Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on African leaders to base electoral contests on policies rather than ballots.

Opening the African Political Parties Summit 2025 in Accra, she urged political parties across the continent to prioritise the needs of their citizens while in power.

“Policies, when divorced from the pursuit of wellbeing, become empty,” she said.

“Our people do not ask us to perform politics for its own sake. They deserve politics that translates into food security, decent jobs, functional schools, accessible healthcare, efficient infrastructure, security, and justice. They expect us to focus not just on the next election, but more importantly, on the next generation.”

Reiterating the need to rise above narrow interests, the Vice President stressed the importance of working together, even as strong opponents, and fostering cooperation and tolerance among political parties for peace, development, and progress.

“Let’s adopt a long view… for the sake of policies and projects, and they must outlast our own political careers,” she said.

Addressing the lack of continuity that hampers Africa’s development, she urged leaders to craft national development plans that would be respected by successive governments.

While acknowledging that leaders may not agree on everything, she said it was vital to “agree on the fundamentals” and work toward “an Africa united in vision to defy the odds,” citing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a success story.

She further challenged both ruling and opposition parties to ensure stability during elections, warning that instability endangers livelihoods.

The Vice President expressed optimism that the adoption of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) implementation framework at the summit would “help foster political cooperation across borders to address regional threats, deal with illicit trade, and respond to pandemics.”

The APPI framework, yet to be officially adopted, aims to create a platform for dialogue, build institutional capacity, sustain cooperation, resolve disputes, share ideas, and collaborate on shared priorities.

The three-day summit has brought together African Heads of State under the theme “From Politics to Prosperity.”

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The agriculture sector is set for a significant financial boost in 2025, as the government and development partners commit a combined GHS 2.9 billion to support key programmes under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

According to the 2025–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, the investment will primarily fund the flagship Feed Ghana programme, along with mechanisation, irrigation, livestock development and post-harvest infrastructure projects aimed at improving food security and reducing import dependence.

The financing structure shows that government resources, including Internally Generated Funds (IGF), will contribute GHS 1.61 billion (55.3%) while development partners will provide GHS 1.3 billion (44.7%)

Of the total allocation – GHS 226.6 million is earmarked for compensation of employees, GHS 1.13 billion will support goods and services with GHS 1.55 billion set aside for capital expenditure

The funding aligns with Ghana’s broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which prioritises modernising the sector, boosting productivity, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the value chain.

Under the same framework, government is advancing plans for a bold agricultural policy aimed at slashing its $2 billion annual palm oil import bill.

This would be achieved by significantly scaling up domestic production and diversifying into high-value tree crops.

The plan includes the rollout of a National Palm Oil Industry Policy, which will support the distribution of 1.5 million oil palm seedlings to farmers.

It is also to promote large-scale out-grower plantation schemes and provide incentives to expand local processing capacity.

The initiative, dubbed the “RedGold” oil palm programme, is expected to catalyse private sector investment, create thousands of jobs across rural Ghana and aligns with the country’s import substitution and agro-industrial transformation agenda.

Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi

Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has stated that he is a Ghanaian citizen and holds no other nationality, following public debate over his appointment.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on August 12, 2025, Choi revealed that although he was born to Korean parents, he moved to Ghana at the age of 14 and was naturalised in 1999.

He attended SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School in Tema before furthering his studies at the University of Ghana.

His nomination by President John Dramani Mahama sparked controversy, with some questioning the decision to appoint a person of Korean descent to represent Ghana in South Korea.

However, Choi defended his selection, noting that he has spent most of his life in Ghana, speaks Twi fluently, understands Frafra, and considers the country his only home.

Meet Kojo Choi Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea

“The Korean government doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so when you’re applying for citizenship, you are basically surrendering the other,” he said during the interview.

When asked if he is a dual citizen, he responded, “I am solely Ghanaian.”

“I arrived in Korea just two weeks ago and I was going through the immigration, I was queuing for my turn at the foreigners section and my good friend Okyeame Kwame called me, that where are you and I said, I’m in Korea, then he asked which passport do you use to go through, so I said I’m here with my Ghanian passport, then I sent him the stamp, “he added.

Kojo Choi’s appointment sparks controversy on social media

“The Korean government doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so I am a full Ghanaian,” reaffirms Kojo Choi, Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea.

