The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has said 44 forest reserves out of 288 in the country have been degraded, while over 5,252 hectares have been lost to illegal mining (galamsey).

He explained that river turbidity levels exceeded 5,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), far beyond the permissible 500 NTU, while toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide further endangered ecosystems and communities.

Mr Buah revealed this in a speech delivered on his behalf at the closing ceremony of the 4th Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining, organised by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Fiapre, Bono Region, last Thursday.

The two-day dialogue was held under the theme: “Eliminating Illegal Mining in Ghana. The Will and the Bill.”

Data alarming, arrests

The minister said the government alone could not eradicate galamsey. “It requires the collective will of communities, industries, stakeholders, traditional leaders and environmental advocates,” he said.

Mr Buah said the data was alarming. Updating the gathering on the fight against galamsey, he revealed 150 excavators, five bulldozers and weapons had been confiscated, while 71 persons had been arrested.

Mr Buah said that due to enforcement, seven of nine previously inaccessible forest reserves had been cleared.

He said despite past interventions, illegal mining persisted, fuelled by weak political will, inconsistent enforcement and complicity at various levels of governance.

Mr Buah said other factors were security gaps, inadequate geological data, delay in prosecutions, foreign infiltration, greed and complicity among some politicians, traditional leaders and citizens.

Other issues, he mentioned, were the use of armed gangs by illegal miners to intimidate and resist enforcement and the unregulated equipment importation, such as excavators and other machinery.

Systemic change

Mr Buah said eradicating illegal mining demanded more than just laws, explaining that it required political will, collective action and systemic change.

He said the current government was resolute in its mission to eradicate the destructive practice and called for  collective action to eliminate the menace.

Mr Buah called for the strengthening of legal frameworks to ensure robust enforcement within the community, economic alternatives, and transparent governance to uphold ethical standards across the sector.

He said the government had adopted some strategies to facilitate a robust mining sector.

Mr Buah mentioned a licensing regime reform, where new licences would be issued at the district level with the involvement of traditional authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Revoke licences

He said the government had revoked all post-December 2024 licences due to irregularities and replaced the Community Mining Scheme with a Cooperative Mining Scheme.

Mr Buah said excavators were now geo-tagged and monitored 24/7; and non-compliance triggers remote immobilisation.

He said all excavators imported into the country would be registered and tracked while those already in existence would be registered.

Mr Buah said the government had enhanced a more robust joint task force, made up of the military, police, and the Forestry Commission, to flush out illegal miners.

He urged the public to report illegal activities to eliminate illegal mining and build a sector that thrives on sustainability, equity and national pride.

Dialogue

The dialogue, he said, had not only highlighted the socio-economic contributions of ASM but had also confronted pressing issues such as environmental degradation and regulatory enforcement.

He explained that the ASM sector contributed significantly to the economy, accounting for a third of Ghana’s gold production, employing about three million people, and bolstering rural economies while supporting millions of livelihoods.

“Yet, its potential is undermined by the scourge of galamsey, which ravages our environment, pollutes water bodies and threatens public health,” Mr Buah said.

He said the scourge of galamsey threatened to eclipse the benefits, posing severe environmental, public health, and economic risks.

A photo of the aircraft at the Tamale Airport

The first aircraft for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has successfully landed at the Tamale International Airport ahead of the scheduled departure of Ghanaian pilgrims on May 10, 2025.

This marks the official commencement of the 2025 Hajj operations in Ghana, with hundreds of Muslim faithfuls expected to journey to the Holy Land in the coming days.

According to a video report by ChannelOne TV shared on X, the arrival of the aircraft signals the Ghana Hajj Board’s readiness to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage.

Airport staff, security personnel, and Hajj officials were seen at the tarmac overseeing final checks and preparations.

Officials from the Ghana Hajj Board also confirmed that all logistical arrangements, including accommodation, transportation, and health protocols, have been finalised.

The first batch of pilgrims are expected to board the aircraft from Tamale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 10, 2025.

