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Tensions have escalated in the Tamale Metropolis following a violent attack on staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The assault, reportedly carried out by some aggrieved youth, was in protest against recent staff reassignments by NEDCo management.

According to a statement issued by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the VRA Senior Staff Association, several staff members were “beaten to a pulp,” and three official vehicles were seized and taken to the Gukpe Naa’s Palace.

The incident is believed to be linked to the reassignment of a Director from the Human Resources Department to the Corporate Strategy Department, which has reportedly sparked unrest among some factions in Tamale.

Despite a formal complaint filed on the day of the incident, the staff union expressed concern that no arrests have been made by the Ghana Police Service.

The statement further revealed that the reassigned Director allegedly petitioned local traditional leaders, including the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, to intervene in what he described as a demotion and an attempt to transfer him out of Tamale.

The Director is also alleged to have claimed that his reassignment was driven by ethnic bias, asserting that his role in employing over 37 Dagombas was the source of friction with the Acting Managing Director.

The NEC, however, strongly refuted these claims, describing them as “complete lies and obvious untruths” and warned against tribalizing routine corporate decisions.

“This is not the first time directors have been reassigned at VRA/NEDCo,” the Association stressed, citing previous examples to demonstrate that reassignments are normal practice aimed at advancing corporate strategy and performance.

They also condemned the public dissemination of the reassigned Director’s official letter on local media platforms, including Zaa TV and TikTok, labelling it a breach of corporate ethics.

The union raised alarm over alleged instructions from some chiefs to the Acting Managing Director to reverse the reassignments, warning that such interference would undermine management authority and jeopardise governance within NEDCo.

As a precaution, VRA/NEDCo staff in Tamale have resolved to withdraw all services within the metropolis to safeguard their lives.

The NEC has issued three key demands:

Immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Retrieval of the three seized vehicles from the Gukpe Naa’s Palace.

Full enforcement of the reassignments without interference.

The staff leadership has also called on the Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, to intervene to ensure the reassignments stand and that the safety of their colleagues is guaranteed.

“We would have no option but to advise ourselves if the reassignment is not respected,” the union warned, hinting at possible escalated action if the situation is not resolved swiftly.

 GhanaianTimes highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba continued to reign even in death as thousands of Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians alike gathered across the country to honour his memory with a candlelight vigil on Saturday night.

The ceremony which was held simul­taneously at different parts of the coun­try and climaxed in Accra on Saturday witnessed participants dressed mostly in black, light thousands of candles that flickered across the night, transforming it into a sea of light and remembrance.

Most of the venues including his alma mata; Juabeng Senior High School, the Koforidua Jackson Park and the Indepen­dence Square in Accra where the national vigil took place were all branded with his images.

The pubs, lorry stations, bus terminals, drinking spots and the beaches were not left out as people patronising these venues joined in honouring the memory of the legend.

The vigil featured live performances by different gospel choirs, poetry readings, and tributes from notable figures within Ghana’s music and cultural spheres.

Organised by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), the vigil featured candle lighting, tributes, music performances, poetry re­citals, and reflections on Lumba’s impact on Ghana’s cultural landscape.

The event comes just days after his passing on July 26 at the age of 60, and brought together fans, dignitaries, mu­sicians, and cultural icons in a moving tribute to the man whose music shaped generations.

Two symbolic candles were lit- one on behalf of the President of Ghana and another on behalf of the Ghana Tourism Authority to represent national honour and gratitude.

Also, a large portrait of the late mu­sician was also unveiled to a chorus of thunderous applause filled with emotions.

Highlife greats, Pat Thomas and Kwabena Kwabena each took the stage to perform a song in tribute. Kwabena Kwabena performed “Obi Ate Meso Buo (Remix)”, originally recorded with Daddy Lumba and Okyeame Kwame, while Pat Thomas performed “Ahenfo Kyiniye”, a collaborative track with Lumba.

Tributes were delivered by family, representatives of government, the Ghana Tourism Authority and members of the creative arts industry.

A statement from the President, John Dramani Mahama, read on his behalf de­scribed Lumba as “a national icon” whose music and legacy “remain with us.”

A tribute read on behalf of his second wife and children by Priscilla Ofori-Atta recalled his humour, warmth, and role as a devoted husband and father.

Similarly a tribute from his first wife, read on her behalf, offered a rare glimpse into their private life: “You were my pro­tector, my joy, my home. Now the silence feels unbearable. The studio is quiet. But your legacy, it sings on.”

His children also expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, saying, “Without your love and loyalty, he wouldn’t have become Daddy Lumba.”

The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, re­marked that “his music didn’t just reflect Ghana; it was Ghana.”

The UNESCO Representative to Gha­na, Mr Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, referred to him as a “Cultural Ambassa­dor,” while The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr Wakefield Ackuku, said his contribu­tions to Ghanaian music would outlive generations.

The vigil featured performances from choral groups, spoken-word artists, and cultural troupes, and drew celebrities including media practitioner and TV host Stacy Amoateng, musician Sarkodie, ac­tress Emelia Brobbey, Director of the Di­aspora Affairs Office Kofi Okyere Darko, and others from the creative arts industry.

A Book of Condolence has been opened to the public at Daddy Lumba’s residence on Kinshasha Crescent, East Legon daily between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

So far, several prominent figures have signed the book, including former Pres­ident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo, former Vice President, Alhaji Dr Maham­mudu Bawumia, and former Chief of Staff Frema Osei‑Opare.