📺 Watch the full conversation here: https://t.co/pcxbXyQCJJ#FacetoFace with @UmaruSanda pic.twitter.com/RFCqeDTF7O

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) August 12, 2025

AM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures:

George Opare Addo (L) and Richard Nii Armah Quaye

The Chief Executive Officer of RLEQ Group and founder of the RLEQ Foundation, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, has donated GH₵500,000 to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to support the fight against opioid abuse among Ghanaian youth.

Speaking at the ministry during the presentation, Quaye commended the ministry for its efforts in improving the lives of young people under the current minister’s leadership.

He noted that a few weeks ago, the minister had called on him to support efforts to combat rape and opioid abuse.

Quaye stated that as a young entrepreneur employing over 4,000 Ghanaian youth, with an average age of 26 years, he had a vested interest in youth development.

He said his experiences across Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, had shown how opioid abuse could impair young people both mentally and physically, making them unfit for productive work.

He warned that Ghana risked taking the same path if the issue was not addressed urgently, describing the situation as a national threat.

He stressed that the country’s economic fortunes depended on its youth and called for significant attention to be given to the problem.

Explaining the role of his foundation, Quaye said the RLEQ Foundation was established to provide social justice to deprived, forgotten, and marginalised communities.

He added that apart from creating jobs, the foundation had set up food banks in the Greater Accra Region, with plans to expand to all regions.

According to him, the initiative aimed to support people who were unemployed and could not afford basic necessities, thereby reducing the likelihood of them turning to drugs for comfort.

Quaye indicated that the foundation was committed to working closely with the ministry to address opioid abuse among those already affected.

He said the GH₵500,000 donation demonstrated the foundation’s commitment and unwavering support in the fight against opioid abuse and rape.

Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, expressed his gratitude for the donation to help curb the menace.

Marking International Youth Day, the minister reflected on the role of young people in Ghana’s future.

“Our focus is on five main thematic areas, but key in those… is the wellness and wellbeing of young people. No amount of development can take place when the people are not in the best state of mind and health,” he explained.

He emphasised the need for research to fully understand the problem.

“You can address a problem midway through it, but you are able to address it properly when you have a proper understanding of what the root cause of the problem is,” he said. “A lot of the solutions… are ad-hoc… so we commissioned research into understanding what exactly is leading to young people doing this.”

Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, says the nation must treat the deaths of eight people in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash as a turning point in the fight against environmental crimes.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, August 12, he said the tragedy, which claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers, should never be ignored, especially because it occurred on the day the government was set to launch a major initiative against what he described as “environmental terrorism.”

“We were all anticipating that these people were going to join us as well, and then we would have a very great program. Because I think we were all very interested in the program the government was launching, but we thought that we needed to really deal with the menace of this environmental crime around us,” Mr Bosu said.

He stressed that the launch was an important step toward holding the government accountable for ending environmental destruction.

“Any program that was going to help us do that, we’re also going to be there to listen and make sure that we keep the government accountable and also responsible for everything they have said. So we were really looking forward to this.”

But for Bosu, the tragedy that struck on such a significant day has given the fight against environmental crimes a deeper meaning.

“To have this, I will say, serious sacrifice. And this was a sacrifice on the day of such a launch, for me, is, really significant in the sense that, eight people had to sacrifice their life for this initiative we want to do, and it’s also kind of an initiative to rid our country of this menace, of this environmental terrorism that we’re experiencing. So there’s no way we can sit down and ignore this sacrifice.”

Mr Bosu called on the government and citizens to treat the moment as a wake-up call.

“Yeah, we cannot… something we need to really take seriously. If we’re thinking of just letting this responsible, cooperative mind go on as just like the committee mining was, then this should be the turning point.

“Nothing should be the same ever again. We need to do things differently. We need to deal with this menace once and for all.”

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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.

Ghana’s Ambassador Designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has expressed confidence in Ghana’s potential to attract high-value investments from Korean companies if mutually beneficial conditions are created.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 12, Choi said Ghana and Africa could serve as platforms for Korea’s next phase of industrial and technological expansion.

Choi said, “If it will benefit our country [Ghana], we have to go and see what is in there. If you think of Korea, it is a very high-tech, very industrial place. So many of the companies in Korea are looking for ways and means of being able to go on the next journey.

“I believe that Ghana and Africa can provide that platform for them. Of course, there are certain conditions, and if the environment is suitable for them, they will only come when they know it’s beneficial to them. Ghana will only have them when we know it’s beneficial to us.”

He stressed that such partnerships must be mutually beneficial, adding that Korean companies would only invest if the environment was favourable, and Ghana should ensure the benefits were reciprocal.

