President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has arrived in Ghana to commiserate with President John Mahama and Ghanaians on the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6.

Eight Ghanaians, including two ministers of state and six other persons, lost their lives in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.

Upon his arrival at the Ceremonial Gardens of the Jubilee House in Accra, President Bio laid a wreath and lit a candle in memory of the helicopter crash victims, honouring their legacy and expressing his country’s shared grief.

In an earlier post on Facebook on Wednesday, President Bio extended his sympathies to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana.

He described the incident as a profound national tragedy and assured Ghanaians of Sierra Leone’s unwavering solidarity during this period of mourning.

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’s banking sector is witnessing a turnaround in payment discipline, with bounced cheques plunging over 15% year-on-year in 2024. ‘

The Bank of Ghana’s latest report reveals only 45,136 dud cheques were recorded down from 53,522 in 2023 attributing the decline to aggressive enforcement and public education campaigns.

“A dud cheque isn’t just inconvenience it’s a criminal offense,” the central bank warned, highlighting legal consequences under the Bank of Ghana Act.

Sustained messaging about credit score damage appears to have hit home: individual violations plummeted 53% (4,972 incidents), while corporate offenders dropped even more sharply at 66% (14,454 cases).

This progress reflects broader credit system reforms. Financial institutions now routinely check credit reports before approving loans, and public awareness of reporting mechanisms has grown.

For market traders and small businesses long burned by worthless paper, the shift brings tangible relief. Could this mark a cultural shift toward financial accountability?

The BoG vows to intensify monitoring and stakeholder collaboration. “These efforts are essential to maintain trust in our payment ecosystem,” the report concluded. As fintech expands nationwide, reliable cheque clearing remains vital for millions unbanked or wary of digital transactions.

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Graphic.com.gh

Sports News

Aug – 08 – 2025 , 19:06

1 minute read

Accra, Aug. 8, GNA – Ghanaian music sensation Epixode lit up the stage at the 14th edition of the The Hague African Festival (THAF), delivering one of the most electrifying performances of the event’s closing weekend at ZuiderparkTheater.

Backed by the dynamic all-female Infinity Band, Epixode thrilled audiences with a high-energy set that fused Afro-dancehall, storytelling, and heartfelt tributes — a performance that affirmed his standing as one of Africa’s most versatile live performers.

Fresh from winning the 2025 Music for Good Award, Epixode’s appearance embodied the festival’s 2025 theme: “Changemakers.” 

His artistry, message, and stage presence resonated powerfully with fans from across Europe and the African diaspora, as he used his platform to blend entertainment with conscious storytelling.

The Hague African Festival, under the visionary leadership of Augustina “MS.ABA” Austin, transformed the city into a vibrant celebration of African music, fashion, and cultural exchange. 

This year’s multi-week celebration brought concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and community activations to venues across The Hague.

Alongside Epixode, the vibrant entertainment lineup featured Senegalese artist Omar Ka, Tanzanian rising star Yacyn Wastara (a graduate of THAF’s talent program), and a stunning sustainable fashion showcase by Ghana’s own Dzogbefa, who wowed with naturally dyed textiles and bold silhouettes. 

Her impact extended beyond the runway through a powerful initiative producing reusable menstrual products for girls — a nod to the social impact ethos at the heart of the festival.

Other standout moments included the Elevate Talent Program, led by Renato Saeroon, spotlighting fresh voices like 12-year-old prodigy Jayce, and thought-provoking events like the “Africa Living Room Sessions,” the film screening of Nawi, and the moving “Female Icons” exhibition.

Curated by MS.ABA, a celebrated multimedia personality and connector of global African creatives, THAF 2025 went beyond entertainment. It stood as a movement for African cultural pride, talent development, and international collaboration.

The Hague African Festival 2025 was made possible by Stichting Nteasee with generous support from the Municipality of The Hague, Fonds1818, Amare Den Haag, VSB Fonds, Mercure, Filmhuis Den Haag, ACE Medical Insurance, Stichting Topaz, and Badabing Visuals7.

