play videoA photo of the Air Navigation Services Center

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, August 4, 2025, commissioned the Air Navigation Services (ANS) Centre and the Multi-Agency Command Center for the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to him, the state-of-the-art infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s aviation sector through strategic investment, digital innovation, and global best practices.

With the integration of the API and PNR systems, Ghana joins a growing list of countries complying with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 and Annex 9 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) frameworks, which promote enhanced border security, counterterrorism, and safe mobility.

Delivering his speech, President Mahama said; “This facility represents our resolve to build a 21st-century aviation ecosystem anchored on safety, efficiency, inter-agency collaboration, and service excellence.”

He credited Ghana’s strong reputation for aviation safety and airspace security to continuous investment in regulation and personnel training.

He further noted that the ultra-modern center will serve as the new hub for airspace management, fully equipped with communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, as well as aeronautical and meteorological services.

“With this infrastructure, Ghana’s aviation professionals, particularly our air traffic controllers and system engineers will operate in a conducive, technologically advanced environment. This will enhance air safety, reduce delays, and improve coordination within the aircraft flight information region,” he added.

“But even more critically, this facility underpins our broader national vision to position Ghana as the aviation hub of West Africa,” he stated.

President Mahama explained that the new systems will allow security agencies to collect and process passenger data in real time, enabling the identification of potential threats before arrival or departure.

The systems are also expected to streamline immigration and customs procedures and significantly improve the overall efficiency and security of air travel.

SA/MA

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Nativity Congregation, La, has on Sunday, August 3, 2025 commissioned a medical centre to serve the health needs of the people of La and its adjoining communities.

The medical centre, a first-phase of a multipurpose building being constructed by the church will run an Outpatients Section, Specialist Clinics (ENT, eye, family medicine, minor surgery), Antenatal and Postnatal Clinic, Wellness & Counselling Clinic, Laboratory, Ultrasound/Scan, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Pharmacy, Circumcision and Dietheraphy services.

At the grand commissioning of the facility, the Moderator of the General Assembly of PCG, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye congratulated the Nativity Congregation for the effort of giving the health centre to the community.

According to the moderator, with this new facility, the PCG contribution to health care delivery in Ghana comes toa total of 63 different hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, etc.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the Member of Parliament of the La Dadekotopon Constituency and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, a special guest at the event to assist the facility with an ambulance.

Minister in Charge of the congregation Rev Andrew Shardow handed over the keys to the facility to the Board Chair, Mrs Evelyn Dowuona, who then took the dignitaries on a tour of the various section.

By Christopher Kotei

The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Donkor, has given details of how vehicles stolen in Western countries are imported into Ghana.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, August 4, 2025, COP Donkor said that a special task force set up by the CID, which has impounded six vehicles from Canada, discovered the modus operandi of the car smuggling syndicates.

She stated that one of the methods used by the criminal gangs is the use of fake identities to rent cars, which are eventually smuggled into Ghana.

“While the rental agreement is in force, they clandestinely ship the vehicles out of the country. As soon as they are sure the vehicles have been cleared, they stop paying the rental charges and cut all communication with the company.

“By the time the rental company realises that the contract has been abrogated, the vehicle would already have been shipped out of the country of origin,” she said.

She also disclosed that some of the vehicles that have been impounded were actually stolen.

“Some of the vehicles are actually stolen from the premises of the owners. The tracking systems are disabled, and they are shipped into the country,” she said.

“In some of the cases, fake credit cards or stolen credit card details are used to buy the vehicles on hire purchase. While the agreement is in force, the vehicles are shipped out of the country of origin. Once the vehicle is out and sold to an innocent buyer, the payments on the purchase are stopped. That is when the owners realise the theft and report same to the authorities,” she added.

She also said that some of the cars are bought and imported into Ghana to launder illicit profits acquired from criminal acts like romance fraud and sextortion.

COP Donkor urged Ghanaians to be circumspect when buying imported used vehicles and to demand purchase documents from the countries they were imported from.

“Some innocent citizens fall victim and purchase vehicles that have been stolen from abroad. I want to take this opportunity to advise all citizens who want to purchase vehicles, particularly those imported from abroad, to go beyond requesting the customs documents and demand from the importers some proof of purchase or ownership of the vehicle prior to its importation into the country,” she cautioned.

BAI/VPO

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

Vincent Ekow Assafuah is the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency

The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has criticised the government’s newly announced cocoa producer price, describing it as the “lowest price increase since 2016.”

In a social media post, Assafuah responded to the announcement by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, questioning the significance of the increment.

He pointed out that in 2024, the price of a bag of cocoa stood at GH¢3,100, and after all the government’s promises to transform the cocoa sector, the new price of GH¢3,228.75 per bag reflects a marginal increase of just GH¢128.75.

“Is this the heaven on earth you promised?” the Old Tafo MP quizzed, taking a swipe at the government’s earlier assurances of substantial improvements in cocoa pricing.

He further asserted that the increase represents the smallest margin of adjustment in cocoa prices since 2016, challenging the government’s narrative of significant progress.