“A good ambassador understands business, being able to balance a win-win. I believe a lot could be done in that sense,” he stated.

I am fully Ghanaian – Kojo Choi

….

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Ghana is advancing plans for a bold agricultural policy aimed at slashing its $2 billion annual palm oil import bill.

This would be achieved by significantly scaling up domestic production and diversifying into high-value tree crops.

The plan outlined in the 2025–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, includes the rollout of a National Palm Oil Industry Policy, which will support the distribution of 1.5 million oil palm seedlings to farmers.

It is also to promote large-scale out-grower plantation schemes and provide incentives to expand local processing capacity.

The initiative, dubbed the “RedGold” oil palm programme, is expected to catalyse private sector investment, create thousands of jobs across rural Ghana and align with the country’s import substitution and agro-industrial transformation agenda.

Despite annual consumption of over 250,000 metric tons, Ghana’s domestic palm oil production currently stands at a mere 50,000 metric tons –  a development which creates a major structural gap in the edible oils market.

The new policy seeks to address this imbalance by developing a fully integrated palm oil value chain—from farm to refinery.

The palm oil strategy falls under the broader Ghana Tree Crops Diversification Project (GTCDP), which aims to boost the commercial cultivation of cashew, coconut, rubber, mango and shea, alongside oil palm, to enhance farmer incomes and generate foreign exchange.

In 2025, the government, through the Ghana Tree Crops Development Programme (GTRDP), will procure and supply 5,070,000 seedlings; comprising 2,000,000 cashew, 1,650,000 rubber, and 1,420,000 coconut—for nationwide distribution.

An additional two million seedlings will be provided, including 500,000 shea and 1,500,000 mango, targeting 500,000 farmers across the country.

Philip Duah, the Executive Director, Abak Foundation has advised employers to stop stigmatising qualified persons with disability (PWDs) seeking jobs in their companies.

He said the act was disheartening and shattered their hopes in acquiring decent jobs.

He gave the advice at a dissemination and closeout session of the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP) of Sightsavers, Abak Foundation, Challenges Worldwide, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations and inclusion Ghana in Accra.

The two-year programme saw 127 PWDs secure decent jobs either through direct employment or entrepreneurship, after receiving required skills.

The closeout session was to celebrate their achievement, the businesses of PWDs that improved and PWDs who got employment after receiving employability skills.

In a country where formal jobs were difficult to access, Mr Duah said a combination of a pathway of employability and entrepreneurship skill, would help to equip PWDs with the needed skills and knowledge to secure or create decent jobs, hence the relevance of the programme.

“Those who need employment need mentorship and support to catch the eye of the employer and that brought about a lot of training such as building the capacity of PWDs to write CVs and attend interviews,” he said.

David Agyemang, the Country Lead, Sightsavers, explaining the Ghana Economic Empowerment Programme pathways, said the Employability pathway sought to build the skills of persons with disabilities on how to present themselves at interviews and how to write curriculum vitae among others while the Entrepreneurship pathway built their capacity to establish or enhance their businesses.

After the training, he said the employers also did self assessment to identify how prepared they were to employ persons with disability.

“If they should employ a person with disability today, would they be able to handle that person? Would they be able to provide what we call a minimum accommodation for them?, he said”.

Agyemang said after all preparations, they brought all employers engaged together in a network called Ghana Business and Disability Network to make workplaces all-inclusive.

“All these processes that I’m telling you contributed in helping us to transition 127 persons with disabilities into jobs. You know that it’s very difficult to get jobs nowadays, even if you are not having the disabilities.

“If you don’t have a job, you know the challenges that come with it. But then picture, if you are a person with disability, your problem is even bigger, because you have to take care of your family, and at the same time, you have to deal with your disabilities.

“So these people have a lot of challenges they were going through, which I believe this employment will now make things easier for them,” he noted.

Isaac Wabey, a PWD and beneficiary of the programme, sharing his experience said: “I enrolled onto the programme as a job seeker. I was unemployed but I gained soft skills, and knowledge on CV writing among others.

“It was through the training that I secured a formal job and ventured into Entrepreneurship as well.

“Through the EEP, I am now employed, have set up my own business and have set up an NGO to help others,” he added.

Wabey said capacity building was key in giving PWDs competencies and skills to work and earn for a living.

He encouraged the programme’s implementors to promote networking at every gathering to enrich opportunities for all those marginalised.

Melody Emefa, another physically challenged woman and a beneficiary, said it was unfortunate that many people did not understand PWDs and so denied them access to opportunities.

