The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama will, in the coming days, unveil an unprecedented and uncompromising crackdown on illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey.

The announcement follows the August 6 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, August 14, Mr. Ablakwa said the President has made it clear that the illegal mining menace will be confronted with unmatched determination.

“I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed before in this country. President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey.

“He didn’t mince his words. We had a brief cabinet meeting and the President was very clear that he would lead a war we have never seen before to stop this existential threat confronting us,” he stated.

The upcoming measures, Mr. Ablakwa indicated, will mark a new phase in the government’s anti-galamsey campaign, with decisive policies and operations aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding water resources, and preserving livelihoods in affected communities.

‘You are irreplaceable, Edwardo’ – Children of Omane Boamah pay tribute

The Madina Job Centre has signed a partnership agreement with Precept Advisory Limited to roll out a new initiative dubbed INSTABUSINESS, a weekly loan support programme targeting Mobile Money (MoMo) vendors in the Madina Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

The project is designed to empower young entrepreneurs in the digital financial services space, expand access to startup capital, and contribute to Ghana’s broader youth development and economic inclusion agenda.

Speaking at the signing, the Director for Partnerships Dr. Augustine Kwegyir Aggrey, emphasised the need for innovation in financing for underserved communities.

“Our goal is to stimulate entrepreneurship and unlock the potential of youth-led businesses, especially in high-impact, low-entry sectors like mobile money services.

Through this partnership with Precept Advisory, we are building a bridge between finance and grassroots enterprise,” he said.

The Head of Business of Precept Advisory Limited, Mr. Prince Kwadwo Agyemang, also shared his optimism about the partnership.

The Madina Job Centre, established as a community-led development platform, works to match local talent with employment, skills training, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Since 2019, the centre has rolled out job matching services, entrepreneurial and vocational training programs, agricultural training programs, business clinics, and youth-focused capacity-building workshops.

INSTABUSINESS is the latest in a growing portfolio of programs aimed at tackling youth unemployment and underemployment from the ground up.

Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who has been a staunch advocate for youth-centred development, lauded the initiative.

“The future of Madina lies in the empowerment of its people, especially the youth.

This project is a practical step in addressing the financial gaps that limit the growth of small businesses. I am proud to support this partnership, and I encourage our young entrepreneurs to take full advantage of it.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Precept Advisory Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh, also shared his optimism about the partnership.

“We believe in solutions that are practical and close to the people.

This loan model is simple, accessible, and tailor-made for the realities of mobile money agents. Together with the Madina Job Centre, we are proud to be part of a solution that puts financial tools in the hands of hardworking Ghanaians.”

For many vendors on the ground, this initiative brings a long-awaited lifeline.

Salamatu Fuseini, a MoMo vendor at Ritz Junction, shared her thoughts:

“Sometimes, we don’t have enough float to serve customers during peak hours.

If this loan can help us manage our cash flow better, it will really change our business. I’ll be registering immediately.”

The INSTABUSINESS program directly contributes to Ghana’s national youth development goals by promoting entrepreneurship, improving financial inclusion, and supporting job creation in informal urban economies.

The program is set to launch in phases beginning this August, with selected vendors receiving onboarding, financial literacy training, and weekly disbursements.

Mobile Money vendors and other interested persons are encouraged to walk into the Madina Job Centre to register or make further inquiries.

The Centre remains committed to empowering local businesses and supporting the growth of grassroots entrepreneurs in Madina and beyond.

As the digital economy continues to evolve, partnerships like this represent a crucial step in creating equitable and lasting development pathways for young people in Ghana—starting with communities like Madina.

Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces, has explained that cocoa sacks were used to transport the remains of eight helicopter crash victims due to severe heat damage.

He said that although body bags were available at the crash site, the condition of the remains made them unsuitable for use.

“We had some body bags at the scene, but the remains were so heated that it was not conducive for the bags to be used,” he stated when executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) visited him at Burma Camp in Accra.

“It was in a thick forest. It was getting late. We had the option of leaving our remains there until the following day, and we knew what would have happened to the bodies,” he added.

Lit. Gen. Agyapong acknowledged that while some actions may not have aligned with cultural norms, the team did their best with the resources available.

He urged public patience, assuring that investigations are underway and updates would follow.

The CDS confirmed that search operations at the crash site continue to recover all remains and aircraft parts.

“As I speak, personnel on the ground are expanding the search daily because we do not yet know the full extent of the wreckage,” he said.

Albert Dwumfour, President of the GJA, urged the military to provide regular updates to prevent misinformation.

“Even when there is no update, just informing the public that the investigation is ongoing and that the public should disregard any information in the media or in the public space until you come out with what, that alone can serve as information,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour also called on journalists to be circumspect in their coverage of the incident.

