Spiritual leader and head of the Ajagurajah Movement, Prophet Ajagurajah
The Ghanaian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the passing of legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosuh.
The 60-year-old music icon reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra.
While an official cause of death is yet to be communicated by his family or management, spiritual leader and head of the Ajagurajah Movement, Prophet Ajagurajah, has come forward with a shocking claim about what allegedly led to the singer’s untimely demise.
In a live video shared on social media, Prophet Ajagurajah alleged that Daddy Lumba’s death was caused by human error.
According to him, this information was made available to him by the wife of highlife legend.
“What killed Daddy Lumba was not caused by any spirit. It was human error,” Ajagurajah stated in the video.
His claims have stirred up conversations online, with many Ghanaians reacting to the video with mixed emotions.
Former manager of Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin, Zack GH
Former manager of Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin, Zack GH, has come out to make some startling revelations about the origin of the hit song “Tia Tia Break.”
According to Zack, the song was originally his, and not Lilwin’s as popularly believed.
In an interview with media personality Ruthy on SeanCity TV, Zack stated that he was the brain behind the track, both in terms of songwriting and concept.
He explained that the song was recorded back in 2013 at Cash Two and Ray Studio, with popular rapper Guru also featuring on it.
Zack recounted how they travelled together to Tamale shortly after recording the track, where they performed the song live on stage during a show.
He claimed that at the time, everything seemed fine, and he had no reason to suspect any foul play.
However, according to him, the shock came when they returned to Accra.
Zack said he was blindsided when he discovered that his rap verse had been completely removed from the final version of the song, without any notice or explanation by Lilwin.
Mining company, Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd., has denied claims made by some residents of Tontokrom alleging that the company deployed military personnel to harass and intimidate locals.
The company, in a press release on Sunday, July 27, clarified the presence of military forces in the area, stating it was part of a state-sanctioned security intervention to address illegal mining activities.
The clarification follows a press conference held by community members on Saturday, July 26, during which accusations were levelled against the company for allegedly involving the military in ways that negatively impacted the local population.
“We emphasise that there is absolutely no intention to intimidate, harass, or interfere with the peaceful lives of community members,” the company stated.
According to Asanko Gold, the deployment of military personnel was authorised by the Ghana Armed Forces, coordinated with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and sanctioned by the Ministry of Defence. The company maintains that the intervention is part of a broader national effort to protect legally licensed mining operations from the increasing threats posed by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Asanko revealed that the Tontokrom concession, acquired from AngloGold Ashanti, had progressed into key phases of development, with an investment of over $16 million into exploration, community development, and relocation planning. However, the project was halted after illegal miners forcibly occupied the concession, causing delays and significant environmental damage.
In response, Asanko Gold, through the Ghana Chamber of Mines, raised its concerns with the government, prompting the deployment of security personnel to protect the site and ensure legal compliance.
Asanko stressed that the military intervention was not unique to their company but part of a standardized national security programme targeting illegal mining hotspots across the country. The company also highlighted that extensive stakeholder engagement had preceded the deployment.
“Comprehensive stakeholder engagement sessions chaired by the District Security Councils (DISEC) of both the Amansie West and Amansie South Districts were held,” the release noted.
“Stakeholders, including community leaders, were encouraged to support the process and promote peaceful self-evacuation from unauthorised mining sites.”
The company reported that in other areas, many illegal miners had voluntarily withdrawn following similar interventions, and expressed hope that Tontokrom would follow suit.
Asanko Gold reaffirmed its commitment to community partnership, responsible mining, and open dialogue, urging the public to disregard what it described as “inaccurate claims” made at the press conference.
“These assertions misrepresent the reality on the ground and risk undermining the collaborative efforts and goodwill built over time between Asanko Gold and its host communities,” the statement read.
The company pledged to continue working with traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society to support development and peaceful coexistence in the area.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has officially inaugurated its Ministerial Advisory Board, reaffirming its commitment to stakeholder engagement and strategic policy direction across the sector.
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, the Minister emphasised the importance of the board as a vital statutory requirement under the Civil Service Act, 1993 (Act 327). She cited Sections 39 and 40 of the Act, which mandate all ministries to constitute such boards to ensure regular consultation and expert input into decision-making.
“The board is expected to promote constant interaction between the ministry and users of its services, and advise the sector minister on policy direction, planning, objectives, and operational strategies,” she said.
Highlighting the responsibilities that come with the appointment, the Minister underscored the need for experience, expertise, and commitment from board members to support the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.
“It therefore means that anyone nominated to serve on the board should not only be knowledgeable, but also skilful and clothed with the requisite experience to assist the Minister deliver on the mandate of the Ministry and, by extension, its agencies,” she said.
She also assured the board of her openness to collaboration, stating:
“We do not take stakeholder contributions for granted. I am ready and prepared to always rely on your good counsel.”
The newly inaugurated board is expected to serve as a critical link between the Ministry and the public, shaping strategic initiatives in the tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors.
The board members include:
Madam Dzifa Gomashie
Mr Yussif Jajah
Mr Joseph Kwesi Amoah (Chief Director, MoTCCA)
Madam Comfort Aki Dede Ashiagbor (Ministry of Education)
Mr Noah Tumfo (Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry)
Mr Richard Gyasi (Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs)
Concluding her remarks, the Minister officially declared the board duly inaugurated, expressing optimism that their collective efforts will lead to significant progress in Ghana’s tourism and creative economy.
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 private legal practitioner and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, has called on the government to restructure Ghana’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system to make it easier to calculate and more attractive for citizens and businesses to comply with.
Speaking on ‘Current Agenda’, a programme hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Friday, July 25, 2025, Samoa Addo said the current VAT structure discourages tax compliance due to its complexity and contributes to corruption in the public sector.
He commended finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for his consistency on the issue, stating that “the good thing about this particular finance minister is that you can track his record when he was then NDC’s spokesperson on finance.”
He recalled that Dr Forson was “very critical about the structure of the VAT” while in opposition, and that his parliamentary speeches reflected his concerns about how difficult the VAT system made compliance.
“I was very happy when he got the opportunity to now come into government and give us what he was saying and stating on the floor of parliament,” Samoa Addo said.
He noted that one of Dr Forson’s biggest criticisms had been that the VAT structure was too complicated, especially in a country where many citizens are naturally averse to tax payments.
According to him, the complexity of VAT calculation worsens non-compliance.
“You make it worse when its calculation is complicated. It even puts away the incentive to want to comply,” he said.
He added that feedback from traders and business owners consistently points to the need for a tax system that is simple and predictable.
“Everybody keeps pushing the idea that we need to be able to calculate our taxes in a way that makes it easy for somebody to just walk up and go and pay,” he explained.
He argued that the current VAT structure lacks transparency, making it difficult for consumers to anticipate their tax obligations.
He cited, for instance, the experience of dining at a restaurant, where one should typically have an idea of both the cost of the food and the taxes before the bill arrives.
Instead, he observed, the final amount often ends up being nearly as high as the cost of the meal itself, something he said makes little sense and discourages compliance.
He further argued that a flat rate system would improve compliance and make everybody feel more comfortable.
He posed a rhetorical question: “What would be more appreciated by a finance minister? Making the tax easy to calculate in order to attract more people to pay, or keeping it as it is and having more people outside the tax net?”
He asserted that most people would prefer to make it easier so more people would be encouraged to pay.
The private legal practitioner also linked the complexity of the tax system to corruption in the public sector.
“One of the things that face our public sector is corruption. When you make the thing difficult to calculate, when you make it difficult to comply with, you attract corruption,” he said.
He explained that in such a system, people often look for ways to appear compliant while actually evading tax, which undermines the system’s integrity.
He expressed support for ongoing reforms, noting that if the finance minister is able to simplify tax calculations and make payments easier and more attractive, more citizens will pay voluntarily.
“Because why would I not want to see development in my country? Ghanaians are very patriotic.”
Ghanaian midfielder Salifu Mudasiru has completed a high-profile switch to Algerian top-flight side Entente Sportive de Setif, marking a new chapter in his career across multiple continents.
The 28-year-old joins the Black Eagles from Uzbek club FC Mash’al Mubarek, continuing his journey through the global football map.
Mudasiru is best known in Ghana for his influential spell at Asante Kotoko, where he helped the Porcupine Warriors clinch the Ghana Premier League title in the 2021-22 season.
His standout performances earned him a loan move to FC Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, where he lifted the 2022-23 Moldovan Liga title.
Mudasiru’s latest move to ES Setif – one of Algeria’s most decorated clubs – reflects both his ambition and adaptability.
With an impressive resume that includes stints in Saudi Arabia (Al-Batin and Al-Bukiryah) and trophies across Ghana and Eastern Europe, he brings a wealth of experience and midfield grit to his new team.
ES Setif, eager to restore their dominance in the Algerian Ligue 1 Professionnelle, will hope Mudasiru’s arrival provides added stability and leadership in the centre of the park as they chase domestic and continental success.
This move also adds to the growing number of Ghanaian footballers making their mark in North African football, a testament to the rising profile of Ghanaian talent across the African continent and beyond.
Ghana, and indeed the world, is mourning the loss of a musical titan. Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known to generations as Daddy Lumba, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The tributes have been endless, fitting for a man whose music echoed through markets, homes, car stereos, and state events alike.
A man whose songs transcended class, age, politics, and even borders, finding a fan in none other than King Charles III of England.
Much has been said of his unmatched artistry, the passion he poured into love ballads, gospel tracks, and philosophical musings on life and death. However, in this tribute, we examine another aspect of the legendary DL, the political entertainer, whose soundtracks provided rhythm to some of Ghana’s most dramatic political moments.
The 2008 Election: Meets Politics
The 2008 general election was one of the most intense in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. It was a time of high political tension, fierce campaigning, and, surprisingly, great music—thanks in large part to Daddy Lumba. After Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was elected as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer to contest against the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the NPP turned to DL to energize their base.
What came next was nothing short of historic. Lumba composed what is arguably the most iconic campaign song in Ghana’s political history: “Nana Ye Winner.” The song was infectious. It blasted through every corner of the country, from rallies to chop bars, taxis to radio stations.
Even some opponents of the NPP couldn’t help but tap their feet or sing along. The track didn’t just support a candidate, it captured the mood of an election season and became a national earworm.
From Confidence to Caution
As the first round of the elections ended without a decisive winner, political tensions escalated. Ghana braced for a runoff. During this uncertain time, Lumba was back in the studio, doing what he did best translating complex national emotions into music. The result was another classic: “Aye Huuhu” loosely meaning “Things Are Shaky.”
Unlike the upbeat “Nana Ye Winner,” this song had a more reflective, humorous undertone. It posed a timely question: “Who will cry in the end?” A sobering reflection amid a chaotic political moment. The song brought levity, even laughter, into a space heavy with anxiety. It became the soundtrack for a country on edge.
The Final Twist: “Nana Awu”
Eventually, the Tain constituency a place few had heard of until then became the unlikely kingmaker. With Nana Addo trailing narrowly, the final vote in Tain was necessary to determine the winner. The nation held its breath. When the dust settled, it was John Atta Mills who emerged victorious.
And just like that, Daddy Lumba gave us one more tune to capture the mood “Nana Awu” (“Nana is dead” or “Nana has lost”). Only Lumba could release such a politically loaded track and still get people dancing across party lines.
The song became part of the national healing process, helping Ghanaians laugh and breathe again after weeks of high stakes and tension.
From “Nana Ye Winner” to “Aye Huuhu” to “Nana Awu,” Daddy Lumba infused the 2008 election season with a kind of joy and satire that politics alone could never provide. He wasn’t a mere campaign jingle composer, he was a cultural force who brought colour, rhythm, and sometimes comic relief to Ghana’s democratic journey.
Even though the songs didn’t secure an electoral win for the NPP, they won the hearts of Ghanaians from all walks of life. To this day, “Nana Ye Winner” is played at events across the country not as a partisan anthem, but as a nostalgic hit that gets everyone dancing.
Charles Kwadwo Fosu was many things: a lover, a philosopher, a provocateur, a comforter, and in many ways, a chronicler of Ghana’s social and political story through melody. His gift was not just his voice or lyrical dexterity, it was his uncanny ability to capture the soul of the nation at any given time.
In life, he entertained, comforted, and challenged us. In death, he leaves behind a soundtrack of generations. Daddy Lumba’s influence on Ghana’s musical and political culture is eternal.
