acknowledges the natural human response to being acquired for such a staggering amount.
“I’m the transfer record here, so ever since I got here there’s always been big pressure on me,” he explained.
“Sometimes I feel like I play quite well, but if the team don’t win, I don’t score and I don’t assist I haven’t fulfilled my task as a striker or as a winger.
“It’s still not enough, because I’m regarded as the transfer record, and I should always be the one doing everything to get the club where it needs to be.”
Sulemana joined Rennes from Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2021 and has played 20 times this season, scoring once and providing two assists.
Kamaldeen Sulemana has made 16 appearances in all competitions this campaign and has tallied a goal and two assists so far.
Born in Techiman, in the east of Ghana, Sulemana attended the Right to Dream Academy before moving to Denmark to join Nordsjaelland in 2021.
From there he joined Rennes and played 20 times for the French club last season, scoring once and providing two assists before switching to England.
Nana Oppong Yeboah, a standout finalist from the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), has officially gained admission to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The brilliant student from St. Augustine’s College will be pursuing a degree in Petrochemical Engineering at the prestigious university.
According to YEN, A post shared by @Thevoklive on X (formerly Twitter) celebrated Yeboah’s academic milestone: “Nana Oppong Yeboah, brilliant NSMQ finalist and contestant for St. Augustine’s College gains admission to study Petrochemical Engineering at KNUST ⭐⭐⭐🧠.”
During the 2024 NSMQ finals held on October 30, St. Augustine’s College competed fiercely against Mfantsipim School and Keta Senior High Technical School. In a nail-biting contest, Mfantsipim emerged victorious with 47 points, narrowly edging out St. Augustine’s, which scored 46 points. Keta SHTS followed with 32 points. Representing St. Augustine’s were Nana Oppong Yeboah, Alexander Otoo, and Nana Benyi Buaful, who displayed exceptional brilliance despite finishing as runners-up.
The announcement of Yeboah’s admission has sparked discussions on social media, with users expressing pride and curiosity about his choice of study. Some wondered why many NSMQ stars are veering away from medicine, a traditional career path for top science students.
User @MiguelBrunho remarked, “Now all the science students no wan pursue medicine anymore, wetin happen.” Another user, @AdjeiPeprahSyl1, added, “For science and engineering deɛ, KNUST.”
Others welcomed Yeboah to the university, with @__nkay____ advising: “Welcome, man. Take your time and learn too; after all, there are no jobs.”
In a related story, YEN.com.gh previously reported on Benjamin Fenny, a former NSMQ winner who graduated as valedictorian from the Accra College of Medicine in 2024. Fenny’s academic excellence serves as a testament to the impact of the NSMQ in shaping future leaders in various fields.
As Nana Oppong Yeboah embarks on this new chapter at KNUST, his journey underscores the value of academic excellence and the diverse opportunities available to Ghana’s brightest minds.
The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has said he is ready to face the full rigors of the law should he be charged with inciting people to resort to violence.
The legislator has come under heavy criticism after he recently called on supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ablekuma North to stand by their fellow party members in confrontations with members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing a gathering of party supporters during a visit by the NPP caucus leadership to the party’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, Annoh-Dompreh stated: “If indeed you are a member of the NPP and you see your fellow party member fighting a member of the NDC, join your party member to beat the NDC member.”
The Nsawam/Adoagyiri lawmaker accused the NDC of deliberately obstructing the Electoral Commission (EC) from completing the collation process and warned that the NPP would not tolerate further delays.
However, his rallying call has been widely viewed as encouraging the party’s grassroots to resort to violence, with some even calling for his prosecution.
Speaking in an interview with Bullet TV, monitored by GhanaWeb, Frank Annoh-Dompreh stated that he is unshaken by threats of prosecution.
“Wherever they want to take me, I am ready. I am waiting for the NIB or whoever. They say they want to take me to court because I have instigated people to resort to violence, I am ready.”
He vehemently denied the suggestion that he had incited violence.
When asked by the interviewer whether his statement was necessary, he responded:
“It was. We can’t sit back and allow our base to be destroyed. Our party members are crying, they go to the police station, and there is no defense. In some parts of the Ashanti Region, Bibiani or so, I am told that NDC hooligans have gone to attack an entire police station.”
We can’t sit down for our(@NPP_GH) base to be destroyed—-Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh(@FAnnohDompreh)
The government is set to engage in high-level discussions with transport unions today, February 11, regarding their plans to increase transport fares in response to the persistent rise in fuel prices.
This engagement comes in the wake of growing concerns among commuters and transport operators about the economic burden of fluctuating fuel costs and its impact on transportation services across the country.
This latest development follows a statement issued by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), one of the largest transport unions in the country, indicating that the threshold for fare adjustments has been met due to consecutive fuel price hikes recorded throughout January.
According to the GPRTU, the continual increase in fuel costs, combined with other operational expenses, has made it financially unviable for commercial drivers to maintain the current fare structure without adjustments.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, February 10, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, provided assurances that the government remains committed to engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair and balanced outcome.
He expressed optimism that a reasonable pricing structure could be established to address the concerns of both transport operators and commuters.
“Tomorrow, we will be engaging them and so I wouldn’t want to say anything about them till I have fully engaged them. But they are cooperating. If you watch over the news portals, you will see that they have written to their colleagues to give us some time, meaning that we are in the process of having a better understanding as to how much they would charge our passengers.
“So we are talking with them. Tomorrow, we will continue and do not want to make anything public because they are not here. I have their trust that they will work with us and we will get to some agreement or to some level that will be beneficial to all of us.”
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Internet users are feeling the pinch as currency depreciation, surging energy costs and limited market competition push data prices higher.
This is forcing some consumers to spend more on connectivity than on essentials like food.
Consumer advocacy group CUTS International warns that affordability has become a major concern, with structural inefficiencies in the telecom sector exacerbating the problem.
In response, the government has announced plans to form a multi-stakeholder team to draft a roadmap aimed at reducing data costs.
However, the challenge remains in balancing consumer relief with sustainable business operations for telecom firms.
“For the past four or five years, there has been growing frustration over high data costs, which are squeezing household budgets and affecting businesses,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Director of CUTS International, in an interview with Citi Business News.
“If we fail to act, we risk stifling digital inclusion and economic growth.”
Adomako pointed to high power costs as a major driver of rising data prices. He suggested that incentivising telecom operators to transition to renewable energy could help alleviate cost pressures.
“One effective measure would be to remove VAT, GETFund, and National Insurance levies on solar equipment used for telecom cell sites,” he proposed.
Ghana’s digital economy is poised for expansion but the push for more affordable internet could have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers alike.
While industry stakeholders acknowledge the need for intervention, concerns linger over potential market distortions.
Policymakers will need to strike a delicate balance to ensure competitive pricing without undermining investment in network infrastructure.
Some chiefs have, in the past, flexed their muscles, asserting what they believe is their authority by banning some Members of Parliament (MPs) from stepping foot in their jurisdiction for various offences.
The chiefs have most often imposed such punitive measures when they believe they have been disrespected by the politician, hence cracking the whip.
Under the current Fourth Republic, a few MPs have endured bans by traditional authorities for mainly disrespecting them.
The Member of Parliament for Aowin is the latest to suffer a ban from his chiefs.
GhanaWeb takes a look at four MPs who have had a ban imposed on them by their respective traditional authorities.
Aowin MP, Oscar Ofori Larbi
The Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, is the latest legislator to have been banned by the Aowin Traditional Council from stepping foot on any Aowin land.
On February 9, 2025, the Council announced its bold step, having performed rituals to banish their MP, Oscar Ofori Larbi, from setting foot on any Aowin land.
This decision came after the Council accused the MP of disrespecting them by spreading alleged false stories against the paramount chief and some divisional chiefs in the Aowin Traditional Area.
The traditional council, led by the Chief of Omanpe, Nana Opong Payin III, conducted a ritual involving the slaughter of a sheep and the pouring of libation, calling upon the gods of the Aowin Traditional Area to deal with Larbi if he disobeys the ban.
Despite acknowledging Larbi’s election by the constituents, the council emphasized that his continuous disrespect left them no choice but to forbid him from entering their land.
The Aowin Traditional Council has been vocal about Larbi’s alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. Larbi has denied these allegations, claiming that he has taken steps to combat illegal mining in the area.