“I urge our members to be circumspect in their reportage, to attach some decency to whatever we put out there because, in times like this, these are very sensitive problems, where if we don’t take care of the information you put out there, it will rather cause more harm,” he stressed.

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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Roma have made a £20m offer to sign England winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, where he remains excluded from training with the first-team squad.

The 25-year-old, who has been told to find a new club before the transfer window closes on 1 September, joined United for £73m four years ago.

Juventus, who, unlike Roma, have qualified for this season’s Champions League, are also known to be interested in Sancho.

The former Borussia Dortmund wide man returned to United in the summer after Chelsea paid a £5m penalty to get out of an obligation to buy him, having spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

There have also been suggestions that Roma would be interested in a loan, containing clauses that could be triggered at the end of the season.

However, that issue is complicated by the fact that Sancho’s United contract expires next summer. The club does have an option to extend it by an additional year, although, given Sancho’s salary, it is debatable whether they would be willing to do that.

United are determined to sell Sancho. However, the closer to September they get without a deal in place, the more likely they are to consider a potential loan move, given it would at least take a significant sum off their wage bill.

Four players – Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia – have been training away from boss Ruben Amorim’s squad since the start of pre-season last month as the club believes they will have left before the window closes.

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Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining (GCAG)

Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining (GCAG), has issued a strong call for action to President John Dramani Mahama.

He is urging that all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and police commanders assigned to areas plagued by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey should be dismissed.

Ken Ashigbey has called for decisive action to combat illegal mining, stressing accountability for local authorities who have failed to halt the worsening crisis.

He accused some officials of complicity or negligence, pointing to persistent galamsey activity in known hotspots.

Ashigbey urged the Inspector General of Police to reshuffle commanders in mining-prone regions, arguing that their continued presence enables illicit operations and, in some cases, raises suspicions of direct involvement due to unexplained wealth or ties to mining equipment.

Beyond individual accountability, he proposed broader reforms, including declaring a state of emergency in severely affected areas, revoking licenses for mining in forest reserves, and publishing the identities of excavator importers to expose the financiers behind illegal mining networks.

Dr Ashigbey underscores that the failure to enforce environmental protections reflects a deeper leadership crisis. “Some of these officers have become extremely wealthy.

If they are not benefiting from galamsey, then they are simply incompetent. Either way, they must be transferred,” he declared.

Nigeria’s defence chief has defended operations against insurgents and criminal gangs that have caused civilian casualties, saying the military is doing what it can to prevent loss of life.

Nigeria’s military has increasingly used airstrikes against the growing threat of militias in the north and central regions.

It has admitted to mistakenly targeting civilians while pursuing armed gangs in the northwest, where there is widespread insecurity, and has promised to investigate such cases.

Defence Chief of Staff General Christopher Musa also called for a review of international laws, arguing that they restrict state forces while leaving non-state actors “who kill at will” unchecked.

In rare comments to reporters in the capital, Abuja, on Wednesday, Musa said the military frequently halts operations to prevent civilian harm, even at the cost of compromising tactical advantages.

“We are made to look as if we are committing the worst atrocities ever, but I can assure you that we are doing the best we can. We respect human rights and value civilian lives,” he said.

“We often abort operations to avoid civilian casualties … this has, in part, prolonged the conflict.”

The remarks come after growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations and accusations by rights groups that the military has used excessive force.

But there are frustrations within Nigeria’s armed forces, where many believe they are being judged against higher standards than comparable forces in more developed countries.

They also say too little account is taken of the difficulties of fighting informal armed Islamist insurgents or criminal gangs who operate entirely among civilians.

The general cited ongoing training in human rights and international humanitarian law for military personnel, both locally and abroad, as evidence of progress.

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Ghana continues to receive an outpouring of messages from the international community commiserating with the nation over the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of senior government officials and military officers.

The Ghana Air Force helicopter was carrying eight prominent figures when it went down, killing Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of

Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; and Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.

The crash also claimed the lives of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, described as one of the Ghana Air Force’s brightest young pilots; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The incident has plunged the nation into mourning, prompting condolences from across the globe.

On Tuesday, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana signed a Book of Condolence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been opened from August 12 to 14, 2025, in honour of the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the tragedy had left him and many others “petrified and traumatised,” describing Dr Omane Boamah as a brother and trusted confidant.

“This has been a difficult period for us – devastating, traumatising, depressing. We are all petrified; we are shattered. I wish to extend my deepest commiserations to the children, spouses, families, and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the President, the Vice President, the Government, and the people of Ghana,” he said in a media interview.

Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U S Embassy in Ghana, was among the envoys to sign the book, conveying “the deepest condolences of the Government and people of the United States at this time of great sorrow,” and describing the deceased as heroes dedicated to the highest calling – service to their country and people.

“We know that the pain and grief of their loss will not diminish soon, but please treasure the memories of your loved ones and colleagues, and always be proud of the service they rendered to their nation until the very end,” he said.

Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, called the incident “tragic and deeply saddening.”

He expressed hope that the Ghanaian people would regain their strength after such a loss and reaffirmed Denmark’s longstanding friendship with Ghana on behalf of the Danish Government and people.

Sergei Berdnikov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ghana, said the tragedy would strengthen Ghana’s unity and resilience, affirming that “The Russian Federation commiserates with Ghana for the great loss.”

Daniel Kottut, Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to Ghana, conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Kenya, including President William Ruto, to the Government and people of Ghana, describing the victims as fallen heroes who died in the line of duty.

He called the news heartbreaking and offered prayers for the bereaved families, expressing hope that God would fill the void left by the deceased.

Albert Mateyo Chifita, Deputy High Commissioner of Zambia to Ghana, described the tragedy as a painful loss to both nations, recalling the historic bonds between President Kenneth Kaunda and President Kwame Nkrumah in the struggle for independence.

“Both countries face similar challenges, and the problems of Ghana are our problems. To lose ministers is not an easy thing, but we leave these matters in the hands of God,” he said, while extending Zambia’s heartfelt condolences.

Matěj Denk, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Czech to Ghana, conveyed condolences on behalf of the Czech Government and people, reaffirming the long-standing collaboration between the two countries.

He said the Czech Republic mourned with Ghana in this difficult moment, recalling close engagements with Dr Edward Omane-Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed during the visit of Czech President Petr Pavel to Ghana, when the two ministers personally interacted with the President.

Denk noted that President Pavel has sent his personal condolences, adding that the Czech people were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the eight citizens.

Ms Anne Kariuki, Acting Representative of UNICEF Ghana, expressed sympathy to the Government and people of Ghana, pledging UNICEF’s solidarity during the difficult time.

Ms Isabel Ibarra, representing the Embassy of Spain, conveyed Spain’s condolences, and described the tragedy as a loss shared by friends and partners of Ghana.

Syed Nauzer Idid, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Malaysia, extended condolences on behalf of the Malaysian Government and people, expressing sympathy to the families of the victims and hoping that Ghana’s unity during this period would help the nation overcome the grief.

Abdalafatah A K Alsattari, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ghana, said his staff wept when the news broke, and conveyed the condolences of the Palestinian Government and people, including President Mahmoud Abbas.

He said Palestine, in Gaza and the West Bank, stood firmly with Ghana during the mourning period.

Ms Rita Odoom, Administrative Executive at the Consulate of the Republic of Seychelles, expressed the condolences of Seychelles to Ghana and the bereaved families, affirming solidarity with the nation.

Paulino Choty, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of South Sudan, extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of South Sudan, describing the incident as a tragic loss and affirming his country’s support for the bereaved families.

Thomas Mbomba, a former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who signed the book of condolence, described the deaths of the eight distinguished statesmen as a devastating loss, noting that he looked up to Dr Edward Omane-Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed.

Mbomba extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the Government of Ghana, emphasising the significant contributions the late statesmen made to national development.

The government of Ghana on August 14, 2025 announced that it has invited American forensic experts to assist in investigating the August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the recovery of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, met with the Ghana Journalists Association to urge responsible reporting, and pledged transparency in the probe. On August 15, a full state and military funeral will take place at Black Star Square in Ghana’s capital, Accra.

The helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region, killing all eight occupants, including high-ranking government officials. The Harbin Z-9 military helicopter was en route from Accra to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation when it abruptly disappeared from radar.

Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Chair Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

In response to the tragedy, President Mahama declared a national mourning period of three days, during which flags were flown at half-mast. The bodies of the victims were transported to Accra, with some requiring DNA identification tests in South Africa, leading to delays in burial, particularly for Muslim victims. In a show of regional support, the President of Sierra Leone arrived in Ghana to offer condolences and solidarity during this period of national mourning.

A Board of Inquiry has been established to investigate the crash. Both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered and are pending analysis. Aviation experts have advocated for the involvement of Ghana’s Accident Investigation Board in the probe to ensure impartiality, given that the military is currently leading the investigation. The government has committed to a full and transparent inquiry as the nation observes a period of mourning.

As a Ghanaian, this news has left me unmoored. The loss is profound, and the circumstances surrounding these deaths are both shocking and painful. I remember seeing the late Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in parliamentary sessions—energetic, articulate, and at times playfully sharp, famously referring to the minority as a “micro minority.” He carried a warmth in his demeanor. The other victims, though known to me only indirectly, were no less valued. No one should ever have to endure such a tragedy. The visible grief of the President underscored the depth of the nation’s sorrow.

In her book called “Things in Nature Merely Grow,” Yiyun Li recalls a colleague’s comforting words after she experienced personal loss, “Your losses are indeed epic and unfathomably hard; no language of mine can meet that.” Li reflected on those words, observing, “And yet life is still to be lived, inside tragedies, outside tragedies, and despite tragedies.”