The Hajj Board praised the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the regional coordinating council, for facilitating a seamless arrival and planned departure process with reduced fares.

“We are fully prepared and confident this year’s pilgrimage will be safe and spiritually fulfilling for all Ghanaian pilgrims,” the report said.

Many pilgrims, some of whom have traveled from remote communities in northern Ghana, expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to embark on the sacred journey.

For many, the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation, and preparations for the trip have been ongoing for months.

The Tamale International Airport has been a key departure hub for Ghanaian pilgrims in recent years, especially for those living in the northern parts of the country.

Its use helps to ease congestion at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra and offers a more convenient option for pilgrims in the region.

Ghana is expected to send over 4,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj in 2025.

Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of compliance with international travel and health regulations, and all pilgrims have been advised to adhere strictly to the guidance provided by the Hajj Board and Saudi officials throughout the pilgrimage.

Watch the video below:

The first Hajj aircraft has landed in Tamale ahead of the departure of Ghanaian pilgrims tomorrow, May 10.#Hajj2025 #ChannelOneNews pic.twitter.com/1R6YryX8V6

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) May 9, 2025

MRA/AE

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Rabat, May, 10, GNA/MAP – The announcement was made by Rioux during a press briefing following his meeting, on Friday in Rabat, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

The AFD CEO said that his visit forms part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed in October 2024 between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, during the latter’s State visit to the Kingdom.

“You might recall that on that occasion, President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s new position on the Southern Provinces,” he recalled, adding that his current mission is part of the “rapid operationalization” of this strategic guideline.

Referring to the extension of AFD’s mandate to the Southern Provinces, Rioux said that he will be visiting “Laayoune tomorrow and Dakhla on Sunday and Monday,” marking an important step in the implementation of commitments made.“

He welcomed the fact that “Southern Provinces represent a strategic link with Sub-Saharan Africa in the Atlantic coast,” emphasizing that it constitutes “a very important action framework” for the AFD group.

Rioux underlined the steadiness and strategic scope of the partnership between Morocco and France, stating that the Kingdom remains the AFD Group’s leading partner. “Morocco represents more than €3 billion of ongoing projects, more than MAD 30 billion, 70 projects underway,” he said, adding that no fewer than 80 Group employees are mobilized on the ground in Morocco, which is “clearly very important.”

The visit by AFD’s chief is part of the “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” signed between His Majesty the King and President Emmanuel Macron, and is a tangible expression of the shared desire to further strengthen the rich bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and to support the momentum of inclusive and sustainable development in all regions of the Kingdom.

GNA/MAP

Some Hearts of Oak fans, on Friday, May 9, prevented the club’s Managing Director, Delali Anku-Adiamah, from accessing his office following what they describe as ‘incompetent’ acts from him.

According to the section of the fans who were at his office earlier in the day, Anku-Adiamah has allowed Vincent Odotei-Sowah and Alhaji Akanbi to take over his duties, with the two failing to deliver the desired results.

They also cited the inability of the managing director to move the club in the direction they have been looking forward to, asking him to resign in the coming days.

“Stay out of the club. We are tired of you. As an MD, you don’t take care of the team well. When you were coming, you told us you would bring sponsors within three months, and since you have been here, everything is disorganised,” the leader of the fans said.

“The team is bigger than you, leave the team and go…”

Hearts of Oak fans prevent the club’s MD from accessing his office, accusing him of allowing Alhaji Akambi and Odotei to take over his duties as the club struggles.#JoySports Sportsmonarch TV pic.twitter.com/fpg8puyqdO

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 10, 2025

Hearts have enjoyed a rollercoaster campaign during the 2024/25 season, winning just 12 of their 30 games in the Ghana Premier League while picking up 10 draws and 8 defeats.

They currently sit sixth on the league table with four games to go until the end of the season.

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.

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Girls, particularly those in deprived communities in Ghana, cannot always afford sanitary products for menstruation.