GNA 

Kenneth Odeng Adade

The Committee on Defence and Interior of Parliament has extended its deepest condolences to the families of eight individuals who lost their lives in the August 6, military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

In a statement signed by Chairman James Agalga on August 8, the Committee described the tragedy as a blow to the nation’s military leadership and pledged solidarity with the bereaved families, the government, Parliament, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the people of Ghana.

The Committee commended the swift launch of a multi-agency investigation led by the Ghana Armed Forces to determine the cause of the crash.

It further pledged to review the findings thoroughly and make recommendations to enhance aviation safety, operational protocols, and emergency response within the security sector.

“As the nation observes three days of mourning and flags fly at half-mast, we pledge to honour the memories of the fallen heroes by intensifying efforts to retool the Ghana Armed Forces and improve its operational efficiency,” the statement said.

The Committee prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace and for their families to find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

The eight victims were:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central

Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

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

Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

A flower-laying ceremony is currently underway as part of a series of national mourning events leading up to the state burial scheduled for August 15, 2025. The flower-laying ceremony started on Thursday, August 7.

‘We have lost good people’ – Ato Ahwoi on Helicopter crash tragedy

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A solemn vigil has been held at the Takoradi Air Force Base tonight in memory of three Ghana Air Force personnel who perished in last week’s military helicopter crash.

The fallen crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, were all based at the Takoradi Air Force Base.

They lost their lives alongside five senior government officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister, Murtala Mohamme, when their helicopter went down in Brofoyedru Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.

The ceremony, which took place at the Takoradi Airport, brought together service personnel, grieving families, and members of the public to pay their last respects.

Candlelight tributes, solemn music, and moments of silence honoured the courage and dedication of the crew, who were on official duty transporting government officials to Obuasi for a flagship mining sector programme.

The crash, which claimed eight lives in total, has plunged the nation into mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and state burial arrangements underway.

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.

NIC paid tribute to all eight victims of the fatal crash

The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has joined the nation in mourning the loss of eight prominent Ghanaians who perished in the helicopter crash that occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The fatal incident, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Befemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo.

In a statement signed by Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah, the NIC described the tragedy as “a deep wound to our nation” and paid tribute to the “visionary and selfless individuals” whose lives were cut short in service to Ghana.

“Their dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to Ghana will forever remain a guiding light,” the Commission said, adding that their legacy was built on “courage, purpose, and an enduring desire to serve.”

On behalf of its Board, Management, and Staff, the NIC extended condolences to the bereaved families, President John Dramani Mahama, the Government, and the entire nation.

The statement emphasised that the grief is not limited to the affected families but is “a shared sorrow that stretches beyond individual households to touch the heart of every Ghanaian.”

The Commission urged the country to draw inspiration from the values the victims upheld; integrity, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of a better Ghana.

“May we find strength in our unity, comfort in our shared memories, and renewed determination to live out the ideals they championed,” the NIC concluded, praying for eternal rest for the departed.

FKA/MA

Ghana’s cedi has staged one of Africa’s sharpest recoveries this year, soaring 42.6% against the US dollar since January but analysts caution this strength rests on fragile, temporary pillars.

A new report by economic consultancy EM Advisory reveals the rally, which also saw gains of 30.3% against the British pound and 25.6% against the euro, stems largely from record-high gold prices, IMF bailout disbursements, and heavy central bank intervention rather than durable economic fixes.

While welcoming the reprieve after years of depreciation, the advisory stresses structural flaws remain unaddressed. Ghana still battles productivity gaps, heavy import reliance, and fiscal pressures. “Currency markets are inherently volatile,” notes the report.

“Sharp appreciations can be as destabilising as depreciations if they outpace underlying fundamentals.” The government’s new Gold Board (GoldBod), aimed at capturing more export revenue officially, hasn’t yet resolved these core vulnerabilities.

Even the IMF has urged restraint. It warned Accra against overusing forex interventions, fearing the economy could be exposed when external supports like IMF financing taper off or if gold prices retreat. With debt servicing costs looming, the cedi’s gains could rapidly reverse, potentially undermining exports and spooking investors.

Still, EM Advisory sees a narrow opening. This “precious window of opportunity” must drive reforms for long-term stability. The real question, it concludes, is whether Ghana builds resilience during this breather or simply celebrates until the tide turns.