This national tragedy Ghana is currently reeling from is the kind of loss that feels plucked from the realm of Shakespearean or ancient Greek tragedy, where fate is merciless, the fall is immense, and the chorus of grief belongs to the entire community. And yet here, the horror has a modern face: lives not only cut short, but bodies charred beyond recognition—an end so brutal and gory it sears itself into the national memory.

This national tragedy Ghana is currently reeling from is the kind of loss that feels plucked from a Shakespearean or ancient Greek tragedy, where fate is merciless, the fall is immense, and the chorus of grief is shared with the entire community. And yet here, the horror has a modern face: lives not only cut short, but bodies charred beyond recognition—an end so brutal and gory it sears itself into the national memory.

This moment forces us to confront our shared humanity and the fleeting nature of life, where pain, shock, and horror are inseparable companions.

May they rest in peace—for God and country.

Opinions expressed in JURIST Dispatches are solely those of our correspondents in the field and do not necessarily reflect the views of JURIST’s editors, staff, donors or the University of Pittsburgh.

The Bank of Ghana is unveiling a robust set of regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing banking sector stability by addressing credit risks and liquidity shortfalls.

These measures are designed to fortify risk governance and improve resilience in Ghana’s financial system.

The Bank of Ghana has rolled out a set of regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the resilience of the banking sector.

A new interest rate risk framework will allow earlier detection of vulnerabilities, while a liquidity coverage rule now requires banks to hold enough high-quality liquid assets to withstand 30 days of stress.

Governance and risk management standards have been tightened, with updated rules on marketing conduct, foreign exchange compliance, capital planning, and stress testing.

The central bank is also shifting from heavy reliance on the Cash Reserve Ratio to more dynamic open-market operations, including the introduction of a 273-day sterilisation bill to manage liquidity and reinforce policy signals.

These reforms reflect the Bank of Ghana’s holistic commitment to strengthening financial stability and aligning with international standards.

Enhanced liquidity rules and sophisticated interest rate management tools will support increased credit to the private sector, especially following recent policy rate cuts.

Meanwhile, the move to dynamic OMOs suggests better control over monetary transmission and systemic flexibility.

Too busy to go to the gym? Don’t worry — you can stay healthy by incorporating at least 15 minutes of fast walking into your everyday routine, new research suggests.

In general, it’s recommended that people commit to 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to see sufficient health benefits, said Dr. Wei Zheng, the study’s corresponding author.

But if 150 minutes is too difficult to manage, fast walking for a minimum of 15 minutes every day can have the same health benefits.

Zheng and a team of researchers recruited mostly low-income and Black study participants from 2002 to 2009, according to the study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

The nearly 85,000 participants were given a comprehensive questionnaire about their exercise habits, average time spent working out, walking speed and health. Then the participants completed a questionnaire about 16 years later, and the analysis began in 2023.

We know “fast walking is good compared to slow walking,” but there isn’t much research on how many minutes you should spend fast walking on average, said Zheng, director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and the Anne Potter Wilson Professor in Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

On average, study participants who fast walked for at least 15 minutes every day saw a nearly 20% reduction in premature death compared with a 4% reduction among participants who walked slowly for a total of more than three hours a day.

“We’ve actually known for quite a long time that walking speed correlates with outcomes, meaning the faster you walk, the better you do. And it certainly makes sense, because you can imagine, somebody who’s in really bad shape is probably not going to be able to walk very quickly,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. He was not involved in the study.

How walking can impact your health

Walking has health benefits, such as managing weight and sugar intake, reducing the risk of cancer, easing joint pain, and boosting immune function.

Health experts know that when people are exercising regularly, blood vessels can relax and dilate a bit better. And then we also know that exercise is quite good for cholesterol, so it seems to lower cholesterol, and then overall, it reduces the risk of cancer and things that would otherwise hurt people,” Freeman said.

Walking daily can also lower the risk of dementia or cognitive decline in people predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s, according to recent research.

Engaging in daily physical activity, such as walking, promotes better sleep and reduces inflammation, which improves brain structure, according to the Piedmont Medical Center in South Carolina.

“I want to emphasise that these exercises, no matter slow or fast, all confirm some benefit,” Zheng said. “But what we find is that fast walking as little as 15 minutes a day confirms substantiated benefits.”

Fast walking has been found to have specific benefits, such as decreasing risk of heart failure, arrhythmias and type 2 diabetes.

“(T)he thought is that exercise has a very big effect on blood pressure, as you may know, and blood pressure, it is one of the more exponential risk factors that we have, for roughly every 20 points blood pressure goes above 120 (what is considered normal or healthy), the risk of a cardiac event roughly doubles,” Freeman said. “So, it’s a super potent and exponential risk factor, and we know that regular exercise lowers that.”