As a producer of “coconut tombrown”, she said an engagement by the EEP took her through periodic monitoring and evaluation on how to keep records and relate to customers to boost her business and it had a great impact on her business.

“They trained me on how to do packaging of the product and assessed to ensure where I am selling was business-friendly enough to attract more customers and they have put a smile on my face,” she added.

Emefa called for more training for PWDs, saying they lagged behind without capacity building and funding support.

Starbucks customers in South Korea have been asked to stop bringing “bulky items” into cafes to do their office work, after some brought printers and desktop computers.

Others had brought in partitions and more than one computer to mark their office territory.

As many people choose to work from home, cafes like Starbucks have been trying to strike a balance between being a casual coffee place and welcoming customers who choose to work there.

Starbucks said laptops, iPads, and mobile phones are still welcome, but not items that “impact the shared space” and limit seating.

Starbucks’s announcement comes as the growing trend of those studying and working at cafes – cagongjok – becomes a subject of intense debate in Korean society.

Since the pandemic, as the trend towards working from home escalates, many have started using the term cagonjok in not-so-friendly terms, showing irritation at those who use the seats for hours after only buying one drink.

Some users in Korea on social media have said cagonjok are also freeloading on electricity.

“If you can’t afford an office space and Starbucks is silly enough to let you run your office there for the price of their less-than-mediocre sugary caffeine beverage, go for it,” said one user on Reddit.

‘Bad manners’

Koreans on social media have been reacting to the announcement from Starbucks.

“Good job,” said one Korean user on social media. “Now that Starbucks has started, other cafes should follow suit”.

Another said that people working from cafes made him stop going to Starbucks, and that the announcement is a “measure against those who’ve crossed the line with their bad manners”.

“It feels like there are way too many people without common sense these days,” the user wrote.

A spokesperson for Starbucks said: “Starbucks Korea has updated its policy so all customers can have a pleasant and accessible store experience.

“While laptops and smaller personal devices are welcome, customers are asked to refrain from bringing desktop computers, printers, or other bulky items that may limit seating and impact the shared space”.

“Starbucks remains committed to being a welcoming third place for coffee and connection, and where community thrives in every cup, every conversation, and every visit”, Starbucks concluded, though its mild-mannered response hides the derision many feel for those seen to be hogging seats at cafes.

Starbucks’s in South Korea move echoes sentiment in cafes across the world, including in England, where some coffee shops have introduced policies aimed at stopping remote workers from “hogging” tables and limiting turnover.

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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.

Vision FC boss Nana Agyemang has lauded the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) latest financial intervention, which will see every Ghana Premier League club receive ₵1 million ahead of the upcoming season.

Reacting to the initiative by the GFA which was confirmed at the 31st Congress, Agyemang described the package as a huge boost for player welfare and club stability.

“I’m sure the players are jumping about by now. Most clubs suffered last year in terms of salary payments and stuff like that. A lot of clubs were behind. Players would cry out, but I think with this money, players are gonna be more settled and able to go into their games without thinking about financial burden anymore,” he said.

The Vision FC manager urged club owners to use the funds wisely, stressing the importance of channelling it towards player care and operational improvement.

“My hope is that the club owners will use these monies to take care of the players and the club as a whole. If that happens, coaches can do a good job, and everything will go well.”

Agyemang ended his remarks with high praise for the GFA leadership.

“Kudos to the GFA, kudos to Kurt for being able to get this for the clubs. It goes a long way to help Ghana football.”

With the 2025/26 GPL season kicking off on September 12, Agyemang will be aiming to build on Vision FC’s 11th-place finish from last season.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the nation to ensure that its vulnerable population is not left behind in the transition to a green economy.

According to the CSOs an inclusive policy that amplified the voices of the marginalized communities and groups, including the youthful population was required to advance climate justice in the country.

The CSOs, ActionAid Ghana, Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), Citizens Watch Ghana, and the Young Urban Women made the call at a youth forum to mark the 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) in Sunyani.

With support from the National Youth Authority, the CSOs organized the forum on the theme “Igniting youth leadership potential through multilateral cooperation for social accountability”.

The IYD which falls on August 12, was instituted by the United Nations and celebrated annually to bring youth issues to the attention of governments, with this year’s celebration focusing on empowering the youth to help build a better planet for all.

Kwame Afram Denkyira, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Manager Programme Manager of the AAG indicated that a decentralized climate adaptation effort was needed to allow vulnerable communities to design solutions based on their local realities.