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil expressed his relief on Thursday night after LA Galaxy’s 4-0 thrashing of Club Santos Lugana in the American League Cup.

The Black Stars forward opened the scoring early in the game to open the floodgates for the MLS champions in a dominant performance.

Painstil connected to a Mauricio Cuevas cross in the second minute before Brazilian forward Matheus Nascimento doubled the advantage five minutes before half-time.

Speaking after the game, Joseph Paintsil stressed the importance of the victory while looking forward to the next match in the quarter-final stage.

“It really means a lot. As you can see, we needed these points and goals for us to go to the next stage, and we did what we had to do. We thank the supporters for coming, and we move to the next gam,e and we will see who we will play against,” Paintsil said.

For his outstanding performance in the big win against Club Santos Lugana, Joseph Paintsil was adjudged Man of the Match at full-time.

J.A Plant Pool Ghana Ltd unveils the Soueast SUV Range

J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd., the leading supplier of heavy-duty equipment in Ghana, has officially launched the highly anticipated Soueast SUV Range at a grand event held at its head office in Dzorwulu, Accra.

The launch marks the company’s bold expansion into the consumer automotive market and the start of the exciting Soueast Experience Week, running from August 4th to 8th, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Mr. Daniel Essel, Head, Road Transport Services, commended J.A. Plant Pool for investing in innovation, sustainability, and national development.

“Launching a new vehicle line is not just a business decision; it is an investment in people, in infrastructure, and national growth,” the speech stated.

The event showcased four sophisticated SUV models: the compact and efficient S06, the hybrid-friendly S06DM, the spacious family-style S07, and the flagship luxury S09.

With a blend of sleek design, fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and hybrid technology, the Soueast lineup responds to the growing demand for smarter, eco-conscious, and budget-friendly vehicles in Ghana.

Dr. Alex Atakorah, COO of the Technical and Logistics Cluster, in his welcome remarks, emphasised:

“This isn’t just a launch—it’s a full immersion into the Soueast way of driving. We are helping shape the future of transport in Ghana, where roads are smarter, air is cleaner, and journeys are more empowered.”

The event also aligns with Ghana’s Automotive Development Policy and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting cleaner mobility solutions for the nation’s future.

The week-long celebration offers Ghanaians the opportunity to test drive all models, engage with technical experts, access flexible financing, and enjoy special launch offers.

J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd. reaffirms its position as a trusted industry leader and a key contributor to Ghana’s transport transformation.

As Ghana mourns the tragic loss of eight persons, including two cabinet ministers in a helicopter crash, tributes continue to trickle in from both international and domestic organisations to commiserate with bereaved families.

The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) has extended its condolences to the families as it joins the country in mourning the deceased persons comprising five high-profile government officials and three gallant soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The deceased were traveling to Obuasi for an event aimed at ending illegal small-scale mining when the helicopter they were aboard crashed into the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Sikaman Brofoyedru in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region.

In a statement, the GIF expressed its deepest commiserations as it highlighted the gallant efforts of the eight in contributing their quota to national development.

“These gallant men were responding to a national call which aims, among others, to regularise and sanitise mining in our landscapes (on and off Reserves) through the formation of cooperatives and acquisition of skills, to ensure environmental conservation, responsible and sustainable mining practices in host mining communities, which are critical issues confronting the nation in recent times,” the statement read.

It continued that: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating news and the irreparable loss of the two hard-working and dedicated Cabinet Ministers, and the loss of the six other committed public servants at this critical period of our national development”.

The GIF extended sincere condolences also to the President and Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation, Parliament, the Armed Forces, and the National Security for the tragic loss.

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.

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, Aug. 8, GNA – The European Union–Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) has expressed its profound sorrow and solidarity with the government and people of Ghana. 

The condolences follow the tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight individuals. 

In a press release sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the EUACC extended its “heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, Vice-President, Republic of Ghana, the bereaved families, the government, and people of Ghana in this hour of profound grief.” 

The crash, which occurred on August 6, 2025, tragically resulted in the deaths of prominent figures, including the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Murtala Mohammed (MP). 

Sonia Toro, the Executive Director of EUACC, stated they mourned alongside the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress and recognized the gravity of this national tragedy. 