Get your heart pumping

In general, you can tell you’re fast walking when you’re able to talk but not sing, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.

Alternatively, you can increase your walking pace by a couple of steps and track it with a metronome, according to a July study.

“I usually recommend that they get up before work, and they go for a brisk walk or a bike or a swim, or they do some high-intensity interval training, whatever it is that they’re into,” Freeman said. People can go to “a rec center, or they walk outside, if it is safe, or whatever it may be, and just weave it into their day.”

Following good walking form, such as standing tall with your shoulders back and swinging your arms, can help prevent backaches, make it easy to breath and keep you balanced.

“Walking is a full body movement. It is not just about your lower body. It’s not just one step in front of the one foot in front of the other,” said Dana Santas, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, in a previous article.

“Your arm swing is a huge part involved in the mechanics of walking. So, you want to have an arm swing that’s coordinated with your foot movement, so it’s opposing,” she added.

Want to take it up a notch? When doing any form of exercise, try to practice conscious or nasal breathing, which is when you inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This helps regulate blood pressure and can prevent hypertension, according to Santas.

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Talented midfielder Abdul Karim

Hearts of Oak’s pursuit of talented midfielder Abdul Karim has hit a potential snag, as a Tunisian club has stepped in with a late attempt to hijack the deal.

Karim, who recently was believed to have completed his medical with the Phobians, was widely expected to sign and seal his move this week.

However, fresh interest from North Africa has left his transfer hanging in the balance.

Reports indicate that the Tunisian side has made direct contact with the player’s representatives, hoping to lure him away from the Ghana Premier League giants with an improved offer.

For now, Karim’s switch to Hearts of Oak remains unresolved despite the advancement in talks. Adding to the twist, the midfielder is reportedly set to leave Accra for Kumasi, sparking speculation over his next move.

Kay has been on the radar of multiple clubs following his strong performances last season, and his decision in the coming days could be pivotal.

Phobian fans will be anxiously watching developments, hoping the management can fend off the foreign interest and get their man.

The helicopter crash killed two senior ministers and six others

Ghana will on Friday pause in grief and unity to bid final farewell to the eight patriots who died in a tragic helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region last Wednesday.

A solemn state funeral will be held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra at 0730 hours, bringing together the nation’s leadership, the bereaved families, and citizens from all walks of life to honour their memory.

The eight heroes lost their lives in the line of duty when their helicopter went down en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi, on August 6, 2025.

The accident claimed the lives of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.

The rest were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of National Disaster Management Organisation, Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

The State, on August 10, held an Islamic State burial for the late Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed. Their bodies were interred at the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp.

The passing of the eight compatriots stirred a wave of national mourning and reflection.

With flags flying at half mast, institutions and groups bearing direct relationship with the victims have held separate vigils and ceremonies to honour their memories.

The nation ended three-days of national mourning with a memorial ceremony in honour of the eight heroes at the forecourt of the State House last Saturday evening.

President John Dramani Mahama has rallied the nation to move from grieving to accepting the loss, and described the crash as unpredictable and violent.

He urged the nation to transform the sorrow into a catalyst for action and dedication to the ideals the eight compatriots stood for.

The victims of the crash served Ghana with their last breath and, thus, it was the sacred duty of every Ghanaian to continue that service to build the “Ghana we wanted,” the President said.

“We must not only mourn as one but commit to healing as one.”

Friday’s national farewell is expected to be a sombre reflection on the lives and legacies of the eight patriots and reaffirm the nation’s appreciation to the sacrifices of the departed souls and unite the country beyond mourning to building resilience.

Announcing arrangements for the state funeral at a press conference on Thursday, Stan Dogbey, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, said the funeral would be largely military service under the auspices of the Ghana Armed Forces.

“The service will largely be a military service; it will be conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces and there will be three parts to the funeral programme.”

“We will have the pre-burial service during which period some tributes will be read. We will have Qu’ran recitations during that period.”

“And the second part will be the main funerals and burial service,” he said.

The bodies of the six other victims would be interred at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, near Burma Camp after the burial service, Dogbey added.

Thousands of sympathisers are expected to join the ceremony as the nation paid her last respect to the eight fallen heroes whose patriotism would be remembered in the nation’s history.

The Government has assured that adequate security measures were in place to guarantee the safety of mourners.

Ghana will be in a state of standstill in grief and unity as the nation lays to rest eight patriots who perished in last Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.

A solemn state funeral will take place at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra at 7:30 a.m., drawing together the country’s leadership, bereaved families, and citizens from all walks of life to honour their memory.

The victims lost their lives in the line of duty while en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi on August 6, 2025.

The crash claimed the lives of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.

Also killed were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

Two of the victims — Dr Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna — were laid to rest in an Islamic State burial at the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp on August 10.

The tragedy plunged the nation into deep mourning, with flags flown at half-mast, vigils held, and a memorial ceremony organised at the State House Forecourt last Saturday.