The Council has made it clear that they have no issues with the party or the government, and any government-led development projects should be channeled through the Regional Minister or their yet-to-be-named Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). The Tufuhene of Enchi, Nana Payin II, has accused the MP of abusing his political power to undermine the traditional authority of Nananom.
According to Nana Payin II, the MP believes his political influence allows him to disregard the cultural and traditional norms of Aowin and to operate with impunity on ancestral lands.
Atebubu/Amantim MP, Sanja Nanja
The Atebubu Traditional Council, in 2016, banned the Member of Parliament for Atebubu/Amantim, Sanja Nanja, from visiting the palace of the Omanhene effective April 3, 2016.
As part of the ban, the Omanhene and his sub-chiefs vowed not to attend any event organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government if the MP was present.
This was contained in a press release signed by the Omanhene, Nana Owusu Akyeaw Brempong I. The release stated that no subchief or odikro under the Atebubu Traditional Council should receive the MP as a guest or visit him.
“The MP is also banned from attending any funeral or social event organized within the jurisdiction of the Atebubu Traditional Area,” the statement said.
Reasons
The release explained that the council had taken this action against the MP for insulting the queen mother of the area during interviews on some FM stations in the country.
“By this conduct, the chiefs and people have arrived at these decisions against the MP. This is to avert any unforeseen happenings that may arise from the unguarded statement and ensure peace in the sociopolitical lives of the people.”
It added that the MP, after making the “unparliamentary” statement against the queen mother, had not shown any remorse nor rendered an apology for the invectives he had spewed on her.
“This we believe will serve as punishment and a deterrent to others who think like the MP.”
It will also help to caution those who want to undermine the integrity and freedom of the chieftaincy institution, the release added. It explained that it was a criminal offense to insult any chief or queen mother of the area.
Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr, Agona East MP
In 2020, following what the Chief of Agona Duakwa, Nana Kojo Amuakwa V, described as “disrespect” and “disgrace” to the Agona Duakwa stool, he banned the Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona East Constituency, Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr, from campaigning in the town and its surrounding communities.
The NDC MP, who was seeking re-election, was said to have allegedly paid some money to the chief for a development project that the chief failed to deliver. Nana Kojo Amuakwa V subsequently denied receiving any such money from the MP. He stated that all chiefs, sub-chiefs, and elders of Duakwa lands have been instructed to ensure that nobody allows the MP, her supporters, or agents to engage in political campaigns on their lands.
Press Conference
Addressing a press conference at his palace to announce the directive on October 1, 2020, which was well-attended by representatives from smaller towns and communities, Nana Amuakwa V noted that any chief or elder who flouts the directive would be traditionally sanctioned.
He said, “For the disgrace poured on my person, my ancestors, I swear by my oath of Nana Kojo Amoakwa’s Tuesday and hereby say that nobody should take this matter lightly and that anybody who goes against the directive must know the seriousness of the matter at hand.”
The chiefs and elders who attended the event were clad in red and black cloths, apparently to register their displeasure about the conduct of the NDC MP.
At the end, libation was poured, and a sheep was slaughtered to give traditional backing to the directive banning the MP from engaging in political activities at Agona Duakwa and its 41 smaller towns and villages.
Circumstances that led to the ban
Touching on the circumstances leading to the MP’s ban, Nana Amuakwa V said that in the first week of December 2019, Duakwaman was informed that Pokuah Sawyerr had made a public statement at Agona Duakwa that she gave an amount of GH¢20,000 and an additional GH¢2,000 to him [Nana Amuakwa] for the rehabilitation of the town’s refuse dumps.
He said that he had not received such money from the MP, and therefore the statement amounted to defamation of his character, which was duly reported to the elders at a meeting held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his palace.
The chief stated that after the meeting, Opanyin Kofi Mensah, an NDC executive member, was sent to inform the MP to appear before Duakwaman to discuss the matter. He added, “For over three months, she never honored the invitation, and by a letter dated March 23, 2020, which was copied to the NDC Constituency Chairman and the NDC Central Regional Chairman, we formally invited her to the palace on 15th April, 2020, for a discussion.”
“Per another letter dated 2nd May, 2020, we sent a reminder to the MP advising her that our meeting had been rescheduled to Saturday, 30th May, 2020, at exactly 4 pm,” he indicated.
He stressed that on Saturday, May 30, 2020, Pokuah Sawyerr sent her executives to him, but he told them that they had not offended him in any way and that they should return and inform the MP to come to the palace herself. He pointed out that on August 11, 2020, his lawyers wrote to the MP, delivered the letter at Parliament House, and a copy at her residence at Kwanyako, but Pokuah Sawyerr had not bothered to respond to the invitation.
The action was considered disrespectful.
Nana Amuakwa V stated further that Pokuah Sawyerr had shown gross disrespect to his person for refusing to respond to their several invitations and that she must understand that her comments amounted to defamation of character, which is a serious offense.
“She has disgraced me as a chief and, by extension, my ancestors and the people of Duakwa, and if she does not respect my position as a chief, I also cannot respect her as an MP,” Nana Amuakwa noted.
Ebenezer Kojo Kum, MP for Ahanta West
In 2020, the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council in the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly of the Western Region banned Member of Parliament Ebenezer Kojo Kum and his “boys” from engaging in any form of political activity, including campaigns and rallies “on their land” for denigrating the Omanhen, Nana Hema Dekyi.
The MP and his “boys” incurred the wrath of the Council after the “boys” subjected the Omanhen of Upper Dixcove to gross public ridicule.
In a leaked audio that circulated on social media platforms, some of the “boys” of the Ahanta West MP were heard using mean words to denigrate Nana Hema Dekyi. “… he has shown that he supports Kwesi Biney, and so anything he will say to discredit Kojo Kum, he will say it. … Now we are looking for an antidote to counter what that guy, what that small boy, has said,” one of the supporters of the MP is heard on one of the 18 pieces of audio that was in circulation.
The Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove, at a ceremony, recognized the Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove, Nana Kwesi Agyeman, for the role he played in getting Ahanta West a new hospital.
But the “boys” of the MP were not enthused, saying “the Paramount Chief had recognized an NDC Chief instead of giving the glory to the NPP MP Kojo Kum.”
At a meeting, the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council parried away any claims of open support to perceived political opponents of the MP and insisted that the supporters of the MP had “injured the stool of Upper Dixcove and therefore must assuage it.”
The Traditional Council, at the meeting, performed a ritual invoking curses on persons behind the audio and also banned the MP from campaigning on “their land.”
Chief of Alatakrom, Nana Assuah Nketiah, who performed the rituals, called on the gods of Upper Dixcove to deal with the MP and any of his supporters who set foot in the area to engage in any activity in the name of the party.
“We are calling on you, the gods to come to the aid of Nananom. Some young men of the New Patriotic Party who are part of the incumbent MP’s campaign team have rained insults on us. We are with this libation banning them from campaigning in any part of our land.”
The Aowin Traditional Council has performed rituals to banish the Member of Parliament for the Aowin constituency, Hon. Oscar Ofori Larbi, from setting foot on any Aowin land.
This measure comes after accusations that the MP showed disrespect by circulating alleged false rumors… pic.twitter.com/jC4X0sex6b
A Deputy Presidential Spokesperson has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing it of shielding officials involved in major corruption scandals and failing to hold political actors accountable for mismanagement of state resources.
Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Monday, February 11, Shamima Muslim reiterated that Ghanaians must demand accountability from public officials, stressing that no administration should be given the liberty to misuse public funds without consequences.
“We must not give political actors any power, and that includes us, the NDC. We must not give them any power to think that at any point in time, they can take the citizens for granted, do what they want, do as they please with our collective resources, and go and enjoy whatever loot they may have illegally acquired through the instrument of their position of power,” she stated.
Shamima Muslim highlighted that several major corruption scandals occurred under the Akufo-Addo government, yet no significant action was taken.
She referenced the infamous moniker of President Akufo-Addo as a “clearing agent,” arguing that his administration actively dismissed allegations of corruption rather than investigating them thoroughly.
“There’s a reason why His Excellency, the former president, was called a clearing agent. Why should we not take a second look at that? If the outgoing administration showed no commitment in even investigating some of these matters but rather cleared some of these cases even before investigations were to commence or be completed, then there’s a fundamental problem with governance,” she asserted.