Rest well, DL. You gave us more than music you gave us moments we’ll never forget.
A book of condolence in memory of the late highlife legend, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, will officially be opened today, Monday, July 28, at his residence and radio station in Accra.
This was confirmed by his manager, Philip Appiah-Kubi, known in showbiz circles as Roman Fada, in an interview with Citi News on Sunday, July 28, 2025.
The iconic musician passed away at age 60 on Saturday, July 26, while receiving treatment at the Bank Hospital in Accra.
According to his manager, the book of condolence will be open to the general public.
“The book of condolence will be opened Monday at his radio station, DL 106.9 FM, and at his residence here in Accra. We are inviting the public to come. We all love our Daddy Lumba, and we are deeply hurt, but God knows best,” he said.
In a related development, the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) has announced a national candlelight vigil in honour of the late music icon. The vigil is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The event will be part of a global tribute to Daddy Lumba, with simultaneous ceremonies expected to be held in Ghana, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands.
“On behalf of the Creative Arts Agency, we warmly invite you to attend a National Candlelight Vigil in memory of the late Daddy Lumba, Ghana’s Highlife music legend,” the statement read.
The Agency noted that the vigil will not only honour Daddy Lumba’s enduring legacy but also serve as a moment of national reflection—celebrating the unifying power of music, culture, and community.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP by July 31, 2025, to confirm attendance.
Daddy Lumba, whose music defined the Highlife genre and inspired generations, died on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra.
Presidency assures befitting burial for late highlife legend Daddy Lumba
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has denounced recent viral footage depicting passengers on Lake Volta traveling without life jackets aboard an overloaded vessel.
According to official statements released on July 24, such actions threaten to reverse safety progress achieved through national investments and regulatory measures. The incident has intensified public debate over enforcement gaps within Ghana’s inland water transport sector.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the GMA, labeled the violation a “sobering reminder” of risks linked to ignoring safety protocols. He referenced the Dikpe boat tragedy in the Upper West Region where seven schoolchildren drowned earlier this year. Despite ongoing public education campaigns emphasizing mandatory life-jacket use and load limits, non-compliance persists across communities.
Authorities confirmed intensified safety outreach in Lawra, Buipe, Kwamikrom, Mepe, and Battor since the Dikpe incident, including life-jacket distributions and nationwide technical inspections. Loadline markings to prevent overloading have also been installed. Official guidelines stress that operators must enforce capacity rules while passengers should demand safety equipment.
The GMA acknowledged inconsistent public adherence to regulations despite these interventions. Observers note that cultural attitudes, economic pressures, and logistical challenges in remote areas contribute to resistance against safety practices. Successfully eliminating preventable accidents, officials stated, requires shared responsibility between regulators, operators, and passengers.
Concurrently, the Authority highlighted infrastructure upgrades including the clearance of 20,000 submerged tree stumps from key Lake Volta routes. The deployment of the MV Nene Azumah Matey Korley vessel aims to bolster search and rescue capabilities. Analysts emphasize that sustainable safety improvements depend equally on grassroots behavioral change alongside policy and infrastructure investments.
The Minority caucus in Parliament has called for an urgent appearance by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, before the House to explain what security measures are being implemented in response to the growing wave of suspected ritual killings and violent crimes across the country.
The Minority described the situation as “alarming,” warning that the safety and security of ordinary Ghanaians are now at serious risk.
Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament on Saturday, July 26, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh stressed the need for an immediate and closed-door engagement with the minister, invoking Order 60 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“We cannot let this matter die naturally. We must find a way to get the Interior Minister, who doubles as the National Security Minister, to be here. Maybe we should, under Order 60, meet him at a close sitting. This is because it is a sensitive national security matter. Then we can engage him and get some updates,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
He insisted that the government must act swiftly and decisively to address the disturbing trend and restore public confidence in the country’s security apparatus.
Beyond the rise in ritual killings, the country has witnessed a troubling spike in other violent crimes and killings in recent days.
On the night of Saturday, July 26, a deadly shooting on the Nalerigu Senior High School campus resulted in the deaths of two students. The attack, carried out by unknown assailants, has left the Nalerigu community in shock and fear.
Although local sources suspect the incident may be linked to the long-running Bawku tribal conflict, security agencies have not confirmed any direct connection. A similar incident also took place on the Bawku SHS campus where a student was shot dead in a targeted attack.
In response to the attack and growing insecurity in the area, the government has reviewed the curfew in Bawku, restricting movement from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm daily.
Meanwhile, another fatal shooting was reported on July 25, in Asawase in the Ashanti Region when an unidentified man was gunned down by two men on a motorbike.
The assailants reportedly opened fire before fleeing the scene. This incident occurred less than a week after the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region was also killed under similar circumstances.
The escalating violence has heightened public anxiety, with many citizens calling for more robust action from the government and security forces to protect lives and restore order.
A/R: Another man shot dead in Asawase days after killing of Kusasi Chief
Cocoa is the lifeblood of the Ghanaian economy, and a source of pride for a nation whose rich, fertile soils have nourished generations of farmers. With an estimated annual worth of $2 billion, cocoa stands as Ghana’s economic mainstay, feeding families and funding government expenditure.
Yet, behind this powerful industry lies a less talked-about truth: cocoa farming is physically gruelling, especially during post-harvest. Farmers, armed with machetes and bare hands, face long hours of repetitive labour as they crack open thousands of cocoa pods manually.
This is an exhausting and hazardous task that leaves many with injuries, fatigue, and limited yield. According to some researchers, about 75% of cocoa farmers suffer various hazards during post-harvest activities. This is the problem Husk Technologies, a Ghanaian agritech company, has set out to solve.
Founded by Nii Arday Ardayfio, Husk Technologies has developed a lithium-powered, automatic mobile cocoa pod-breaking machine that breaks the pods and separates the beans from the husk and placenta. This delivers precision, speed, and safety that traditional methods simply cannot match.
“We are able to increase (farmers’) productivity by over 700%, reduce reliance on labour by over 85%, and totally eliminate any forms of hazards,” he explained.
“Because our machines are mobile and they can get on the farm, we also plant economic trees on the farms for the farmers so they can make additional income,” he added.
The machine, which can break up to 7,200 cocoa pods per hour, is mobile, lightweight, eco-friendly, efficient, and easy to transport and operate. “The Husk Gen 3 model has a wider feeding unit and so you can pour more pods into the machine at a time. It also has a faster and safer crushing mechanism. Because it is lightweight, it can be transported on a tricycle,” he explained. “By powering our machine with lithium batteries, we are introducing the next generation of eco-friendly farm machinery, making us the pace setters in the industry,” Mr. Ardayfio added.
Scaling an innovation
Their impact has already been recognised nationally. Husk Technologies was crowned winner of the maiden National Innovation Challenge, organised by the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance. Now, the company is looking to scale.
Mr. Ardayfio told the AGRA Ghana Deal Room pitching session in Accra that the company has a target to reach over 100,000 farmers and create 1,000 new jobs for rural women and youth. Husk Technologies is currently seeking $250,000 in grants and equity funding to expand operations, deepen research, and increase market awareness.
AGRA Ghana, under the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program, organised the high-impact Deal Room event in partnership with the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC). This Deal Room serves as a platform for promising agribusinesses led by youth and women agripreneurs to connect with investors, buyers, and ecosystem enablers, thereby catalysing their growth and sustainability.
Participants pitched for opportunities to represent Ghana at the continental AGRA Deal Room sessions during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, between August 31 and September 4, 2025, where they could have access to more funding opportunities.
The Husks Technologies CEO is one of 15 agripreneurs who pitched at the AGRA Ghana Deal Room event. AGRA is an Africa-led organisation transforming agri-food systems on the continent by empowering smallholder farmers.
Call to action
As Ghana continues to lead the global cocoa industry, innovations like Husk Technologies’ automated pod-breaker show that the country’s greatest strength lies not only in its natural resources but also in its homegrown solutions. With the right support, Husk Technologies may just be the spark that reshapes the future of cocoa in Ghana, one pod at a time.
Government should prioritise the mechanisation of post-harvest activities by integrating innovations like Husk Technologies’ cocoa pod-breaking machine into national agricultural modernisation programs and subsidy schemes.
The company and similar organisations deserve tax breaks, import duty waivers on components, and startup grants to scale up. COCOBOD could partner directly with Husk Technologies to further pilot the equipment across cocoa-growing regions and integrate it into extension and input distribution systems.
There is a need for the creation of an enabling policy framework for agro-mechanisation by recognising such mobile farm technologies as public goods that should reach all cocoa-growing communities across the country.
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.
Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western North Regional Minister, has pledged to support the Regional Police Command with the necessary logistics to maintain peace and security in the region.
He said this when he visited the regional police command during their West Africa Securities Association celebration.
The minister, in his address, commended the security agencies for their swift efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region.
Brentum stated that peace was essential for development and called on the people to cherish the unity among themselves and work collectively to maintain stability both in the region and the nation at large.
He pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to supporting the security agencies to enable them to execute their duties effectively to bring socio-economic development to the region.
Dr Francis Tsidi, the Regional Police Commander, for his part, assured the Minister and the people that the security situation was calm and under control, and that they should have utmost confidence in the command
“All security contingencies would be maximised with personnel being positioned at vantage security checkpoints across the region, so we will go all out to provide optimum security in the region,” he added
The Commander, on behalf of the command and other security agencies, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring peace in the region.
Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Okrah
President John Dramani Mahama is set to introduce a comprehensive national policy on oil palm to drive economic transformation and position Ghana’s crude palm oil as globally competitive, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Okrah, has disclosed.
Dr Okrah made the announcement at the third Annual General Meeting of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) held under the theme: “The Oil Palm Value Chain at the Crossroads: The Role of Policy Alignment and Regulatory Enforcement for Productivity, Competitiveness, Inclusive Growth and Development.”
According to him, President Mahama has identified oil palm, one of six strategic crops under the remit of the TCDA, as the game-changer in reviving Ghana’s agro-industrial sector.
He added that a technical committee had already been constituted, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, to design the national oil palm policy framework.
“The oil palm sector in Ghana stands at a critical juncture. We must decisively transition from fragmented efforts to a coordinated, policy-driven and regulated ecosystem that delivers value to every actor along the chain, from smallholder farmers to large-scale processors, and from rural communities to the national economy,” Dr Okrah said.
He emphasised that the TCDA was strategically positioned to lead this transformation through regulatory enforcement, policy alignment, and inclusive growth interventions.
Dr Okrah underscored the need to harmonise disjointed national policies in agriculture, trade, environment, and land use that have long hampered the sector’s development.
He explained that the proposed oil palm policy aligned with Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative, which targets 50,000 hectares of oil palm cultivation over the next four years.
He also mentioned that the policy would also complement the government’s 24-hour economy vision by supporting export-oriented processing that enhances foreign exchange earnings.
“We are working closely with the Ministries of Food and Agriculture, Industry, Finance, and Local Government, as well as partners such as OPDAG, Solidaridad, and the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Program II (GPSCP II) to synchronise interventions and reduce duplication,” he added.
He further revealed that a policy dialogue later this year would bring together relevant institutions to ensure coherence in programmes and regulatory frameworks for the sector.
Dr Okrah highlighted enforcement as key to achieving global competitiveness, citing challenges such as the illicit importation of vegetable oil, lack of quality assurance, land governance issues, and environmental concerns.
To address these, he said, the TCDA had strengthened its legal framework under Act 10/10 and L.I. 2471 and started registering and licensing all actors within the oil palm value chain, including through an online platform.
He revealed that over 2 million seedlings had been distributed freely to farmers, with more support through the out-grower models and financial access schemes.
“With the support of Solidaridad and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, we are launching a Seed and Seedling Production Policy to provide certified, high-quality planting materials to farmers,” he noted.
He again indicated that the authority was also working with processors to improve standards in traceability, processing quality, and pricing fairness.
Noting that smallholder farmers contribute over 80% of Ghana’s oil palm production, Dr Okrah stressed the importance of inclusivity in the sector’s growth.
“Women and youth, who play vital roles in harvesting, processing, and marketing, will also receive focused support,” he added.
He reaffirmed TCDA’s partnership with OPDAG and other stakeholders to build a globally competitive and inclusive oil palm industry that delivers jobs, export earnings, and rural prosperity.
