The Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, has paid tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as a principled and selfless leader who dedicated his position to serving the interests of many rather than his own.

“He was there for a larger cause than himself,” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey said.

Recalling Dr. Omane Boamah’s role in the 2024 campaign, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey noted that the former minister was instrumental in dispelling doubts about the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ability to compile electoral votes.

Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, August 11, he described Dr. Omane Boamah as a pillar to his family, a great leader to the nation, and a strategist for the NDC.

“Prior to Omane Boamah, there was a standing joke that the NDC was not able to compile electoral votes. I was actively involved in the 2024 campaign, and in many places that I would go to, people would call me and ask, ‘Are you guys going to be able to secure the votes?’. This was the fear; many people took it for granted that we would win. They were not sure whether we would be able to secure the votes or not.

He added, “The moment President Mahama appointed Dr Omane Boamah, I knew this was not going to be business as usual. Omane put together a training manual and trained not less than 160,000 polling agents. Today, that theory about NDC not being able to secure votes is erased. Thanks in large part to the leadership of Omane. His family has lost a pillar, the country has lost a great leader, and the NDC has lost a strategist. It’s sad we have lost all these people at the prime of their lives.”

Dr. Sodzi-Tettey also highlighted the late minister’s influence on the medical profession, saying he inspired doctors to pursue leadership roles beyond the consulting room.

“He excelled at all his roles. And because of that powerful example he set, any doctor anywhere can aspire to great things and not be constrained to the consulting room. If you can be a doctor, you can be a politician. And I think that was a powerful example he set. The ability to diversify in all of these roles,” he said.

The helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.

The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Ablakwa: Helicopter crash a ‘tragedy of monumental proportions’

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The programme is designed as a hands-on, immersive experience targeting entrepreneurs

The fourth edition of the Business Growth Accelerator Workshop is scheduled to take place from October 3rd to 4th, 2025, at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra.

Organized by Nilee Consult, a business transformation consultancy, the two-day workshop is designed to help businesses rethink and strengthen their customer experience strategies to support sustainable growth.

The programme is designed as a hands-on, immersive experience targeting entrepreneurs, business owners, team leads, frontline managers, product designers, marketers, operation managers, and programme heads in both the private and public sectors.

It promises to move participants from theory to practical application through guided individual and team-based sessions.

Attendees will be equipped with a suite of tools including customer journey mapping templates, empathy maps, CX scorecards, and persona design templates.

These are intended to help businesses identify service delivery gaps, address customer pain points, and align internal processes with customer expectations.

With a strong emphasis on real-time collaboration and experiential learning, the workshop will support businesses across various sectors ranging from banking, hospitality to healthcare and retail to improved customer satisfaction, staff engagement and strengthen brand consistency.

Previous editions of the Business Growth Accelerator Workshop attracted participants from a wide range of industries including healthcare, hospitality, education, beauty and fashion, consultancy, dentistry, and finance.

Attendees engaged in practical sessions focused on auditing and restructuring their business processes to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

The sessions guided participants through defining their customer personas, mapping customer journeys, identifying and addressing key service challenges leading to improved customer satisfaction and a notable increase in client referrals for many of the businesses involved.

In response to participants’ feedback from past years, this year’s workshop will be conducted entirely in person to provide more hands-on support during the sessions.

The in-person format will offer participants a more immersive experience in tackling real-world challenges and implementing customer experience strategies effectively.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are extending their deal for films and TV shows with Netflix.

This has been described as a “multi-year, first look deal”, which would give Netflix a first option on proposals from Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell production company.

It’s a looser arrangement than their previous deal, but it disproves claims that the Sussexes and Netflix are going to completely part company.

Meghan said that she and Harry were inspired by the partnership with Netflix to “create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision”.

It’s not known how many years the deal is set to last or what financial arrangement is attached. The previous deal, launched in 2020, was believed to be worth about $100m (£75m).

The announcement comes ahead of the second series of the cookery show, With Love, Meghan, being screened later this month.

Audience figures from Netflix showed the first series was not even in the streaming service’s top 300 most popular shows in the first half of 2025.

With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle series which showed Meghan cooking with celebrity friends, had 5.3 million views. In comparison, the most-watched programme on Netflix during that time was the drama Adolescence with 145 million views.

A previous Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, recounting the couple’s departure from their lives as “working royals”, had a bigger audience, with 23.4 million views following its launch in December 2022.