Citing specific examples, Shamima Muslim pointed to the controversial National Cathedral project, where $58 million was spent with little to show for it, and the Pwalugu Dam project, which reportedly saw $12 million expended without any tangible development.
“These are the main questions that require looking into,” she emphasized. “And of course, the raft of cases of politically exposed persons acquiring state assets for pittance are issues we need to ask questions about. If they need to return those assets, they should return those assets.”
She further assured the public that under the incoming administration, there would be no unjust persecution, but accountability would be prioritized.
“If I need to assure Ghanaians of anything, it is that under the watch of His Excellency, no one will be unjustifiably persecuted,” she said, adding that the Attorney General is expected to outline measures to address these concerns.
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Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly defended the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue several high-profile court cases, arguing that they were politically motivated and intended to suppress key opposition figures.
He contended that many of these prosecutions, initiated under the previous administration, unfairly targeted members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and former NDC National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, February 10, Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the charges against these individuals lacked merit and were part of a broader strategy to intimidate opposition voices.
He questioned the fairness of prosecuting Ofosu Ampofo while those responsible for the violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election remained free.
Referring to the findings of a commission of inquiry into the incident, he criticised the previous government for ignoring recommendations to sanction those involved while instead pursuing the NDC chairman for convening a meeting in response to the attack.
The Minister also cited the case against Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, claiming it was a deliberate attempt to weaken his influence in Parliament, particularly during the contentious E-Levy debate.
He pointed out that the Court of Appeal later dismissed the case, reinforcing his argument that it was politically motivated.
In addition, he alleged that other NDC figures, such as former Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni, were similarly targeted through legal manoeuvres.
Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine is expected to hold a press conference in the coming days to provide further details on the decision to drop charges against certain individuals.
He argued that discontinuing these prosecutions was a necessary step towards rectifying past injustices and preventing the legal system from being used as a tool for political persecution.
“I have always maintained that what justification existed for prosecuting Ofosu Ampofo and leaving out the state-sponsored terrorists who engaged in the mayhem at the Ayawaso West by-election?” he questioned.
“There was a commission of inquiry that prescribed sanctions for them. The government refused to act on it. Rather, it chose to go after the chairman of the opposition party, accusing him of convening a meeting to discuss a response to the attack that NDC members suffered. This was clearly a travesty of justice,” he added.
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A total of 155 candidates from all 16 regions of Ghana have filed their nominations to contest for positions in the upcoming Council of State elections, scheduled to take place today, February 11.
The highly anticipated elections, which serve as a crucial aspect of Ghana’s governance structure, will determine regional representatives who will advise President John Dramani Mahama on key national matters.
According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the list of aspirants includes 145 males and 10 females, highlighting a significant gender disparity in the contest.
While the number of women candidates remains relatively low, their participation marks a step toward increasing female representation in national decision-making bodies.
The candidates have successfully gone through the nomination process, which required them to meet specific eligibility criteria as set by the EC. This included proving their Ghanaian citizenship, demonstrating good standing in society, and fulfilling all necessary administrative requirements before the nomination deadline.
Unlike parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council of State election is not open to the general public. Instead, the selection process follows an Electoral College system, where voting is carried out by representatives from each district.
Each of Ghana’s 261 District Assemblies nominates two representatives, forming a pool of electors who will cast their votes to determine the final Council of State members.
These selected electors play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and democratic selection process, as they are expected to assess the candidates based on their experience, expertise, and ability to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
The Council of State is a constitutionally mandated advisory body that provides guidance to the President on policy formulation and national governance.
Established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council serves as a key consultative body, offering expert advice on governance-related issues, national security, economic development, and other critical state affairs.
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A three-year-old child has been electrocuted to death at Gomoa Nyanyano in the Gomoa East District at a funeral.
According to reports, the deceased was electrocuted by an electrical cable used to connect power from a house meter to a public address system, which was being used at a residence during a funeral on Sunday, February 10, 2025.
Reporting on the story on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Oheneba Ademah indicated some of the eyewitnesses claimed that after the funeral, the electrician disconnected the cable from the public address system and left it on the floor, with one side still connected to the meter.
Others recounted that the cable was initially hung on a wooden structure but was brought down by dogs.
The minor was found lying lifeless with the tip of the cable in hand.
He was rushed to Mother and Child Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
James Kofi Annan of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and independent candidate Louisa Buabeng have jointly filed an election petition challenging the results of the 2024 Parliamentary Election in the Effutu Constituency.
They claim numerous irregularities, including alleged misconduct by the police, the Electoral Commission (EC), and judicial officials, which they argue compromised the integrity of the election process.
The petitioners have accused the police of harassing Louisa Buabeng, the independent candidate, even before the election.
Buabeng was arrested on what they describe as “frivolous charges” and denied bail, leading her to seek judicial intervention from the High Court in Cape Coast.
They assert that this harassment extended to unwarranted searches of her property and multiple, baseless police interventions.
Also, their petition highlights judicial misconduct, specifically pointing out the actions of the Winneba District Court Magistrate, Josephine Abigail Fosuaa Appiah.
The two in a joint statement allege that the magistrate set excessively stringent bail conditions for Buabeng, including the requirement for a police officer surety within the same jurisdiction where the complainant was the Divisional Police Commander, suggesting an inherent conflict of interest.
The core of their legal challenge, however, revolves around alleged electoral misconduct.
They claim that the EC in Effutu did not provide necessary information and documents to Buabeng, which they argue hindered her participation in the electoral process.
They also allege mysterious instances where unknown individuals purportedly represented Buabeng at polling stations without her consent or knowledge.
Post-election, the petitioners allege further obstructions in the legal process aimed at challenging the results.
They state that the Registrar of the Winneba High Court deliberately failed to serve legal processes to enable the court to hear their petition.
This included reversing decisions on service locations from local EC offices to the head office in Accra, which they claim was a tactic to delay proceedings.
James Kofi Annan and Louisa Buabeng have publicly questioned the integrity of the electoral outcome, asking why there would be apparent efforts to frustrate judicial review if the election was “truly and fairly” won by Minority Leader Alexander and New Patriotic Party candidate, Afenyo-Markin.
They accuse unnamed individuals or groups of manipulating state institutions to skew the electoral process, thereby undermining democratic principles.
The statement issued by the candidates’ communication team calls for intervention by the Chief Justice and the EC Chairperson to investigate these allegations, protect the sanctity of democratic processes, and sanction any officials found complicit in undermining the election’s credibility.
As of now, there has been no public response from Afenyo-Markin or the EC regarding these allegations.
Read the joint statement by James Kofi Annan and Loise Buabeng below:
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Bonsu, has asked the Minority Caucus in Parliament to stay off Dr. Johnson Asiama with their unfounded allegations and call on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke his appointment.
He argued Dr. Asiama is one of the finest brains who worked as Deputy Governor and should have been maintained or elevated by former President Akufo-Addo but was forced out due to our partisan politics.
Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated that the reason assigned by the minority for the revocation of the appointment of the new acting governor of the central bank lacks merit.
He praised President Mahama for appointing Dr. Asiama, saying, “This is one of the solid appointments I must congratulate President Mahama on.” The man is a brilliant mind, and his appointment is one to be celebrated. Dr. Johnson Asiama is one of the men who is both capable and dedicated. I had hoped he would be promoted by President Akufo-Addo. He made significant contributions while serving as deputy governor. At one point, I thought he was the bank’s governor. He was exceptional, and I believed President Akufo-Addo should have kept him.
Dr. Asiama is a great or exceptional person. So I’ll encourage the Minority to stay away from him. They claim he was prosecuted, but for eight years, the NPP failed to carry out the prosecution with strong evidence, so they should avoid him. This is a man of integrity, and he deserves to work. He deserves the position, so the Minority should stop pursuing him.”
When questioned why, as an NPP member, he was not representing his party on this topic and whether he was not doing it for personal gain, he replied, “This is not a political matter, and we do not have to always engage in partisan politics.” This is about someone who is capable of turning things around at the Bank of Ghana. Ghana’s interests should be prioritised before political objectives. We should be really objective. While serving as deputy governor, the man worked hard and performed admirably. So I am pleading with Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, and his caucus to put a halt to their campaign against Dr. Asiama”.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
Tax cuts, revenue administration reforms, energy sector debt management, expenditure controls and exchange rate stabilization are the issues dominating the government’s discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The ongoing five-day engagements – running from February 10 to February 14 will be heavy on Ghana’s economic outlook and policy direction for the 2025 budget.