“The road ahead requires strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment. The oil palm value chain is no longer business as usual. It is time for smart policies, firm regulation, and inclusive innovation,” Dr Okrah said.
Ex-Ghana coach CK Akonnor is expected in Nairobi this week to finalize his move to Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, GHANAsoccernet understands.
The record FKF Premier League champions believe Akonnor’s wealth of experience and international exposure could help propel the club.
His rich club CV includes managing Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak and AshantiGold.
Akonnor is excited about the prospect of managing his first club abroad.
After successful playing careers with Bundesliga sides Fortuna Köln and Wolfsburg, the 52-year-old honed his coaching career at the Right to Dream Academy before leaving to then Ghana Premier League side Eleven Wise.
He also had a coaching stint with Dreams FC.
Gor Mahia are rebuilding after a turbulent season and are desirous to make a huge impact in CAF inter-club competitions.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed the discovery of fourteen thousand ghost names on the government payroll, raising fresh concerns about irregularities in public sector recruitment and wage administration.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Friday, July 25, 2025, Dr Forson revealed that the ghost workers were primarily found in the security, education, and health sectors.
This, he said, runs into several millions of Ghana cedis annually.
He indicated that these were recruitments made in the last quarter of 2024, but the individuals in question could not be validated.
The finance minister said his ministry, in collaboration with the Auditor-General, has commenced a comprehensive audit of the public payroll to sanitize the system.
He added that the ongoing audit, which is 90 percent complete, has also uncovered about 53,000 “separated staff” — individuals who have retired but are still receiving salaries.
“These are people who are no longer in active service and should not be on the payroll. Yet, they continue to draw salaries,” Dr Forson noted.
He noted that the Auditor-General is happy, and he is now working.
Despite the irregularities, the Minister stated that newly hired individuals who were engaged improperly will not be dismissed.
“Sacking them is not an option we are pursuing,” he said.
“They are Ghanaians,” he added in a measured tone, suggesting a humane approach to resolving the issue.
Dr Forson assured the public that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a clean and credible payroll system.
Mr. Ibrahim Issahak, the newly confirmed District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Mponua, has pledged to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by President John Mahama and the Assembly Members.
He said through the wise counsel and advice from the traditional authorities, clergy, elders, opinion leaders and the entire people, he would work to promote development to improve the living conditions of the people in the area.
Addressing members of the district after he was confirmed, Mr. Issahak thanked members of the Assembly for endorsing him in a peaceful exercise.
He secured 39 out of the 54 votes cast by the Assembly Members to consolidate his position as District Chief Executive.
He was applauded by supporters, relatives, well-wishers and loved ones amidst the sprinkling of powder on his body after the Electoral Commission declared the results of his confirmation.
Mr. Issahak called for unity, cooperation and support from the members, technocrats, traditional, religious, as well as opinion leaders to enable him render a successful administration and service to them.
Mr. Baah Acheamfour, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, who represented the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, commended the Assembly Members for confirming the DCE in a first-round voting.
He said it would help the work of an expeditious rural development vision of the President and smoothen the governance system in the area.
Mr. Justice Nkrumah, Presiding Member (PM) and Assemblyman for Bayerebon Number Three Electoral Area, commended the President, the members, traditional leaders and party executives for the nomination, support and confirmation of the long awaited DCE for the area.
Daddy Lumba passed away on the morning of June 26, 2025
Ghana was left mourning after news broke that Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba, died in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a brief illness, aged 60.
His passing was met with shock and mourning from Ghanaians, as they took to social media to share anecdotes about the artiste.
Here is how the BBC reported the death of Daddy Lumba:
‘Greatest in 100 years’: Ghana mourns music legend Daddy Lumba
Ghanaians are mourning one of the country’s best known singers, Charles Kojo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, who has died aged 60.
A statement from the family of the legendary highlife artist said he died in hospital on Saturday after a short illness.
Daddy Lumba, whose musical career spanned almost four decades, “was a cultural icon and his music touched countless lives”, the statement said.
Kofi Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs at the office of the president, described Daddy Lumba as “the greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years”.
Daddy Lumba inspired many young Ghanaian musicians to pursue highlife music – a genre synonymous with the country.
He is credited with 33 albums and more than 200 songs over his long career, touching on themes such as love, forgiveness, beauty, money, death and other social themes.
President John Mahama paid tribute to him on Sunday with a post on Facebook.
“Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life,” he wrote. “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said “his passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country”.
Fellow artistes such as Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, M.anifest were among the first to send condolences to the bereaved family, eulogising the “incredible talent he shared with the world”.
Lumba last held a public concert to mark Valentine’s Day on 15 February 2025 to celebrate love, sharing the stage with some of Ghana’s brightest musicians, with many of the country’s politicians and influential people in attendance.
Earlier this month, he met President Mahama at an event organised for senior citizens at the seat of government as part of celebrations to mark the Republic Day holiday.
He had been due to go on tour to the US and Canada later this year.
His most celebrated albums include Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Wo Ho Kyere, Awosoo, Give Peace A Chance and Ahenfue Kyinkye.
His most recent song, Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo, was released in December 2022.
Who was Daddy Lumba?
Lumba, born on 29 September 1964 in the town of Nsuta in Ghana’s Ashanti region, began his music journey in the early 1980s.
He got his stage name Lumba when he composed the song Lumba Lumba, which he dedicated to the freedom fighters of South Africa, according to his official website.
Daddy Lumba travelled to Germany and teamed up with fellow highlife musician Nana Acheampong and the duo became known as the Lumba Brothers.
They released their first official album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, in 1986 – the song of the same name captures the struggles of Ghanaian immigrants in Europe searching for a better life.
After the pair fell out and split, Daddy Lumba launched a solo career and released his first album Obi Ate Meso Bio in 1990 and never looked back.
His family has requested privacy “as they navigate this profound grief”.
Details of funeral arrangements will be made public in the coming days.
ID/AE
Watch as A Plus and Serwaa Amihere visit Daddy’s Lumba’s residence after his passing:
See the mood at Daddy Lumba’s residence after news of his shocking demise:
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the disbursement of funds to all Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) nationwide, aimed at covering practical examination expenses for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
A statement issued by the GES stated that the funds will be used to provide essential materials and resources required for the smooth conduct of the practical sessions, which form a critical component of the final examination.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the disbursement of funds to all Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) nationwide, aimed at covering practical examination expenses for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
A statement issued by the GES stated that the funds will be used to provide essential materials and resources required for the smooth conduct of the practical sessions, which form a critical component of the final examination.
“This payment ensures that all practical examinations scheduled for the 2025 WASSCE are fully supported,” said Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES.
“It includes the provision of required materials and other essential resources necessary for successful implementation.”
It added that the release of the funds is to help ease the financial burden on parents and guardians while allowing students to focus entirely on their academic preparation.
“With this intervention, GES hopes to facilitate a smooth and well-coordinated examination process.”
“Our goal is to enable students to concentrate on their studies without being distracted by financial concerns related to practical exams.”
GES instructed regional, district, and school authorities to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and strictly for their intended purpose.
“We strongly urge all stakeholders involved to ensure the judicious use of these funds,” Fenyi said. “Management will continue to monitor the utilisation process closely to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to high standards in the examination’s administration.”
“The Ghana Education Service values the cooperation of all partners in our collective effort to deliver quality education. We remain committed to creating an enabling environment that supports the success of every student in the country,” he added.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/goldstar-air-role-in-promoting-agribusiness-in-ghana/
Reputable international airline Goldstar Air, Ghanaian and United States registered company with an issued Air Carrier Licence (ACL/N-SCH No. 0239) from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate passenger and cargo flights across West Africa and intercontinental routes, is well-positioned to promote agribusiness in Ghana through strategic flight paths, inflight meals, cargo logistics, cold chain development, entrepreneurial integration, human capital growth, marketing and targeted partnerships. These roles makes the airline a giant stakeholder of Agribusiness and a key part of Goldstar Air’s Project $1 Trillion Foreign Reserves Initiative, in alignment with projections that place Africa as the 8th largest global economy with an estimated GDP of $16.3 Trillion by the year 2050.
The airline’s emergence into Ghana’s aviation landscape signifies more than the introduction of new flight routes or airport operations, it signals a foundational shift in the nation’s agribusiness trajectory. By linking remote farming regions to domestic and international markets, the airline catalyzes a chain reaction of opportunity, infrastructure, investment, and transformation. With each landing, each shipment, and each business connection, Goldstar Air brings Ghana’s agribusiness potential into focus as a thriving engine of growth, resilience, and global engagement.
Goldstar Air has sought for international intervention to look into the issuance of the airline’s wide-body aircraft Safety Certificate (AOC) and waiting for the outcome, as the process is above halfway and it has been over eight years that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is not ready to get a qualified third-party to complete the remaining phases of the certification process. The completion of the certificate will enable the change of the wide-body aircraft nationality, allowing it to be registered under the Ghana Registry (State of Registry).
The airline is the economic tool to reset Ghana’s economy by spearheading a shift from import dependence to 24-hour export-led industrialization. Therefore, there is no need to delay the issuance of the airline’s Safety Certificate to start the 24-hour economy and create over two million direct and indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians. The Ghanaian youth cannot wait any longer in the ghettos, they need their well-paying jobs.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America is not merely an aviation player, it is an agribusiness enabler and economic accelerator. The airline’s holistic influence will unfold through enabling agricultural supply chains, empowering farmers to produce export-ready goods, building technical capacity, and redefining the economic geography of Ghana. Goldstar Air’s 24-hour operations will breathe vitality into farm livelihoods, rural economies, and national supply networks by boosting profitability, sustainability, and resilience.
The airline’s role in promoting agribusiness in Ghana will illustrate how aviation can serve as a force multiplier, a system builder weaving together transport, agriculture, technology, commerce, and community into a cohesive engine of growth. Goldstar Air’s vision challenges Ghanaian farmers to elevate agriculture from subsistence to sustained competitiveness and position the country not as a peripheral participant but as a production pioneer. As the airline starts to uplift agribusiness through its logistical, developmental, and infrastructural reach, Goldstar Air will take a decisive step towards a future where farms and flights together propel national development.
Goldstar Air’s deployment of 24-hour cargo services optimizes the flow of perishable and non-perishable agricultural goods from remote regions into markets that would otherwise remain unreachable. By providing reliable and timely access to domestic cities and international destinations, Goldstar Air will address the logistical bottlenecks that have long hindered the productivity, revenues, and market reach of Ghanaian farmers. Transportation costs associated with long-haul trucking over deteriorated road networks, delays that diminish product quality, and limited access to export markets have historically suppressed incentives for farmers to scale operations.
The airline’s cargo flights will effectively eliminate market barriers, enabling both smallholder farmers and agribusiness enterprises to airlift produce such as fresh fruits, vegetables, shea products, spices, grains, and livestock directly to regional trade hubs or international markets in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and West Africa, to tap into the global Agriculture income stream of $4.59 Trillion.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, operational model will offer packaging aggregation services that centralize the collection from individual farmers, enabling economies of scale in shipment size. By coordinating pre-cooling, sorting, and hygienic packing before flights, small-scale farmers will benefit from these efficiencies, and perishables will travel under optimal conditions. Moreover, the airline will explore mobile cold storage units in farming catchment zones, encouraging farmer cooperatives to adhere to quality standards and logistics protocols. Cold chain infrastructure will break the cycle of seasonal gluts and threshing losses, thereby increasing the viability and profitability of Ghana’s horticultural and agro-processing sectors.
The airline’s commitment to investing in cold chain infrastructure at its regional facilities will represent a paradigm shift in post-harvest loss reduction and product value retention. Cold storage on-site, refrigerated handling, and fast aircraft turnover will ensure that perishable items, such as tomatoes, mangoes, pineapples, onions, and herbs, maintain freshness, nutritional value, and shelf life. The presence of dedicated cold rooms will also allow for buffer storage in case of weather delays, while integrated temperature monitoring will build trust with long-haul buyers. Cold chain services will enable farmers to align production timing with market demand and secure better pricing windows.
Ghana must shift towards value addition to tap into global market revenues such as Manufacturing ($16.182 Trillion), Agriculture ($4.59 Trillion), Cargo ($2.2 Trillion), and Food Services ($2.52 Trillion). Targeting just 1.8571 percent of these sectors would be enough to produce billionaires in Ghana, who in turn could reinvest in the local economy to create more employment opportunities for the youth.