He said: “Climate justice in Ghana is therefore about more than survival; it’s about dignity, equity and the right to a sustainable future”, saying “as the country strides towards development, integrating justice into climate action isn’t just a moral obligation but a practical necessity”.

Denkyira noted that challenges facing young people in securing decent jobs increased their vulnerability in society and thereby making them vulnerable to social vices and source of conflict and civil disorders as well as violence extremism.

He added that “They are more likely to accept recruitment into fighting forces when they face high incidence of joblessness”, and called on the government to do more and create job opportunities for the youthful population.

In a speech read on his behalf, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister said the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive.

He indicated that the government fostering global cooperation and collaboration in all sectors was an indication that President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to creating jobs for the teeming youth to exploit their potentials.

He said: “As we speak now the government will soon roll out Cultural Villages and Creative Arts Fund to provide financial support to the youth to establish creative enterprises, fostering growth and sustainability of our creative sector”.

Akwaboa lauded the growing number of youth climate activists, innovators in renewable energy and student-led environment movements across Ghana and Africa, stressing the government commitment to strengthen climate change education, invest in green jobs, and incorporate youth voices in national climate change strategies.

Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the GloMeF, a human rights and anti-corruption media advocacy organization stressed the need to explore the possibilities of uniting the voices of young people from the Global South and Global North for action.

“This is not only to address shared global challenges, but also to strengthen solidarity, equity, and innovation in tackling issues such as climate change, social injustice, digital exclusion, and democratic deficits”, he stated.

Ahenu stated that the climate crisis knew no borders, however solutions often reflected the Northern narratives and stressed the need to co-create inclusive climate actions, and champion equitable access to digital infrastructure.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators to exercise caution and avoid speculative or unverified reports about the recent military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

In a statement signed by Captain (GN) V. A. Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the Armed Forces expressed concern over “many speculative and unsubstantiated commentaries” surrounding the Z-9 Air Force helicopter crash.

“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urges media practitioners, panellists, social commentators, bloggers and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families,” the statement read.

The GAF acknowledged the intense public interest in the tragedy and assured that thorough investigations have begun to determine the cause of the crash.

It added that the process will include collaboration with international agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinions, perceptions and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement warned.

The Armed Forces expressed appreciation to the government, institutions, and individuals for their support during this period of national mourning and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

“May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace,” the statement concluded.

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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.

By Rihana Adam

Accra, Aug. 12, GNA -The 2025 Vilcabamba Table Tennis Club Open (VTTC) championships will be held on August 16, 2025, in Denu, Volta Region. 

The two-day event would take place at the Vilcabamba Hotel and the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Denu.  

The event, which aims to promote and grow table tennis, is expected to attract more than 50 participants from across the country.   

The championship would feature various categories, including boys and girls U15, as well as youth male and female U-12.  

Mr David Senyo Ahiaba, one of the organizers said all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the successful hosting of the event, including event grounds, and accommodation. 

He said winners of the various categories would be receiving cash prizes, trophies, T-shirts, and certificates.  

GNA 

Kenneth Odeng Adade

A seven-member governing board of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission

A seven-member governing board of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has been inaugurated to promote fairness and transparency in public sector compensation.

Inaugurating the board, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, urged members to uphold equity in public sector pay administration.

He said the Commission played a pivotal role in promoting good governance and fairness in public sector compensation.

Dr Pelpuo underscored the challenges of managing the public service wage bill within a sustainable economic framework and reiterated the need for an Independent Emoluments Commission to address disparities in wage administration.

He congratulated the board members and commended their willingness to serve the nation.

The minister tasked the Board with developing mechanisms to reduce labour unrest arising from pay inequities.

“I assure you of my full cooperation and support in your work,” he said, expressing confidence in their expertise and commitment.

Samuel Adu-Yeboah, Board Chairman, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment and the opportunity to serve.

The board comprises professionals from law, public service, and the Ghana Employers Association.

Members include Dr George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive of FWSC; Annie Moghtar Mohayideen of S&AC Law; Dr Prince E Darah of the Public Services Commission; Joyce Aseidu-Ofei representing the Ghana Employers Association; Madam Hilda Ashie, retired FWSC staff; and Shadrack Mensah of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

Crystal Palace have said “sporting merit is rendered meaningless” after losing their appeal against demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League.

After winning the FA Cup last season, Palace qualified for Europe’s secondary competition but were punished by UEFA for breaching multi-club ownership rules.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) sided with Europe’s governing body on Monday.