President John Dramani Mahama, describing the crash as unpredictable and violent, urged Ghanaians to turn sorrow into action and uphold the ideals the departed served.

“We must not only mourn as one but commit to healing as one,” the President said.

Friday’s farewell will be a largely military ceremony under the auspices of the Ghana Armed Forces, with tributes, Qur’an recitations, and a burial service, according to Stan Dogbey, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations.

Six of the bodies will be interred at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo near Burma Camp.

Thousands are expected to attend the funeral to pay their last respects to the fallen heroes whose patriotism will be etched into Ghana’s history.

The government has assured that robust security measures are in place to ensure the safety of mourners.

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 Circuit Court in Accra has discharged Alberta Abi Amartey and Emmanuel Anang Yemoh in a case involving their alleged role in defrauding a lawyer, Solomon Aubin, of GH¢190,000 over land sales.

This followed the striking out of the matter for want of prosecution.

Presiding Judge Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah gave the ruling on Wednesday, April 21, last year, after noting that the prosecution had failed to file the necessary processes despite earlier warnings.

The third accused person, Philip Addogah, was absent from court.

In October 2023, the two were granted GH¢150,000.00 bail each, accused of conspiring with Addogah to obtain the money from Mr Solomon Aubin under the pretext of selling six litigation-free plots at Abokobi for a church project.

The complainant later faced claims of ownership from the Brekusu and Akrodey families, leading to the demolition of part of a fence wall he had started building.

The Prosecution earlier accused the three of having known that the land was under litigation before the transaction.

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.

A Level 400 medical student at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Sulemana Wakila, has painfully recounted how she had anticipated the presence of the late Dr. Alhaji Murtala Mohammed at her graduation.

Wakila, who is among 47 medical students the late Minister and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central had offered scholarships to in order to complete their studies, said that the late MP played a fatherly role in their lives, treating them like his biological children.

According to her, Dr. Murtala had assured them that he would support them whenever the need arose, a promise he kept until his untimely passing.

Wakila shared this in an interview with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli on Changes, as she fondly recalled how she first crossed paths with the late MP.

“A neighbour heard the news of him saying that he was going to support all the medical students in his constituency. So he scheduled a date to meet all of us. At that time, we had already paid our fees and had admission.

“The first time he paid, it was actually a refund, and he promised that he was going to continually support us every year. He made it known to us that aside from the fees, he would help us with our personal needs if we communicated with him.

“So for us, he was like a father figure, a mentor and was available for us. There’s no way you would call or text, and he would see without returning it. There’s no way you can tell him something he could solve, and he would leave it unattended.

“We were positive that he was going to help us till the end. He made statements like he was going to support us till the very end, and sometimes I would be just so happy that on my graduation day I’m going to be the envy of everyone because I knew very well that if I was to graduate and I called, he was going to honour,” Wakila shared.

The news of the late minister’s demise came as a heavy blow and has left her shattered, but she remains solemn and confident that he is in a better place.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has promised to take over the responsibility of covering their fees, but Wakila believes it will never be the same as the care and support they received from Dr. Murtala.

“I know that the honourable has said he’s going to take the responsibility of paying our fees, but I know that it can never be the same again. We’ve lost someone that we actually had hopes in.

The MP, Dr. Alhaji Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, who also served as the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, was among those who tragically lost their lives in the recent Z-9 military helicopter crash that occurred at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.

The incident also claimed the lives of several other high-profile individuals, including the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East and Deputy NADMO Director; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Kumasi Mayor.

Additionally, three crew members perished in the crash: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

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 helicopter crash killed two senior ministers and six others

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the government is seeking the help of forensic experts in the US to assist in the ongoing probe into the tragic military helicopter crash at Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region.

Addressing the media after signing a book of condolences on Thursday, August 14, 2025, he confirmed the invitation of the American forensic experts.

“I can confirm to you that on the instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist. We all know that they have considerable expertise when it comes to these matters and so the indication we have received from the Americans is that they are very much willing to assist,” he noted.

Okudeto Ablakwa stressed the need for an independent probe into the crash.

Helicopter Crash: President Mahama to lead a ruthless campaign against galamsey – Ablakwa

“We think that it is important to bring in independent experts to ensure that the outcome of the investigations will be acceptable to all, so that there will also be confidence in the process.

“It is important that this process is done in a very thorough manner, in a manner that will be at par with best practice, the international gold standard.

“That is what President Mahama wants us to achieve. So I can assure you that our note has long been issued. The Americans have responded, and we are expecting the arrival of American experts soon to help us with the investigations,” he added.

Helicopter Crash: ‘Never again should this nation have such a tragedy befall it’ – GBA president

The crash claimed the lives of 8 persons including the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Murtala Mohammed Iddrisu.