Solar energy and modern silos will form the bedrock of the airline’s strategyforpromoting agribusiness in Ghana, driving sustainable 24-hour industrial farming, mobileirrigation, efficient storage, and round-the-clock agro-processing plants. Ultimately, Goldstar Air will leverage these innovations to create over two million job opportunitiesfor the youth who are ready and eager to work. The new government must give GoldstarAir the opportunity to help reset Ghana’s agricultural sector.
According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air, Eric Bannerman, the airline’s strategic integration with agribusiness clusters in Ghana will advance production systems and cooperative organization. Goldstar Air will partner with local farming cooperatives to design logistics corridors that will serve groups of farmers producing common crops. These partnerships will include training on post-harvest handling, quality specifications, packaging, and traceability measures demanded by export buyers. Farmers will gain access to ballistic sorting lines at aggregation centers, controlled-atmosphere storage, and real-time flight scheduling information.
This tight linkage will create accountability chains: each batch of produce will be tracked from field to flight, transforming farming into a high-tech profession that appeals to young people. Coordinating harvest windows with flight schedules will ensure supply consistency and reduce wastage. For growers of shea, groundnuts, moringa, or spices, this approach will transform unstructured collection points into value-added supply streams. Over time, farmers will learn to better manage planting calendars, varietal selection, and agronomic practices to meet airline logistics requirements. The airline will thus become a partner in agribusiness development, rather than merely a transporter, reinforcing the capacity of Ghanaian farmers.
Goldstar Air will introduce a 24-hour integrated platform that offers leverage to exporters of Ghanaian goods registered with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). The airline will provide these companies with free advertising space on its in-flight magazine, integrated digital platforms, and aircraft screens during takeoff and landing. This initiative aims to promote and publicize their merchandise, allowing made-in-Ghana products to be sold duty-free onboard. Exporters will be required to sign an agreement with the airline to serve as their sole transporter.
The airline’s cargo and logistics operations will be complemented by the creation of agripreneur incubation and training hubs around farming regions. Training programs in logistics management, agribusiness marketing, value addition, and export processing will be offered in collaboration with technical institutions, NGOs, and development agencies. Youth and women from farming communities will be recruited into tailored cohorts to acquire skills in cold chain operations, packaging, agritech, and quality assurance, forming part of the airline’s over two million direct and indirect job creation initiative.
Goldstar Air will empower graduates to run value-added enterprises such as shea butter refiners, dried fruit packagers, or spice processors, and even manage collection logistics for flights. The airline will sponsor short courses in areas such as commodity export compliance, digital marketing, phytosanitary certification, and contract negotiation. Start-ups incubated through these initiatives will receive preferential cargo rates or priority shipping slots, accelerating their growth. Training alumni will return to their communities as local agribusiness ambassadors, raising standards across supply chains. The airline’s investment in human capital will build a pipeline of competent actors, farmers, processors, logistics managers, who can sustain and expand agribusiness development.
The airline’s marketing and sales functions will underpin demand-led cargo activity. Through its cargo department, Goldstar Air will maintain a network of agents, freight forwarders, and buyers in key global markets, including Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, who will solicit Ghanaian agriculture products in season. When direct shipment windows open during harvest peaks, the airline will host market-linked airlifts: mango consignments in summer, shea in the dry season, cashews when fresh. Goldstar Air’s brand will become synonymous with reliability and quality in Ghanaian produce, raising the country’s international reputation abroad.
Goldstar Air will support certification drives such as Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance for farmers, collaborating with standard bodies and laboratory facilities to prepare products for global buyers. Cargo manifests and certifications will travel alongside goods, simplifying customs processing overseas. The airline’s ability to deliver high-quality agricultural commodities with traceability in under 48 hours will reinforce buyer trust, secure repeat contracts, and enable higher margins. Goldstar Air will evolve into a brand extension of Ghana’s agrarian identity, with its influence visible in foreign supermarkets, specialty retailers, and global commodity markets.
Part of Goldstar Air’s agribusiness promotion agenda will be to foster new frontiers of value-added production near airport zones. In partnership with agribusiness investors and processors, the airline will support the establishment of small-scale packing plants, juice processors, shea refineries, and spice dryer units adjacent to airport premises or industrial zones. These facilities will receive raw produce directly, process it sufficiently for immediate shipment, and load finished products onto flights. This integration will significantly reduce the cost per unit of airfreight, stabilize demand for farmers, and create both skilled and unskilled jobs locally.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, will also extend its role into digital agriculture and agritech innovation. The airline will invest in the deployment of farm-to-flight digital platforms, which aggregate farmer data, production forecasts, and flight cargo space. Farmers will receive SMS or app-based messages about packing specifications, flight schedules, and logistics statuses. For larger agribusiness partners, real-time dashboards will track cargo movement, quality reports, and price trends. The airline will collaborate with satellite imagery providers and weather services to integrate climate information: advising farmers on optimal harvest dates ahead of flights and forecasting disruptions. Drone spraying cooperatives partnering with farmers will use flight schedules to coordinate spraying operations and deliver samples to aggregation hubs. The airline will serve as a field lab for agritech trials, enabling improved quality control, traceability, and efficiency across farming landscapes.
The airline’s aviation inclusion strategy will have economic multiplier effects on livelihoods, incomes, and regional value chains. Goldstar Air’s operations from Ghana will enable farmers to receive reliable airlifts for their produce. As a result, farmers can plan crop rotations, invest in improved seeds and fertilizer inputs, and diversify into higher-value crops. They can also enter contract farming arrangements, assured of delivery channels and post-harvest risk mitigation. Women-led producer groups, such as shea oil processors, dried fruit cooperatives, and moringa cultivators, will gain access to direct markets, earn foreign currency, and scale operations. Youth will find opportunities in agritech, logistics, packing, and export management, helping to reverse rural-urban migration. Communities will benefit from local job creation, revenue from airport activities, branding opportunities for local produce, and cross-sectoral growth in hospitality, transportation, and services. As Goldstar Air’s flights increase, local multiplier effects will deepen, creating roles for hotel staff, customs agents, quality inspectors, and documentation managers.
Goldstar Air will introduce Ghanaian cuisine and traditional drinks on board all flights as part of the airline’s role in promoting Agribusiness 30,000 feet above sea level. The in-flight menu will feature authentic indigenous African traditional drinks, including Chapman, Asaana, Sobolo, Pito, Burkina, Lamugin, Palm wine (a sweet alcoholic drink fermented from palm tree sap, traditionally served in a local calabash). Additionally, passengers will enjoy Ghana’s signature Golden Tree chocolate drinks and bars, the airline’s brand identity.
The menu will also feature a variety of popular Ghanaian delicacies, including Plantain chips, Koose, Roasted plantain, Tapioca, Ekuegbemi, Tiger nut pudding, Oblayoo, Massa, Kuli-kuli, Akpiti, Adonlee, Kelewele, Acheke, Waakye, Fufu, Kenkey, Banku, Red red, Abolo, Yakayaka, Aboboi, and Tatale. This initiative will provide significant opportunities for Ghanaian food and beverage companies, as Goldstar Air showcases local delicacies to a global audience.
Goldstar Air’s Sobolo canned drink is a shining example of the airline’s commitment topromoting agribusiness in Ghana. It showcases the potential of local agro-processingandempowers the agricultural sector, making it a strong choice for sustainable growthandaviable way to transform the fortunes of Ghanaian youth.
Goldstar Air’s holistic engagement with Ghanaian agribusiness will redefine development pathways. Flights will not just serve as vectors of mobility, they will become growth threads weaving together farmers, processors, agencies, investors, and consumers. Through intentional supply chain integration, infrastructure investment, human capital development, marketing connectivity, agritech enablement, public-private coordination, and adaptive strategy, the airline will amplify the scale and competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural economy. Emerging from Ghana’s farmlands, these corridors will connect to global supermarket shelves. As cargo empowers farmers, incomes will rise, exports will diversify, youth will engage locally, gender equity will improve, and national agriculture will transform from subsistence farming to globally networked commerce. Each Goldstar Air takeoff will be a step toward Ghana’s agrarian resurgence and a continent-wide model of aviation-linked agricultural prosperity.
The airline will also invest in corporate social responsibility within farming communities. Goldstar Air will run scholarship programs for agriculture students, fund demonstration plots showcasing best practices, and support community-led youth agribusiness training initiatives. The airline will sponsor food festivals to boost demand for local crops and highlight their cultural heritage. Goldstar Air’s brand will become synonymous with agrarian pride and commercial opportunity. Through storytelling campaigns featuring farmer success stories, agritech entrepreneurs, and trade enablement, the airline will build a narrative linking aviation to rural upliftment and national prosperity.
Goldstar Air’s approach to cargo services will be underscored by its use of digital technologies and sustainable practices. The airline is incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, blockchain-based cargo documentation, AI-driven demand forecasting, and machine learning algorithms for route planning. These innovations will minimize fuel consumption, prevent cargo losses, and ensure real-time visibility of shipments. Goldstar Air is also committed to reducing its environmental footprint by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, carbon offset programs, and green cargo terminals. The airline’s 24-hour cargo services will not only focus on volume but also on accountability, reliability, and sustainability.
Mr. Bannerman emphasized that the airline will convene summits involving development banks, regional development funds, and agribusiness funds from Africa and abroad. Through these dialogues, grant and investment deals will be secured for cold chain expansion, farmer organization, and export certification, as the airline’s visibility will help attract funding. As a result, Goldstar Air will become an anchor institution, acting as a magnet for public and private agribusiness investments into underserved regions, to make a significant impact on the country’s economy, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and also achieve the airline’s Project $1 Trillion Foreign Reserves Initiative.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Airlines for America, Inc. (A4A), and the Boeing Company (Boeing) in July 2010, signed a resolution formalizing their commitment to work together on the FARM to FLY initiative. The FARM to FLY program aims to accelerate the availability of a commercially viable and sustainable aviation biofuel industry in the United States, increase domestic energy security, establish regional supply chains, and support rural development. To advance the initiative, each organization designated personnel to serve on the FARM to FLY Working Team to explore actions that promote the commercial-scale production of sustainable feedstocks and the development of aviation biofuel production and distribution facilities. The Team’s discussions focused on existing statutory authority and areas that might require additional rulemaking, statutory, or funding changes.
Agricultural aviation began in the 1920s and remains vital to high yield farming today. At the industry’s start, aerial application was commonly referred to as “crop dusting,” because insecticides and other products were delivered as dry chemicals. Today, aerial applicators use products in liquid, granular, or seed products to control pests, provide nutrients, and even plant fields. Currently, aerial application accounts for up to one-fourth of all crop protection product applications in the United States.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) recently reported that the agribusiness sector accounts for at least 17% of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP and more than 50% of its employment. Despite this, Africa still possesses 65% of the world’s unused arable land. To unlock this, every available tool will be needed to cash in on this vast potential, and just like business jets are tools for corporations seeking to enhance productivity, general aviation can be utilized for that purpose, particularly in areas with large-scale farming operations across Africa.
Goldstar Air will promote the use of Air Tractor aircraft, that has been proven to be the most cost-effective and reliable method to add chemicals to crops to increase yields for industrial farming. For agricultural spraying, the AT-502XP is currently the best option. For firefighting operations, the AT-802 is a specialized model. These Air Tractors can be used for applying fertilizers to tea crops, locust control, and aerial firefighting. The two leaders in agricultural aircraft are the Air Tractor and Thrush Aircraft, both being produced in the United States.
Depending on the task, a specific aircraft is used to execute the operation. In crop protection and nutrition, mostly single-engine piston and turbine aircraft are used, including the full range of Air Tractor aircraft like the AT-402, AT-502, AT-602, and AT-802, as well as various Thrush Aircraft models like the 510, and piston aircraft such as the Piper Pawnee. Various helicopter types are also used, including the Robinson R22/44, Bell JetRangers, and the Airbus AS350 series. Aerial applications using unmanned platforms (drones) are also becoming increasingly popular now.
Goldstar Air will also promote the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, which are rapidly transforming agricultural practices worldwide. Their versatility and efficiency enable farmers to optimize resource usage, enhance crop monitoring and management, and improve overall productivity and sustainability. The primary users include large-scale commercial farms, aggregated smallholder farmers, agricultural research institutions, and government agencies.