The solemn national candlelight vigil witnessed the crowd join in singing sev­eral of Lumba’s iconic hits, including Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Yentie Obiaa, and Makra Mo, with many visibly moved by the music.

Traders were also not left out as they cashed in by briskly selling different branded paraphernalia and T-shirts bearing the images of the late icon at the various vigil centres.

 BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG AND RAYMOND APPIAH-AMPONSAH

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has maintained stability against major trading currencies on the interbank market, particularly the US dollar.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢10.49 and a selling price of GH¢10.50 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢13.89 and sold at GH¢13.91 while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢12.11 and a selling price of GH¢12.12.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on August 4, 2025, at 7:40 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢11.95 while the pound is selling at GH¢15.90 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢13.90 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has noted that the cedi appreciated by 42% in the first six months of 2025.

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Myjoyonline.com brings you the front pages of the various newspapers across the country.

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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.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has demanded a 30% reduction in DSTV subscription fees from MultiChoice Ghana, igniting national debate over consumer fairness versus free-market principles.

The minister cites the cedi’s recent appreciation and improved macroeconomic indicators as justification, arguing these same factors prompted MultiChoice’s past price hikes. Critics allege Ghanaians face exploitation, noting Nigeria’s DSTV Premium package costs $29 compared to Ghana’s $83 equivalent. George has threatened licence revocation through the National Communications Authority (NCA) if prices remain unchanged.

MultiChoice Ghana attributes its pricing to operational burdens, including high taxation (VAT, health levies), volatile forex demands for imported content/equipment, and rising electricity tariffs. The company contends its rates reflect Ghana’s challenging business environment, not corporate exploitation.

Consumer group CUTS International counters that MultiChoice’s market dominance—enabled by Ghana’s lack of competition law—allows unilateral pricing. They urge legislative action to prevent abuse.

The standoff tests Ghana’s liberal economic framework, which prioritizes market-led pricing and minimal state intervention. Analysts caution that coercive measures, while politically popular, risk investor confidence and broader economic repercussions.

The solution, many argue, lies not in forced price cuts but structural reforms: passing competition legislation, rationalizing taxes, and encouraging market alternatives. Until then, the dispute highlights tensions between consumer protection and business realities in emerging economies.

Professor Naana Jane and Kelvin Taylor

The Office of the Vice President has refuted claims circulating on social media that political commentator, Kelvin Taylor, is being housed at the official residence of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang under national security protection.

Speaking in an interview on Adom TV on August 1, 2025, Maame Ama Pratt, Press Secretary to the Vice President, dismissed the reports as false and baseless.

She clarified that not only is Kelvin Taylor not living at the Vice President’s residence, but he has also never visited her office or home.

“He is not living at the Vice President’s house. That is the end of the matter,” she stated.

She added, “He doesn’t live with the Vice President and hasn’t been to our office either.”

Pratt added that there was no need for the Vice President’s Office to officially respond to such claims, as not every allegation warrants a response.

The rumours gained traction on social media after Ghanaian media personality Paul Adom-Otchere on July 15, 2025, alleged that Kelvin Taylor, host of With All Due Respect on Loud Silence TV, was being housed at the Vice President’s residence despite a court warrant for his arrest at the time.

Adom-Otchere further alleged that Taylor was receiving state protection without being apprehended.

However, on July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court quashed the arrest warrant in a 4-1 majority decision.

The panel was presided over by Justice Imoro Amadu Tanko and included Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, and Philip Bright Mensah. Justice Ernest Gaewu was the sole dissenter in the ruling.

The arrest warrant stemmed from a contempt of court charge initiated by Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour of the Court of Appeal, who was sitting as an additional High Court judge.

AM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Ghana’s banking sector climbed to 21.8% in 2024, up from 20.58% the previous year, driven by lingering macroeconomic strains and the fallout from the 2022 Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

Services, commerce/finance, transport/storage/communication, and construction dominated impaired assets, jointly contributing over 75% of total NPLs. The services sector alone accounted for 26.27%, followed by commerce/finance (23.23%), transport (14.35%), and construction (11.37%). Notably, services, transport, and manufacturing bucked the trend as the only sectors with rising NPL shares.

Despite asset quality pressures, banks strengthened loss-absorption capacity. The ratio of NPLs net of provisions to capital—a critical risk indicator—fell to 11.1% from 14.6% in 2023, reflecting improved provisioning. Overall financial health remained robust: total assets surged 33.8% to GH¢367.81 billion, fueled by a 28.8% deposit growth. Household deposits grew to 35.8% of the total, underscoring stable funding. Capital buffers also edged up, with the capital adequacy ratio reaching 14% and leverage ratio holding firm at 5.1%, both above regulatory minimums.

Profitability stayed resilient due to wider interest margins and cost discipline. However, credit expansion remained muted—just 14.9% of new funds were lent, though up from 8.4% in 2023. Banks prioritized cash and near-cash instruments, allocating 62% of asset growth here amid revised central bank reserve requirements.

Systemic risks persist through non-bank exposures. Securities firms, insurers, and pension funds held GH¢11.56 billion in bank assets, creating contagion vulnerability.

In response, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and Financial Stability Council advanced stricter large-exposure rules, climate-risk guidelines, and enhanced credit supervision.