Assafuah’s comments add to the growing scrutiny over the government’s economic policies, especially in sectors like cocoa, which is a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy.

His remarks suggest that the announced price increment falls far below expectations, particularly for cocoa farmers who were anticipating a more meaningful increase in light of the government’s campaign promises and speculations that farmers could receive GH¢6,000 per bag of 64kg gross weight.

On July 19, 1965, history was made. Ghana, bold and proud under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, introduced the Ghana Cedi as the nation’s official currency. It was more than just money, it was a symbol of independence, identity, and economic sovereignty. Yet, less than two years later, Nkrumah was overthrown in the infamous 1966 coup, a political quake that some historians subtly link to the ripple effects of our new monetary independence—a move that threatened colonial economic interests tied to the British Pound.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Cedi turns 60 years old. But here’s the twist—while our nation’s currency has endured decades of inflation, redesigns, and economic storms, one battle it still can’t win is against us. From crumpling and folding our notes like old receipts, to scribbling phone numbers on them, even using them as “spray” notes at parties, we’ve treated the very symbol of our independence with a level of disregard we’d never dare show to the Dollar, Pound, or Euro. Foreign currencies, we handle with care, smooth and crisp as though they’re sacred scrolls. Our Cedi? It too often ends up sweaty, torn, or taped together before it completes a single cycle through the economy.

Now Stunnin Music, known as Elvis Siaw Baah is a voice determined to change the tune, literally. As an artist manager to Kofi AC with 11 years in the music industry, have seen modern music and all the chaos and “foolery” it brings that is dominating today’s lyrical landscape. Songs glorify spending, flexing, fashion and waste, while the real issues like our economy, our culture, our identity, continue fading into the background.

That changes now.
On August 8, 2025, Stunnin Music will release what might be the first song ever dedicated to the Ghana Cedi, a powerful anthem calling on every Ghanaian to keep “Our Cedi” clean. This isn’t just a song; it’s a movement. It blends entertainment with purpose, a beat you can vibe to with lyrics that remind us of our collective responsibility.

Because let’s face it, when we disrespect our own money, we disrespect our nation. Every torn note, careless spray, and unnecessary bouquet, chips away at the pride that should come with holding the Cedi. And if we can treat foreign currencies like gold, why can’t we give our own the same respect?

This August, as we celebrate 60 years of the Cedi, Stunnin Music invites every Ghanaian to tune in, turn up, and most importantly, stand up. Let’s rewrite the narrative. Let’s make the Cedi—not just a currency we use—but a symbol of pride we protect.

Join the movement. Keep the Cedi clean.
The song drops on all major streaming platforms 08/08/2025.

Because our money is more than paper.
It’s our identity. Our Heritage. Our National pride.

By Yussif Ibrahim

Twedie (Ash), Aug. 04, GNA – Mrs Grace Agyemang Asamoah, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Atwima Kwanwoma District, has cautioned staff of the Assembly against absenteeism, lateness, and general apathy towards work, describing such attitudes as detrimental to productivity and development.

Addressing workers from the various decentralised departments of the Assembly, the DCE expressed concern over the conduct of some employees, who prioritise personal engagements over official responsibilities.

She stressed that public sector workers must deliver services that match the benefits and privileges they receive, urging them to demonstrate commitment and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Mrs Asamoah encouraged staff of the Assembly to foster unity, love, and cooperation to implement impactful programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the people in the district.

“I urge you to give of your best to ensure the Assembly achieves its mandate.

“If you encounter any challenges or do not understand any processes, please don’t hesitate to approach my office. It is open to all,” she assured.

The DCE also appealed to heads of departments to be receptive to the concerns of their subordinates to build mutual trust and boost morale.

“The Assembly is doing its part to create a conducive work environment for staff.

“Let us all contribute our quota to uphold and enhance the image of the institution,” she said.

Mrs Asamoah further admonished staff to shun all forms of indiscipline and lackadaisical attitudes, warning that absenteeism without permission constitutes a serious breach of the civil service regulations.

She reiterated the need for every staff member to demonstrate responsibility and commitment, emphasising that the development of the district depended on a dedicated and efficient workforce.

GNA

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah

President John Mahama has mandated immediate collaboration between Ghana’s Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs ministries to fast-track the national e-visa system.

The directive, issued during the August 4 commissioning of upgraded Air Navigation Services and a Multi-Agency Command Centre in Accra, leverages new integrated passenger data systems to digitize immigration processes.

Mahama emphasized the infrastructure’s dual role in enhancing border security and enabling online visa applications, stating, “The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind.”

Ministries were tasked with extending the platform to land/sea borders and integrating it with existing e-gates, while exploring cargo data applications for customs.

The e-visa initiative—long delayed—aims to streamline entry procedures for foreign visitors, reduce bureaucracy, and boost Ghana’s competitiveness as a tourism and business hub. Implementation is now expected to advance within months, supported by the newly operationalized data-management infrastructure.