Unmanned Aerial Systems help assess damage caused by droughts or floods, guide relief efforts, and enable prompt replanting or rehabilitation of agricultural land. Key applications include crop health monitoring, precision mapping, livestock monitoring and counting, and disaster mitigation.
Furthermore, apart from the cost efficiency and ease of deployment, accessibility is potentially the main trait when compared to aircraft like the Air Tractor. UAS can operate in areas where larger aircraft cannot, such as small or fragmented farms, steep terrains, or regions lacking proper airstrips. Goldstar Air envisions a rapidly expanding drone industry as technological acceptance, policy advancement, and regulation, as well as value appreciation of drone technology in agriculture.
Though technology is still in its early adoption stages globally and especially in Africa, exponential growth is expected once several factors are addressed, and full adoption is achieved, including farmer awareness and education, government support, and private sector investment.
The African continent is projected to feed itself and the world’s 9 billion people by 2050. It is no surprise that agriculture is among the African Development Bank’s top priorities. However, greater investment and cross-industry collaboration will be essential in achieving this ambitious goal. According to the United Nations, the global agriculture sector contributes 4% to the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for 27% of total global employment.
Industrial farming is the backbone of successful agribusiness, and Goldstar Air will stimulate this through its Project $1 Trillion foreign exchange reserves initiative inGhana, in collaboration with private stakeholders in the agribusiness sector. The airline’s 24-hourservice, combined with partnerships and modern equipment, will facilitate the productionof finished goods from these industrial farms, transforming farming into manufacturingand tapping into the global manufacturing income stream, which amountsto$16.182 trillion.
Goldstar Air’s influence on agribusiness extends into regional government planning and investment flows. By signaling that agripreneurial opportunities exist in Ghana, the airline’s agriculture-centric flights will support the farmers broader ambitions of transforming agriculture from subsistence to commercial scale. Goldstar Air will function as a connective tissue linking border farming zones to global markets. Whether flying cashews to India, spices to Europe by midday, or shea butter to North America the next day, the airline catalyzes the viability of emerging value chains that once seemed distant. Goldstar Air embrace of intra-African routes will also support ECOWAS agricultural trade, particularly with secondary neighboring markets. Ghana’s reputation as a leading agro-exporter will thus be elevated.
The airline will work with producers to implement environmental management protocols, minimizing post-harvest waste, reducing plastic usage in packaging, optimizing weight and volume for carbon efficiency, and supporting regenerative agriculture through certification incentives. Goldstar Air will partner with carbon offset programs linked to tree planting in farming zones and integrate digital carbon calculators into freight manifests, allowing growers to track their environmental contributions. In a global market increasingly focused on sustainability, Ghanaian agriproducts transported by Goldstar Air will earn valuable environmental credentials.
Goldstar Air’s long-term cargo vision includes establishing logistics academies and training centers in Ghana to build a pipeline of skilled professionals. These institutions will offer certification programs in aviation logistics, cargo handling, supply chain management, and freight forwarding. This will not only improve youth employability but also raise competency standards across the industry. Partnerships with international institutions will ensure Ghanaian logistics professionals remain competitive globally.
Economic developers view aviation as crucial for countries and critical drivers of income generation and growth. The viability of Wa and Ho Airports will be strengthened by Goldstar Air’s 24-hour economic activity and charter flights, making them major economic drivers for the Upper West and Volta Regions of Ghana. Additionally, the introduction of Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will create new economic opportunities for these regional capitals, further connecting rural communities to global commerce, supporting local businesses, and attracting new investments to these areas.
Tamale will serve as a pivotal hub for Goldstar Air’s maintenance base, training school, catering services, and cargo village. Plans are also underway to operate international passenger flights between Tamale and key destinations in the Sahel region, as well as Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Goldstar Air will initially operate flights from Kumasi to destinations such as Rome, Madrid, Hamburg, London, Düsseldorf, Milan, and also offer Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Flights from Accra will include destinations such as Washington, Dubai, Lagos, Toronto, Monrovia, Conakry, Abidjan, Guangzhou, Dakar, Banjul, Rhode Island, London, and Freetown. Future plans include adding cities such as Miami (Florida), Atlanta (Georgia), Chicago (Illinois), Glasgow (Scotland), Houston (Texas), and many others.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/goldstar-air-role-in-promoting-agribusiness-in-ghana/Read More
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has continued its operations in the Bole-Bamboi area of the Savannah Region, targeting illegal mining sites and companies involved in galamsey activities.
On July 25, 2025, the task force visited a company where 11 Chinese nationals were arrested the previous day and seized various equipment and items.
Seized Equipment and Items
The task force took control of the following equipment and items:
The seized equipment and items have been conveyed to NAIMOS headquarters in Accra through hired drivers, where they will be held for further direction and action.
The NAIMOS Task Force continues to conduct swoops at galamsey sites in the area, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.
The operations aim to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure that those involved in galamsey activities are held accountable.
The NAIMOS Task Force’s operations in Bole/Bamboi are a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining in Ghana.
The seizure of equipment and items will likely disrupt the operations of galamsey operators in the area, and the task force’s continued efforts will be crucial in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mining practices.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has continued its operations in the Bole-Bamboi area of the Savannah Region, targeting illegal mining sites and companies involved in galamsey activities.
On July 25, 2025, the task force visited a company where 11 Chinese nationals were arrested the previous day and seized various equipment and items.
Seized Equipment and Items
The task force took control of the following equipment and items:
The seized equipment and items have been conveyed to NAIMOS headquarters in Accra through hired drivers, where they will be held for further direction and action.
The NAIMOS Task Force continues to conduct swoops at galamsey sites in the area, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.
The operations aim to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure that those involved in galamsey activities are held accountable.
The NAIMOS Task Force’s operations in Bole/Bamboi are a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining in Ghana.
The seizure of equipment and items will likely disrupt the operations of galamsey operators in the area, and the task force’s continued efforts will be crucial in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mining practices.
The Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) has announced plans to launch a region-wide clean-up campaign to address the poor state of sanitation in the region.
The campaign, scheduled to take place on the first Saturday of every month if successfully implemented, aims to promote a clean and healthy environment in all distinct capitals and major communities.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, made this declaration during Oti Regional Coordinating Council meeting for the first year in 2025.
The Minister revealed that the region is plagued by open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal, which has resulted in the accumulation of filth in the regional capital, Dambai.
He added that the ORCC acknowledges that the state of sanitation in the region leaves much to be desired.
To address these challenges, the Minister explained that the ORCC will collaborate with development partners such as UNICEF, World Vision and Global Communities to implement a Community Led-Total Sanitation (CLT) program and other WASH interventions.
The Regional Minister has urged all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to take a keen interest in the clean-up exercise and procure basic clean up materials such as brooms, rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows to aid the exercise.
However, he seized the opportunity to highlight several challenges facing the region, which include slow pace of infrastructural development, chieftaincy and land disputes, high rate of teenage pregnancies and poor performance in education.
Mr. Prosper Kwaku Addo, Dean of MDCES in the Oti Region, praised the ORCC for organizing its first meeting of the year 2025.
He expressed satisfaction with the deliberations and outcomes of the meeting, assuring that the participants would utilize the directives and guidance provided by the regional minister.
The participants shared their experiences and insights with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), highlighted the meeting’s impact.
They commended the ORCC for creating a platform for departmental heads and agencies to discuss key issues affecting the region and develop strategies for addressing them.
Egyptian Pharaohs dating back to the early centuries had Akan names, according to the Hemanhene
Hemanhene Nana Apau Wiafe Ababio Sanwoansan has drawn a connection between the Akan ancestors and the Egyptian Pharaohs, suggesting that some of these ancient structures bear Akan names.
According to him, in an interview video shared on Facebook on July 16, 2025, where he recounted one of his travels, he was shown the gravesites of several buried Pharaohs.
He claimed that the names of these Pharaohs had Akan origins — slightly altered to sound non-Akan, yet basically rooted in Akan language and culture.
“They said a Pharaoh named Akuffo had been buried there. The white man is clever; he altered the spelling slightly so that you and I wouldn’t recognise the origin of the name Akuffo. They also took me to another place where the Pharaoh buried there was named Akhenaten, which in a way, is actually ‘Akenten’.
“I was shown another site where the Pharaoh buried there was also named Tutu Ankama, though they had spelled it Tutankhamun. I observed very closely and carefully so I paid very close attention to everything because I realised that much of what they were showing me belonged to my forefathers,” he recounted.
Nana Apau Wiafe Ababio Sanwoansan further highlighted similarities between the Akans and the Egyptian Pharaohs, citing one such example as the posture of Pharaoh statues — with arms crossed over the chest to signify death.
He explained that this symbolism resonates with Akan beliefs, where the deceased are traditionally laid to rest with their arms crossed over their chests.
This parallel, he noted, strengthens his confidence in the cultural linkage between the two groups.
“They took us to a three-storey building filled only with mummies and caskets. We were told that if we saw any statue with its arms crossed over its chest, (just like I’ve crossed mine), it meant that the Pharaoh had already passed away at the time the statue was made. He was no longer alive. I also recalled that our ancestors used to say that when a person dies, their arms are crossed over their chest. All of this suggests to me that there are similarities.
“Then I came to my senses and saw a coffin, the colors of which bore a striking resemblance to picture of Otumfuo dressed in the same kente cloth. I made some comparisons and once everything was over, they threw a party for us. I spent about ten days there and during the dinner, we were asked to share the experiences we had gathered from the expedition. I told them that based on everything I had seen, I could infer that my forefathers lived here.”
The chief said he saw a lot of products at the museum that bore a resemblance to a lot of things that the Akans hold today as traditions.
“Imagine meeting African-Americans and people from all over the world and then claiming that all the artefacts found there belonged to my forefathers. It was quite surprising. The host asked me why I was making such a claim, and I explained that from the little historical research I had done, I had discovered that the Akans once lived here, along with the Anlo and Ga people, though the Akans played a particularly significant role,” he said.
He also noted with confidence that some Ghanaians had lived in the area because the objects that are in the area resonate with the Ghanaian culture.
“We all lived there before the arrival of King Leopard I, and later, the Romans and Arabs settled in that area. We coexisted for about 400 years before conflicts broke out, prompting us to leave for Mali, where the Old Ghana Empire was eventually established.
“So, I said to the man, ‘Everything I’m telling you stands as evidence that the Akans once lived here.’ However, what I wanted to show you – to help you understand, I showed them a picture of Otumfuo in his full regalia. I pointed to the ornament around his neck and told them that it represents our forefathers. When we left the old Ghana Empire, we trekked through until we reached what is now present-day Ghana,” he said.
He, however, noted that when Ghanaians were leaving that settlement, they couldn’t carry everything with them.
“When our forefathers arrived and established the kingdom, they said to themselves that even if they couldn’t bring the pyramid with us, they would symbolically carry it around their necks. They tried – had it been something movable, they would have brought it along. But since they couldn’t, they chose to represent it as an ornament around their necks,” he said.
Watch the video below:
MAG/AE
Meanwhile, watch what Jane Reindorf Osei says about Ghana’s readiness for tourism investment:
Niger’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum, remains imprisoned in the presidential palace, two years after he was deposed in a military coup.
The 65-year-old and his wife Hadiza, have no contact with their lawyers, family or supporters, the organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Wednesday.
The military seized power in the West African desert state on July 23, 2023.
The leader of the coup was the head of Bazoum’s presidential guard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani. Tchiani has now been declared president without elections until at least 2030.
Bazoum and his wife were imprisoned in their residence on the day of the coup and have not been allowed to leave since. Their movements were restricted to a few rooms after they allegedly attempted an escape. Their mobile devices were also confiscated.
According to Bazoum’s lawyers, their only contact with the outside world is regular visits from a doctor.
The military government accuses Bazoum of high treason. However, no trial has taken place so far.
“Despite clear rulings by international courts and UN bodies calling for his release, he remains a hostage of a military junta,” one of his lawyers said, according to HRW.
Bazoum spends his days training on an indoor bicycle and reading Marxist theory, Shakespeare and Tolstoy, the New York Times reported last year.
His son, who was also initially detained, was allowed to leave the country in 2024 after mediation by Togo.