The government is set to scrap major revenue measures—such as the E-Levy, betting tax and COVID-19 levy—in a bid to ease fiscal pressures and reduce reliance on imported goods.
These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to strengthen macroeconomic stability and enhance Ghana’s economic outlook under the IMF-supported program.
Leading the discussions is IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, Stéphane Roudet, who will assess the country’s progress and work with government officials to refine fiscal policies ahead of the 2025 budget presentation.
The Bank of Ghana, Ghana Revenue Authority and Controller and Accountant General’s Department are among the key institutions participating in the negotiations.
Citi Business News understands that the outcome of these talks could significantly influence Ghana’s policy direction, balancing the need for fiscal consolidation with measures aimed at spurring economic growth.
Market analysts urging the government to prioritise fiscal prudence by focusing on expenditure rationalisation to address the budget deficit.
The fiscal deficit is projected to narrow to 4.2% in 2025 as fiscal consolidation efforts continue.
The government has already signalled cost-cutting measures by reducing the number of ministers to 60 and banning non-essential foreign travel for appointees.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has dismissed suggestions that the discontinuation of prosecutions against some pro-NDC members undermines President John Mahama’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 11, she insisted that Mahama has demonstrated a stronger resolve to tackle corruption than his predecessors and will not shield anyone involved in wrongdoing.
“We should have confidence that he is not going to cover up any member of his administration,” Shamima Muslim said.
Her remarks come in response to criticisms that Mahama’s decision to drop cases involving some NDC-affiliated individuals signals a lack of commitment to fighting corruption.
However, Shamima Muslim maintains that Mahama’s approach is not about protecting political allies but ensuring that justice is served based on merit rather than political vendettas.
She stated that Mahama has taken concrete steps to operationalize anti-corruption measures, including the operationalisation of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) findings under the mandate of Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Ayine.
“We are also going to bring on stream Operation Prevent All Loots (OPAL),” she added, highlighting Mahama’s proactive approach to preventing corruption before it occurs.
She dismissed concerns that Mahama’s administration would tolerate state capture or the illegal acquisition of state assets, pointing out that his manifesto explicitly commits to preventing such practices.
“He is the president in recent history who has announced, put in black and white, in his own manifesto, that he is not going to allow any government official to engage in any state capture or illegal acquisition of state assets,” she stressed.
“He is committed to doing it because there’s got to be an end to lamentations. We cannot continue to lament over things that are eroding our democratic gains and show no leadership commitment to halting this deterioration.”
Shamima Muslim also took a swipe at the previous administration, arguing that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had ample time and resources to prosecute these cases if they had any merit.
“Eight good years the New Patriotic Party had to prosecute some of these cases. Eight good years that they had a very favourable representation in our courts,” she said.
“Excuse me to say, unfortunate, but we all know the perceptions around the packing of the court by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and sometimes some of what people describe as procured outcomes from our courts.”
She challenged critics to question why the NPP, with its control over the legal system for two terms, failed to secure convictions.
“If they had any case at all against these political opponents that were facing persecution through the instrument of our law courts, they would have secured prosecutions and judgments just as they did in previous tenures and jailed those individuals,” she argued.
Addressing ethical concerns surrounding state property acquisition, she called for a national conversation on policies that allow politicians to obtain state assets at undervalued prices.
“If there was a time when the redevelopment policy had its purpose, is it time for us to really look at it again because of the abuse of it?” she questioned.
“I mean, the ethical and moral arguments around this whole issue of state capture…how, in good conscience, can we justify purchasing property at a fraction of its actual market value using political positions?”
Shamima Muslim assured Ghanaians that the Attorney General will soon disclose the full details behind the discontinuation of these cases.
“In the coming days, the Attorney General will disclose comprehensively the reasons and grounds on which those cases that have been discontinued have been discontinued,” she said.
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Ghana has emerged as the only African country with fully interoperable multiple instant payment systems (IPS), according to KPMG’s 2024 West Africa Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey. The country outperforms regional peers such as Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania in digital payment integration.
The State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems in Africa Report 2024 highlights that Africa has 28 IPS spread across 20 countries, with only seven nations operating multiple IPS. However, Ghana stands out as the only country where these systems are fully interoperable, allowing seamless fund transfers between different platforms.
Ghana operates two key IPS: the GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP) and Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), both of which interact seamlessly, enhancing customer experience and financial inclusion.
Strong Growth in Instant Payment Transactions
The impact of IPS in Ghana has been significant. As of October 2024, the value of transactions processed through GIP surged by 174%, while the total transaction volume increased by 32% compared to the same period in 2023.
Mobile money remains the dominant payment method, with total transactions reaching GHS 2.36 trillion as of October 2024, marking a 55% year-on-year growth. The number of mobile money transactions also increased by 20% to 6.6 billion transactions.
Shaping the Future of Digital Payments
IPS has become crucial in advancing financial inclusion and enhancing transaction efficiency in Ghana. These real-time and secure payment platforms are redefining how individuals, businesses, and financial institutions interact with the digital economy.
According to the report, Ghana’s payment landscape continues to evolve due to:
Regulatory oversight ensuring security and stability.
Advancements in AI and machine learning improving fraud detection and transaction speed.
Changing customer expectations with increasing demand for faster, more reliable, and secure payment solutions.
With its leadership in digital payments, Ghana is setting the pace for financial innovation in Africa, driving greater convenience and accessibility in financial transactions.
Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has often touted Ghana’s peerless interoperable payment system on the African continent, and the latest acclaim would come as a vindication.
Recently, Ghana’s mobile money system was adjudged number one on the African continent in a survey by GSM Arena.
Credit: NORVANREPORTS.COM
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Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications
Government Spokesperson, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, is of the view that for the past 32 years, the judiciary has not been fair to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He cites cases the political party has lost in the past and even during the era of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s as President.
To Kwakye Ofosu, the judiciary may have something against the NDC because of the party’s history with the judiciary.
He believes that it is about time the party seeks balance and fairness from the judiciary.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu was speaking on Point of View on Accra-based Channel 1 when he expressed this position.
“The Chief Justice is not at the beck and call of the President. She is the head of an independent institution. We have our own views, and I have my views, and I don’t think they’ve been fair to the NDC. They’ve not been fair to the NDC for 32 years. You’ll recall the Rawlings era? The government of the day lost almost all the cases taken to court.
You’ll recall the famous case about June 4th and 31st December, the GBC case and the one that J.H Mensah took to court in terms of whether Ministers should be vetted again if they have been appointed ministers previously or not. We lost all those cases.
Under the NPP, I will say, I am a member of parliament, and I’ve not hidden my dissatisfaction about the way that the judiciary has performed. It was possible for Afenyo Markins to file a case in court and have it slated to be heard within twelve hours. Yet the minority at the time filed a case against the passage of the e-levy, which has been pending for three years. By a stroke of a pen, Godfred Dame was able to change a judge sitting on a case, and yet Opuni tried everything under this sun, and the same judge was maintained.
It was possible for a Judge who held Kennedy Agyapong in contempt to be changed because it was said that the contempt was held against him. Yet the people against whom contempt was supposed to have been done in the Montie three case were sitting on the same case. So the inconsistency, the unfairness, the imbalance is manifest that is a position that I hold to this day. One of the things that we need to do is that we need to insist that there is fairness and that there is balance. Because of historical reasons. I think there is antipathy towards the NDC; it has a historical basis but justice ought not to be done on the basis of perception of political parties,” he stated.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
President Donald Trump has ordered a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the US in a major expansion of existing trade barriers.
The tariffs, which will increase the costs of importing the metals into the US, come despite warnings of retaliation from some political leaders in Canada – America’s biggest supplier of the metals – as well as other countries.
US businesses dependent on imports have also raised concerns, but Trump has said his plans will boost domestic production.
He warned there would be no exceptions, saying he was “simplifying” the rules, which are set to come into effect on 4 March.
“This is a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again,” Trump said.
“Our nation requires steel and aluminium to be made in America, not in foreign lands,” he added.
When asked if tariffs could increase prices for consumers, the US president responded: “Ultimately it will be cheaper.”
“It’s time for our great industries to come back to America…this is the first of many,” he added, suggesting other tariffs could focus on pharmaceuticals and computer chips.
