Beyoncé signed off the first night of her London residency by telling fans she was “blessed” to get to do what she loves by performing on stage.

She stormed through a seven-act set at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, treating the audience to a spectacle that lasted just shy of three hours.

But despite this being the first opportunity for fans to enjoy the singer’s country era in person, slow ticket sales and high prices have been the hot topic around the tour.

Promoters slashed some ticket prices in the run-up to shows in a bid to fill the stadium, prompting some of those who bought seats in advance to feel short-changed.

Beyoncé’s rodeo rumbled into London, bringing with it every country cliché you could think of – cowboy hats, horseshoes, tassels and even a gold mechanical bull.

The 40-song setlist relied heavily on tracks from 2024’s Cowboy Carter, which was met with critical acclaim, including taking the top album prize at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Every element of the performance was flawless, from the 43-year-old superstar’s stunning array of costume changes (each one featuring more rhinestones than the last) to the seamless transitions between songs and musical themes.

Much of the talk around the US leg of this tour, which took place in April and May, was the inclusion of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, who reportedly begged her parents to dance on the Renaissance tour in 2023, but was denied the opportunity.

She made several appearances throughout the show, earning thunderous applause whilst dancing to an instrumental performance of her mum’s 2006 hit Deja Vu.

The teenager certainly seemed to enjoy her moment in the spotlight, unlike her younger sister, Rumi, who came on stage during Protector, shyly mouthing the words whilst being held by Beyoncé.

The show, which is called The Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour as a way of referencing black performers who were segregated from the country scene, often paid homage in its interludes to these artists.

Beyoncé herself previously hinted about being rejected from the country music world in the past, and throughout the performance, it felt like she was wrestling with this idea.

She blended some of her biggest hits into Cowboy Carter tracks, such as Freedom and Diva, almost to prove that she belonged in this space.

Thursday night’s performance certainly showed she is more than qualified to be a country singer, but perhaps that a 60,000 seater stadium is not the best arena for it.

As the night drew darker, Beyoncé delivered an act comprised of tracks from her house-inspired album Renaissance, which immediately lifted the crowd into a party mood.

LED wristbands lit up in an array of colours as she belted out Alien Superstar and I’m That Girl – which certainly got the best reaction from fans of the night.

Similarly, a section of old classics such as Crazy In Love and Irreplaceable had the crowd singing every word, proving perhaps that a few more classics wouldn’t have gone amiss.

‘The pricing left a sour taste’

With crowds on their feet, it was difficult to see how sold out the stadium actually was, but with just hours to go until the show, there were still thousands of tickets available for sale online.

Despite the tour only stopping in two European cities – London and Paris – the remaining eight dates are not sold out.

Beyoncé’s tour has the highest top-priced ticket of any artist visiting the UK in 2025 at £950, with the cheapest costing £71.

Some seats that were sold in the Beyhive fan presale for £620, excluding fees, are next to seats that were available this week for £141.60 without fees.

Zulkarnain Sadali flew from Singapore to London to watch Beyoncé perform live and bought a ticket in the pre-sale, which he said cost him “more than £700”.

“A couple of weeks ago I checked my ticket and then curiosity got the best of me and I checked the same ticket, or same category, and the price was around £300,” he told the BBC.

“I’m really excited for [the show], but I will say the dynamic pricing really left a sour taste in my mouth.”

Another fan, Holly Whiteman, said she “panic bought” Beyoncé tickets in a fan pre-sale on Ticketmaster, which were “way up in the nosebleeds” and cost £170 each, when she had initially set a budget of £100.

“Fast forward a few days later, the tickets went on general sale through Tottenham Hotspur and I found tickets for the same show in both the same row and the same section for a much cheaper price,” she told the BBC.

“I believe they were at least £50-£70 cheaper per ticket.”

Sadali said that despite feeling short-changed, it had not dented his excitement for the tour.

“It’s really about the Beyoncé experience, you’re not gonna get it anywhere else and I know this sounds like a contradiction, it’s worth every cent,” he said.

Whiteman said the process had left her a bit “disappointed”, but she was still looking forward to the tour.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson told the BBC they do “not use surge pricing or dynamic algorithms to adjust ticket prices”, adding that event organisers are responsible for the pricing structures.

 “Since tickets typically go on sale at least 3-6 months before the event, organisers may review prices at key points leading up to the show, but they make any adjustments, not an algorithm,” they also added.

The BBC also contacted tour promoter Live Nation for comment.

Ticketing expert Reg Walker put the lack of sold-out shows down to several factors, including “overexposure” after her last UK stadium tour, which played five nights at the same venue in 2023.

And the ticket prices are “eye-watering”, he told the BBC.

“You might be able to afford to go to one of her concerts where you’re effectively paying, in some categories, the same amount of money as a small holiday, but you can’t do that in consecutive years.

“The pricing strategy on tickets was clearly far too high,” he added.