Due to their low income status and cost and unavailability of sanitary pads, they often resort to unsafe alternatives like cloths, dirty rags, cotton wool, leaves and cement papers. Some even miss school during their periods.

Aside the fact that the safety of these absorbents cannot be guaranteed and usually cause diseases and infections to girls, they leak and draw patches at the back of their uniforms.

The embarrassment affect the school attendance, participation, and retention of most girls in school.

In fulfilment of a campaign promise and in efforts to retain more girls in school, President John Dramani Maham on April 24 launched a Free Sanitary Pad Initiative.

It is expected to improve menstrual hygiene management and remove barriers to education among female pupils in primary, Junior High, and Secondary school.

The initiative aims to provide free sanitary pads to 2 million school girls.

It promises not to be a one-time intervention, but rather a consistent commitment by the Mahama led administration to provide sanitary pads every month, to ensure that no girl misses school due to her menstrual cycle.

In his address to update the nation on his first 120 days in office, President Mahama said the 2025 Budget Statement allocated two hundred and ninety-two million, four hundred thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 292.4 million) for the initiative

He said procurement waa ongoing for over six million sanitary pads, with each student receiving three packets per term at the basic level and four packets per semester at the secondary level.

The President said distribution and a health education on the usage of a pad will be done through the Ghana Education Service structures to all 261 districts, ensuring no beneficiary was left behind.

The Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) said the government deserved genuine applause for taking this bold step as the initiative signaled a clear recognition of the intersection between education, health, and gender equity.

However, while the policy launch is widely celebrated, key questions still remain unanswered.

The alliance raises concerns about the initiative’s long-term viability and effectiveness stating that there must be an articulated implementation strategy to provide clear information on the central distribution system of the pads.

It said clarity must be provided on how frequently the sanitary pads be distributed? Monthly? Quarterly? Or Per Term?.

The Alliance said additionally, the policy’s funding model remained vague.

“While the government has expressed commitment, it is unclear where the sustained financial backing for such a nationwide programme will come from. Will it be fully government-funded, and if yes, from which source? Or will there be partnerships with international donors, NGOs, or private sector players?”

It said without a dedicated and transparent source of funding, the policy ran the risk of faltering midway.

The Alliance said the success of the Free Pad initiative hinged on a holistic approach that included education on menstrual hygiene management and the creation of girl-friendly sanitation infrastructure.

The Forum for African Women Educationist (FAWE), Ghana chapter says the success of the free pad initiative will depend on sustainability, monitoring, and cross-sectoral coordination.

“We must ensure that distribution is equitable, particularly reaching underserved rural and peri-urban areas where the need is greatest,” it said.

The Forum is advocating for complementary investments in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools stating that a pad without access to clean toilets and water is an incomplete solution.

“As we implement this programme, there must be strong community sensitization and school-based education,’ it said.

A report by the World Banks shows that access to clean sanitary products is crucial for maintaining menstrual hygiene.

It said studies have found that providing sanitary pads to girls led to a significant reduction in sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis.

The report shows that the availability of sanitary pads reduces anxiety and embarrassment associated with menstruation, which positively affects the overall mental health of girls.

The Ghana News Agency believes that access to sanitary pads for girls has a significant positive health, educational, and social impact.

It calls on the government to open up the Free Pad Distribution Policy for discussion and make it workable to end period poverty, especially in the rural, péri urban and urban poor communities of

Ghana.

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Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 flagbearer, has explained that his prompt concession following last year’s election defeat was motivated by a desire to spare Ghana needless political strife.

He made the remarks while addressing supporters in the Oti Region as part of the party’s ongoing Thank You Tour.

Speaking on Friday, May 9, Dr Bawumia recalled the tense aftermath of the December polls and the legal challenges that followed.

“I chose to concede early. It was a difficult decision, but my foremost concern was to save Ghana from unnecessary tension,” he stated, underscoring the importance of national unity over personal ambition.

The former flagbearer went on to express confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.

“By accepting the outcome swiftly, we upheld the rule of law and prevented further polarisation,” he observed.