In a strongly worded statement, Palace said it was “almost impossible to receive a fair hearing.”

“The decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless,” Palace said.

“It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.

“This growing and unhealthy influence has shattered the hopes and dreams of Crystal Palace supporters, and does not bode well for aspirational teams all over Europe competing to progress when rules and sanctions are unevenly applied in the most flagrant way.”

Palace added they will “continue to take legal advice on the next steps” as they prepare to compete in the Conference League.

BBC Sport has contacted UEFA for a response.

Nottingham Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season and have been promoted to the Europa League in Palace’s place.

“Multi-club structures hide behind the charade of a ‘blind trust’ while clubs such as ours, who have no connection to another club whatsoever, are prevented from playing in the same competition,” Palace said.

“To compound the injustice, clubs that appear to have huge informal arrangements with each other are also allowed to participate and even possibly play against each other.”

The Eagles had until 1 March 2025 to show UEFA proof of multi-club ownership restructuring, but missed the deadline.

American businessman John Textor owned a 43% stake in Palace but sold it in June and is the majority owner of Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

Cas said that Textor “still had decisive influence over both clubs” at the time of UEFA’s assessment.

The panel also dismissed Palace’s argument that they received unfair treatment in comparison to Nottingham Forest and Lyon.

‘This should be a turning point’

There is precedent for teams being sanctioned by UEFA and for CAS to uphold that decision for breaching multi-club ownership rules.

Irish Premier Division side Drogheda qualified for the 2025-26 Conference League but have been expelled from Europe due to US-based Trivela Group also owning Danish side Silkeborg, who also earned a spot in the competition.

“UEFA’s decision has wider implications for the governance of the sport,” Palace added.

“This should be a turning point for football. UEFA must fulfil its mandate to pass coherent rules which are properly communicated and applied, with reasonable cure periods to resolve uncertainty and consistent sanctions, treating all clubs equally with a proper appeal process.

“The European Court of Justice has made it clear that rulings similar to this will be under greater scrutiny from national courts in future. Only then will fairness and due process be granted to every team.”

Palace will face either Norwegian side Fredrikstad or Midtjylland of Denmark in the Conference League play-off round later this month.

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Aug – 12 – 2025 , 21:50

1 minute read

Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has joined the global community in celebrating International Youth Day, highlighting the essential role of young people in shaping Ghana’s future.

This year’s commemoration, held under the global theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” and Ghana’s national theme, “Igniting Potential, Inspiring Change,” seeks to inspire, equip, and empower the youth to lead change in health, education, skills development, and civic participation.

In a statement signed by the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, he commended Ghana’s young people for their “energy, innovation, and determination,” noting that they are not just envisioning the future, but actively building it today.

The month-long celebrations will feature youth-led programmes aimed at improving health and well-being, advancing training and re-skilling for economic empowerment, boosting civic engagements, and enhancing leadership capabilities.

Opare Addo reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment, alongside the private sector, civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders, to invest in platforms and initiatives that empower young Ghanaians to their full potential.

The statement also paid tribute to the young lives lost in recent tragedies, including the military helicopter and road crashes, urging a collective effort to create inclusive opportunities, expand mental health support, and ensure access to quality education.

“Let the youth arise for Ghana, for the nation demands their devotion,” the minister declared.

International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to recognise the contributions of young people worldwide in driving social, economic, and technological change.

AM/AE

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures:

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has been left out of the squad to face Paris St-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup because of persistent lateness.

Spurs have travelled to the Italian city of Udine for Wednesday night’s match against Luis Enrique’s men.

Manager Thomas Frank said, “Bissouma isn’t here because of disciplinary reasons. He has been late several times, the latest one too many.

“We need to give love and have demands, but there have to be consequences. There’s been a consequence, we will follow it up when we get home and park it for now.”

On the game versus PSG, Frank added: “I am a big believer of principles and structures in the team, offensively and defensively.

“I want to have a clear structure in phases one and two when we are building up. We want to control the game, and in phase three, we want to score.

“For the club, me and everyone involved at Tottenham, it’s a massive game. It’s a great challenge and an even bigger opportunity.

“The way my brain works, I see opportunities instead of pressure. We will definitely embrace it and give it everything.”

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 Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Access Bank Division One League (DOL) by delivering a package of financial and logistical support to all 48 participating clubs.

This investment builds on a consistent six-year track record of strategic interventions since the current administration took office, reflecting the GFA’s vision to strengthen the league’s competitiveness, operational stability and long-term viability.