BoG Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama acknowledged NPLs as a “matter of concern” but highlighted corrective efforts: “Our objective is to strengthen the overall credit administration framework.” The central bank anticipates modest credit recovery as inflation eases and business confidence improves.

The CEO of MobileMoney Limited, Shaibu Haruna, has been awarded the CEO of the Year – Fintech at the prestigious 4th Ghana CEO Vision and Awards, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The award recognises Shaibu’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative impact within the Fintech sector.

Under his leadership, MobileMoney Ltd has strengthened its position as a digital finance leader, accelerating financial inclusion and driving customer-focused innovation across Ghana.

Expressing his appreciation after receiving the award, Mr Haruna said, “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of the MobileMoney Ltd team and the entire MTN Ghana team.

“We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge digital financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across Ghana and beyond.”

He dedicated the Award to MoMo customers and the various stakeholder groups whose partnership, loyalty and commitment in using the MoMo platform have contributed to deepening financial inclusion in Ghana.

Shaibu Haruna is a seasoned executive with over two and a half decades of commercial experience in diverse businesses across Africa and the Middle East.

His expertise spans Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Automobile, Financial Services, E-Commerce, and Telecoms.

The past 18 years of his career has been in telecoms/digital services where he led channel and business transformation/turnaround in Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia markets.

A greater part of his telecommunications career has been with MTN, where he spearheaded the highly rated distribution model for MTN in Ghana, which has since been replicated across the majority of  MTN Group markets.

In 2022, Shaibu was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney LTD, a subsidiary of Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) and market leader of digital financial services.

Since its launch in 2009, MobileMoney LTD has remained committed to driving financial inclusion and contributed significantly to shaping the future of digital payments and unlocking economic opportunities for its customers.

The Ghana CEO Vision and Awards is organised by Globe Productions Ltd to celebrate top-performing chief executives across more than 30 sectors to project their visionary leadership and measurable impact.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama has moved to calm fears among Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana and their government, assuring a special envoy dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that there will be no mass deportations.   

A statement issued by Ghana’s Presidency, said President Mahama had assured that Ghana had no intention of resorting to mass expulsions, emphasising the shared history and inter-dependence of the two countries.   

The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.  

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS’ protocols, dismissing any anxieties in Nigeria over any potential mass deportation of its citizens from Ghana following the emergence of a viral video.  

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the “anxieties” of the Nigerian people and government, citing the viral video, widespread apprehension of mass deportations, and fears of shops belonging to Nigerian traders being burned.   

The concerns, she noted, have led to emergency sessions in Nigeria’s National Assembly and traditional rulers instructing relatives in Ghana to return home.   

President Mahama acknowledged the historical relations between Ghana and Nigeria, describing them as “siblings of the same parents, and so our destinies are joined together.”   

He invoked past unfortunate incidents of mass deportations in both countries-Ghana in the 1960s and Nigeria in the 1980s, saying, “I think that it is a part of our past, and it’s an unfortunate past that we want to put behind us, and I believe that none of our two countries should mass deport our citizens ever again.”  

“We are members of the ECOWAS, and we have the ECOWAS protocol that allows our citizens to travel freely between our countries.”   

He also clarified that, although there had been isolated incidents and some individuals involved in criminal activity, such cases were addressed through proper legal procedures, not through collective punishment or mass expulsion.   

President Mahama explained that foreign residents in Ghana who engaged in criminal activities shall be held individually liable and sanctioned.   

President Mahama traced the recent tensions to the resurfacing of a 2013 video featuring an “Igbo king” discussing land acquisition for a kingdom, which was widely misinterpreted as a recent development.   

He dismissed this as “bit of a storm in a teacup,” assuring the Nigerian delegation that Ghanaian law governs the establishment of traditional councils, making such external claims impossible.  

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Mahama for de-escalating a potentially volatile situation, saying the initial fears of widespread unrest upon their arrival in Accra had been proven unfounded.  

Source: GNA   

The 88th Asafotufiam Festival in Ada, meant to celebrate tradition, unity, and ancestral heritage, was marred by discontent and accusations of betrayal, as residents of communities around the Songor Lagoon expressed outrage over their exclusion and the growing influence of corporate interests on cultural affairs.

Many aggrieved residents, including traditional salt winners and concerned youth, were visibly disappointed after failing to confront President John Dramani Mahama during the grand durbar. The President, though expected, was absent and represented instead by his Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo. This development deflated the hopes of residents who had planned to present their grievances over the operations of Electrochem Ghana Limited, which they accuse of forcibly taking over the Songor Lagoon and destroying livelihoods.

“We were prepared to meet the President face-to-face, to speak our truth about the land and the brutality. But once again, they have shielded him from our cries,” said a resident from Goi.

The disappointment was compounded by what many described as a poorly organized durbar — despite heavy financial sponsorship from Electrochem Ghana.

The Chairman for the occasion, Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo Prampram could not stay until the program is closed, he left just before the middle of activities.
Some community members described the festival as being “hijacked” by corporate and political interests. “Our tradition is being commercialized. This is no longer Asafotufiam; it is Electrochem-tufiam,” a visibly angered youth remarked.

Further stirring tension was the absence of Sege Member of Parliament, Hon. Daniel Keshi Bessey, from the program lineup and the official brochure. The lawmaker, who has been vocal about the plight of the Songor communities and critical of Electrochem’s operations, was not featured in the brochure as a member to the high table nor mentioned in the official proceedings — a move widely seen as a political snub orchestrated through traditional leadership.