Walker said there were a lot of “affordably priced” tours coming up – but with so many artists visiting the UK this summer, fans may be picking and choosing who they pay to go and see.

Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA are all embarking on stadium tours over the coming months, with Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Chapell Roan and Drake headlining festivals.

Tema, June 06,GNA-AbibiNsroma Foundation and the Tema Metro Education Directorate have initiated a Plastic Litter Management Assessment programme for schools within Tema Central Constituency to mark World Environment Day.

Riding on the theme for this year: “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the collaboration was hinged on fifteen indicators carefully designed to assess the schools performance in how they manage the use of plastics toward Zero Plastic waste and improved sanitation.

Some of the indicators had to do with separation of refuse, type of bins, revenue from the sale of segregated plastics, other environmental initiatives, presence of refuse dump, signs of burning and recycling.

The Team embarked on an unannounced visit to the selected five schools to get first hand information on their activities.

According to Mr Robert Amiteye,Convenor, AbibiNsroma Foundation, “it was a good opportunity for us to experience the true state of the prevailing environmental sanitation situation.”

He said, through observations and interactive engagement with some of the facilitators and learners the exercise was conducted.

The schools were Tema Technical Institute, Chemu Senior High, Tema Industrial Technical Vocational Institute, Presbyterian Senior High and Methodist Day Senior High.

“This assessment initiative will be extended to the Primary and Junior High School levels to help scale up efforts to combat the plastic litter menace.”

The assessment team members included Mrs, Bernice Ofori, Tema Metro Director of Education, Lawyer Akua Obimpeh, Lawyer Henry Teitey Tetteh-Afi, the Senior High School Coordinator, and Madam Nancy Tetteh, the School Health Education Programme Coordinator.

Other supporting institutions and personalities during the maiden assessment included Madam Doris Gorman of the Tema Metro Information Services Department and Madam Erica Amoako-Attah of the National Youth Authority.

The exercise was led by Bob T.K Amiteye of AbibiNsroma Foundation.

The accessors were very happy to see the commitment by the schools in managing plastic litter as resource material.

Mr. Amiteye indicated that there was a need to “increase education on positive behavioural actions to improve sanitation in our surroundings.”

Inadequate collection of plastic litter for recycling prevails as one of the challenges and citizens ought to be environmentally responsible, he added.

The assessment report will be shared with the schools to appreciate their performance.

The World.Environment day is celebratrd annually on 5th June to raise awareness on the fragile nature of the environment and how to protect it.

This year’s celebration was on theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
GNA

SOF

President John Mahama has announced bold steps aimed at strengthening Islamic education in Ghana and supporting Muslim students across the country.

Addressing Muslims gathered at the Black Star Square for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, the President said he had instructed the Minister for Education to work closely with the Islamic Education Unit to boost its operations. This includes hiring and training more qualified Arabic instructors to improve teaching in Islamic schools.

“I have directed the Minister of Education to begin engagement with the Islamic Education Unit to strengthen its operations and expand the recruitment and training of qualified Arabic instructors across the country,” he said. “We aim to ensure that Arabic education is no longer marginalised and that Islamic schools have the necessary resources to thrive.”

President Mahama also disclosed that the Director General of the Scholarship Secretariat has been tasked with developing a dedicated support programme for Muslim students pursuing higher education. The scheme, he explained, would focus on disciplines such as medicine, law, ICT, engineering, and the social sciences.

“This is part of our broader equity agenda to empower all segments of our society to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.

Turning to the economy, the President reassured Ghanaians that his government is taking urgent steps to ease economic hardship. “Prices were high, jobs were scarce, and hope was dimmed, but I want you to know that we’re working with focus and urgency to turn things around,” he said. “Our economic reset agenda is anchored on stabilising the cedi, cutting wasteful expenditures, creating jobs, and supporting local industries.”

He noted that inflation is gradually declining, the cedi is gaining stability, and investor confidence is being restored. “We are taking concrete steps to bring lasting relief to Ghanaian households from the hardship,” he said.

Read also: Mahama promises significant drop in Hajj fares next year if…

The President also encouraged youth in Zongo communities and inner cities to take advantage of government employment initiatives. “I urge you to take advantage of government’s new initiatives, especially the National Apprenticeship Programme so that you can develop skills for the world of work,” he said. “Also take advantage of the Adwumawura Programme, which enables you to start your own business with capital and mentorship.”

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in a message of peace, expressed gratitude to Allah for the stability in the country. “Experiencing peace, we as Muslims and followers of other faiths are able to sit together and consult ourselves and relate in peace,” he said. “It is the desire of Allah that we express thankfulness to Him.”

He also offered prayers for the President and his team, saying, “I pray unto Allah to grant him his support. All those following him in terms of the appointees, I pray that Allah will grant them the ability to give him the adequate support he needs.”

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

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

Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin

Renowned economist and Professor of Finance, Godfred Bokpin, has dismissed claims that the GH¢1 fuel levy and the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy) implemented under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government are similar.