Over the years, the GFA has enhanced the appeal of the Division One League through targeted initiatives that address the operational needs of clubs.

For the upcoming season, the Association will sustain, and in some cases, expand the comprehensive support provided last year.

This includes the full absorption of referees’ fees for all 48 clubs, valued at GH¢2,520,000; the provision of 30 pairs of football boots per club, worth a total of GH¢5,077,000; and the supply of 30 footballs per club, amounting to GH¢792,000.

Additional measures include the Bus Acquisition Strategy to improve team transportation, continued partnership support from Melcom Ghana, and the Goil fuel support initiative to reduce travel costs.

Notably, the cash incentive per club has been increased from GH¢80,000 to at least GH¢120,000 for the new season.

The GFA’s investment aims to professionalize club operations, reduce administrative burdens and improve matchday standards.

By absorbing key costs and providing critical equipment, the Association empowers clubs to focus on performance and youth development.

President Simeon-Okraku emphasized that these interventions are part of a broader strategy to raise the standard of Ghanaian football at all levels:

“Our vision is to build a strong, competitive and sustainable Division One League that produces top talent, excites fans, and contributes to the national game. The consistent investment over the past six years demonstrates our commitment to making this vision a reality.”

The Access Bank Division One League remains a vital breeding ground for talent and a crucial pathway to the elite Ghana Premier League.

With enhanced financial stability, improved infrastructure, and sustained institutional support, the GFA is positioning the DOL as a dynamic, competitive and commercially attractive product within the Ghanaian football ecosystem.

Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has opened the African Political Parties Summit 2025 in Accra, calling on political parties across the continent to prioritise the needs of their citizens at all times while in power.

Addressing delegates, Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed that the public expects leaders “not to focus on the next elections, but the next generation,” emphasising the need for essential services such as water, electricity, and jobs.

She urged African political parties not to view each other as enemies, noting that the true measure of democracy lies in holding peaceful elections and enabling political rivals to work together for national development.

“Democracy must be adversarial in the market of ideas,” she said.

According to the Vice President, the summit will discuss critical issues, including how ruling parties can ensure peaceful elections in fragile situations.

“…We will not agree on everything, but if we can agree on the fundamental that Africa’s peace is non-negotiable, then we would have taken a major step forward,” she remarked.

The summit is being held under the theme “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation.”

Notable participants include NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, who stated that “leadership is not about preventing others from having power, but about supporting the government to deliver on its mandate,” as well as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy Jeff Radebe, Benedicta Lasi, Chair of the Executive Council of the Africa Governance Centre, and representatives from Latin America, including Mexico.

Benjamin Amenumey is the president of CIB

The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) has convened a high-level policy seminar to ex­amine the practical implications of monetary policy decisions on lending, inflation, and financial sector development.

It is under the theme “Mone­tary Policy in Action: How MPC Decisions Shape Ghana’s Econo­my and Financial Sector,”

In his welcome address, Benjamin Amenumey, President of CIB Ghana, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to ad­vancing professional discourse on national economic policy.

“Our mandate requires that we promote ethical and profes­sional conduct while advancing the development of the banking profession. Fostering dialogue on monetary policy is a national duty,” he stated.

Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, shared key findings from a recent study conducted by the Institute.

The research, which surveyed senior banking executives and other officials, revealed wide­spread stakeholder alignment with the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) recent policy stance.

“Over 85 per cent of respon­dents had anticipated the latest rate cut. Stakeholders are looking for greater alignment between monetary policy actions and economic growth. We also heard concerns about liquidity con­straints, credit risk, and volatility in funding costs,” he added.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Dr Johnson Asi­ama, Governor of the BoG, who described the current disinflation process as “real, sustained, and progressive,” supported by co­ordinated, data-driven measures between the central bank and the Ministry of Finance.

Inflation fell from 25.8 per cent in March to 13.7 per cent in June 2025, while the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) declined from 32.5 per cent in January to 27.7 per cent in July.

Dr Asiama cited the cedi’s appreciation, over 40 per cent year-to-date, as a key factor in lowering imported inflation and improving purchas­ing power.

He cautioned, however, that banks must prepare for the evolving financial landscape say­ing “Banks have to start assessing themselves, especially their credit infrastructure. We will soon come out with a notice on credit risk for banks, and it is all in line with what we see coming.”

A panel discussion followed, featuring insights from key indus­try stakeholders.