JKB

He was a fine man of few words’ – NADMO staff remembers Samuel Aboagye

Ghanaian musician Prosdos has been honoured with the Grand Prix Africain de la Culture by the Union Africaine Pour La Culture (UAC) in Togo.

The prestigious award recognises his talent, creativity, and dedication to promoting African music and culture. Prosdos was the only Ghanaian artist to receive the honour this year.

From TV Interview to International Award

The recognition came after Prosdos was invited for a Music and Culture interview at TVT in Togo.

Following the appearance, he received several invitations to perform in Togo and Benin, where he showcased his unique stage style and message of cultural pride. These performances caught the attention of the UAC, leading to the award.

“Personally, this award feels good for the many sleepless nights and hard work. Professionally, it means an elevation in my thriving career,” Prosdos said.

Known for his vibrant performances, Prosdos often wears creative cultural outfits, including one made from corn husks, which has become a crowd favourite.

His music, rich with cultural themes, is easy to connect with and appeals to audiences across borders.

Prosdos started his music career during the COVID-19 lockdown with the release of Bebe Shokoma, a song dedicated to a woman who supported him during the restrictions.

He has since performed at major events such as the Aspatere Festival and Akwaba Festival in Ghana.

The artist draws inspiration from legends such as King Mensah of Togo, VVIP, Tic Tac, Slim Buster, Reggie Rockstone, Merwei of Côte d’Ivoire, Daddy Lumba, Kofi B, Amakye Dede, and Shatta Wale.

These influences have shaped his sound, which blends traditional African rhythms with modern music styles.

Prosdos says his music aims to protect African traditions from being overshadowed by Western culture.

“Culture has been lowly talked about, which has led to cultural assimilation. I stand as a beacon of remembrance to my people, to boost unity through music and art,” he stated.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite his rising profile, Prosdos faces financial challenges in producing and promoting his work. He hopes for more support from Ghana’s cultural authorities and looks forward to working with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

As a member of MUSIGA, he plans to launch a festival in Ketu South, promote peace and unity through his music, and release a full album soon.

Follow Prosdos:

YouTube: Prosdos Music

TikTok: prosperdossey8

Facebook: prosperdossey

All Music Platforms: Search Prodos

A Justice of the Court of Appeal, who also served as Director of the Ghana School of Law, Justice Nana Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, has been recalled to the judiciary to perform his duties as a judge fully.

Justice Oppong has therefore been directed by the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to hand over his position as Director of Legal Education to Professor Raymond Atuguba, a former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law.

A letter dated August 8 this year, and signed by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, indicated that Justice Oppong’s recall will take effect on September 1, with Prof Atuguba acting as Director of Legal Education until a substantive appointment is made.

“The Judiciary now requires your full services, so you are recalled from the position of Director of Legal Education with effect from 1st September 2025.

You are to hand over to Professor Raymond A. Atuguba, former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, who has been appointed Ag. Director of Legal Education of the General Legal Council while a search party is put in place for a permanent Director of Legal Education,” the letter from the Acting Chief Justice stated.

Appreciation

Meanwhile, Justice Oppong has expressed appreciation to students and staff of the Ghana School of Law for the cooperation he enjoyed during his three-year tenure as Director of the only institution that provides the professional law course in the country.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, Justice Oppong announced that his last working day as Director of Legal Education will be August 31, 2025.

“I had hoped to finish my full term or at least see through the current academic year and the forthcoming call to the bar ceremony for the final-year students. But sadly, that was not meant to be,” he stated.

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.

Former Black Maidens defender Zakaria Takia has completed a move to Jordanian women’s league side Etihad Club. 

Takia has signed a deal to join Etihad Club for the 2025/26 season after leaving Pearl Pia Ladies.

She is expected to play a key role in the club’s campaign as she arrives with huge experience from the Ghana Women’s League, where she made over 50 appearances.

“Zakaria Takia, a rising star in Ghana, is a defender for Ghana Women’s U20 National Team, known for her precise passing and quick anticipation. She began her career with Tamale Super Ladies FC before joining Pearl Pia Ladies FC in 2019,” wrote the club, confirming her arrival.

“Zakaria has represented Ghana at both U17 and U20 levels, competing in the FIFA U17 and U20 World Cup Qualifiers.

“Here’s to solid defenses and unforgettable wins… Welcome to your new home, our Ghanaian Dragon.”

Ghanaian musician Prosdos has been honoured with the Grand Prix Africain de la Culture by the Union Africaine Pour La Culture (UAC) in Togo.

The prestigious award recognises his talent, creativity, and dedication to promoting African music and culture. Prosdos was the only Ghanaian artist to receive the honour this year.

From TV Interview to International Award

The recognition came after Prosdos was invited for a Music and Culture interview at TVT in Togo.

Following the appearance, he received several invitations to perform in Togo and Benin, where he showcased his unique stage style and message of cultural pride. These performances caught the attention of the UAC, leading to the award.