Some critics have drawn parallels between the two taxes, arguing that both measures place an undue burden on consumers.

However, speaking on Morning Starr, Prof. Bokpin countered that while the E-Levy was fundamentally flawed and economically unjustifiable, the fuel levy is necessary under current circumstances.

Prof. Bokpin explained that prematurely taxing the growing digital economy, as was done with the E-Levy, was a misstep.

“They are not similar. They are on different pathways. I am unable to situate these levies side by side with the E-Levy, not at all. The E-Levy did not meet the basic principles of taxation in economics, and from conceptualization to implementation, it was clearly flawed,” he stated.

He emphasized that the global transition toward a digital economy should be nurtured, not taxed harshly in its early stages.

“If you look at the economy, the traditional economy, based on bricks and mortar, versus the digital economy, driven by apps and technology — the projection is that the digital economy will expand faster. The global shift is increasingly toward digital platforms.”

“Even within finance, the future is digital. These days, we talk about digital economics, digital finance, and digital currency. The future of money and business is digital, so digitization should not be merely used as a taxation tool,” he added.

Prof. Bokpin argued that even leaders within the NPP, including its flagbearer and then-Vice President, acknowledged that the E-Levy was a mistake, describing it as a classic case of a “nuisance tax.”

“And we all agree, even including the vice president at that time, and the flag bearer of the NPP, that E-Levy had to go. There are taxes that can be classified as nuisance taxes, and E-Levy was one of them,” he asserted.

In contrast, he defended the GH¢1 fuel levy, describing it as a pragmatic move, especially considering the recent appreciation of the cedi, which has helped ease fuel prices at the pump.

“Given that there is aggressive spending of the currency, the impact of the fuel levy will not be as heavy on consumers compared to times of severe economic volatility,” he explained.

The GH¢1 fuel levy was introduced through the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed on Tuesday, June 3.

The measure imposes a GH¢1 tax on every liter of petroleum product, a decision that has drawn criticism from transport unions, the general public, and the Minority in Parliament.

However, government officials, including Finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, have defended the levy, calling it a necessary intervention to address the country’s $3.1 billion energy sector debt.

The Minister also assured Ghanaians that the new tax would not lead to an increase in fuel prices, citing recent gains in the cedi’s value.

Revenue from the levy is expected to fund fuel purchases for electricity generation, helping to minimize power outages and stabilize the national grid.

Watch drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

By Kingsley Mamore, GNA  

Dambai (O/R), June 6, GNA- The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Krachi East marked World Environmental Day with a vibrant march on the principal streets and a clean-up exercise. 

The event, held on June 5, brought together students, community members, and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices. 

The march through the major streets in the Municipality saw participants carrying placards with messages on the environment.  

The procession culminated in a clean-up exercise at the bank of River Oti, where volunteers collected refuse and debris. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Robert Boame, the Oti Regional Director, said the NCCE aimed to educate residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment and its impact on public health. 

 He said the event served as a platform for community engagement and sensitization on environmental issues. 

 Mr Boame told GNA that by engaging the community in this meaningful activity, the commission was seeking to inspire a culture of sustainability and collective action in protecting the environment. 

Mr. Emmanuel Atali, Assembly Member for Dambai Lakeside Electoral Area, expressed gratitude to the NCCE and Environmental Health Officers for organizing a clean-up exercise in the area to commemorate World Environment Day. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie  

By Iddi Yire, GNA  

Accra, June 06, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has inaugurated the Sixth Governing Council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Accra.  

The UMaT, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the newly constituted UMaT Governing Council would be chaired by Professor Goski Alabi.  

As part of the ceremony, the Minister administered the oaths of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Council members and conveyed the best wishes of President John Dramani Mahama to the appointees.   

In his address to the Council, Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need for strong leadership, the promotion of academic excellence, and innovation in mining and applied sciences to drive Ghana’s industrial growth.  

Other members of the newly constituted Governing Council of UMaT include Government appointees: Professor Richard Acquaye, Dr Francis Ferguson Howard, Mr Andrew Acquah Oppan, and Dr Lena Awoonor-Aziaku.   

Others are Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of the University, UMaT; Reverend Father George Eduayaw Ansah, representative of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS); and Professor Benard Kumi-Boateng, representative of Professorial members of convocation.  

The rest are Dr Henry Otoo, representative of the non-professorial members of convocation; Madam Cecilia Baffoe, representative of Junior staff; Mr Bashirudin Adam, representative of Senior staff; Dr Peter Emerson Sampson, Alumni representative; Kevin Ofori Junior, Undergraduate students’ representative; Ebenezer Narteh Hargoe, Postgraduate students’ representative; and Dr Sulemanu Koney, representative for the Ghana Chamber of Mines.  

Prof Goski Alabi, in her response to government on behalf of the Council, thanked the President of Ghana for the confidence reposed in them and gave assurances of their commitment to the training of quality human resources for Ghana and the global community.  