The US is the world’s largest importer of steel, counting Canada, Brazil and Mexico as its top three suppliers.
Canada alone accounted for more than 50% of aluminium imported into the US last year. If the tariffs come into force, they are expected to have the most significant impact on Canada.
Late on Monday, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Francois-Phillippe Champagne, said the tariffs were “totally unjustified”.
“Canadian steel and aluminium support key industries in the US from defence, shipbuilding, energy to automotive,” Champagne said. “This is making North America more competitive and secure.”
Ahead of the announcement, Ontario premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to much of Canada’s steel production, accused Trump of “shifting goalposts and constant chaos, putting our economy at risk”.
The lobby group for Canadian steel makers called on the Canadian government to retaliate against the US “immediately”, while Kody Blois, a leading MP from Canada’s governing Liberal Party, said his country was looking for ways to reduce its trade relationship with the US.
“This is completely upending what has been a very strong partnership,” he told BBC Newshour ahead of the official order.
Meanwhile, share prices of the major US steel-makers rose on Monday in anticipation of the order, with the price of Cleveland-Cliffs jumping nearly 20%. Prices for steel and aluminium also jumped.
The response in much of the rest of the market was muted, reflecting questions about how serious Trump is about his plans, given his track record of postponing tariffs, or negotiating exemptions to the rules.
In 2018, during his first term, Trump announced tariffs of 25% on steel and 15% on aluminium, but eventually negotiated carve-outs for many countries including Australia, Canada and Mexico.
‘Replay of 2018’
“This is sort of a replay of 2018,” said Douglas Irwin, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College.
“The biggest question is the uncertainty over whether this is a bargaining tactic or whether he just doesn’t want to talk with other countries and really wants to help out the steel industry in that way.”
Last week, Trump ordered import duties of 25% on all Canadian and Mexican products, only to delay that plan for 30 days. He also brought in new US levies of 10% on all Chinese goods coming into the US, prompting retaliation from China.
A tariff is a domestic tax levied on goods as they enter a country, proportional to the value of the import.
The prospect of higher tariffs being introduced on imports to the US has been concerning many world leaders because it will make it more expensive for companies to sell goods in the world’s largest economy.
The taxes are a central part of Trump’s economic vision. He sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue.
But there are also concerns about the effect in the US, where many manufacturers inside the US use steel and aluminium in their products and now face the likelihood of added costs.
Industry groups from construction to can-makers warned about the hit.
In Trump’s first term, the tariffs, despite many exemptions, raised the average price of steel and aluminium in the US by 2.4% and 1.6% respectively, according to the US International Trade Commission.
Stephen Moore, who advised Trump’s campaign on economic issues in 2016 and is currently a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative thinktank based in Washington, said he did not think tariffs on steel and aluminium were an effective way to create jobs, noting the experience of the first term.
He said while Trump was “deadly serious” about trade, he thought the plan was “about getting the rest of the world’s attention”.
“Just about everything Donald Trump does in Washington is a negotiating tactic,” he said.
Trump officials said the latest moves were aimed at stopping countries such as China and Russia from avoiding tariffs by routing low-cost products through other countries.
The US president said he was introducing new standards that require steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminium to be “smelted and cast” in North America.
Nick Iacovella, a spokesman for Coalition for a Prosperous America, which represents steel-makers and supports the tariffs, said his group is most concerned about a surge of steel imports from Mexico, above levels agreed in 2019.
But he noted that Canada sends far more goods to the US than it imports – a trade deficit that has been a key issue for Trump.
“There are still imbalances with the Canadian and United States trading relationship that should be addressed,” he said.
He added: “I don’t think they’re planning to take a one-size-fits-all hammer approach to this, but I think early on, at the beginning at least right now, I do think what the president is saying … [is] both of those countries [Canada and Mexico] are abusing their relationship with the US and we’re going to do something about it.”
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The Electoral Commission (EC) said it is ready to conduct the Council of State Elections across the country on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The election of regional representatives to the Council of State will take place in all the regional capitals.
It will commence at 0700 hours to 1700 hours at the regional coordination councils in the various regional capitals.
Fred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research at the EC, told the Ghana News Agency on Monday, February 10, 2025.
A total of 154 aspirants, comprising 144 males and 10 females, are contesting across the 16 regions.
Touching on the Electoral College, Tetteh said a total of 522 voters made up the electoral college, and were expected to participate in the elections across the country. There would be one voting centre in each of the regions.
The electoral college comprises two representatives from each of the districts in the region nominated by the district assemblies.
He said although the elections were scheduled to close at 1700 hours, the commission had issued “administrative directive” to its regional officers to close polls if all voters on the register cast their ballot before official close of polls.
The winners will be declared at the voting centres at the close of polls.
Of the 155 persons who picked nomination forms to contest, only 10 are women.
Data released by the EC revealed that no woman expressed interest in the elections in the Greater Accra, Volta, Western North, Bono East, Oti, Upper West, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions.
The Eastern Region has the highest number of three women, Western and Ashanti had two each, whereas the Central, Ahafo, and Bono regions had one each.
The 30-member Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President, Ministers of State, Parliament and other public agencies to ensure responsible and accountable governance.
Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George
The Minister in charge of Government Communication, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, is of the view that the Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, does not need to do anything bad to be changed.
He believes that the president can change him if he thinks the police service needs a new direction under new leadership.
Ofosu Kwakye made this known while speaking in an interview with Accra-based Channel 1 Television.
“That one is within the purview of the president. Conventionally, the heads of all the security agencies have changed when there is a change of government, and I don’t think there are any qualms about it. I don’t know what the president intends to do in that regard but if it happens, I don’t think anybody will be surprised. It will not be against the norm,” he said.
“I don’t have any personal views about him. As I speak, I don’t know of evidence of specific wrongdoing against him. He does not need to have done wrong for him to be changed.
So if he’s changed, it is not because he has done some wrong. It is just that the president may think that a new direction is needed at the police headquarters or a direction is needed in the leadership of the police service,” he stated.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
Executive Director and Head of Global Research at Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwa has revealed three reasons why the NPP lost the 2024 elections.
The then-ruling party lost both the presidential and parliamentary elections by a landslide, with the party losing over 40 seats in the parliamentary election, including several traditional seats it had never lost.
Speaking on Peace FM Monday morning, Mussa Dankwa revealed three top reasons why the NPP suffered such a massive defeat.
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo had the biggest blame, as Dankwa revealed 80% of Ghanaian voters blame the former President for the NPP’s defeat, for the way he managed affairs in the past three years.
“About 80% of voters blamed Nana Addo for NPP’s loss. That is quite huge,” Mussa Dankwa said.
The second reason for the defeat, Mussa Dankwa disclosed, was the unpopularity of President Akufo-Addo, which he said, affected Dr. Bawumia, by association.
“Secondly Bawumia, not for his performance, but his ties with Nana Addo. He could not distance himself from Nana Addo,” Mussa Dankwa said.
He added that Bawumia tried to distance himself from the President in a way, but many Ghanaians were not convinced.
“If you remember, he was trying to move away from Nana Addo a bit. That would have helped if people had believed him, but they didn’t buy into that.”
The third reason Mussa Dankwa gave for the NPP’s defeat was the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta factor’.
He said the former Finance Minister became so unpopular that many Ghanaians, including a number of NPP members of parliament and senior party officials, openly called on President Akufo-Addo to remove him, but the President declined, until during the latter stages of his government.
On Bawumia as a person, Mussa Dankwa said he did not rank among the top reasons the party lost, as he put him at the 4th tier of reasons.
He also revealed that e-levy was one of the biggest and most unpopular decisions by the Akufo-Addo government, which contributed significantly to the NPP’s defeat as soon as the bill was passed.
Ahead of the elections, polls by Global InfoAnalytics had predicted a heavy defeat for the New Patriotic Party citing very same reasons among others, however party officials and supporters rejected the predictions, with some framing it as unscientific.
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.
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticized the government’s decision to discontinue multiple court cases involving former officials of the Mahama administration, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that undermines accountability and the fight against corruption.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Monday (10 February) Manasseh questioned the rationale behind President John Mahama’s administration halting cases, many of which involved corruption and financial losses to the state.
While he acknowledged that some cases—such as the prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters—were controversial and their discontinuation expected, he argued that dropping corruption-related prosecutions contradicts Mahama’s vow to reset governance and hold officials accountable.