An open letter, authored by concerned resident Daniel Busumprah, posed pointed questions to the Ada Traditional Council and the 88th Asafotufiam Planning Committee:

“Is Ada West no longer part of Great Ada? Has tradition now become a tool to reward silence and punish truth?”

“Is it because Hon. Bessey echoed the voices of the voiceless that he has been erased from his own land’s celebration?”

The letter warned that such exclusion, if true, threatens not only the unity of Ada but the integrity of its cherished customs. It urged elders to resist any attempts to divide the people based on corporate loyalties or political alignments.

During the event, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, representing President Mahama, assured residents that their petitions had reached the highest office and that decisive action would be announced soon.

“President Mahama is deeply aware of the situation around Songor. He has engaged the relevant parties, and a firm decision will follow shortly,” she said.

Some NDC Constituency executives earlier debunked narratives suggesting that Electrochem Ghana had brought meaningful development to the area. They have pledged to support the locals to fight for their rights.

“Apart from sponsoring this festival and being linked to alleged brutality against residents, Electrochem has done little to uplift the lives of the people. Communities remain impoverished, displaced, and unheard,” Assembly members for Koluedor added.

The 88th Asafotufiam Festival, instead of being a moment of communal pride, revealed deepening cracks in Ada’s sociopolitical fabric — with residents accusing the Traditional Council and organizers of sacrificing the soul of the community at the altar of financial influence.

As the dust settles on the festival, one message from residents remains clear: they will continue to demand justice, accountability, and the restoration of their rights and dignity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the 4th Made-In-Ghana Bazaar at a media launch in Accra.

The Made-In-Ghana Bazaar is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting Ghanaian products and services globally through strategic economic diplomacy.

The media launch marked the beginning of preparations for the main bazaar, scheduled for September 5 to 7, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The theme for this year’s edition is “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets and Opportunities.”

The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, first launched in 2018, serves as a unique platform to connect Ghanaian producers with consumers, investors, diplomats and foreign buyers.

It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Free Zones Authority, and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

With global trade facing new challenges, including tariff wars and shifting geopolitical alliances, the bazaar seeks to position Ghanaian products strategically in emerging markets within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and others.

Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the bazaar was part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy agenda, carefully designed to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance the country’s export of non-traditional goods.

“This year’s theme aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to build a self-reliant, industrialised and globally competitive Ghana,” the Minister said.

He stated, “We are not merely talking about Made in Ghana; we are institutionalising it through bold reforms and strategic action.”

The Minster said the Minister was committed to deepening Ghana’s commercial engagements globally and turning the Made-in-Ghana vision into a sustainable economic engine.

Mr Ablakwa outlined five new policy measures by his Ministry to demonstrate its commitment to the Made-in-Ghana agenda.

These include the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for ambassadors, with a specific focus on promoting Ghanaian products; compulsory promotion of Made-in-Ghana goods at all National Day events hosted by Ghana’s diplomatic missions; and the exclusive serving of Made-in-Ghana food at official state events.

“In addition, all humanitarian donations made by the Ministry will henceforth consist only of Made-in-Ghana products. We have already begun by sending two containers of Ghanaian chocolate to Palestine as part of a humanitarian effort,” the Minister disclosed.

He also announced a procurement policy directive prioritising Ghanaian suppliers in the Ministry’s contracting processes.

Mr. Ablakwa said, “Every procurement we make starts with the question, do we have a Ghanaian company with the capacity to deliver? If yes, then the job stays here.”

Mr. Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), pledged the Centre’s unwavering support for the bazaar, calling it a “critical tool for investment promotion.”

He praised the Ministry’s economic diplomacy drive and reiterated GIPC’s willingness to collaborate in ensuring its success.

“We at GIPC are ready to sweep the grounds if that’s what it takes to make this initiative thrive,” Mr. Madjie said, eliciting applause from the audience which included representatives from the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society, media and heads of various trade and investment agencies.

He stressed that, “This aligns perfectly with our vision to push Ghana’s 24-hour economy and connect Made-in-Ghana goods to markets across the continent and beyond.”

The CEO also announced the upcoming Ghana International Investment Summit and the Ghana Diplomatic Investment Drive (GDID), which would help Ghanaian diplomats pitch investment opportunities abroad using a newly developed Investment Opportunities Mapping (IOMP) tool.

Madam Emilia Assiakwa, First Vice President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), underscored the private sector’s readiness to make the bazaar a success.

She applauded the government’s recent interventions to reduce business costs and stimulate investment.

“This platform perfectly aligns with our shared vision of advancing economic diplomacy and boosting Ghana’s non-traditional exports,” she said.

She noted that the Chamber had sensitized over 1,500 businesses on AfCFTA and supported 50 SMEs in scaling up, and that the GNCCI Junior Chamber was also grooming the next generation of Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

Madam Assiakwa called for sustained collaboration among government, business and diplomatic stakeholders to ensure that the bazaar translates into tangible outcomes for the economy.

“Let us drive local production, expand exports and build a resilient private sector for national transformation,” she urged.

This year’s event is expected to attract hundreds of exhibitors, with product categories ranging from agro-processing, textiles and fashion, to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts and digital innovations.