Present at the inauguration were Mr Matthew K. Okrah, Registrar; Professor Mrs Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Mr Jonathan Sakoe, Finance Officer and Mrs Lydia Ephraim, Deputy Registrar and Head of Academic and Student Affairs.  

The reconstituted Council is expected to begin work immediately, their responsibilities include institutional governance, policy oversight, and guiding the strategic direction of the university.  

GNA   

Edited by Christian Akorlie   

Dr Randy Abbey is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey, has disclosed that the institution is burdened with considerable debt, accrued to be around $33 billion, which is posing significant challenges to its financial stability.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he said the severe financial situation facing COCOBOD has brough immense pressure on it from suppliers, contractors, and banks.

The acting CEO added that the institution’s financial crisis stands at approximately $33 billion, with the figure potentially varying based on the cedi’s performance against the dollar.

He went ahead to clarify that the Cocoa Roads Programme is not the primary contributor to the institution’s $33 billion debt .

Dr Randy Abbey also acknowledged that COCOBOD still has a long way to go before balancing its books, describing the road ahead as tough.

He added that it would take about four years to get back to its financial order.

“Our first task was to look at how we’re going to deal with it, and the projections we made was that by year four, we should be fine,” he stated.

He explained that due to the cedi’s appreciation, the institution now needs to redo its financial records to reflect the shift in currency dynamics.

DR/AE

This week, specifically on June 4, 2025, Citi FM’s Eyewitness News broadcast the most important news of the year. 

It was to the effect that “government is ramping up efforts to promote the commercial production of eco-friendly Pozzolana cement as part of a strategic move to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported building materials”

Speaking at the opening of the Biannual Ministry of Science and Technology Forum in Accra, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, called for strong political will and coordinated efforts to scale up the use of Pozzolana cement in Ghana’s construction industry.

His observation was apt: “Many institutions have great ideas, but lack the resources to bring them to life. 

It is crucial that we come together –government, industry and academia – to build the necessary linkages and support systems.”

In an article in the Daily Graphic on May 11, 2022, yours truly did an analysis headlined, “Pozzolana: Thirsty in the abundance of water” in which I wondered why housing and other building projects were so expensively priced. 

In the article, I declared that I knew the answer. Below, I reproduce the article. Please, read on:
                
“(The answer) lies in official lack of confidence in African/Ghanaian solutions. That mindset has, since the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, manifested itself in Ghanaian officials, business executives and public servants looking down on and actually rejecting local technologies and expertise. 

The Tema township, the first purpose-planned enclave in West Africa, was designed and built by Ghanaian engineers and building technologists in the 1960s (note: early 1960s!); the Achimota Overpass in Accra, constructed in the 1970s (repeat: 1970s!) was the work of Ghanaian engineers.

Today, 60 years down the line, when knowledge abounds and the know-how of our scientists has increased, Ghanaian engineers and building technologists are sidelined in favour of Brazilians and Chinese, (“white men”), with presumably “superior intelligence”.

A guest on a TV programme blamed our excessive dependence on imported inputs, citing the case of the poorly patronised Ghana-made Pozzolana cement in the construction industry. 

In a country where government is the biggest client in the construction sector, all it takes is a change of official mindset. It should be possible for government to decree that a certain minimum percentage of local materials should be used on all projects. 

Pozzolana

Never heard of Pozzolana cement? It was invented by the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the CSIR. 

The “Clay Pozzolana” replaces up to 40 per cent of imported Ordinary Portland Cement for both concrete and general cement works. 

For your money, a bag of pozzolana cement costs less than its Portland cement counterpart. Thus, on the market today (2022), while a bag of Portland cement is going for GH₵60.00, you get Pozzolana cement, same quantity, for GH₵50. 

The cost saving was demonstrated when BRRI undertook the construction of 650 housing units at Ashongman, Accra, using Pozzolana. By the time it handed over the houses, there had been a saving of 30 per cent.          

Talk of quality and durability. The user will discover that decades after completion, there will be absolutely no cracks in a house built with Pozzolana. It is also more resistant to rain penetration and chemical attacks. 

You want to know the millions of dollars Ghana spends importing cement? The country consumes eight million tonnes of cement a year. One tonne costs US$80.00. I leave readers to do the math. 

Scientists

Ghanaian scientists do not blow their horn, but talking about durability, it is on record that when the fence walls of the Aboadze Thermal Plant in the Western Region were collapsing as a result of acids and salts eating away the sandcrete block wall and metal fence, it was BRRI that went to the rescue, using salt-resistant burnt bricks and Pozzolana cement.

Yet, in spite of these facts and figures, how many Ghanaian real estate developers, government institutions and individual builders will opt for Pozzolana? 

It takes official policy. 