“What President Mahama is telling the NPP officials his administration will charge is very simple: if you are charged, drag the case as long as you can, and if your party comes into office, the court process will be truncated, and you will be set free,” Manasseh wrote.
He warned that such actions could set a precedent where future administrations protect their own officials from prosecution, making accountability impossible. Manasseh also contrasted this with Mahama’s previous stance on corruption, recalling how his government initiated the GYEEDA corruption trials, which led to the imprisonment of some NDC officials.
“The Attorney-General must not truncate prosecution just because he has the power to do so. That power belongs to Ghanaians and must be exercised in our interest,” he asserted, adding that the courts should be allowed to determine the guilt or innocence of accused persons based on evidence.
Drawing a parallel between Mahama and former President Akufo-Addo, Manasseh stated that while Akufo-Addo was once nicknamed the “Chief Clearing Agent” for exonerating officials accused of corruption, Mahama now appears to be following the same path.
“If the government clears all its party people standing trial, the people whose power the government exercises must be given sound reasons,” he stated, adding that the government’s anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), would be meaningless if it was simultaneously running Operation Clear All Looters (OCAL).
The government’s decision to discontinue these cases has generated heated debate, with many questioning its commitment to fighting corruption.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General is expected to hold a press conference to clarify the legal and political considerations behind the move.
Read Manasseh Azure Awuni’s full post here.
Ghanaians deserve to know the basis for the government’s mass discontinuation of court cases against officials and associates of the previous Mahama administration.
A few of the cases, such as the prosecution of the Democracy Hub protesters, raised concerns among many Ghanaians. One may not be surprised that those charges are dropped.
A majority of the cases, however, border on corruption and charges of causing financial loss to the state. For a president vowing to reset Ghana and prosecute government officials who have stolen or caused money to be stolen from the public purse, the mass clearance is a wrong start. It’s a dangerous precedent.
What President Mahama is telling the NPP officials his administration will charge is very simple: if you are charged, drag the case as long as you can, and if your party comes into office, the court process will be truncated, and you will be set free.
This does not portend well for accountability. This dangerous precedent defeats Mahama’s resolve to fight corruption and defeats such future endeavours. For a president whose administration began the prosecution that resulted in the jailing of its own party people in the GYEEDA scandal, this is a new low and a faulty step.
The Attorney-General must not truncate prosecution just because he has the power to do so. That power belongs to Ghanaians and must be exercised in our interest.
The courts should be allowed to deal with the evidence and decide on the guilt or innocence of the persons charged. In some cases, the state lost vast sums of money, and we should have answers.
Even with the ambulance case, in which the persons charged were acquitted by the court, the state had lost money. That scandal was not fabricated, even if the wrong actors may have been targeted.
I produced a documentary on those ambulances (titled “Grounded Wheels” on YouTube), and I had no doubt the ambulance procurement was a scandal. I was surprised at the fixation on Jakpa and Ato Forson, while officials of the ministry that procured the ambulances and labelled them substandard after failing to inspect them before shipment were left untouched.
Had the procurement not been a scandal, the Mahama administration would not have moved the ambulances from the forecourt of the State House and hidden them at the Air Force Base in Burma Camp. People were dying for lack of ambulances, and the movement was to keep the problematic vehicles from the public eye. I entered and filmed the ambulances for my documentary, and some of the defects matched the inspection report that labeled them unfit for use as ambulances.
So, if the case in which the defendants were set free was an actual scandal, one can imagine the rest.
I nicknamed Akufo-Addo the Chief Clearing Agent, and Mahama seems to relish that title. Let us not forget that the persons Akufo-Addo cleared and publicly defended were not all clean. Pius Hadzide, for instance, who was cleared of his involvement in the Australia visa scandal, publicly confessed his role when he was campaigning to be the MP for Asuogyaman in the just-ended election.
If the government clears all its party people standing trial, the people whose power the government exercises must be given sound reasons. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cannot succeed when its implementers are engaged in Operation Clear All Looters (OCAL).
And we can do better than pick lessons from failing democracies like the United States.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu has defended his dual role as Minister of State for Government Communications and Member of Parliament, dismissing concerns about a conflict between executive and legislative responsibilities.
Addressing the issue on The Point of View on Channel One TV monitored by MyNewsGH, he stated that his position aligns with Ghana’s parliamentary system and global governance structures.
“My role is no different from the Finance Minister, the Energy Minister, or any other minister who is also a parliamentarian.
In fact, it is no different from what exists in the UK, where just about every secretary in the cabinet is also an MP,” he explained.
His comments come amid discussions on whether the spokesperson for the President should also serve in Parliament, with some arguing that it blurs the separation of powers.
However, Kwakye Ofosu maintained that his position as Minister for Government Communication is in line with the structure of governance in Ghana.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu
Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has shared insights into his journey as a Member of Parliament, emphasizing that holding political office should not come at the cost of one’s values.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV monitored by MyNewsGH, he reflected on the impact of his role in Parliament and how it has shaped his understanding of governance.
“You don’t have to lose your principles in order to become an MP, except that you need to be more empathetic and sensitive to the plight of the people. It also opens your eyes a lot, and as I say, you see the country for what it is,” he stated.
Kwakye Ofosu noted that being in Parliament has made him more aware of the struggles faced by ordinary Ghanaians and reinforced his commitment to championing the cause of the underprivileged.
“If you thought in the past that you were on to something, there’s much more that you were unaware of and much more that you need to take into consideration. It makes you a better vessel to champion the cause of those who are deprived,” he added.
His remarks shed light on the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a lawmaker, particularly for those who enter Parliament with a background in activism or public advocacy.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
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In conclusion, a beautiful long dress for a party or special occasion is a fantastic way to make a statement. Its versatility and timeless appeal ensure that you’ll not only look stunning but also feel confident and comfortable at any event.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications
The recent mass discontinuation of court cases against officials from the previous Nana Akufo Addo administration has sparked heated debate, with government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu defending the move while investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni strongly criticizes it.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight, Felix Kwakye Ofosu justified the Attorney General’s decision, insisting that there must be a clear distinction between “frivolous, malicious persecution and evidence-based prosecution.”
He questioned why a former NDC chairman was dragged through the courts for years over an alleged meeting to discuss responses to political violence, yet those responsible for attacking innocent citizens have never been prosecuted.
To him, the government should not waste public time and resources on what he considers trivial cases when clear evidence of wrongdoing by others remains unaddressed.
“A clear distinction must be made between frivolous, malicious persecution and evidence-based prosecution. How is it that the former chairman of the NDC was put before court for years over an alleged meeting to discuss responses to political violence, while those responsible for attacking innocent citizens have never been prosecuted?” he questioned.
However, investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni sees things differently, warning that the decision undermines Ghana’s fight against corruption. He argues that a government cannot claim to be serious about recovering looted state funds while simultaneously shielding those accused of corruption.
In his words, “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cannot succeed when its implementers are engaged in ‘Operation Clear All Looters (OCAL).”
He believes halting these cases sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to public officials that accountability can be dodged if they simply delay their trials until their party returns to power.
Manasseh insists that this move sends a troubling message to politicians on both sides: those charged with corruption should simply drag their cases for as long as possible because once their party regains power, they will be set free.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
Former Defence of Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has questioned John Dramani Mahama’s government’s moral right to arrest their political opponents after discontinuing corruption-related cases.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice has discontinued several cases since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took over power.
These cases involved former appointees of John Dramani Mahama during his first term as President of Ghana.
Although there are calls from analysts and corruption fighters for reasons to be provided to justify the decision to discontinue the cases, none have been provided by the government.
Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, Dominic Nitiwul indicated that the current government has no moral justification to go after their political opponents when they have decided to clear their members who are standing trial for corruption-related issues.
“Will you have the moral justification to arrest your political opponent? You gave out Tamale Kaladan Park to your members and today you are coming to arrest people because they also gave lands out? You should let the law work. People have been charged with causing financial loss to the state and you say you have the power to discontinue the case so you discontinue and go and arrest your political opponent for same, is that how you want to run the country?” he questioned on Accra-based Asempa FM.
To Dominic Nitiwul, the NDC government should have allowed the laws to work, and if their members who were standing trial were innocent of the chargers, they would have been served justice.