The Ministry assured participants that the 2025 edition would be “carefully curated to offer exhibitors maximum outcomes and visibility for export.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

A high-powered delegation from Mombasa, Kenya, led by Governor H.E. Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, has visited Zoomlion Ghana Limited and other subsidiaries of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) to study the company’s innovative waste management model.

The 26-member delegation, including members of Parliament (MPs), technical staff members, and administrative personnel, aimed to explore potential areas of collaboration and emulate the Jospong Group’s sanitation module in Kenya.

The visit follows a working trip by the Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, to Kenya in July, this year, aimed at promoting a Pan-Africa’s solution to the sanitation challenges, by turning it into opportunities for growth. 

Their visit was to discuss and observe at first-hand how the Jospong Group uses green technologies and state-of-the-art facilities to solve challenges within the environmental sanitation space. The team, after several discussions and touring these eco-friendly facilities, was overwhelmed with the depth of knowledge and expertise exhibited by the Jospong staff. They saw Jospong Group’s solution as one that brings social, environmental, and economic empowerment to the youth.

During their four-day (July 29 – August 1, 2025), visit to Ghana, the delegation toured various facilities of the JGC, including Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), Zoomlion Transfer Station in Pantang, Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), Kpone Landfill Site, Universal Plastic Product and Recycling Plant (UPPR), in Accra and Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), Medical Waste Treatment Facility, and Kumasi Waste Water Treatment Plant in the Ashanti Region.

The delegation was impressed by the company’s waste management module, which turns waste into a resource and opportunity. They commended the Jospong Group for taking the lead in waste management in Africa and creating opportunities for the youth. 

The Governor of Mombasa, H.E. Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, outlined the county’s waste management strategy, which includes dividing Mombasa into 600 units and employing young people to collect waste. 

According to him, the collected waste will be taken to a transfer station and then to a material recovery facility, eliminating the need for landfills that cause environmental degradation.

“In the past, people were disposing of waste haphazardly due to the lack of a formal collection system,” Governor Nassir said. 

“To address this, we’re dividing Mombasa into 600 units and employing young people to collect waste. We’ll pay them a salary to prevent cartels from forming.”

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for his support and participation in the upcoming devolution conference.

The Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, in his statement, emphasised the importance of collaborative partnerships and supporting local talent. “We’re committed to making this project a success, and we’ll work closely with you as partners,” he said. “We believe in collaborative partnerships, supporting local talent, and creating employment opportunities.”

He added that Jospong Group’s team will work with Mombasa County to complete feasibility studies and ensure timely delivery. “We’ll send a team to discuss details with stakeholders and before work begins,” he said. “By the time we finish, locals will be equipped to operate the plant, and we’ll establish a training regime for knowledge transfer.”

The partnership between Mombasa County and Jospong Group aims to promote sustainable waste management practices and create employment opportunities for the local population.

Hon. Mohamed Faki Mwinyihaj, Senator and member of the delegation, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The Jospong Group’s waste management module is a model that we can learn from and replicate in Kenya. The level of job creation and environmental protection is impressive.”

Chairperson of Mombasa County Public Service Board, Farida Abdallah, was particularly impressed with the level of job creation the transfer station has provided for the youth. “This is a model that we can replicate in Kenya to create jobs and promote environmental protection,” she said. 

Other members of Parliament Likoni, Mvita, Kisauni, Changamwe, Mishi Kuma Mboko, Constituencies, also expressed similar sentiments emphasising their government’s commitment to job creation and environmental protection. “The Jospong Group’s waste management module aligns with our government’s priorities, and we are excited about the potential for collaboration,” they said.

The Minister for Blue Economy, Agriculture, and Livestock in Mombasa County, also expressed support for efforts to emulate the Jospong Group’s sanitation module in Kenya. “We believe that this model can be adapted to our context and help us address our waste management challenges,” she said. The Officer in charge of Water and Sanitation in the County of Mombasa noted that the Jospong Waste Module turns waste into a resource and opportunity, a feat worth emulating. “This is a game-changer for waste management in Kenya, and we are excited about the potential for collaboration,” he said.

Earlier during the tour, H.E. Sherrif Nassir, together with all his MPs, technical and administrative staff members, paid a working visit to the KCARP, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group and the biggest compost and recycling plant in Africa. The also visited other the Kumasi Waste Water Treatment plant and the ultra-modern medical waste treatment plant.

The Governor mentioned how sanitation challenges such as solid waste, sewerage, and medical waste have bedevilled the county of Mombasa, hence their readiness to allow Jospong Group to replicate their blueprint solutions to the sanitation sector to provide a sustainable environment for all. The visit aims to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration between Ghana and Kenya to promote sustainable waste management practices. The potential collaboration could lead to new partnerships and opportunities for growth in the waste management sector.

Earlier in July, there was a working visit by officials from the office of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, as well as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), to explore sustainable waste
management partnerships in Kenya.

Prof. Jerry S.Y. Kuma, Advisor to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, says addressing illegal mining in Ghana demands a coordinated, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approaches.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement between the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Ho, Prof. Kuma outlined some interventions the government is rolling out to combat the menace.

He explained that one of the key strategies involves reviewing the laws governing mining licenses to tighten regulatory oversight.

This, he said, would be complemented by stronger enforcement and the management of mining equipment such as excavators.

“We plan to track all excavators across the country. Trackers will be installed so that any unauthorized movement—especially into forest reserves—can be monitored and stopped. A national control room has been set up at the Minerals Commission to oversee this system with support from the Ministry of Transport, DVLA, GRA, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority,” Prof. Kuma stated.