Bazoum, who was democratically elected president in 2021, had very good relations with European countries and the United States, for whom Niger was an important partner in the fight against Islamist terrorist groups in the region and migration to Europe.
New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was introduced to the crowd in Singapore, while 15-year-old Max Dowman once again impressed as the Gunners beat Newcastle 3-2 in pre-season.
Gyokeres completed a move worth up to £64m to the Gunners from Sporting on Saturday and waved to fans from the pitch before kick-off.
However, the Arsenal fans inside the National Stadium did not get long to enjoy the moment as Anthony Elanga scored his first goal in Newcastle colours with a scuffed effort after Sandro Tonali picked him out inside the box in the sixth minute.
The Gunners did have chances through Kai Havertz and Ben White, but eventually drew level when Mikel Merino finished well from a clever Havertz flick in the 33rd minute.
Just two minutes later Arsenal were in front when Havertz’s low cross was slammed into his own net by Newcastle left-back Alex Murphy.
Newcastle made nine changes at half-time and almost conceded again when Nick Pope saved well from an acrobatic effort from Bukayo Saka.
It was one of those subs who then drew them level when Jacob Murphy was allowed space to shoot from the edge of the area and the ball bobbled past David Raya.
Arteta once again brought on highly rated youngster Dowman, and the forward won a penalty following a skilful run, with captain Martin Odegaard scoring from the spot to give Arsenal the win.
They travel to Hong Kong next week to play rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while Newcastle take on Team K League in South Korea.
Gyokeres steals the show
As soon as it was announced before the match, Gyokeres would be arriving in Singapore, the pre-season friendly was not going to be the most important topic of the day.
Supporters in the stadium were mimicking the trademark celebration of the Swedish striker, and when he was welcomed to the pitch from the tunnel surrounded by flames, the noise levels went up a notch.
The 27-year-old forward has not trained with his new team-mates and came straight from the airport to greet the crowd.
Germany forward Havertz has done an excellent job leading the line for Arsenal over the past couple of seasons, but Gyokeres is the type of traditional centre-forward Gunners fans have been crying out for.
“We are super happy to have Viktor with us; it’s been a long journey to get him over here.” Mikel Arteta said about his new signing.
“He’s been incredible, he was very clear from the beginning where he wanted to play and how passionate I felt from day one when we first spoke.
“You can see the boys, you can see the environment as well, very excited with his arrival.”
Arteta praised the club and sporting director Andrea Berta for getting so many deals done this summer.
Arsenal have spent about £204m on Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.
“We were very clear on the talent that we identified in the window,” said Arteta.
“But actually, to deliver it is something very, very different, and I think the club has done incredibly well.
“Andrea and his team they’ve been absolutely fantastic. So the window, we already have the reforms that we wanted.”
Gyokeres could make his first appearance for Arsenal against Spurs in Hong Kong on Thursday, but the Swede has not trained with a team since the end of May.
“We will assess him tomorrow, he’s done all the medicals, everything is looking good,” added Arteta.
“But to get him up to speed with the right levels of fitness, I think it is very important.
“So we’re not going to stop him, we want him with us as quickly as possible, but we’ll have to assess and the medical team will do that.”
Dowman was a handful when he came on, and Arteta said: “Yeah, it is special.
“Obviously, what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old.
“We are extremely happy to have him. I think again the environment that he’s around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well [is] super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey.”
The only real worry from the match for Arteta was watching Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori limp off just two minutes into the second half and being replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Howe pushes Newcastle on
Just like Arsenal, it is the conversation around a Swedish striker that has dominated the club’s time in Singapore.
Alexander Isak is considering his options amid interest from Liverpool and manager Eddie Howe has had to field numerous questions about the striker’s future.
After the game, Howe said “nothing had changed” with Isak’s situation, and there was no chance of him flying out to join his team-mates during this trip to Asia.
“We’re not deluded. We know we need to bring players in,” he said. “We’ve known that for a long time. It’s been a challenging transfer window. Let’s see what we can do.”
Another Swede, Elanga, one of Newcastle’s few summer arrivals so far, got his first Newcastle goal and was a bright point in attack alongside William Osula.
“It’s business as usual for the players,” added Howe.
“Naturally, we’re going to miss a player of Alex’s quality. The group will feel that. I can’t sit here and claim they won’,t but we have a very professional group of players. They’ve been brilliant in terms of managing the situation.”
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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.
The late Charles Kwadwo Fosu, also known as Daddy Lumba
Ghana’s musical demigod Charles Kwadwo Fosu, also known as Daddy Lumba, has joined his ancestors at the age of 60, drawing the curtain on an enchanting career.
The year 2025 could go down as one of the darkest years in Ghana’s musical history with the tragic passing of Daddy Lumba and also Dada KD, who also died a few weeks ago.
Yes, of course, death is inevitable for living things, and Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 states, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and time to die.”
This biblical verse could perhaps serve as deep consolation for the millions of Daddy Lumba fans all around the world, but certainly his musical immortality is certain.
At the age of 16, Daddy Lumba emerged onto Ghana’s musical scene in the 1980s, when highlife music was very popular and had many greats dominating the scene.
It would be a stern task for young Daddy Lumba to make a breakthrough, but he formed his band, the Lumba Brothers, to test the competitive highlife scene.
Together with his lookalike friend Ernest Nana Acheampong, the Lumba Brother announced their presence in Highlife music with the release of their debut album, “Yeey3 Aka Akwantuo.”
That was just the beginning of an illustrious music career that would culminate in the release of 33 albums and a legendary catalogue of timeless hit songs for both old and young generations.
At his peak, Daddy Lumba was the music machine, and his voice resonated in every Ghanaian household as he dropped hits upon hits.
His “Aben Wo Ha” song has been considered by many as one of the greatest hit songs of all time and continues to enjoy massive airplay.
Daddy Lumba has created many magic moments for many Highlife music lovers and has always been in the conversation that he is perhaps Ghana’s greatest musicians of all time.
Former President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who had a personal relationship with Daddy Lumba, opined that his is one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived.
“Daddy Lumba, as we affectionately call him, was a pantheon among musical greats of all time and had a special connection with his fans and the entire world,” said former President Akufo-Addo.
Akufo-Addo’s assertions are re-echoed by his successor, President John Dramani Mahama, who described Daddy Lumba’s talent as an irreplaceable loss to Ghana.
“Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life.
“The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages,” said President Mahama.
Daddy Lumba’s music appeal indeed transcended borders, and his recent royal recognition, having been featured in King Charles III’s Special Play, further cements his global appeal.
He was also an inspirational figure for a recent crop of Ghanaian musicians who always thanked him for his massive influence on their careers.
One such musician is Highlife star Kaakyire Kwame Fosu, also known as KK Fosu, who confessed that Daddy Lumba inspired him to take up the Highlife genre.
“Growing up as a young guy, I always looked up to Daddy Lumba because he was a body of musical excellence, and I learnt a lot from him.
“From how he composes his music, especially generating love themes, it was certainly magical, and he has indeed lived a great life in music,” said KK Fosu.
As Daddy Lumba, in his “Ankwanoma” hit song, said, “Ankwanoma mede mekra abo afodee o, meeye nee metumi biaa me mmre so aa na meko oo,” forerold the end of the golden era he personified.
The music legend has clearly done his part to thrive Highlife music, and it behooves on the young generation to sustain the genre for the future generations.
Tension is mounting in the mining town of Manso-Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region as a long-standing dispute between the community and Asanko Gold Mines over mining concessions intensifies.
Confrontations between security forces and locals have often turned bloody, with Asanko Gold Mines accusing community members of invading its concession—a claim the residents strongly dispute.
In 2024, a clash between residents and private security personnel deployed to safeguard Asanko Gold Mines Limited’s concession left three individuals dead.
The confrontation escalated when security personnel reportedly opened fire, resulting in the death of a resident. In retaliation, enraged locals lynched two members of the private security team and severely injured another.
For years, residents have complained of alleged brutality by military officers and thugs deployed to prevent illegal mining on the company’s concessions. Manso-Tontokrom, a community with a vibrant but largely unemployed youth population, has seen about 90 per cent of its young people resort to illegal mining and other social vices due to a lack of decent jobs.
The youth have consistently clashed with Asanko Mines, which accuses them of invading its legally acquired concessions. These tensions have often led to reports of military brutality, with locals claiming security forces harass and abuse them under the guise of stopping illegal mining.
The latest concern stems from reports that Asanko Gold Mines is planning another military deployment to the area. Residents have vowed to resist such action and are appealing to authorities for intervention.
Community members and opinion leaders have called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to step in and find a lasting solution to what they describe as unwarranted brutality.
They are also urging the government to create sustainable mining opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth in the area.
Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin, the Mamahene of Manso-Tontokrom, criticized the lack of resolution under the previous administration despite several engagements.
“There have been engagements since the tenure of the previous District Chief Executive, but the issue keeps recurring. Our biggest concern is the continuous deployment of police and the military to harass us. Our forefathers didn’t use brute force to secure the land. We are appealing to the President and Asantehene to intervene. Asanko Mines must stay within its boundaries and leave the people of Tontokrom alone,” he said.
On Saturday, residents—mostly youth—wore red bands – and staged a peaceful protest to express their frustrations, urging the government to act swiftly.
One youth leader, Adam Musah, emphasized that mining remains the primary source of livelihood in the area. He warned that without sustainable mining opportunities, many young people would be pushed into joblessness and social vices.
He noted that mining activities had helped reduce crime, including robbery, and called on the government to fulfil its campaign promise to secure concessions for community members.
“Our appeal is simple—we’re asking the government and the President to support us. During the elections, they promised not to abandon us and to help us mine responsibly. Now, Asanko Gold Mines says it’s reclaiming its concessions. We need the government to step in and support our right to work,” he added.
The Amansie South District Security Council has since intervened, holding meetings with the parties involved in an attempt to prevent further violence and resolve the dispute.
Officials of Asanko Gold Mines, when contacted by Citi News, assured they would provide a response in due course.
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Mr. Divine Selease Agbeti, the Director-General of Cuber Security Authority, has called for responsible Al integration and collaboration across institutions to meet the demands of modern digital crime.
“In an era where digital crime evolves rapidly alongside technological advancements, it is imperative for governmental, academic, and private institutions to collaborate on the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence,” said.
Mr. Agbeti made the call in a speech at an ePolice Academy 2025 event to mark a bold and strategic step towards National and Regional resilience
Held recently at the Amonoo Neizer Conference Hall at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technolgy, Kumasi, and led by the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), the event brought together Ghana’s leading law enforcement officers, judicial experts, cybersecurity professionals and partners from across Africa to strengthen capacity in combating child online exploitation and financial sextortion.
He said by aligning ethical Al deployment with robust policy frameworks and cross-sector expertise, “we can better anticipate, detect, and respond to cyber threats while safeguarding privacy, civil liberties, and the integrity of digital ecosystems.
“Only through coordinated efforts and shared accountability can we meet the complex demands of modern digital crime and build resilient, secure societies.”
Mr. Agbeti said there was the need to coordinate, have data-driven, and ethical national strategy to protect children online
DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service cited over 10,000 cyber incidents reported between 2023 and 2024.
She emphasised the need for specialized tools, cross-border cooperation, and professional agility to confront complex threats like sextortion, CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material), and online fraud.
Athena Morgan of ICMEC Kenya shared international frameworks for Al-enabled child protection, while Nelson Herald Darko of the CSA elaborated on Ghana’s national strategy and law enforcement partnerships.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe of the Court of Appeal addressed the growing demands on the judiciary to understand and prosecute digital crimes efficiently and justly.
The day also featured critical contributions from experts like Paul Raffille, who joined live from New York to map global financial sextortion patterns, and Andrew Briercliffe of the UK, who emphasized scalable investigations.
A major highlight was the official launch of the #StopSextortion campaign, aimed at breaking the silence around image- based abuse and equipping victims with safe reporting channels and support systems.
The campaign is now being rolled out across schools, communities, and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
As Ghana continues to take decisive steps to secure its digital future, the ePolice Academy 2025 stands as a testament to what is possible when leadership, expertise, and regional solidarity converge.
Together, stakeholders are building a safer, smarter, and more secure online environment for every child.
The suspects reappeared before the court, presided over by Justice Angela Attachie
The Adentan Circuit Court has granted bail to suspected land guards allegedly linked to a demolition incident at Trassaco.