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has announced the launch of a six-week basic military orientation programme for National Service personnel, set to begin on August 31, 2025.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 8, the Minister noted that the initiative aims to promote discipline, national pride, and physical development among young graduates, while also preparing them for future leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

He was quick to clarify that the programme is not a form of youth militarisation, but rather a structured intervention to instil core values of citizenship and responsibility.

The programme, he said, is being rolled out at the directive of President John Dramani Mahama and is grounded in the National Service Authority (NSA) Act, Act 1119, as well as the broader objectives of the National Service Policy.

He assured that the NSA is set to partner with the Ghana Armed Forces to roll out the programme, which targets 100,000 personnel starting with two pilot cohorts of 10,000 participants this service year.

“His Excellency the President has directed the National Service Authority to implement a six-week basic military orientation programme. This initiative is in accordance with the National Service Authority Act, Act 1119, and aligns with the strategic objectives outlined in the National Service Policy.

“The National Service Authority will collaborate with the Ghana Armed Forces to carry out this programme. This orientation is designed to cover 100,000 service personnel starting this service year. This remarkable initiative will start 31st of August, 2025, in two cohorts of 10,000 and upscale to 100,000 in subsequent years,” he revealed.

CID details how criminals steal and ship vehicles into Ghana

The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has issued an urgent call for coordinated efforts to reduce escalating food prices, warning that inaction threatens national food security, public health, and economic stability.

In a statement from Accra, CAG CEO Anthony Morrison urged all value chain actors including input suppliers, traders, transporters, processors, and retailers to reassess pricing structures and reduce profit margins.

“While we understand business challenges, we cannot pass unsustainable costs to consumers and expect stability,” Morrison stated, framing the crisis as a “defining moment” requiring collective responsibility.

Soaring food costs have rendered nutritious diets unaffordable for millions of low-income Ghanaians, exacerbating malnutrition and diet-related diseases.

The Chamber highlighted that persistent price hikes are crippling local farming, with farmers reducing planting or using substandard inputs due to financial strain a trend suppressing yields and discouraging production.

As food remains the largest component of Ghana’s Consumer Price Index, these pressures fuel broader inflation and economic instability under President John Mahama’s NDC administration.

CAG contends that reducing food prices is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity, arguing affordability would revive consumer demand, stimulate non-food sectors, and curb inflation.

The Chamber simultaneously pressed the government for decisive policy interventions, advocating targeted input subsidies, accelerated local fertilizer and seed production to cut import reliance, and major investments in cold storage, silos, and solar dryers to address post-harvest losses of 30–50%.

Additional proposals include upgrading feeder roads, modernizing transport fleets, scaling affordable finance for SMEs, and deploying real-time market information systems.

Morrison emphasized the appeal transcends mere price adjustments: “We ask for responsible leadership and shared sacrifice.

This is about national survival.” The Chamber’s statement concludes with a dual demand: private players must streamline operations to enhance affordability immediately, while the government must create an enabling environment through concrete policies. CAG asserts that only aligned public-private action can reverse the crisis and build a food-secure economy.

Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo Ababio III (seated) with officials from TCDA

The Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo Ababio III, has donated 3,000 acres of land to the Government of Ghana to support large-scale cultivation of tree crops, including oil palm, mango, and coconut.

The donation, made through the OKWAF Foundation to the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), is seen as a major step toward reducing Ghana’s reliance on food imports and boosting agricultural exports.

In 2023 alone, Ghana imported over $133 million worth of palm oil despite having the capacity to grow and process more locally.

TCDA, established under Act 1010, plans to turn the land into a flagship demonstration site with nurseries, orchards, and processing facilities. The project is expected to generate jobs for youth in Akuapem and surrounding areas and stimulate local economies through agro-processing, transport, and support services.

At a meeting held on August 1, 2025, TCDA CEO Dr Andy Okra and his team pledged to partner closely with the OKWAF Foundation and ensure the project aligns with national policy and community interests.

The donation marks a turning point for Akuapem’s agricultural potential. Once known for its rich oil palm, mango, and coconut groves, the area has suffered from years of under-investment.

The new project aims to change that by anchoring a scalable agribusiness model that can attract investment and reduce rural-to-urban migration.

FYB Advisory, a Ghanaian consulting firm, will lead the business planning, funding mobilisation, and implementation support for the initiative.

Okuapehene Nana Akuffo Ababio III emphasised that this was not a symbolic gesture but a practical step toward economic empowerment.

“Let us help develop and feed our country,” he urged, committing to mobilise more land in the future.

The pledge is subject to a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and the OKWAF Foundation.

The Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the recent chieftaincy clash at Agona Abodom.

According to the police, the suspects, including their alleged leader, Akwesi Asare, have been transferred to the National Police Headquarters in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations

The incident, which occurred during the Akwanbo Festival on Friday, left four people dead and several others injured following violent clashes between a group believed to be land guards and members of the Fomo Abodom community.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Central Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Isaac Entie, told Adom News that five of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while three others remain on admission.

He added that police personnel have since been deployed to maintain peace and order in the community.

Agona Abodom, a farming community, had been battling chieftaincy disputes for the past 45 years until a chief was installed earlier this year.

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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.