He also announced the launch of the Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, approved by Cabinet and expected to be rolled out in the coming week.

This programme aims to formalise the activities of small-scale miners, especially those currently operating illegally, by integrating them into a regulated system.

“Under this initiative, cooperatives made up of chiefs, youth, and women’s groups will be supported to mine responsibly. They will have access to modern processing plants that do not use mercury or cyanide. These plants offer a gold recovery rate of over 90 per cent, compared to 40–60 per cent from the traditional mercury-based methods,” he said.

Prof. Kuma added that this would not only increase yields for miners but also help reduce water pollution.

He said: “The idea is to get more miners using these facilities, where wastewater is treated before discharge. This will reduce the damage to rivers and water bodies.”

He announced that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force would simultaneously step up enforcement to prevent mining in forest reserves.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about the lingering effects of illegal mining, particularly the use of mercury.

He called for stronger action against offenders, citing reports of birth deformities in communities affected by illegal mining.

“It’s not enough to ban mercury use on paper. There must be strict penalties and enforcement. Otherwise, we’ll continue repeating the same cycle of inaction,” he warned.

Togbe Hodo further urged experts and policymakers to take seriously the lived experiences of traditional leaders and communities and ensure meaningful inclusion in the reform process.

“We must stop the opaque operations in the mining sector. Let’s involve our people, protect our resources, and build a responsible mining future for Ghana,” he added.

Source: GNA

The IMCC is expected to integrate Development Partners’ feedback before submitting the draft policy

In a key step toward the formulation of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (NDPS 2026–2030), the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCC), Dr Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, led a team of experts to engage Development Partners.

The meeting held at the Embassy of Switzerland formed part of stakeholder consultations and provided a timely opportunity to take on board DP perspectives on the decentralisation reforms, align development assistance with national priorities towards the sector-wide approach to decentralisation.

Welcoming the delegation, Janine Walz, Head of Cooperation at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Deputy Head of Mission, praised Ghana’s government for “walking the talk” in rallying diverse stakeholders behind meaningful policy dialogue.

She noted that the new NDPS provides Development Partners (DPs) and international NGOs an opportunity to shape Ghana’s next phase of decentralisation reforms.

“The policy being developed presently offers all DPs and INGOs the chance to shape this successor policy,” she said, urging continued collaboration to achieve a consensus-driven, reform-oriented, and practical framework for local governance.

Dr Gameli highlighted that the draft policy had undergone extensive consultations nationwide, gathering input from four zonal sub-national meetings and a national stakeholder forum with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, CSOs.

He also underscored the importance of DP feedback to align with the aspirations and to finalise the policy that truly reflects local needs.

Decentralisation remains a key pillar of Ghana’s governance, aimed at empowering local authorities to deliver essential services and development closer to communities.

The session was attended by representatives from the following institutions; KfW Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the World Bank, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Expertise France, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, the Government of Canada, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and other development partners.

The IMCC is expected to integrate Development Partners’ feedback before submitting the draft policy to Cabinet for approval in August.

The 2025 Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day celebrations have been climaxed with a flamboyant grand durbar at Assin Manso in the Central Region.

The chiefs and people of the four traditional areas of Assin, joined by the African Diaspora community, government officials and hundreds of enthusiastic citizens gathered under a large and colourful umbrella of reconciliation, hope and historical renaissance to further the quest for a renewed Africa.

Reparative justice, unity, and environmental sustainability dominated discussions in the culturally rich festive atmosphere.

The drumming, singing, and dancing, traditional regalia and the use of native languages wove a bright broad fabric of organic African culture.

The occasion marked the 17th PANAFEST and 27th Emancipation Day celebrations on the themes “Let us speak of reparative justice – Pan African artistic activism” and “Community development through environmental sustainability and tourism” respectively.

The twin-festival does not only commemorate the inhumane crimes of the past but also facilitates unity and enhances cultural pride and promotes responsible governance.

Traditional authorities led Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other government officials, and the Diaspora Africans to perform rituals at the Ancestral Graveyard at Assin Manso to honour the sacrifices of the ancestors and evoke their blessings.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of government and the people, the diaspora community, the youth of Africa and traditional rulers.

Madam Dzifa Gomashie highlighted the devastating effects of slavery on the African people and reiterated the calls for reparation, insisting that reparative justice was “a normal and historical obligation.”

“Reparations must be more than an apology; it must be about restoration of heritage, of opportunity and of dignity. It is a recognition of the wrong done, an admission of same, and taking steps to right the wrongs of the past,” she said.

She noted that the atrocities suffered by the African ancestors were regrettable and paid tribute to them for their resilience and endurance which had brought freedom to many generations.

She described the return of the diaspora Africans as a “sacred pilgrimage and reconnection of family ties” cut by the slave trade and entreated them to return home often en bloc.

“You are not visitors; you are the children of Africa returning to embrace your ancestral land. Your Presence brings healing, reconciliation and hope,” the Minister noted.

“Let us carry on with a solemn pledge to never forget those who were lost, to build a future that honours their memory, to demand justice, and to live in unity, to keep alive spirit of freedom not just in words but in action, policy and purpose,” she said.

Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, challenged political and traditional leaders to consciously manage the resources of the country judiciously to spur development, urging the diasporan community to exact accountability from leadership.

Beyond reparation, he insisted that it was the duty of African leaders to build and transform the Continent in all situations.