Professor Festus Ebo Turk­son, an external member of the MPC, explained the deci­sion-making framework behind the recent rate cut. “It is data driven. Every decision we make reflects a rigorous review of economic conditions and risks,” he stated.

Dr Humphrey Ayim Dake, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), ex­pressed support for the chang­ing interest rate environment. “We welcome the imminent low interest rate regime and expect to see more banking—that is, credit flowing into real businesses,” he said.

Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), noted that declining prices of imported goods are already evident due to the cedis appreciation against major trading currencies, espe­cially the US dollar. “If the cedi holds steady, prices will continue to come down across the board,” he said.

Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, Managing Principal for Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa Bank, observed that banks are ready to lend but require bet­ter-prepared businesses. “Banks are willing to lend, but businesses must be in good shape to receive credit. Sound governance, finan­cial discipline, and transparency matter,” she said.

The seminar affirmed the importance of inclusive, trans­parent dialogue in shaping policy and enhancing financial sector performance.

Media conglomerate Vivendi’s Canal+ which, currently owns over a third of MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay TV operator, DSTV – and has just obtained anti-trust approval for the complete takeover which is expected to be finalised by October is willing to talk to the regulator in Ghana to resolve the current impasse between Multichoice Ghana and the Ghana government over subscription rates, sector Minister Samuel Nartey George has said.

In a radio interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, monitored by Graphic Online, Mr Sam George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, said Canal+’s attitude towards the issues raised about Multichoice Ghana’s subscription fees was more positive. 

They are aware of the situation going on here [in Ghana], and I have made it clear to them. They have reached out [to me] and I have made it clear to them, if they want to come into Ghana and operate on the license that the company that they are buying has, this is our request…, they’ve made certain indications and I said to them I want it in writing,” Mr George said.

He said Canal+ has gotten the all clear from the commission in South Africa, and “I believe that should kick in from sometime from September and so Canal + are the ones taking over. 

“I don’t want to take public policy decisions on the basis of phone calls that have been made to me. “[I’ve asked them to] put it in an official letter. Canal + is willing to talk to us, I will not run from the fact that Canal+’s attitude is more positive than that of Multichoice,” Mr Sam George said.

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Canal+ is buying out MultiChoice and the processes are expected to be completed by October 2025.

But before that is completed Ghana’s communication regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), has ordered the shutdown of MultiChoice Ghana, that operates DSTV’s pay-TV in 30 days by September 8, 2025, due to the streamer’s refusal to cut its subscription rate by 30%.

Like other countries in West Africa, Ghana, through the sector minister, Sam George, recently raised issues about the steep increase in subscription charges for the DSTV pay-TV services which Multichoice Ghana said was partly caused by rampant inflation rates and weak currency.

Over the past two years, MultiChoice has drastically raised fees for its traditional satellite pay-TV business in several African countries, such as Nigeria and Kenya, as well as Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Namibia, among others.

In Ghana, the pay-TV group increased the subscription fees by 15% in April with little notice, prompting the communications minister, Sam George, to give MultiChoice an ultimatum to lower its rate by 30% by August 7.

MultiChoice didn’t oblige and instead offered to maintain rates at existing levels, which has been rejected by the regulator.

The NCA has consequently told MultiChoice Ghana that it has 30 days to “present its views, or provide remedial action, and submit a written statement of its objections to the suspension of the authorization”.

It is following this that the sector minister, in the radio interview monitored by Graphic Online on Tuesday said Canal+, which is taking over from Multichoice in Africa, when the deal goes through by October, has reached out and showed a positive attitude to resolve the impasse.

Meanwhile, Mr Sam George has said Multichoice Ghana was not interested in dealing with cross-border piracy issues in Ghana on its platform.

There is a lot of cross-border piracy of DSTV devices [decoders and dishes] from Nigeria working in Ghana, where Multichoice Ghana has no control over.

According to Mr Sam George, he has engaged Multichoice Ghana for them to deal with that cross-border piracy but Multichoice Ghana was not interested in dealing with all critical issues, including the cross-border piracy on their platform.

He said they have told him, there was nothing they can do about it.

Mr George said for instance Starlink is an international company, and “we had instances where people were bringing Starlink devices from other African countries into Ghana to operate. We called Starlink and said we won’t allow that to happen.”

“Because you see, there are revenue lines as well for the state on devices that are located in the country. So if you bring a device from outside the country and it is working, it means that it is blind to the Ghanaian state.”

“I said to DSTV deal with cross border piracy and they tell me, well this is not something they can do anything about.”