To be fair, there used to be a government policy in favour of 60 per cent of local materials for public buildings, but it has remained mere paper tiger. The reason is not far to fetch: the very government officials who have to promote Ghanaian solutions or ensure compliance with the law are themselves slaves to imported “quality”.  

Mindset

It’s a mindset. The story is told of an attempt by the Building and Road Research Institute to introduce low-cost housing built with local materials – such as burnt bricks, clay roofing tiles, bamboo and compressed earth blocks – for workers in one of Ghana’s regional capitals. 

A top government official moved heaven and earth to have the project stopped, describing the houses as Atakpami houses, implying they were below standard for educated city dwellers. 

It is this mindset that moved Bob Marley to sing: “in the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty”. 

This article is a thumbs-up to Citi FM for its news-judgement and the Ministry for its boldness.
But let’s beware of nine-day wonders.

The writer is Executive Director, Centre for Communication and Culture.
E-mail: [email protected]

Accra, June 6, GNA- A Ghanaian casting director and international film professional Mawuko Kuadzi has been appointed to the jury of the 2025 Uganda Film Festival (UFF), solidifying his position as a leading figure in Africa’s creative landscape.

Mawuko Kuadzi, who made history earlier this year as the first African to win the prestigious Artios Award from the Casting Society of America, joins a distinguished jury panel that includes Ugandan veteran actor and academic Philip Luswata-Kafuluma, Nigerian film executive Segilola Aboaba-Olunaike, director and producer Irene Kulabako, and media and distribution legend Simon Christian Tchokonte.

The announcement, made by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), comes as the festival prepares for its highly anticipated edition on the theme “Local Stories, Global Impact.” The UFF has grown into one of East Africa’s most prominent cultural events, celebrating excellence in African filmmaking while positioning Uganda as a regional hub for cinematic innovation.

“Mawuko Kuadzi brings not just global recognition, but a strategic Pan-African perspective that is crucial to where African cinema is headed,” said UCC spokesperson, Leonard Amanya. “His track record of talent discovery and his ability to connect African creatives with global platforms are vital assets for this year’s festival.

Following the UFF, there are plans to send some of this year’s winners to participate in a residence programme on acting in Ghana as exchange creative students”, he added.

Kuadzi’s inclusion on the jury follows a decade of impactful work across the continent.

Through his company MK Casting, he has contributed to internationally acclaimed productions including Beasts of No Nation (Netflix), Treadstone (Amazon Prime), and Black Earth Rising (BBC/Netflix). His leadership of the Africa Monologue Challenge has helped nurture actors across 25 African countries, reinforcing his commitment to cross-border creative collaboration.

The appointment is being seen by many analysts as a soft power boost for Ghana-Uganda relations, with creative diplomacy at its core.
“This is a win for Africa,” said Benjamin Dwomoh-Doyen, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers. “It’s about leveraging our stories to shape perception, attract investment, and drive regional cooperation.”

As UFF 2025 comes off this evening, the 6th of June 2025, expectations are high for a festival that not only showcases African narratives but helps define the continent’s voice in global cinema. With Kuadzi’s influence and experience now in the jury mix, that goal seems more achievable than ever.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

The 24-Hour programme is government’s flagship programme

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a transformative economic initiative dubbed the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), positioning it as Ghana’s flagship agenda to achieve inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.

The programme, according to the government, is designed to build a self-reliant, industrial, and export-driven economy anchored in integrated value chains, efficient markets, skilled labour, and enhanced regional and global competitiveness.

The 24H+ programme serves a dual purpose, both a vision and a framework for implementation. As a destination, it also envisions a Ghana where economic activity operates around the clock, reflecting a robust, high-productivity environment across sectors.

The programme lays out a strategic roadmap for restructuring the economy through targeted interventions in agro-processing, digital innovation, infrastructure, logistics, skills development, and export competitiveness.

“This is not just a plan, it is a national call to action,” President Mahama stated during a recent policy dialogue. “It is about harnessing the full power of our people, our industries, and our global partnerships to transform the Ghanaian economy from the ground up.”

The 24H+ initiative also aligns with global trends where round-the-clock economies are emerging in response to technological advances and shifting consumer demands. It particularly draws inspiration from successful models in countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have leveraged 24-hour economic systems to drive export-led growth and employment.

The president’s team emphasised that the 24H+ is “fundamentally a citizens’ and partners’ mobilisation programme,” built on the belief that the transformation Ghana seeks cannot be accomplished by government alone.

It also calls for full national mobilisation with defined roles for both the public and private sectors, as well as development partners and the diaspora.

In line with this inclusive approach, the 24H+ Programme document is currently being circulated widely to solicit input and build momentum. Citizens, investors, civil society, and international partners are being invited to engage with the policy as stakeholders in Ghana’s development journey.

The 24H+ rollout comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with persistent trade deficits, high youth unemployment, and vulnerability to external economic shocks.