He invited more African across the world to visit and live in Ghana as the President was building a comfortable, sound and prosperous country.

Mr Jonathan Birikorang, the District Chief Executive for Assin South, who firmly advocated for environmental sustainability, sounded the alarm on indiscriminate disposal of refuse, destruction of water bodies, deforestation, hunting in forest reserves and other destructive practices.

He observed that such destructions undermined agriculture and food security, health, water, and economic growth, entreating all citizens to commit to preserving the natural resources to sustain lives and livelihoods.

Rev. Dr Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, advocated the establishment of African heritage centres across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean and other parts of the world to strengthen the connections between the Diaspora and the Continent.

He said the renewed demand for reparation was legitimate, while urging Africans abroad to return home and immerse themselves in the tradition of their ancestors.

He promised to use part of his MP’s common fund to construct an AstroTurf pitch for the Assin Manso community which would serve as a recreational facility and durbar ground.

Rabbi Kohain Nathanya Halevi, the Executive Director of the PANAFEST Foundation, dismissed the narrative that Africans were hostile and entreated Africans to take charge of their own narrative.

He stressed that Africa should take control of its destiny and urged Africans both at home and abroad to hold one another accountable as they worked towards healing and unity.

“Before we heal the world, we must begin by healing ourselves, and that healing must come with responsibility,” he stressed.

Barimba Kwame Nkyi XIII, the Paramount Chief of Assin Apimanim Traditional, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for the dedication and commitment towards PANAFEST and called for unity at all levels to engender development.

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.

NPP flag and President John Mahama

A political controversy is brewing in Ghana as a Ukrainian public relations agency, Brandcom, has threatened legal action against the New Patriotic Party (NPP), alleging non-payment for services tied to an anti-John Mahama media campaign during the 2024 presidential election.

The NPP, however, has denied any association with the firm, calling the claims “false, baseless, and defamatory.”

Brandcom’s claims: Smear campaign, fake accounts and unpaid fees

In a pre-litigation notice, according to allafrica.com, Brandcom alleges that the NPP contracted the agency to run a coordinated digital campaign aimed at discrediting then-candidate John Dramani Mahama.

The Ukrainian firm claims it managed 430 fake social media accounts, developed 87 memes and infographics mocking Mahama’s flagship “24-hour economy” promise, and produced four videos attacking his record from his previous presidency.

Brandcom says these activities were part of a broader strategy to influence public perception through Ghanaian media platforms and online discourse.

The agency now demands $280,000 in unpaid fees, in addition to penalties for late payment and legal costs.

The notice also threatens the release of alleged evidence of collaboration, including recorded conversations with unnamed NPP representatives.

NPP denies allegations, labels report a smear

In a swift response dated August 3, 2025, the NPP categorically denied ever engaging Brandcom.

The party’s National Communications Directorate dismissed the allegations as entirely fabricated, stating, “The NPP has no contractual relationship (past or present) with any entity known as Brandcom, based in Ukraine or elsewhere.

“The claims contained in the article are completely false, baseless, and defamatory.”

The party further denied ever authorising any foreign agency to engage in unethical digital tactics, insisting that its campaigns have always been grounded in integrity, democratic values, and policy-driven discourse.

Labelling the allegations as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the party and sow public distrust,” the NPP demanded an immediate retraction and warned of potential legal action against Brandcom and any media outlet that republishes the claims.

Independent investigations raise new questions

Meanwhile, a news report by allafrica.com indicates that independent journalists have been digging into the story.

Preliminary findings suggest that Brandcom, which touts itself as a strategic communications firm with “political experience in Africa,” has had previous media collaborations on the continent.

Its online portfolio allegedly references work with anonymous African political clients.

Analysts are reported to have also traced suspicious digital activity linked to the 2024 elections.

Several of the social media accounts identified as spreading anti-Mahama content had previously shared pro-Ukraine messaging and anti-Russia narratives during the early years of the war in Eastern Europe. This suggests that digital assets from other propaganda campaigns may have been recycled for the Ghanaian political space.

Legal showdown or PR fabrication?

At this point, the situation remains murky. Brandcom has yet to publicly release any verifiable evidence of its alleged dealings with the NPP, and no legal documents beyond the pre-litigation notice have been filed in court, according to a report by allafrica.com.

AM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has officially rolled out its new policy mandating the 100% issuance of DP stickers and insurance coverage for Direct from Port (DP) registered vehicles through the State Insurance Company (SIC), a move that recorded a highly successful first day, according to DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey.

Kotey, who personally visited the port alongside the Managing Director of SIC, James Agyenim-Boateng, said they observed the process firsthand and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from stakeholders and the public.

“I was personally at the port with James Agyenim-Boateng to inspect the process and gather firsthand feedback, and I can confidently say the results were overwhelmingly positive,” Kotey said.

He extended his sincere appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the policy’s implementation, highlighting their cooperation and commitment as key to the day’s success.

“Your cooperation and dedication were crucial, and I’m optimistic about the positive impact this will have gone forward,” he added.

The policy is expected to improve compliance, road safety, and insurance coverage standards for newly imported vehicles.

The DVLA says it will continue monitoring and refining the rollout in collaboration with the SIC and other key partners.

Government has once again experienced an oversubscription in its primary T-bill auction, as demand surged 42.07 percent above target.