Dr Bawumia also used the occasion to commend party faithful for their unwavering support.

“I deeply appreciate the sacrifices you made during the campaign. Your dedication—from door-to-door canvassing to fundraising—has not gone unnoticed.

This tour is my chance to say thank you and to reaffirm our shared commitment to Ghana’s progress,” he said.

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

Featured

Jemima Okang Addae

May – 10 – 2025 , 16:33

1 minute read

By Gifty Amofa  

Accra, May 10, GNA – The Twifo-Praso District Court has remanded two suspects in police custody over the alleged murder of a woman at Kokoase, Twifo Praso, in the Central Region.    

Isaac Arhin and Richard Armah are accused of involvement in the death of Tahiru Zenabu.    

Their pleas were not taken, and they will return to court on May 21, 2025.    

Police said Zenabu was found dead in her room on April 3, 2025, with a cloth tied around her neck and bloodstains on her hands.    

The suspects were arrested on May 5, 2025, at Twifo Aboabo.    

Preliminary investigations revealed that Armah, a mobile phone repairer, was arrested after using Zenabu’s phone to call her friend, who reported the matter to the police.    

During interrogation, Armah named Arhin as an accomplice, leading to his arrest.    

Police have retrieved the mobile phone, which is now in custody. 

GNA 

KAS 

Ex-Germany international Gerald Asamoah has expressed scepticism about an African nation winning the FIFA World Cup.

The former Schalke forward, who is of Ghanaian heritage, believes countries from the continent still face challenges in competing at the highest level of global football.

Morocco remains the only African side to have reached the semi-final stage of the tournament, achieving that feat at the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Other nations, including Ghana and Senegal, have come close by making it to the quarter-finals, but have ultimately fallen short of clinching the trophy.

“I want to see this before I leave the earth but it is not going to be easy.

“It is about teamwork and this is a problem Africans have. We have always some issues in the team.”

The next World Cup will be held in 2026 across the USA, Canada and Mexico, with qualifiers still ongoing.

Ghana’s Black Stars, who sit top of Group I with 15 points, face Chad and Mali in September’s World Cup qualifiers.

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.

• The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, presented renowned artist Kofi Kinaata with the Youth in Entertainment Award
• Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata was among the celebrities who received awards at the Millennium Excellence Awards
• Ghanaian celebrity blogger Ameyaw Debrah and others have commented on Kofi Kinaata’s post on Instagram

On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, honoured Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata with the Youth in Entertainment Award during a special ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Kofi Kinaata, renowned for his impactful lyrics and socially conscious music, has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Martin King Arthur, popularly known as Kofi Kinaata, has always addressed critical societal issues, establishing him as a significant voice for the people.

The Asantehene previously acknowledged Kinaata’s influential song “Susuka,” praising it as “full of wisdom” during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in September 2024.

This award came just one day before the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where Kofi Kinaata is nominated for multiple accolades, including Best Highlife Artiste of the Year, Best Highlife Song of the Year, Best Music Video of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Record of the Year, and Album/EP of the Year.

The Otumfuo Millennium Excellence Awards, an initiative of the Manhyia Palace, honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to national development across various sectors.

The awards emphasise the work of those who support underprivileged communities, including the poor, widows, and orphans.

Distinguished recipients of the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize at the event included notable figures such as Dr. Kwame Despite, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and Dr. Nick Danso, CEO of Ghana Link Network Services.

The ceremony was a strictly invitation-only event, attended by President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour.

Otumfuo honours Kofi Kinaata

Ghanaian media personality Andy Dosty and other celebrities have commented on Kofi Kinaata’s post on Instagram. YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions below:

danielpelujones stated:

“Huge congratulations. You deserve it sir. More blessings and successes 👏👏🔥🔥🔥🙌❤️.”

andydostygh stated:

“Congrats 🔥🔥.”

amasekum stated:

“More will follow, congratulations ❤️.”

abrantiethegentleman

“Congrats TEAMMOOOVE 🙌.”

freedom____official

“This is HUGE. 🔥🙌.”

akosuawilliams

“Congrats to you, big boss..keep making us proud..teammoooove❤️🔥.”

georginarobertson16

“Congratulations, Kofi. Tomorrow is another day😍.”

kobe_boujee

“Congratulations.”

oboyfranknaro3

“Congrats Mr Arthur🎉👏👏.”

danielkobby

“@Auntie_Ama ei!!! Kofi agye award fofrɔ’a sika kan ho o😂😂. Ɔba fie a gye wo share😂.”