The suspects were granted bail of GH¢800,000 each, secured with landed property and two sureties.
The suspects reappeared before the court, presided over by Justice Angela Attachie, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
According to the New Crusading Guide Newspaper report, the prosecution expressed frustration over difficulties in obtaining a formal statement from Trassaco, which it said was hampering ongoing investigations.
Lead defence counsel Martin Kpebu, assisted by Kwame Tanor, pleaded with the court to grant bail, arguing that the suspects had almost reached an agreement with the complainant, Madam Grace Durowaa, to pay for the reconstruction of her demolished building.
Kpebu assured the court that Trassaco had committed to covering the full cost of reconstruction, adding that the suspects needed to be reunited with their families.
Granting bail, Justice Attachie ordered the defence team to ensure that Trassaco reports to the police station to provide a statement.
She cautioned that failure to comply would result in an arrest warrant being issued against him.
In a dramatic turn of events, Lawyer Kpebu is also reported to have approached Madam Durowaa in court, apologized to her, and assured her that he would personally ensure that the agreed compensation was paid.
A court official who spoke to reporters warned against the increasing use of land guards to enforce purported court orders.
“Any legitimate court order is executed by court bailiffs, not land guards, police, or soldiers.
“Where security assistance is needed, the court will officially request it. This incident is a clear example of abuse, as there were no valid court orders authorizing the demolition,” the official stated.
The programme is open to all, regardless of educational background
Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited, in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), has launched a free youth agricultural training programme aimed at reducing vegetable imports by at least 20%.
The initiative, which trains over 2,000 young people annually at centres in Dawhenya, Bawjiase, and Akim Oda, focuses on smart agriculture, agribusiness, greenhouse farming, export compliance, and financial literacy.
Participants receive free meals, accommodation, and are expected to earn monthly allowances once production begins. Trainees also receive land, inputs, and guaranteed markets for their produce, with Maphlix committing to buy-back agreements.
Dr Felix Kamassah, CEO of Maphlix and President of the Ghana Vegetable Producers Association, said the programme aims to make agriculture a viable business for youth, not just a fallback option.
“We want to train business owners, not job seekers,” he stated at the Dawhenya training centre.
The programme is open to all, regardless of educational background, and adopts a rotational model of morning classes and afternoon fieldwork, currently accommodating over 700 trainees.
Backed by the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Innovation (HAPI) programme, the initiative is also supported by Ghana Enterprises Agency, Catholic Relief Services, and other partners.
Dr Elizabeth Zotorvie of NSS, who leads HAPI, noted that the programme aligns with the NSS’s job creation agenda by deploying graduates to practical roles across agricultural value chains.
Participants lauded the programme’s hands-on approach and its role in promoting gender equity and climate-smart agriculture.
Graduates will receive certification, access to finance, and land under an in-grower system, with support to start and manage their own agribusiness ventures.
AM/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Bournemouth forward Daniel Adu-Adjei has disclosed his ambition of representing Ghana at international level despite the option of playing for England.
The London-born forward is eyeing a breakthrough campaign in the upcoming season after travelling with the Cherries to USA for pre-season.
The English-Ghanaian attacker netted his first senior goal for Bournemouth in the 3-0 thumping of Everton in the opening match of the Premier League Summer Series at MetLife Stadium.
Despite showing great potential in the youth teams of Bournemouth, the 20-year-old has yet to represent England at any level, prompting the attention of Ghana’s Football Association.
“Yea, I think so. I’d love to play for Ghana,” he told GHANASoccernet US-based reporter Reuben Obodai in an exclusive interview. “Obviously, both my parents were born there, grew up there so I’d love to do it,” he added.
Adu-Adjei has been following the Black Stars with teammate Antoine Semenyo being a key member of the Black Stars.
“I’ve seen them. How they are doing, how they are getting on with stuffs and I have seen Antoine play for them at the moment and it’s good to see him do well with them.”
Although Adu-Adjei did not see Anthony Yeboah play, the talented forward is a huge fan of the former Black Stars striker, something his father passed onto him.
“I think Tony Yeboah. My dad had videos of him so I kind of watch those old clips,” he said.
Adu-Adjei will be hoping to be a regular member of Andoni Iraola’s team next season.
Meanwhile, watch as football fans question FIFA’s move to scrap penalty rebound rule
Up to 500 miners are believed to be trapped in eastern Congo, following a series of landslides, police in the province of South Kivu said on Tuesday July 22, 2025.
Ten bodies have been recovered since the collapse in a remote area on Sunday, a police spokesman said.
Volunteers are working to recover the remaining bodies and survivors, he said.
Information on the exact number of casualties is difficult to verify, as the affected miners did not work for a company, but were working in the informal mining sector in the resource-rich area.
Numerous internally displaced people who had fled the ongoing fighting between government troops and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo, are also said to be among those buried.
The hilly area was recently hit by heavy rains.
According to the police spokesman, landslides were also reported in villages in the region. However, there have been no reports of casualties so far.
The Member of Parliament for Nalerigu/Gambaga, Nurudeen Mohammed Mumuni, has raised serious concerns about the ongoing curfew imposed on Nalerigu Township and its environs, describing it as poorly coordinated and unjustified.
Speaking in an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, July 27, 2025, shortly after the curfew was announced, the MP stated that many residents are not complying with the directive due to widespread frustration and a lack of trust in its purpose.
“If you look at the curfew that they imposed this afternoon, I can tell on authority some are observing the curfew in Nalerigu and Gambaga and other places. But unfortunately, it is not everybody who is observing the curfew right now because the people are not happy, the people are disappointed,” the MP said.
He added that many residents feel the curfew is “unjustifiable and unacceptable,” and questioned the level of preparedness on the part of security agencies.
“It is like the security themselves are not well prepared… [and] the leadership of the security agencies, including the Interior Minister—it’s like the imposition of the curfew was not a well-thought plan. So there is no proper coordination about this particular issue.”
The Ministry of the Interior, acting on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council, imposed a curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in response to what it described as growing insecurity in the area.
A statement issued by the Ministry urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents to remain calm and channel their grievances through non-violent means. The statement further warned that anyone found in possession of arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons would be arrested and prosecuted.
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The wait is over—Big Brother Naija Season 10 has officially unveiled its male housemates, completing the cast for what’s already being dubbed the most unpredictable season yet.
During Sunday night’s second launch show, viewers were introduced to a fresh batch of bold, charming, and competitive men, following Saturday’s reveal of 15 female contestants.
With diverse backgrounds, the new male housemates bring a mix of ambition, swagger, and personality to the game. Photos from the event show confident walk-ins, striking outfits, and instant buzz among fans as the full house dynamic comes alive. As Season 10 kicks into gear, all eyes are now truly on them.
Meet some of the participants announced so far:
Koyin
Koyin: A 21 year old from Ogun State is a Leo with Vibes and 10/10 energy. Model, party monster and snub king.
Danboskid
2. Danboskid: A 25 Aries from Ekiti. Mr Ideal Nigeria 2024. From Mixing cements to flexing on International stages, 💪Gym Freak, ,on a mission, love on pause, grind on full volume.
Rooboy
3. Rooboy: A 29 old from Ogun State is loud for a living, and real by default. The blunt boss is a hype man and performer with unfiltered bars in his toolkit
Bright Morgan
4. Bright Morgan: A 27 year old actor, cook, gym rat and reader from IMO state, is ready to shake the TL and, btw, JBOL in serious situations.
Kaybobo
5. Kaybobo: A 26 years old, repping Ekiti and making global tackles. The league is Pro American Footballer, Poet and a real- life green flag.
Faith
6. Faith: Doctor By Day,flirt by energy. Faith(25) from Osun State is bringing Brains, gbas gbos and maybe a little polyamorous mischief
Kuture
7. Kuture is 27 years old from Kogi, to the Mainland, to Biggie’s house! But, this sailor isn’t just navigating seas, he’s mastering music, fashion, and interiors like a G. He’s “single until made”, hustle-hot to the max, and ready to ride his biggest wave to date.
Denari
8. Denari: A 27 year old from Anambra, is funny, unfiltered and finally getting his shot. He mimics accents like pro and lives for food, football, and flexing his zero-commitment energy.
Kayikunmi
9. Kayikunmi: Loud, Funny, Unbothered. Kayikunmi 25 from Ekiti state a soft like guy with wild stories and a wild heart.
Mensan
10. Mensan: Atlantic boy don land! Meet Mensan, 29, repping Rivers with swagger, ginger, and mic-drops that will keep you tuned in like a light. He clocks game, and is on his journey to becoming a lawyer. He’s also the “sweet bad guy” you can’t wait to hang with.
Otega
11. A tech bro turned chef with a heartbreak hangover? We are sat. Otega, Delta’s 32-year-old Aries, is deep, layered, and lowkey dramatic. Expect food crash outs and midnight therapy sessions.
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Ghana Entrepreneurs Awards’ 15th anniversary ceremony on August 1, 2025.
Diplomatic representatives from Lebanon, Turkey, Barbados, and Malta will join the event alongside business leader Prince Kofi Amoabeng.
The Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana will recognize thirty entrepreneurs during the gala, comprising twenty-five “Most Influential Entrepreneurs of All Time” and five “Legacy Lifetime Achievement” honorees. Selection drew from over 520 awardees since the event’s 2010 inception under the theme “Celebrating 15 Years of Honoring Entrepreneurial Excellence.”
Award criteria emphasize sustained economic impact, corporate governance, and industry leadership. The Legacy distinction specifically acknowledges career-spanning contributions that reshape business practices and inspire future generations.
The annual ceremony aims to facilitate professional networking while highlighting entrepreneurship’s role in national development. Previous honorees include executives from manufacturing, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
The vigil for the late Daddy Lumba will be held on August 2
The Creative Arts Agency (CAA) has announced a National Candlelight Vigil in honour of the late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, who passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
In a statement signed by Acting Executive Secretary, Gideon Aryeequaye, the agency extended an invitation to the public to attend the solemn ceremony on August 2, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The vigil will form part of a global tribute held simultaneously in Ghana, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands, aimed at celebrating the musical icon’s legacy and uniting communities through music and culture.
“Your presence will not only honor the legacy of an icon but also unite us in celebrating the power of music, culture, and community,” the statement read.
Attendees are expected to RSVP by July 31, 2025, to confirm participation.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, remains one of Ghana’s most revered musicians, with a career spanning over four decades and more than 30 albums to his name.
Daddy Lumba died in the early hours of July 26 at The Bank Hospital in the Cantonments area of Accra, after a brief illness, aged 60.
The family officially confirmed the news through legal representatives and asked for privacy during this difficult time, noting that funeral arrangements will be released in due course.
ID/AE
Watch as A Plus and Serwaa Amihere visit Daddy’s Lumba’s residence after his passing:
See the mood at Daddy Lumba’s residence after news of his shocking demise:
Africa Eye Imaging Centre in collaboration with Zero Blind Babies has donated neonatal support equipment worth $67,000 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), in a bid to improve the care and outcomes of premature babies in Ghana. The donation, which included 20 neonatal oximeter probe (oxygen blenders) , 20 lifebox pulse oximeter (patient monitors) , and respiratory support devices (15 Pumani bubble CPAP and 10 Vayu bubble CPAP) , is aimed at strengthening the hospital’s capacity to prevent Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a preventable eye condition that can lead to blindness in preterm infants and to provide improved neonatal oxygen management. ROP occurs when the retina, a vital part of the eye responsible for vision, fails to develop properly due to premature birth, particularly in infants born before 30 weeks of gestation or weighing less than two kilograms. With advances in neonatal care and the increasing number of preterm births due to factors such as IVF and improved survival rates, early detection and management of ROP have become crucial. Over the past year, Africa Eye Imaging Centre has partnered with KATH to pilot the first ROP screening program of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, using a portable retinal imaging camera worth $30,000. Since the inception of the program in August 2024, more than 3,000 eye screenings have been conducted for preterm babies across the Ashanti Region, with over 25 babies treated successfully to prevent irreversible blindness. Dr. Akwasi Agyeman Ahmed, CEO of Africa Eye Imaging Centre and a consultant ophthalmologist at KATH, said the intervention was born out of necessity after witnessing a growing number of blind preterm infants at the hospital’s eye unit. “This could have been prevented if the babies were screened early. So, in collaboration with a US-based NGO, Zero Blind Babies, we started this program to ensure no child starts life blind when it can be avoided with a simple intervention,” he said. “In the United States, if a baby becomes blind from ROP in a hospital, that facility can be sued for up to $40 million because it is considered preventable. We must prioritise this in Ghana too.” The programme has since expanded to include Accra Regional Hospital (formerly Ridge Hospital) and Tamale Teaching Hospital, with a total of three functional ROP screening centers currently operating across the country. Dr. Ahmed also highlighted that one of the risk factors for ROP is improper oxygen management. Preterm babies are often given 100% oxygen, which can be harmful. The oxygen blenders now donated will help adjust oxygen concentration appropriately, protecting the babies’ eyes and overall health. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is a 130-bed capacity unit, but suffers from severe shortages in monitoring equipment and respiratory support devices. Currently, there are fewer than 20 monitors available, which means healthcare workers often have to rotate monitors between babies, prioritizing those in critical condition. Similarly, only about four or five respiratory support devices are available in the 18-bed acute preterm ward. Dr. Naana Wireko Brobbey, a neonatologist and second head in charge of the Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU) at KATH welcomed the donation, saying it will greatly improve clinical outcomes and reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity.