Latest data from the Bank of Ghana reveal that while the government aimed to raise GHS 3.86 billion, it accepted bids totaling GHS 5.48 billion.

The data showed that GHS 4.32 billion out of GHS 4.86 billion in bids for the 91-day bill were accepted. For the 182-day bill, GHS 823 million was taken from GHS 1.15 billion in bids, while the 364-day bill recorded GHS 343 million in accepted bids from a total of GHS 774 million.

Economic watchers attribute the sudden and sustained oversubscription to renewed institutional appetite for T-bills, as investors move to lock in current yields ahead of expected declines in interest and inflation rates.

Yields on short-term securities continue to fall. The 91-day yield dropped by 54 basis points to 10.29 percent, while the 182-day fell by 87 basis points to 12.35 percent from 13.22 percent. The 364-day yield also declined by 106 basis points to 13.24 percent.

Looking ahead, the government aims to raise GHS 8.58 billion at the next auction.

Tullow Ghana’s commitment to the communities in which it operates has been a key feature of its operations since oil production commenced in 2010.

As a leading oil and gas company in West Africa, the company believes that creating impact and value in its key communities elevates its social licence to operate.

After all, what is the point of it all, if the essence of oil and gas operations is not seen and felt by the people and the environment.

Since 2010, Tullow has deployed a variety of social initiatives to bring benefits to the people and communities living around its area of influence.

Driving through some of the towns near Ghana’s oil hub, like Axim, lower and upper Dixcove, or Takoradi, the evidence of these investments is visible.

Tullow has supported students with scholarships, built and upgraded school buildings, and invested in the livelihoods of farmers and fishers.

These efforts may not always make the headlines, but they are making a difference in real communities.

“Oil can be a blessing or a burden,” one local teacher in the lower Dixcove part of Axim recently said during a recent engagement session.

“But when companies like Tullow actually listen to us, it starts to feel like a blessing.”

One of the powerful tools Tullow has deployed as part of its business operations strategy is dialogue. The company understands that trust must not be assumed, especially when operating in an area like the Western region, listening is everything.

Recently, Tullow and its partners held meetings across several towns in the Western Region as part of an annual stakeholder management strategy.

It brought together chiefs, municipal executives, regulators, civil society, the Marine Police, and everyday citizens. They shared updates on operations and heard feedback from the people who live near the oil fields.

The conversations were open and frank: from offshore safety to economic empowerment, from canoe incursions in restricted zones to education for children.

Tullow believes that these interactions go a long way in defusing tension and building collective ownership.

Tullow’s Managing Director in Ghana, Jean-Médard Madama, often says the company wants to be a trusted partner in the country’s development. That means staying present, being open, and doing more than what is required.

“We regard these engagements as part of our social licence to operate,” said Tullow’s Social Performance Manager, Edmund Fiifi Enchill.

“When traditional leaders and municipal authorities help us spread the word, or the community embrace our impact and what we stand for, the benefits are sustainable.”

Ghana’s oil sector currently contributes over 6% to national GDP. Tullow, with its partners GNPC, Kosmos Energy, Explorco and Petro SA, have invested over $23 billion into Ghana’s Jubilee and TEN fields—and delivered over $9 billion in revenue to the state.

They have also contributed over $52 million to host communities in areas such as education, healthcare, alternative livelihoods, and environmental programs. Of this, Tullow alone has invested more than $24 million in standalone projects focused on education and alternative livelihoods.

Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove traditional Council reflects on Tullow’s impact in Ghana since its inception in 2006. He has been a traditional chief for close to four decades in the area.

“Tullow’s presence has been very significant here. I was a traditional leader when they arrived on these shores. They have been very supportive of our community activities and have kept us informed about their operations all the time. Transparency is key in such engagements, and Tullow does very well.”

It’s always a balancing act, and not every company gets it right. But Tullow and partners are bent on making it count in Ghana.

They continue to keep their focus on embedding trust, transparency, and people-first thinking into their strategy to unlock a new era of energy security that translates into a better future for Ghana.

And in a world where energy news headlines are sometimes dominated by issues of uncertainty, market challenges and a drift to green energy, what Tullow and partners are doing (showing that oil can bring lasting value) might just be the kind of story people want to hear.

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.

Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku

The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has thrown his support behind the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, for his bold stance on the high cost of DStv subscriptions in Ghana.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Opoku said he welcomed the Minister’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian consumers but cautioned that the approach must be strategic to avoid unintended consequences.

“I commend Sam George for standing up for consumers,” Opoku stated, referencing the Minister’s recent efforts to challenge the pricing structure of MultiChoice, operators of DStv.

He said the disparity between what Ghanaians pay and what other African countries are charged is indefensible, citing figures that show Ghanaian subscribers pay nearly three times more than their Nigerian counterparts for the same services.

Despite applauding the Minister’s intervention, Opoku warned against abrupt actions such as the immediate revocation of MultiChoice’s operating license.

He stressed that while the frustrations of consumers are valid, many hotels, pubs, and families rely heavily on the service for entertainment and business.

“We must engage carefully,” he advised, noting that heavy-handed regulatory action could harm the very people the government seeks to protect.

Opoku called for a more measured and constructive dialogue with MultiChoice to secure meaningful price reductions.

He said Ghana must insist on fair, regionally aligned pricing but must do so through negotiation rather than threats.

“We need constructive engagement with MultiChoice that delivers genuine price reductions, not excuses,” he emphasised.