Check out the photos below:

Kofi Kinaata rocks a suit

Ghanaian artist Kofi Kinaata looked dashing in a suit specially tailored for him for his music video shoot.

Kofi Kinaata, also known as the Fanta Rap God, looked dapper in his signature haircut and accessorised his look with an expensive necklace.

The Instagram video is below:

2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards predictions

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about the probable winners at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards on May 10, 2025.

Numerous music fans and entertainment commentators have selected the winners they believe will prevail in each category.

In an interview with YEN.com.gh, Fiifi Adinkra, the founder of GhanaNdwom, gave predictions about the probable winners.

Source: YEN.com.gh

GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng

High utilities and taxes could jeopardise the country’s economic stabilisation, government’s 24-hour economy initiative for jobs and industrialisation agenda, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has cautioned.

This comes on the back of a recent announcement of a 14.75 per cent increase in electricity tariff, effective May 3, 2025, and the Government’s indication of adding the COVID-19 levy to Value Added Tax (VAT) in a rationalisation exercise.

“Fortunately, the economic indicators are getting right,” Dr Joseph Obeng, the President of GUTA, said in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, cautioning against actions that could derail the gains.

“We do not have to negate it with any unwanted costs of doing business, regarding utility tariff increment and high Value Added Tax (VAT). Because if care is not taken, we will shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said.

“The 14.75 per cent increase in electricity tariff is so huge and unjustified, given the improvement in economic indicators that were cited as reasons for previous increases,” Dr. Obeng said.

GUTA, the largest trading body has been pushing for a broad restructuring of the current VAT system to ensure uniformity, simplicity, affordability, leading to greater compliance and generating more revenue for the Government.

The current VAT system comprised a standard rate of 15 per cent, with an additional 2.5 per cent National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), 2.5 per cent Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy, and a one per cent COVID-19 Levy.

In essence, businesses under the standard VAT scheme incurred a rate of 21 per cent, while small businesses with an annual turnover below GHS500,000 paid three per cent VAT under the Flat Rate Scheme (VFRS).

To alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business, the Government pledged to scrap some tax handles, including Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy), Emissions Levy and 10 per cent levy on bet winnings, and COVID-19 levy.

So far, the E-levy, Emissions Levy and the Betting Tax have all been scrapped, but President Mahama has indicated that the COVID-19 levy would be addressed in a VAT rationalisation exercise in September 2025.

Dr Obeng advocated that the Government took bold steps to halt further increases in utilities, VAT and port charges to create a safe space for enhanced local production at affordable prices.

He urged the Government to purge the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) of inefficiencies and alleged corrupt practices, citing the missing containers of cables and other essential materials of the company as example.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified arrears by ECG to Independent Power Producers and other power sector players as a major concern in the implementation of the country’s US$3 billion loan-supported programme.

“Arrears are continuing to accumulate, which is a very significant challenge for Ghana, given the implications it can have for power supply,” said Stéphane Roudet, the IMF Mission Chief for Ghana.

He, however, noted that the Fund had seen a promising reform that could make ECG more efficient at collecting its bills and reducing the large commercial losses of the company.

He said this during a media roundtable at the April 2025 IMF/World Bank Group Spring meetings in Washington DC, USA, expressing confidence in the country’s economic stability.

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Ghana’s debt burden will ease sharply this year as the economy expands and the government reins in spending after a debt crisis, Barclays Plc said.