The EUACC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana, describing the nation as a “country of investment opportunities.”  

The Chamber stated it stands in solidarity with Ghana, offering moral support and unwavering commitment to strengthen its collaboration. 

The statement sent a message of hope and resilience for the nation. 

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, may the people of Ghana find strength and resilience in this difficult time, and may Ghana’s unity guide the nation toward healing,” the statement added. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie

Ghana’s hard-won economic stability faces erosion from persistent governance gaps and project mismanagement, according to a new EM Advisory assessment.

While applauding President John Mahama’s early fiscal strides including a 1.1% GDP primary surplus, expenditure cuts 14.3% below budget, and slowing inflation the report stresses that these gains remain fragile.

Chronic inefficiencies threaten to unravel progress, notably a “disturbing pattern” of abandoned projects wasting billions. EM Advisory highlights how political transitions in Ghana’s multiparty system often strand infrastructure mid-construction. “Unattended projects drain national resources,” the analysis states, urging a nonpartisan framework to ensure continuity.

The consultancy flags alarming fiscal leaks: a GHC1.3 billion wage overrun in six months, 14,000 unverified payroll workers, and contractors securing loans without delivering work. Worse still, of the GHC67 billion arrears inherited from 2024, audits show GHC3.6 billion lacked documentation entirely, with another GHC27.3 billion still unvalidated.

“Stabilisation is not transformation,” cautions the report, noting temporary currency relief won’t shield Ghana when debt repayments peak. Without urgent reforms to boost accountability and project execution, the nation risks sliding back into boom-bust cycles. As one Accra economist put it: “Macro discipline means little if the state machinery can’t deliver basics efficiently.” The question lingers—can Ghana fix its engine before the clock runs out?

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GraphicOnline

Aug – 08 – 2025 , 16:29

2 minutes read

Accra witnessed a bullish trading session Friday as the GSE Composite Index climbed 0.86% to close at 7,386.41 points, extending weekly gains despite financial stocks dipping marginally.

Total market turnover hit GH¢11.26 million, dominated by equities like MTN Ghana (MTNGH) and Societe Generale (SOGEGH), which accounted for over 80% of traded value.

The NewGold ETF (GLD) emerged as the day’s standout performer, surging 10.3% to GH¢408 after heavy institutional buying. Banking stocks showed mixed activity: Cal Bank (CAL) dipped 1.9% amid high volume, while Standard Chartered (SCB) held steady at GH¢28. Notably, MTN Ghana led volumes with 5.3 million shares traded, though its price edged up just 1.6% to GH¢3.95.

Market capitalization expanded to GH¢150.8 billion as retail investors largely sat out. The Alternative Market (GAX) remained frozen, with Samba Foods and others recording zero trades. Analysts attributed the rally to renewed foreign interest in consumer and mining stocks, though one broker cautioned, “Liquidity stays concentrated in few counters – true breadth is still elusive.”

Ghana is investing $15 million to elevate women-led businesses within its non-traditional export sector, marking a strategic shift toward inclusive trade growth.

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) partnered with women-focused agribusiness group Guzakuza to launch “WISE Exports 2.0,” a four-year initiative targeting 300 female entrepreneurs.

The programme aims to generate $15 million in export sales and create over 1,500 jobs by 2029. It will focus on value chains like cassava, shea, cocoa, and fashion accessories—sectors where women face underrepresentation despite high potential. “This is a transformational movement for inclusive wealth,” stressed FAGE’s Youth and Gender Coordinator, Emmanuel Ansah-Amprofi.

FAGE CEO Abdul-Karim Dubiure called the move a “bold turning point” for Ghana’s trade ambitions. The initiative merges FAGE’s policy expertise, Guzakuza’s grassroots training, and digital marketplace BuyAfricaMade to tackle key barriers: scarce export training, limited financing, and poor global market access.

Guzakuza founder Nana Adjoa Sefa emphasized urgency: “Women power Africa’s growth quietly. It’s time they get the systems to go global.” With $3 million needed for initial rollout, the project seeks co-funding from investors and development agencies. It aligns closely with UN goals on gender equality and sustainable growth.