Archewell has also announced a special Christmas season edition of With Love, Meghan, which invites viewers to “join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration”.

With Love, Meghan has been accompanied by a food and drink range, called As Ever, which includes rosé wine and jams.

And there will be a show on Netflix later this year, with Harry and Meghan as producers, called Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, about an orphanage in Uganda being a beacon of hope in a situation “where the shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger”.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.

“The response to their work speaks for itself – Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series.”

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.

Ghana international Forson Amankwah has shared his ambition for the 2025/26 football season.

Speaking in an interview, the youngster said he hopes to help his Norwich City outfit secure promotion to the English Premier League at the end of the campaign.

“The club wants to get promoted, so as a player, you also need that because the Premier League is the best league.

“It’s like the top league, and then everybody’s watching the Premier League. So I’m prepared for that, and then I hope we get the best of it.

“We hope for the best next season, and then I hope we can get promoted. We will do everything and try our best to just get promoted,” Forson Amankwah said in an interview with Flashscore.com.

Amankwah, 22, signed for Norwich City from Red Bull Salzburg in 2024. In his debut season, the midfielder scored two goals after making 22 appearances.

Coming off a season that injuries affected his progress, the player is hoping to stay fit throughout the new season to offer his best to Norwich City.

Office of the Registrar of Companies

The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has announced plans to roll out key reforms to“reset” Ghana’s business environment.

Maame Serwaa Peprah, the Acting Registrar of Companies, said the reforms formed part of the ORC‘s mandate to modernise business registration and regulation, with a strong focus on enterprise risk management to enhance compliance and service delivery.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 ORC Week Celebration in Accra on Monday, she said the reforms would include operationalising a call centre, upgrading digital registration systems, and expanding service delivery through a Prestige Centre.

Peprah added that the ORC was in the testing phase of an online platform that would enable businesses to complete registration processes remotely, without visiting the office.

“We are set to roll out these reforms by the end of the year, though strict timelines are difficult to give because these processes are time-sensitive,” she said.

This year’s ORC week celebration is on the themed: “Resetting the Business Environment: The Role of Enterprise Risk Management.”

As part of the celebration launch on Monday, the ORC hosted a Business Clinic at its head office, offering walk-in services for company registration and enquiries.

Peprah said such clinics provided “a one-time opportunity” for clients to have their issues resolved promptly while receiving education on compliance requirements.

On Tuesday, a stakeholder symposium will be held at the Alisa Hotel to discuss practical strategies for improving regulatory compliance, enhancing service delivery, and positioning the ORC as a driver of Ghana’s economic transformation.

The celebration will be climaxed on Wednesday with a public float through Accra to engage traders, entrepreneurs, and the public on the importance of business formalisation.

The First Deputy Registrar of Companies, Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyakpenu, and other senior staff joined Peprah in engaging clients during the opening day’s activities.

She said the event was to raise public awareness of the office’s services, address client concerns, and engaging stakeholders in shaping the future of business regulation.

“We are focusing on the various risks that affect the operations of companies, especially non-compliance with statutory obligations like filing annual returns and maintaining proper financial records. These are crucial to business health and the wider economy,” she said.

The Acting Registrar said under the Companies Act, the ORC was mandated to register sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies limited by shares and by guarantee, professional bodies, and to oversee company restructuring and winding up processes.

Participants in the Business Clinic praised the smoothness of the registration process and called for regular engagement sessions to strengthen relationships between the ORC and the business community.

The ORC Week Celebration runs from August 11 to 13, with a focus on strengthening Ghana’s business environment through compliance, collaboration and innovation.

Dr Sam Suraj Issaka, the District Chief Executive of Kadjebi Akan District in Oti Region, is upbeat about the prospects of exploration of iron ore in the district.

The DCE, in his address during the handing over ceremony of the core drilled iron ore for testing, believes the project will create jobs for the youth and stimulate development in the area.

Dr Issaka also commended the youth on their active participation during the drilling of the first face of the iron ore, which will go a long way in their lives with the skills and knowledge they had acquired so far.

The exploration project led by Africa Exploration and Minerals Group Limited (AEMG) in partnership with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), has reached a significant milestone with the handing over of the first core drilled iron ore sample.

Stakeholders, including officials from GIISDEC, AEMG, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), Traditional leaders, Republic Bank, Assembly Members, witnessed the ceremony.

Philip Opong Amponsah, Operation Deputy Chief Executive Officer, GIISDEC, emphasized that the exploration project would benefit all Ghanaians, particularly the Asato Gyamono community and the district at large.