To him, a bad precedent has been set as other political parties will also discontinue cases when they take over power just because the Attorney General has the power to do that.
Meanwhile, watch as ORAL Committee submits report to Mahama detailing 2,417 suspected corruption complaints
Banking and finance expert Dr. Richmond Atuahene has called on the incoming government to conduct a forensic audit of the funds used for the financial sector bailout.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Lantam Papanko, Dr. Atuahene questioned the discrepancies in reported bailout figures and urged a thorough scrutiny of the sector.
“The reason I want the new government to act when they take over is to conduct a forensic audit of the amount that was reportedly used for the bailout,” he stated.
He pointed out that while government sources claimed GH¢21 billion was spent on the banking cleanup and GH¢25 billion on the financial sector, official records from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2019 reflected only GH¢12.7 billion.
Dr. Atuahene urged Dr. Johnson Asiama, a key figure in the new administration, to take a critical approach and not accept reported figures at face value.
“He must act like the Minister of Roads. He must conduct a forensic audit of every cost item—everything that has happened, including the remittances,” he emphasized.
Highlighting further financial discrepancies, he revealed that Ghana’s Economic Summary Report for 2023 stated that the country received GH¢55.1 billion in remittances.
However, the Bank of Ghana’s balance sheet only accounted for GH¢2.8 billion, raising concerns about transparency.
To ensure impartiality, Dr. Atuahene recommended hiring foreign auditors instead of local ones. “I don’t want Ghanaian auditors to handle this. I want foreign auditors to conduct a forensic audit of the entire banking sector cleanup, including legacy issues,” he stressed.
Beyond the bailout audit, he warned about the financial instability of the Bank of Ghana, which he described as “capital deficient.”
He disclosed that the previous Minister of Finance had signed an agreement with the IMF requiring a recapitalization plan for the central bank. Given Ghana’s limited fiscal space under the IMF program,
Dr. Atuahene questioned how the government would secure the necessary funds.
“You can’t recapitalize the banks and leave the central bank out,” he cautioned, urging the new administration to take a holistic approach to financial sector reforms.
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The 2024 KPMG Customer Experience Survey has indicated that the investment environment in Ghana demonstrates a cautious approach, with a focus on both low and medium risk opportunities.
This cautious approach is evident as individuals seek to manage economic difficulties while striving for financial security and independence.
According to the report, the recent insights revealed that treasury bills remain the most preferred investment option, with 39 per cent of respondents opting for these low-risk instruments.
Fixed or term deposits closely follow at 25 per cent, further reinforcing the cautious approach among many Ghanaians who prioritise stability and guaranteed returns amidst economic uncertainty.
However, the report said there were signs of gradual diversification in investment choices.
Mutual funds, selected by 23 per cent of respondents, are gaining traction as a medium-risk option offering balanced returns.
Additionally, commodities such as precious metals and agriculture products, accounted for 20 per cent, which demonstrated a growing appetite for alternative investments as a hedge against inflation and economic instability.
Expectedly, higher-risk instruments such as stocks (19 per cent) and bonds (9 per cent) remain underutilised, pointing to limited confidence.
The report added that the hesitancy of Ghanaians to adopt these investment options highlights the need for banks to provide education and solutions to bridge knowledge gaps and demystify complex financial products.
Despite these trends, the survey also revealed that 34 per cent of respondents were willing to take risks with their investments, signalling an underlying desire for wealth creation and financial independence.
These challenges, notwithstanding, the survey also highlighted how Ghanaians were channelling resources toward personal growth, financial security and family welfare.
When asked about their top three priorities, approximately 24 per cent of respondents are investing in skill acquisition and business ventures, reflecting a desire for career advancement and financial independence.
Family obligations remained a central priority, with 24 per cent dedicating funds to education, healthcare and general welfare.
Similarly, wealth generation through investments and property sales also gained traction, with 22 per cent of respondents pursuing these strategies.
Dolly Parton has long been considered an ally of LGBT and other progressive causes
A Dolly Parton-themed musical had to be suspended mid-show when homophobic abuse was hurled at the stage, an actor in the production has claimed.
Stevie Webb said an incident at the Opera House in Manchester during Here You Come Again saw the whole cast “leave the stage because a woman was so disgusted there was a gay character on the stage”.
Mr Webb, posting on the social media platform TikTok, said the incident last Wednesday was followed by similar trouble on Saturday when a man had to be removed from the audience.
ATG Entertainment, which runs the venue, said it took a “zero tolerance” approach to such incidents.
Manchester Opera House said any audience member engaging in abuse, harassment or bullying would be “immediately” rejected
Mr Webb, who plays a superfan of the country music superstar in the show, said there had also been problems during the London run of the production.
He described an incident involving a man shouting an offensive slur and adding: “I just want to see Dolly Parton.”
Parton has long been an ally of LGBT and other progressive causes, and in 2014 spoke out in favour of gay marriage.
Mr Webb said the incidents had “really opened [his] eyes”.
“We’re in such a bubble in this industry. But travelling the country and seeing how many people literally cannot bear to see a gay person depicted on stage – it’s wild.”
Publicity for Here You Come Again described the show as the story of “a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times”.
The Opera House said such incidents were “rare” and that anyone engaging in abusive behaviour would be removed “immediately”.
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 Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has stated that the Ghana-Norway Cultural Exchange Project is a new initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries through artistic collaborations, performances, and shared cultural practices.
Speaking at the launch of the project in Accra on February 7, 2025, she emphasized that the initiative is expected to provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creative possibilities that promote social cohesion, economic growth, and sustainable development.
She noted that it would also showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage on an international platform while encouraging cultural diplomacy and investment.
“This initiative contributes significantly to Ghana’s creative arts economy because it provides our artists and cultural practitioners with new opportunities to thrive and expand their reach beyond our borders,” she said.
Dr. Akosua Abdallah, President of the International Theatre Institute, Ghana Chapter, emphasized the educational component of the project, stating that universities and cultural institutions in both countries will host discussions on cultural sustainability and creative entrepreneurship.
She added that local communities and grassroots artists will be actively involved to promote inclusivity and preserve cultural heritage.
Bernice Ann Deh-Kumah, Executive Director of the National Folklore Board, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s international cultural visibility.
She highlighted that the initiative follows a successful 2024 cultural exchange with Switzerland and will further promote Ghanaian heritage globally.
The Ghana-Norway Cultural Exchange Project is structured as a two-phase initiative.
The first phase, to be held in Ghana, will feature cultural exhibitions and performances incorporating elements from both Ghanaian and Norwegian traditions, including visual arts, theater, and music.
The second phase, set to take place in Norway, will highlight Ghanaian storytelling, traditional performances, and artistic displays across various venues, promoting Ghana’s cultural identity abroad.
Organized by the National Folklore Board in partnership with Infinity Events, the annual two-day event aligns with the vision of the President John Dramani Mahama-led government to position Ghana as a global cultural hub.
Labadi Beach Hotel has strongly refuted claims that it has withdrawn its legal case against Polo Beach Club, dismissing a report by the Daily Guide as misleading.
The hotel’s management, Hotel Investments (Ghana) Limited, insists that the lawsuit against Spartan Ives Limited, operators of Polo Beach Club, remains active.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The dispute began on June 3, 2024, when Hotel Investments (Ghana) Limited (hereinafter referred to as “the Hotel”) filed a lawsuit (Suit No. LD/0515/2024) against Spartan Ives Limited for allegedly trespassing on 0.54 acres of its land for Polo Beach Club’s operations and events.
On December 19, 2024, the court granted an interim injunction (ex-parte) preventing Spartan Ives Limited from:
•Using the disputed land for parking, event access, or any other purpose.
•Operating Polo Beach Club on the contested property.
•Using the adjoining restricted beachfront in violation of Labadi Beach Hotel’s lease agreement.
However, according to the Hotel Spartan Ives Limited blatantly defied the clear speaking orders of the honorable court and continued its activities and this left the Hotel with no choice than to pursue other legal means to seek legal redress.
Pending Contempt Proceedings
The Hotel in responding to the defiance of Spartan Ives Limited commenced contempt proceedings against Spartan Ives Limited and its director Kwaw Blay by filing a contempt application on January 13, 2025, for allegedly disregarding the court’s interim injunction.
The contempt case is still pending because, according to the Hotel, the Directors of Spartan Ives Limited are evading service. The court has scheduled the hearing of the contempt application for April 8, 2025.