The Mahama led government hopes that the programme will serve as a long-term blueprint for addressing these structural issues by reducing import dependence, generating foreign exchange through exports, and creating decent, sustainable jobs for millions of Ghanaians.

A speeding driver, believed to have been under the influence of alcohol has been involved in a road accident on the Aburi-Madina Highway, causing temporary traffic congestion.

The incident occurred on  Friday afternoon, June 6, 2025, when the driver of a red Toyota Corolla with registration number GS 6332-17 lost control and rammed into a truck parked at the roadside, reportedly loading building blocks.

The impact left the Corolla severely damaged, with debris scattered across the road.

An eyewitness, Justlord Estey, told Citi News that the driver was travelling at high speed before the crash.

Photos from the scene revealed about five bottles of alcoholic beverages on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

The driver, whose name was not disclosed, sustained a minor injury and was immediately rushed to Mampong Hospital for treatment.

The accident briefly disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway, but normalcy was restored after emergency services cleared the scene.

Read also

Ghanaians no longer require visas to travel to Morocco – Ablakwa

An anti-Fraud Professional and Lecturer, Ransford Nana Addo Jnr, has warned that employee fraud is widespread and affects all types of businesses and even homes.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he said, “Employee fraud is something that nobody or no business is spared, from banking to aviation, telecom, even our domestic helps.”

He shared a telling example of a house help who gave her employers a sudden notice that she would be leaving. “They said she should go and bring her things so they could drop her at the station. The bag she brought out compared to what she brought in years ago was something else.

“To shock you, they found provisions enough to set up a business in her hometown,” he recounted. “The kids she was supposed to take care of, they were three, were meant to take a tin of milk every day. But she used a tin for them the whole week or two before they drank one. The rest were being stored for a provision business in the village.”

Mr Addo Jnr explained that people who engage in this kind of fraud are often those seen as hardworking and trustworthy.

“Their hard work will take your eyes off their tricks,” he said. “You go to a mechanic shop very hardworking man and he’ll say, ‘Don’t worry, our boss. This thing is very expensive, if you bring it here, we know how to get it for you.’ But meanwhile, he is not stealing your lubricants, or your money but he is pushing your customers away

He warned that employee fraud can quietly destroy a business. “You’ll be there thinking nothing is missing, but gradually your business is going to shrink.”

To manage employee fraud, he suggested several approaches. One is to completely avoid business types where fraud risk cannot be managed. Another is to transfer the risk through insurance packages, like employee fidelity plans, or outsource that part of the business to people with time and resources to manage it. A third option is to mitigate the risk directly by being deliberate about internal controls. The last option which he discouraged is to simply accept the risk and do nothing about it.

“There are people who say, ‘I’ve brought 50 vehicles, I don’t care who runs away with one. I’ll keep praying and hope God sends me good people.’ But if you really want to deal with these things, you have to be very intentional,” he said.

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

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

Michael Abbey is the CEO of VCTF

Ten young graduates have embarked on a career path in venture capital and private equity through the Venture Capital Analysts Programme.

According to a citinewsroom.com report, VCTF CEO, Michael Abbey, speaking during the beginning of the one-week orientation, expressed optimism about the venture capital ecosystem’s potential to drive Ghana’s economic development.

The ten young graduates, part of the Venture Capital Analysts Programme’s third cohort, will embark on a year-long training, featuring a one-week orientation, six months of classroom instruction, and a six-month practical attachment with coaching and mentorship.

According to Michael Abbey, he hopes that the participants will become key players in major investment deals and top-notch investment analysis in the future.

“I would be very much happy if looking back many years from here, where we talk about the big investment deals in Ghana, those who are involved in structuring the deals, those who are involved in top-notch investment analysis, it would be guys from here,” he said.

DR/AE

At first glance, the title “Nurses at War?” may conjure images of nurses in military gear, marching to defend the nation, or perhaps locked in physical confrontation, throwing syringes and ampoules at one another. While nursing indeed has historical ties to wartime service, this piece is not about literal combat. Rather, it explores a different kind of war: the silent but dangerous division within Ghana’s nursing unions. As leadership battles, conflicting loyalties, and politicized agendas seep into the professional space, nurses risk losing the very unity needed to protect their collective interests. This internal conflict, fueled by misinformation, rivalry, and lack of coordinated advocacy, is threatening to unravel the progress made in Ghana’s healthcare sector. The time has come to ask: who truly benefits from a divided nursing front?

The Ghanaian nursing profession, long seen as a unified and dependable pillar of healthcare delivery, is gradually becoming fragmented, divided by union rivalries, personal interests, and internal politics. What should be a collective force fighting for the welfare and future of nurses has turned into a battleground for supremacy, competing egos, and disjointed efforts. While professional associations and unions are vital for progress, their unchecked division can weaken the very cause they were created to protect.

How Did We Get Here?