The country’s debt ratio probably declined to 54% of gross domestic product in January from 61.8% of GDP at the end of December, three years earlier than an International Monetary Fund goal under the country’s $3 billion programme, Barclays analysts Michael Kafe and Andreas Kolbe wrote in a note to clients. That’s on the back of reduced government borrowing and a larger GDP, the analysts said.

The central bank will publish its next report containing the latest debt figures in two weeks.

Ghana sought IMF help after loans ballooned, and it defaulted in 2022.

The new administration under President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to cut spending to restore economic stability. Mahama, who resoundingly won the December elections, plans to cut the overall budget deficit to 3.1% of GDP this year from 7.9% in 2024.

These targets are taming public debt, which probably increased 3.9% month-on-month to 755 billion cedis ($57.4 billion) in January, after roughly 10 billion cedis domestic borrowing and 4% depreciation in the cedi against the dollar, Kafe and Kolbe said.

Nominal GDP is also estimated to be larger at 1.4 trillion cedis in 2025 compared with about 1.2 trillion cedis last year, they said.

Debt may rise during the year as the government rolls out its programmes, the Barclays analysts said.

Under the current arrangement with the IMF, Ghana must implement reforms in order to reduce its debt burden to 55% of GDP by 2028.

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Ghana must go beyond prosecuting individuals and confront the deep-seated corruption embedded in its national security architecture, says Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa.

Mr. Simons is urging full and transparent prosecution of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) boss, Kwabena Adu-Boahen, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a bold step toward exposing what he describes as “rogue networks” operating under the guise of national security.

Adu-Boahen is currently on trial for allegedly misappropriating GH¢49 million. In a startling memo addressed to the National Security Coordinator, the former intelligence chief claimed the funds were used for covert operations—including GH¢8.3 million to procure “communications equipment” for an opposition party, and nearly GH¢1 million allegedly paid to legislators to pass key security-related laws.

The former spy chief has since accused the Attorney General of launching a politically motivated prosecution against him.

But Mr. Simons insists the allegations are too serious to be brushed aside.

“We must not allow the prosecution of Mr. Adu-Boahen to be a symbolic process,” Simons said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, May 10. “This is a pivotal opportunity to reveal how power and wealth may have been used to shield misconduct in a system that, by design, is meant to prevent it.”

Security under scrutiny

Ghana’s security institutions, including the Research Department, the NSB, and the National Communications Authority, are constitutionally placed under the National Security Council, which is chaired by the President. According to Simons, this structure was specifically created to block unilateral abuse of power.

“But oversight mechanisms are only as strong as the political will behind them,” he noted.

Simons  also challenged the prevailing perception that national security activities are beyond scrutiny.“This isn’t the Wild West,” he stated. “Even classified operations are bound by law—the National Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, the Public Financial Management Act, and procurement laws all apply. Every cedi must be traceable.”

He stressed that even regional security funds are controlled directly by the Ministry of National Security. “No agency head is a law unto themselves,” he added.

Simons also pointed out a worrying trend: auditors often lack the technical expertise to investigate complex national security expenditures, allowing loopholes for misappropriation.

‘Rogue networks operating within legal frameworks’

According to Simons, Adu-Boahen’s case represents a disturbing paradox—a senior official allegedly operating outside the very legal boundaries he was meant to uphold.

“He had reach across virtually every sector—military, police, civil service, disaster response. It would be a grave error to ignore the potential scale of rogue activity embedded within such a network.”

He warned that shielding officials behind the curtain of “national security” creates an environment ripe for abuse and elite impunity.

“National security must not become a smokescreen for corruption or political manipulation,” Simons emphasized.

The cost of complacency

Simons further cautioned that public confidence in democratic institutions is at stake. “If citizens believe national security is being used to launder funds or to suppress opposition voices, we lose the very essence of democratic oversight,” he warned.

He accused some state agencies, including the Ghana National Fire Service, of hiding behind the national security label to evade procurement regulations. “We’ve reached a point where ‘national security’ is being weaponized to shut down transparency. This must stop.”