Clarification on Injunction Withdrawal
On February 6, 2025, the Hotel voluntarily withdrew its motion on notice for interlocutory injunction application with the liberty to reapply. The Hotel stresses that this procedural move does not mean the case has been dismissed.
Refuting the Daily Guide Report
The Daily Guide reported on February 7 and February 10, 2025, that the court had struck out Labadi Beach Hotel’s case against Spartan Ives Limited, implying the Hotel had conceded to the latter’s position.
The Hotel strongly denies this, stating:
•The court did not rule on the withdrawn injunction application’s merits.
•No arguments were presented by either party before the application was withdrawn.
•The main lawsuit remains ongoing, and the Hotel is actively pursuing legal action.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Labadi Beach Hotel maintains that it will continue to seek legal remedies to halt what it describes as unlawful activities by Spartan Ives Limited.
The Hotel urges the general public to disregard the Daily Guide’s report, calling it misleading, ill motivated and inaccurate.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated two committees aimed at modernizing Ghana’s passport application process and safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.
The 24-hour Passport Application Committee will lead the transformation of Ghana’s passport system into a 24-hour service.
Ablakwa emphasized the importance of full digitalization, integration of biometric databases, and the introduction of courier services to expedite passport deliveries.
“We must eliminate the backlog of uncollected passports. If the government already has your biometrics, there should be no need to provide them repeatedly for every application,” he said to the media on his first day in office on February 10, 2025.
He underscored the government’s commitment to improving efficiency in passport issuance and ensuring the protection of Ghanaians working overseas.
This initiative according to him, aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision of a 24-hour economy, which aims to enhance efficiency and generate employment.
The second committee, which is the Migration and Welfare of Ghanaians Abroad committee will focus on improving the conditions of Ghanaian workers overseas, many of whom face exploitation from unscrupulous recruitment agencies.
He stressed the need for bilateral agreements between Ghana and destination countries to regulate labor migration and protect workers’ rights.
“Too many Ghanaians suffer indignities, have their earnings confiscated, and endure unfair treatment. This must stop,” he asserted.
Drawing inspiration from countries such as Cuba and Indonesia, which have successfully leveraged labor migration for economic growth, Ablakwa expressed optimism that Ghana could adopt a similar approach to attract foreign direct investment while safeguarding its citizens abroad.
Commitment to Implementation
Both committees have been mandated to present their findings within a month, with the government keen on implementing immediate reforms.
AM/KA
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Freda Ayisi and Mohammed Kudus in a showboating contest
Black Queens forward Freda Ayisi, known for her showboating skills and flair on the pitch, has recently challenged Mohammed Kudus, one of Ghana’s top male footballers, to a showboating skill contest.
The challenge, known as the “Tekkers Challenge,” saw Ayisi showcase her impressive ball control, daring Kudus to match her moves.
In a video shared by Ayisi, she is seen effortlessly juggling the ball and executing intricate tricks with precision. After each successful move, she playfully turns to Kudus, daring him to replicate it.
Although Kudus is well known for his flair and technical ability, he didn’t always get it right. Despite his best efforts, he occasionally fumbled the ball or struggled to execute the tricks as smoothly as Ayisi.
The lighthearted exchange between the two has delighted fans, who are enjoying the fun and competitive spirit shared by the Ghanaian football stars.
Watch the video below:
In the meantime, find out why Duncan-Williams cried after seeing Akufo-Addo, Mahama together
A NURSE at the Kumasi South Hospital and her three children have perished after fire gutted their home at Gyinyaase in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The charred remains of Linda Agyemang, 35, and her three children, two boys and a girl aged 14, 10 and 4 respectively have been transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for preservation.
Residents say the family was trapped inside their three-bedroom apartment in the early hours of Saturday, February 8, 2025 at about 4:00am when the inferno started.
Despite desperate rescue attempts by neighbours and passers-by, the intensity of the flames went high when a gas cylinder exploded, trapping the four in the room.
The residents expressed their devastation and sadness at the loss of lives.
Meanwhile, three other occupants of the house were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at Kumasi South Hospital.
Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ghana National Fire Service, DO II Peter Addai, confirming the incident, disclosed that authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, leaving residents in shock. Firefighters arrived after being alerted, and managed to extinguish the blaze, but the victims were found burnt.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched this year’s National Chocolate Week with a call on the public to join in the effort to promote cocoa consumption in the country.
The launch was organised in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) in Accra last Friday.
This year’s event is on the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana” with the sub theme “Chocolate for all: Taste, Share and Care”.
The celebration was instituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2005 to create awareness of the health benefits of cocoa-based chocolate products.
It was also to promote the consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and increase domestic tourism.
Activities
Activities lined up for the celebration include church visitations, cocoa quiz competition, an exhibition, a programme dubbed “time with schoolchildren”, a visit to the Chief Imam, cocoa communities and paediatric units of regional hospitals.
There would also be a street float and a chocolate feast to be held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to climax the celebration on February 14.
National Chocolate Day
At the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, Maame Afua Houadjeto, said the celebration was introduced to align with Valentine’s Day as a way of promoting the country’s cocoa-based products.
In a speech read on her behalf, she said collaborative efforts between the GTA and its stakeholders had witnessed a shift in consumer attitudes towards locally produced cocoa products, translating into an increased per capita cocoa consumption from 0.45kg to one kg within the past seven years.
“The gradual shift in consumer attitudes towards locally produced cocoa products has not only raised awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of cocoa but has also celebrated its national, cultural significance and fostered a sense of national pride,” she said.
She thanked stakeholders for their support in promoting the celebration and called on hotels, guest houses and lodgings to incorporate chocolate and cocoa-based products as part of their menus while offering special chocolate – themed dishes and desserts.
“On February 14, all hospitality establishments and Airlines are also encouraged to distribute complimentary chocolates to patrons as a symbol of love and care,” she added.
She also appealed to the public to eat more chocolate and consume more natural cocoa to strengthen their body.
Also in a speech read on his behalf, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr Randy Abbey, expressed his commitment to reform the cocoa sector by placing the farmer at the centre of the industry through strategic partnerships, improving productivity of cocoa farms and boosting value addition.
He said promoting cocoa consumption in the country could help boost local demand and create a more sustainable market.
As part of efforts to promote cocoa products, he said President John Dramani Mahama had directed COCOBOD to put in place measures that would ensure that the country increased its export of processed cocoa products rather than the raw cocoa beans.
Dr Abbey, however, added that though the country had installed a domestic processing capacity of 504,780 tonnes, utilising it remained below 50 per cent for most of the existing local processing companies.
To that, he said, the local processing of cocoa must be enhanced through strong collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders as well as the public.
“The government will continue to play a key role by incentivising local domestic cocoa processing, supporting small-scale cocoa processors, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve capacity utilisation,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
In a bid to implement President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a round-the-clock economy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Monday, February 10, 2025, announced plans to introduce 24-hour operations at the passport office and Ghana’s foreign missions.
This move, according to the sector minister, aimed to improve passport processing, reduce delays, and create jobs.
He said: “The President strongly believes in a 24-hour economy, and this is one way we can implement it. Extending operations at the passport office will not only improve service delivery but also generate employment.”
He made the remarks during his inaugural address to the Ministry’s management and staff, marking his first day on the job.
This significant speech set the tone for his tenure, outlining his vision and priorities for the Ministry.
He also emphasized the need for full digitalisation of passport services and the integration of biometric data across government institutions to eliminate duplication.
Ablakwa criticised the current system, where multiple agencies collected biometric data separately, calling it a “needless waste of time and resources.”
Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Minister announced the establishment of a committee on the Migration and Welfare of Ghanaians in the Diaspora to tackle the alleged exploitation of Ghanaian migrant workers.
He lamented the alleged abuse and mistreatment of Ghanaian workers abroad, citing weak regulations and rogue agents.
“… This must stop. Government-to-government agreements will help protect our citizens. When host countries know that the Ghanaian government is monitoring the welfare of its people, they will be treated with dignity,” he said.
The established committee will be given one month to propose measures to protect Ghanaian workers abroad and ensure migration policies yield economic benefits.
He assured ministry staff that their welfare remained a priority and urged them to support ongoing reforms aimed at modernising Ghana’s foreign services and strengthening their economic role.