The emergence of multiple nursing unions such as GRNMA (the long-standing holder of the Collective Bargaining Certificate), UPNMG, NARM-G, and other associations including groups of rotation nurses did not happen in a vacuum. It arose out of valid concerns: dissatisfaction with representation, delays in benefit disbursements, limited inclusivity in decision-making, and uneven welfare schemes.

But over time, the response to these challenges has shifted from demanding accountability and change from within to creating parallel unions. Instead of reforming leadership by standing for office and influencing policy from inside, many chose to break away entirely. This has led to unnecessary competition, sometimes focused solely on who holds the CBC, rather than on how all nurses can collectively win better working conditions, fair wages, and respect.

It is important to ask: what good is holding a CBC if the people you claim to represent are not united behind your cause?

When the Cause Turns Personal

Sometimes, causes that begin with genuine intentions slowly become led by disappointment, bitterness, or personal ambition. A call for fairness can evolve into a personal campaign. What starts as an advocacy effort for “the people” becomes a mission to prove a point, settle scores, or build personal prestige. When that happens, the original purpose is lost.

Instead of focusing on collective progress, energy is wasted on making one union or its leaders look bad. There are public spats, smear campaigns, and back-and-forth exchanges that bring nothing but shame to the profession. Internal arguments take precedence over constructive dialogue. Nurses begin to shame each other publicly, forgetting that their strength lies in solidarity.

This is not leadership. It is not activism. It is the very thing that divides and weakens a profession.

The Cost of Division

A fragmented nursing front leads to weakened bargaining power, confusion among members, and a loss of credibility before policymakers and the public. When nurses fight among themselves, politicians and external forces are given the room to manipulate, divide, and ignore their concerns. A divided voice is an easy one to silence.

Furthermore, nurses who focus only on what they can get from a union such as loans, insurance, or land schemes without paying attention to the broader mission risk turning unions into service providers, not advocacy bodies. The true power of unions lies in their ability to influence national policy, shape working conditions, and lead the transformation of the healthcare sector.

We must also consider the optics. The public, other professionals, and decision-makers observe how nurses carry themselves. Disunity does not inspire confidence. Instead, it sends the message that nurses cannot manage their own affairs, a perception that can be used to sideline the profession in national discussions.

Lessons from Other Professions

Nurses can learn from the mistakes of other professions in Ghana that fractured into several unions and fought publicly, such as teachers, transport operators, and even some security services. Many of these groups eventually realized, after years of rivalry and setbacks, that they needed to stand together to truly win the fight for better conditions.

Unity does not mean there will never be disagreements, but it means those disagreements are handled internally, maturely, and constructively. When each group tries to build their own kingdom, everyone loses.

The Way Forward: Reform Through Leadership, Not Rivalry

If you want to correct a wrong in the nursing profession, rise through the ranks. Stand for a position. Campaign with a clear agenda. Earn the trust of your colleagues and change the system from within. Division is not the path to reform. It is a detour that leads to confusion, stagnation, and collapse.

Nurses must return to the principles of dialogue, shared vision, and collective action. Union leaders must embrace transparency, and members must prioritize unity over personal benefit. Collaborations between unions should be encouraged on key national issues. No single union can win this fight alone.

Conclusion

The future of nursing in Ghana cannot be built on fragmented voices and rival factions. The profession is too important to be undermined by internal politics, vendettas, and ego-driven campaigns. Nurses must look beyond CBCs, land schemes, and personal scores and remember their core mandate, which is to care, to advocate, and to lead change in healthcare.

Unity does not erase our differences. It channels them into strength. And for nurses, now more than ever, unity is not an option. It is the only way forward.

As knowledge workers, nurses must begin to verify information for themselves and not rely solely on emotionally charged narratives. Misinformation thrives in divided spaces. A profession rooted in science must also be driven by research and truth. Embracing continuous education, critical thinking, and peer-reviewed evidence will help nurses make informed choices about leadership, unions, and representation.

Leaders of UPNMG, GRNMA, NARM-G, and other associations must stop fueling division and inciting hate. The future of nursing depends on their maturity, diplomacy, and willingness to put collective interests above personal or organizational pride. The goal must be the protection and advancement of all nurses, not just their own members.

The time to heal, unify, and rise as one profession is now. Anything else is a disservice to the calling and to the lives nurses are entrusted to protect.

By: Bright Kwaku Banitsi

Ken Ofori-Atta is a former Minister of Finance

An INTERPOL red notice alert was issued for Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, for ‘using public office for profit.’

This follows the declaration of the former finance minister as a fugitive wanted for several corruption-related cases.

The issuance of the INTERPOL red notice for Ofori-Atta has made international news headlines, including in the United Kingdom, where the former finance minister has reportedly visited several times after leaving Ghana months ago.

The British broadcaster, the BBC, in its report, explained the ramifications of Ofori-Atta being added to INTERPOL’s Red Notice database.

Below is their report:

Interpol issues red notice for Ghana’s ‘fugitive’ ex-minister

Ghana’s former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been placed on Interpol’s red notice list for allegedly using public office for personal gain.