“Personally, this award feels good for the many sleepless nights and hard work. Professionally, it means an elevation in my thriving career,” Prosdos said.

Known for his vibrant performances, Prosdos often wears creative cultural outfits, including one made from corn husks, which has become a crowd favourite.

His music, rich with cultural themes, is easy to connect with and appeals to audiences across borders.

Prosdos started his music career during the COVID-19 lockdown with the release of Bebe Shokoma, a song dedicated to a woman who supported him during the restrictions.

He has since performed at major events such as the Aspatere Festival and Akwaba Festival in Ghana.

The artist draws inspiration from legends such as King Mensah of Togo, VVIP, Tic Tac, Slim Buster, Reggie Rockstone, Merwei of Côte d’Ivoire, Daddy Lumba, Kofi B, Amakye Dede, and Shatta Wale.

These influences have shaped his sound, which blends traditional African rhythms with modern music styles.

Prosdos says his music aims to protect African traditions from being overshadowed by Western culture.

“Culture has been lowly talked about, which has led to cultural assimilation. I stand as a beacon of remembrance to my people, to boost unity through music and art,” he stated.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite his rising profile, Prosdos faces financial challenges in producing and promoting his work. He hopes for more support from Ghana’s cultural authorities and looks forward to working with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

As a member of MUSIGA, he plans to launch a festival in Ketu South, promote peace and unity through his music, and release a full album soon.

Follow Prosdos:

YouTube: Prosdos Music

TikTok: prosperdossey8

Facebook: prosperdossey

All Music Platforms: Search Prodos

By Edward Acquah

Accra, Aug. 14, GNA – Ghana will on Friday pause in grief and unity to bid final farewell to the eight patriots who died in a tragic helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region last Wednesday. 

A solemn state funeral will be held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra at 0730 hours, bringing together the nation’s leadership, the bereaved families, and citizens from all walks of life to honour their memory. 

The eight heroes lost their lives in the line of duty when their helicopter went down en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi, on August 6, 2025. 

The accident claimed the lives of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress. 

The rest were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of National Disaster Management Organisation, Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force. 

The State, on August 10, held an Islamic State burial for the late Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed. Their bodies were interred at the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp. 

The passing of the eight compatriots stirred a wave of national mourning and reflection.  

With flags flying at half mast, institutions and groups bearing direct relationship with the victims have held separate vigils and ceremonies to honour their memories. 

The nation ended three-days of national mourning with a memorial ceremony in honour of the eight heroes at the forecourt of the State House last Saturday evening. 

President John Dramani Mahama has rallied the nation to move from grieving to accepting the loss, and described the crash as unpredictable and violent. 

He urged the nation to transform the sorrow into a catalyst for action and dedication to the ideals the eight compatriots stood for. 

The victims of the crash served Ghana with their last breath and, thus, it was the sacred duty of every Ghanaian to continue that service to build the “Ghana we wanted,” the President said. 

“We must not only mourn as one but commit to healing as one.” 

Friday’s national farewell is expected to be a sombre reflection on the lives and legacies of the eight patriots and reaffirm the nation’s appreciation to the sacrifices of the departed souls and unite the country beyond mourning to building resilience. 

Announcing arrangements for the state funeral at a press conference on Thursday, Mr Stan Dogbey, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, said the funeral would be largely military service under the auspices of the Ghana Armed Forces. 

“The service will largely be a military service; it will be conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces and there will be three parts to the funeral programme.”  

“We will have the pre-burial service during which period some tributes will be read.  We will have Qu’ran recitations during that period.” 

“And the second part will be the main funerals and burial service,” he said. 

The bodies of the six other victims would be interred at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, near Burma Camp after the burial service, Mr Dogbey added. 

Thousands of sympathisers are expected to join the ceremony as the nation paid her last respect to the eight fallen heroes whose patriotism would be remembered in the nation’s history. 

The Government has assured that adequate security measures were in place to guarantee the safety of mourners. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe

Salis Abdul Samed’s football journey has taken another exciting turn as the Ghanaian midfielder completes his move to French club OGC Nice.

Known for his energy, vision, and work rate, the 25-year-old returns to Ligue 1 where he first made his mark.

Samed is no stranger to French football fans. He first impressed at Clermont from 2019 to 2022 before reaching new heights with RC Lens between 2022 and 2024 under coach Franck Haise. His tireless performances and ability to link play made him one of the league’s standout midfielders.

Last season, he stepped into English football, joining Sunderland on loan. Despite injuries, he helped the Black Cats secure promotion to the Premier League. The former Clermont Foot midfielder made eleven appearances for the English side. The experience added another layer to his game, sharpening his leadership and composure under pressure.

Salis Abdul Samed will likely play his first game for OGC Nice on August 16th when Le Gym takes on Toulouse at the Allianz Riviera.