He highlighted the importance of iron ore in Ghana’s economic development.

The samples would be taken to Australia by Ntertek Minerals Limited for testing, and if successful, commercial iron ore extraction will commence.

Osaberima Osei Bonsu V, the Paramount Chief of Asato Traditional Area, expressed hope that the project would contribute to the development of the area, particularly in healthcare delivery and youth development.

Abudulai Batiah Santi, Deputy CEO, Strategy and Investor Relations, GIISDEC, assured community members that the government would prioritize their welfare and development because the project involved local investors which would help government gain more access to participate to develop the country as compared to other minerals exploration in the country.

Dr Benjamin Dzoboko, the Managing Director of Republic Bank, highlighted the importance of mineral exploration in driving economic growth.

Republic Bank, the project’s sponsor, believes that supporting mineral exploration will not only benefit the bank but also contribute to the development of the community.

“In our area of expertise, we believe in seeing before investing but we believed in the proposal of AEMG before seeing the project and we are optimistic that the project would go a long way in the development of Ghana and Africa as a whole,” Dr Dzoboko said.

Isaac Obeng Darko, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Exploration and Minerals Group Limited, expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Asato and Gyamono community for their unwavering support during the drilling period and making the project a success.

He emphasized that the commitment of the youth had made the job easy with no casualty being recorded and wish to work with them after the results of the samples are out after a few days of testing.

At the end of the ceremony, over 15 young men were awarded with citations for their dedication to the success of the project.

I was in my office on the afternoon of August 6, 2025, focused on work when my phone lit up with the news. At first, I thought it was just a routine update. But the moment I read that a military helicopter carrying some of our most respected state officials and military men had crashed, I froze. My heart sank. It felt unreal.

Around me, the office went quiet as everyone looked on their screens in shock. I could feel the weight of the news deep inside me. This was not just a story on the radio or television. It felt very personal to me.

That day, a Z-9 military helicopter left Accra for Obuasi on a mission to meet communities as part of efforts by the government to fight illegal mining. Shortly after take-off, it was said to have disappeared from radar.

Later, we learned it crashed in the forest near Sikaman in the Ashanti Region. All eight on board were killed.

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama declared a three-day national mourning, and flags were lowered to half-mast. This loss hurt us all because these were not strangers. They were people known to the public because of their service to the country.

Who we lost

State Officials

*Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister.

*Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment Science and Technology.

*Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

*Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coodinator.

*Samuel Aboagye, Acting Deputy Director General in Charge of Relief and Protocol at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

The Crew

*Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (Pilot).

*Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu (Co-Pilot).

*Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (Crew member).

These individuals were committed to their duties, dedicated and brave. This painful memory will remain in our minds forever.

The pain of duty 

As a public servant I feel this tragic loss deeply because I know it can happen to anyone. This is not politics, it is pure heartache. We lost a generation in a moment! Dying in the line of duty in such a horrific manner is painful. These men were serving our dear nation selflessly, and they gave their all. We cannot question God’s will, but I pray that such tragedy never happens in our country ever again. For their sacrifice and selflessness, my heart goes out to their families, especially their children. May God give them strength in this difficult time.

 National grief

President Mahama cancelled his engagements. The nation stopped. Flags were flown at half-mast. In my mind, I joined the families in grief, feeling the loss!

I was also with my boss, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Exim Bank (GEXIM) Honourable Sylvester Mensah and other colleagues when we laid a wreath at the Jubilee House on Thursday in memory of our fallen countrymen. One could see that we were not the only individuals badly affected both emotionally and physiologically by the unfortunate incident. Everyone else who gathered at the Jubilee house was visibly shaken. It was unforgettable!

These sorrowful moments have shown how united we can be as Ghanaians. In the face of this tragedy, the whole country came together. Millions have expressed their grief, shared heartfelt messages of condolence, and stood with the families as they mourn. It has been touching to see people from all walks of life showing concern and support. The leadership and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) joined in expressing their sympathy, which is commendable. In times like this, we are reminded that beyond politics, backgrounds, and differences, we are one people. This unity is a strong indication that we can stand together, not only in sorrow but also in building a stronger, more united nation for all.

 A quiet reflection

Is it not surprising how quickly life can be taken away? Just hours earlier on that fateful day Wednesday August 6, 2025 these men were alive, full of purpose. Now they have become memories.