This comes after Ghanaian prosecutors declared him a wanted person as well as a fugitive from justice, as he was outside the country, over his alleged involvement in several corruption cases when he was in government.

A red notice is not an arrest warrant but a request to police worldwide to detain someone pending extradition.

Ofori-Atta, who is said to be out of the country for medical reasons, has not commented on the allegations, but he has said he has been unlawfully treated.

The AFP news agency is quoting Frank Davies, on Ofori-Atta’s legal team, criticising the prosecutor’s approach.

“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” Mr Davies told AFP.

“The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment.”

The 65-year-old has been accused of causing financial losses to the state.

The allegations include questions over procurement procedures in the building of a controversial national cathedral, which remains a hole in the ground despite the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money.

Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had offered to represent him, but the state prosecutor said they could not respond to criminal charges on behalf of their client.

In February, Ofori-Atta appealed to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to remove his name from the wanted list and provided a definite return date in May.

State prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng accepted Ofori-Atta’s assurance and subsequently took his name off the wanted list.

But in March, Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit, claiming unlawful treatment and requesting removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.

Early this month, Ofori-Atta was re-declared a wanted person and a fugitive from justice after failing to appear before an investigative panel.

Agyebeng subsequently formally initiated the Red Notice request, seeking international help in tracking down the former official, local media reported.

“We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations,” Agyebeng said.

In the Red Notice released late Thursday, Interpol said Ofori-Atta is wanted on charges of “using public office for profit”.

He was finance minister from January 2017 to February 2024, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power.

The NPP lost last December’s elections to the National Democratic Congress.

President John Mahama, who was inaugurated in January, went on to establish an investigative committee known as Operation Recover All Loot.

The committee has received over 200 complaints of corruption, amounting to more than $20bn in recoverable funds.

Mahama has directed the attorney general and minister of justice to launch investigations into these allegations, stating that Ghana will no longer be a safe haven for corruption.

However, some Ghanaians have criticised him for discontinuing cases against his former allies on trial.

BAI/AE

The ‘Dumsor Levy’ imposes a GH¢1 fee on petroleum products

Parliament, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, under a certificate of urgency.

The bill, introduced by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, imposes a GH¢1 fee on petroleum products.

Since its passage, the levy has been widely referred to as Dumsor Levy, or ‘D-Levy.’

Public reaction to the Levy

Many Ghanaians have since taken to social media to express their displeasure, arguing that the D-Levy replaces the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) introduced under the Akufo-Addo administration.

This assertion is corroborated by some critics as well.

The Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) was introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under President Nana Akufo-Addo through the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075).

Passed on March 29, 2022, after a contentious parliamentary process, the law imposed a 1.5% tax, which was later reduced to 1%, on electronic transactions, including Mobile Money payments, bank transfers, and merchant payments.

Purpose of the D-Levy

Providing more insight into the new tax, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that the revenue generated will be used to fund liquid fuel purchases.

He explained that the government requires over US$1 billion in 2025 to procure liquid fuels.

According to him, the cost of liquid fuel is not included in the electricity tariff structure, posing financing challenges for the government.

Additionally, the levy is intended to raise additional revenue to address energy sector debts and mitigate intermittent power supply issues affecting Ghanaians.

Ghana’s Thermal Energy Situation

Currently, Ghana has 15 thermal plants, many of which are designed to run on natural gas.

Eight of these plants can switch to liquid fuels when gas is unavailable, whether from the Atuabo Gas Plant or due to disruptions along the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPCo).

About liquid fuels

This refers to all petroleum, including crude oil and products of petroleum refining, natural gas liquids, biofuels, and liquids derived from other hydrocarbon sources including coal to liquids and gas to liquids.

Liquid fuels, according to Research Gate, are those combustible or energy-generating molecules that can be harnessed to create mechanical energy.

Most liquid fuels, in widespread use, are or derived from fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, alcohols, and hydrogen.

About ESLA

The Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) was introduced in 2015 and implemented in 2016, aimed at streamlining energy-related taxes and rescuing struggling state-owned utilities.

Since the inception of the program, total expected collections were projected at GH¢29.27 billion.

However, according to the Ministry of Finance, total collections from all ESLA levies between January 2016 and December 2024 amounted to GH¢27.24 billion, leaving a shortfall of GH¢2.03 billion.

Details about the D-Levy

The GH¢1 levy on petroleum products, also known as the Dumsor Levy or D-Levy, is a tax imposed on every liter of fuel purchased.

This means that if a consumer buys 10 liters of fuel, they will pay GH¢10 in total. The more liters purchased, the higher the amount paid as D-Levy.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s analogy supports this calculation, noting that for every GH¢1,000 spent on fuel, consumers will pay GH¢83 in taxes.

It is important to note that the Dumsor Levy component is calculated based on the number of liters purchased.

SA/AE

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