Call to action

Simons also called on the Auditor General and Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to step up. “The myth that national security operates in total secrecy is part of the problem. The truth is, oversight is possible—what’s missing is the resolve to enforce it, especially when politically connected networks are involved.”

By James Amoh Junior

Accra, May 10, GNA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has inaugurated the first Governing Council of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Accra.

The inauguration forms parts of Ghana’s efforts to enhance the professionalism and capacity of its diplomatic corps, ensuring the nation’s effective representation on the global stage.

The FSI, established in 2023, provies formalized training for Foreign Service Officers and other public officials, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical diplomacy.

The newly inaugurated Governing Council comprises distinguished individuals with extensive expertise in diplomacy, public service, and policy.

They include Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Chair, Amb. Ramses J. Cleland, Chief Director, Amb. Philibert I.K.A Johnson, Director, PPMEB, Amb. Jane Gasu, Director, LETB, Amb. Muhammad Adam, Director, FSI, Amb. Agnes Aggrey Orleans.

Other members are Mr. Fred Amissah, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Kofi Safo Akyea, Mr. Clarence Amoatey, Madam Gina Apenteng, Mr. Sebastian Deh, MP for Kpando, Mr. Adams Mahama Misbahu, MP for Mion, Mr. Kwame Gakpey, MP for Keta, and Amb. Grant Ntrakwa.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the Institute’s role in shaping a new generation of diplomats equipped to navigate the complexities of modern international relations.

He outlined the FSI’s ambitious vision to become a continental hub for diplomatic training and research, fostering Afrocentric perspectives and solutions to Africa’s challenges.

The Minister also revealed plans to transition the Institute to an autonomous or semi-autonomous status, a move aimed at enhancing its operational flexibility and attracting sustainable funding for its expanded mandate.

Mr Ablakwa charged the Council with guiding the FSI’s strategic direction, emphasizing key areas such as curriculum development, policy-driven research, and institutional partnerships.

He highlighted the need for training programmes to reflect modern diplomatic trends, including digital diplomacy, economic statecraft, and climate diplomacy.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also underscored the importance of technological integration and diversity in the Institute’s operations to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

The FSI has already made notable strides since its establishment, including hosting high-level policy dialogues on topics like Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy, and securing the hosting rights for the 2027 International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT).

This achievement positions Ghana as a leader in diplomatic training on the African continent, Mr Ablakwa stated.

The Institute has also conducted orientation programmes for newly recruited Foreign Service Officers and plans to introduce intensive language training in Spanish, French, and Chinese to bolster linguistic competence among diplomats.

The Minister, therefore, expressed confidence in the Council’s ability to steer the FSI toward excellence, noting that the caliber of Ghana’s diplomacy hinged on the professionalism of its representatives.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and policy frameworks to support the Institute’s growth.

The Foreign Minister urged the Council to uphold the highest standards of leadership, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that Ghana’s diplomatic corps remained proud ambassadors of the nation’s values and aspirations on the world stage.

The Council pledged to collaborate in building a forward-looking and responsive Foreign Service.

GNA

CA/

Stakeholders in Ghana’s marine and coastal sectors have called on the government to include clear constitutional provisions that guarantee the protection and sustainable use of the country’s marine resources.

They argued that as Ghana explores the full potential of the blue economy, which involves the responsible use, conservation, and restoration of ocean resources, constitutional backing is critical for long-term impact.

Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of an Ocean Governance expert meeting on constitutional review held in Accra on Friday, May 9, the Head of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Ghana, Professor Francis Kofi Ewusie, called on the Constitution Review Committee, to ensure the revised constitution promotes the conservation of both marine and freshwater ecosystems, while enabling sustainable economic growth.
“We want to elevate ocean issues, which are international global issues, to the constitutional level so that it will become more mandatory and much more respected, more important. We want to have a relook at the definition of the ocean so that the ocean, with its interrelated water bodies and the aquatic bodies, can come into it.

“We are also looking at the coastal areas as well that have issues of flooding, erosion, and others that are affecting our people,” he urged.