Life is indeed short and unpredictable. The sudden loss of our cherished brothers in this tragedy should remind all of us that no one knows what tomorrow holds. Let us love one another while we have the chance, speak kindly, forgive quickly, and support each other. Let us serve with patriotism and dedication, let us give our best to our nation in whatever role we play just as these victims of the helicopter crash did. In the end, love and service to others are the true legacies we have to leave behind.

Let us focus on working to make our beloved nation great and strong!

May their souls rest in perfect peace.

The writer is the Vice Chairman for the USA chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Ghana’s business leaders are sounding the alarm: the nation isn’t capitalizing on hosting the AfCFTA headquarters.

With the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers just months away, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) met Algeria’s ambassador to push for a stronger export push.

“There’s an opportunity situated in Ghana, and we’re not leveraging it,” warned GNCCI First Vice President Emelia Assiakwa. “If we don’t, we’re not helping ourselves.”

Her message was blunt—Ghana must pivot from exporting raw materials like cocoa, shea butter, and cassava to selling value-added goods. “How do we partner to add value here before exporting?” she challenged, urging businesses to pursue deals advancing agribusiness and industrialization. To maximize participation, the Chamber set no restrictive criteria: MSMEs and large firms alike can join if “ready to find partners.”

Algerian Ambassador Mousad Louhaidia confirmed advanced preparations, including talks on direct Accra-Algiers flights. “We’re enthusiastic to see Ghanaian businesses participate massively,” he stated, acknowledging Ghana’s pan-African leadership role.

AfCFTA Head of Communications Grace Khosa framed the stakes higher. Amid global trade tensions, she invoked Kwame Nkrumah’s vision: “Africa can insulate itself, or realize we can depend on each other.” IATF 2025, she stressed, is where “business meets policy, innovation meets capital, and African ambition meets African opportunity.” She highlighted tools like the Pan-African Payment System (PAPSS) breaking down trade barriers.

With Ghana’s AfCFTA headquarters offering a strategic edge, the pressure is on: will its businesses seize the lion’s share of the US$3.5 trillion African market—or let the privilege slip?

BoG Gold Coin is an investment tool

The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Zakari Mumuni, has explained the decision to introduce the Ghana Gold Coin (GGC) as an alternative investment tool.

According to him, the coin is a high-purity, investment-grade gold product designed to serve as a store of value, act as a hedge against inflation, provide an alternative investment asset class, and serve as a monetary policy tool to manage excess liquidity.

He made these remarks during CNVERGE ’25, Africa’s premier trade banking thought-leadership event on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

“Overall, the GGC has opened new avenues for wealth preservation and portfolio diversification for the populace, especially in times of market uncertainty,” Dr Mumuni stated.

He also lauded the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), noting its positive impact on the bank’s reserves through strong reserve accumulation, exchange rate stability, and easing inflation.

Atuabo Gas Processing Plant to undergo scheduled maintenance from August 16

“All these developments have contributed to a stable macroeconomic environment, which is of critical interest to your work,” he said.

Dr Mumuni revealed that since the inception of the DGPP, the central bank had purchased 145.95 tonnes of gold as of June 2025, of which 86.77 tonnes had been sold for foreign exchange to bolster reserves.

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‘Last Wave’: Defence Press Corps captures Dr Omane Boamah’s final assignment

Ghana will host the first major stakeholder meeting for the Sixth Africa Sustainability Report and Think Energy SDGs Awards on August 28 in Accra.

The gathering, spearheaded by the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability alongside the newly formed Association of African Sustainability Practitioners (AASuP), aims to turbocharge the continent’s race against the 2030 SDG deadline.

Policymakers, bankers, energy executives, and global agencies will draft Africa’s blueprint for November’s COP30 in Brazil. Central to talks: unlocking a slice of the world’s $40 trillion sustainable finance pool. “Africa’s struggled to access these funds due to capacity gaps,” admits an organizer. “We’re creating frameworks to turn pledges into bankable projects.”

The event formally launches AASuP—Africa’s largest sustainability practitioner network—to bridge the divide between climate policies and on-ground implementation. Its flagship program will retool skills across ministries, universities, and private firms, addressing what insiders call a “critical disconnect” in climate action.

Awards will spotlight standout SDG contributions, but the real prize is tangible progress. As one participant notes, “Talk won’t cool the planet. We need deals that deliver clean energy and jobs.”

The Accra talks set the tone for October’s flagship report and awards at Movenpick Hotel—where Africa’s green ambition meets accountability.