”Now with these donated oxygen blenders, monitors, and breathing devices, we can better manage oxygen therapy and monitor the babies more effectively. It’s a game-changer in our practice,” she said. “With improved screening and better equipment, we are certainly on our way to improving neonatal care outcomes and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Read also….
North East: GJA urges journalists to prioritise safety amid curfew in Nalerigu
Curfew has been imposed on Nalerigu Township and its surrounding areas following growing security concerns in the North East Region effective Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The curfew will run daily from 2:00 pm to 6:00 am until further notice.
In a public statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior, it was explained that the curfew was instituted upon the advice of the North East Regional Security Council and sanctioned through Executive Instrument.
Roger A. Agana, the editor of News Ghana and a leading advocate for ethical journalism, has been officially cleared to contest for the Vice President position in the 2025 National Executive Elections of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), following a successful vetting held on Friday, July 25.
The vetting process, conducted at the PRINPAG Secretariat in Accra, marked a crucial milestone in the lead-up to the elections slated for Friday, August 15, 2025. Mr. Agana, known for his leadership in digital media and his long-standing commitment to press freedom, is widely viewed as a formidable candidate in the vice presidential race. He will face off against Michael Antwi-Agyei in a contest expected to draw significant attention from members of Ghana’s independent media.
With over two decades of experience in journalism, Agana’s campaign has attracted strong interest from stakeholders across the media spectrum. As editor of one of the country’s most established online platforms, he has consistently promoted transparent governance within the media space and played an active role in regional press advocacy.
The Electoral Committee, chaired by Lawyer Ken Kuranchie, announced that all eleven aspirants across five executive positions participated in the vetting exercise, which reviewed candidates’ qualifications, vision statements, and supporting documentation. No objections or disqualifications were recorded by the close of the vetting deadline.
In the presidential race, Awudu Mahama and David Tamakloe were both cleared to contest. The position of Organizing Secretary will be contested by William Sarpong, Prince Kawuunda, and Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri, editor of ModernGhana. Emmanuel Opare Djan was confirmed unopposed for the Public Affairs & External Relations Officer role.
Meanwhile, the Financial Secretary/Treasurer race will feature Naana Aklerh Kubi I, Kofi Ahovi, and Adnan Adams Mohammed, who were also vetted and approved.
With the vetting completed, official balloting for candidate positions on the ballot paper has also been conducted. The final list of qualified candidates is expected to be published formally by the Electoral Committee in the coming days.
Committee members, including Vice Chair Desmond Darko and Secretary Nimatu Yakubu Atuoyese, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a credible, fair, and transparent election. The committee encouraged members to uphold PRINPAG’s values of professionalism and unity during the campaign period.
As the August 15 election draws closer, all eyes are on the vice presidential race, where Roger A. Agana’s track record in newsroom leadership, media policy engagement, and digital transformation has positioned him as a candidate with both national credibility and grassroots support within Ghana’s independent press community.
Fresh violence has erupted at Bawku after a student of Bawku Senior High School was allegedly dragged from his dormitory and shot dead by unknown assailants.
Also, the residence of the Member of Parliament for Bawku and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, was set ablaze again in a separate attack, according to myjoyonline.com report.
According to the news report, the renewed unrest is believed to have been triggered by the recent killing of a Kusasi chief in Kumasi, which has sparked a series of reprisal attacks.
Two additional individuals were reportedly killed in Kumasi in connection with the chieftaincy tensions, further escalating hostilities in Bawku.
According to eyewitnesses, the SHS student, identified as a Mossi, was killed on Saturday night on July 26, 2025, after the attackers scaled the school’s perimeter wall to reach him.
He is suspected to have been mistaken for an affiliate of one of the rival factions in the protracted chieftaincy dispute.
Later that night, unidentified attackers vandalised and set fire to Mahama Ayariga’s residence.
Residents have reported sustained gunfire exchanges across parts of the municipality over the past two nights, forcing many to stay indoors out of fear.
Security forces, including the Ghana Police Service and military personnel, have reportedly stepped up their presence in the area to contain the situation.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, has frequently erupted into violence, leading to repeated loss of lives and destruction of property.
AM/AE
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Feed Ghana and Grow24 are agric programmes under 24H+ Economy
Nicholas Issaka Gbana, a Development Economist and Chartered Accountant has raised concerns over the parallel implementation of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Feed Ghana programme and the Grow24 initiative under the 24-Hour Economy Policy, describing them as duplicative and potentially counterproductive.
Delivering the keynote address at the third Annual General Meeting of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG), Gbana said both programmes mirrored each other in goals, expected outcomes, and implementation strategies, posing a significant risk to effective policy execution.
“The bottom line is this: Feed Ghana and Grow24 are parallel and duplicative programmes as it relates to our industry and tree crops generally,” he noted.
Gbana highlighted that both policies identified agriculture, particularly the oil palm sector, as a key driver of economic growth.
Quoting the Feed Ghana report, he said the programme aimed to accelerate agricultural transformation, ensure food security, create jobs, and reduce import dependency.
Similarly, he said Grow24 was framed to reposition agriculture as a dynamic pillar of national prosperity through technology, agribusiness scaling, and export expansion.
“The two programmes have the same goals—only in different wording,” he stressed, adding that they both promote expanding irrigation systems, developing cooperatives, building farmer service centres, increasing access to concessionary finance, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Gbana warned that the lack of coordination between the two could result in competition for limited government resources, donor funding, and private sector engagement, as well as fragmented monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
He urged the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to lead the effort in consolidating the programmes into a single, unified strategy for the sector.
Touching on broader policy issues, Gbana called for a review and reset of the TCDA’s Five-Year Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022–2027).
He stressed the need to avoid the trend where new administrations abandon existing frameworks and reinvent the wheel, which he said often stalled policy progress.
The current TCDA strategy includes investments in research, sustainable production, value chain development, and capacity building.
He revealed that the strategy had already birthed the $100 million World Bank-funded Tree Crop Diversification Project (2023–2029), targeting coconut, cashew, and rubber.
Gbana further urged OPDAG and other value chain associations to work with TCDA to align this strategy with Feed Ghana, Grow24, and the upcoming Agribusiness Policy being developed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“There are too many ingredients in the soup,” he remarked, cautioning against an overcrowded policy mix that could dilute focus and impact.
On the issue of climate action, Gbana referenced a 2019–2020 study by Solidaridad West Africa, which identified land use and cultivation practices as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the oil palm value chain.
He noted that the area under oil palm cultivation had shrunk by about five per cent between 2018 and 2022 due to galamsey activities, farm abandonment, and human settlement expansion.
He cited successful agro-forestry pilot projects in Central and Ahafo Regions, advocating for the integration of oil palm, fruit trees, timber species, and livestock as part of a climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly model.
He recommended that TCDA and COCOBOD form a joint technical committee to explore the feasibility of mixed tree cropping and agroforestry models across Ghana.
In his final point, Gbana urged OPDAG and other tree crop associations to amplify their voices on macroeconomic policies, including taxation and monetary decisions by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana.
“The import lobby is still very strong and vociferous and politicians respond to the loud,” he said, encouraging OPDAG to form a coalition of tree crop associations to influence national economic policies that impact the agricultural sector.
He concluded by challenging stakeholders to shift from rhetoric to coordinated policy advocacy that ensured a profitable and sustainable future for Ghana’s oil palm and broader tree crop sector.
Ghanaian footballer Thomas Boakye has taken on a fresh challenge after officially joining Icelandic second-tier club UMF Njardvik for the remainder of the season, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.
The 32-year-old arrives with vast experience from Swedish football, where he spent several seasons impressing with clubs like Ostersunds FK, Varbergs BoIS, and most recently Halmstads BK.
Boakye’s time in Sweden saw him accumulate over 250 appearances and score 24 goals, primarily operating as a full-back and occasionally stepping into midfield.
His tenure at Halmstads began in 2018 and ended at the close of last season when the club opted not to renew his contract. Since then, he has been a free agent – until now.
Njardvik, based in the Icelandic town of the same name, plays in the Lengjudeildin (Icelandic second division) and is hoping Boakye’s versatility and leadership can help them in the crucial final stretch of the campaign.
His arrival adds not only depth but also invaluable experience to the team’s defensive and midfield units.
Boakye is expected to arrive in Iceland on Monday July 28, 2025, and could feature soon in the club’s iconic green shirt.
This move represents not just a continuation of the Ghanaian’s football journey, but an exciting new chapter in a different footballing culture.
Ghanaians are mourning one of the country’s best-known singers, Charles Kojo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, who has died aged 60.
A statement from the family of the legendary highlife artist said he died in hospital on Saturday July 27, 2025, after a short illness.
Daddy Lumba, whose musical career spanned almost four decades, “was a cultural icon and his music touched countless lives”, the statement said.
Kofi Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs at the office of the president, described Daddy Lumba as “the greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years”.
Daddy Lumba inspired many young Ghanaian musicians to pursue highlife music – a genre synonymous with the country.
He is credited with 33 albums and more than 200 songs over his long career, touching on themes such as love, forgiveness, beauty, money, death and other social themes.
President John Mahama paid tribute to him on Sunday with a post on Facebook.
“Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life,” he wrote. “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”
Meanwhile former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said “his passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country”.
Fellow artists such as Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, Manifest were among the first to send condolences to the bereaved family, eulogising the “incredible talent he shared with the world”.
Lumba last held a public concert to mark Valentine’s Day on 15 February 2025 to celebrate love, sharing the stage with some of Ghana’s brightest musicians, with many of the country’s politicians and influential people in attendance.
Earlier this month, he met President Mahama at an event organised for senior citizens at the seat of government as part of celebrations to mark the Republic Day holiday.
He had been due to go on tour to the US and Canada later this year.
His most celebrated albums include Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Wo Ho Kyere, Awosoo, Give Peace A Chance and Ahenfue Kyinkye.
His most recent song, Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo, was released in December 2022.
Lumba, born on 29 September 1964 in the town of Nsuta in Ghana’s Ashanti region, began his music journey in the early 1980s.
He got his stage name Lumba when he composed the song Lumba Lumba, which he dedicated to the freedom fighters of South Africa, according to his official website.
Daddy Lumba travelled to Germany and teamed up with fellow highlife musician Nana Acheampong and the duo became known as the Lumba Brothers.
They released their first official album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, in 1986 – the song of the same name captures the struggles of Ghanaian immigrants in Europe searching for a better life.
After the pair fell out and split, Daddy Lumba launched a solo career and released his first album Obi Ate Meso Bio in 1990 and never looked back.
His family has requested privacy “as they navigate this profound grief”.
Details of funeral arrangements will be made public in the coming days.
Popular Ghanaian actor and filmmaker, Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, has revealed plans to produce two major political-themed movies centered on current President John Dramani Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Focus FM, LilWin disclosed that his next movie project will focus on Mahama’s second coming.
The film, he said, will explore Mahama’s rise to the presidency following the death of President John Atta Mills, his time in office, the criticisms he endured from Ghanaians, and his political comeback.
“My next movie will be on Mahama’s second coming. The story will be about when he was in power for the first time, how he became president after the death of President Atta Mills, and how he was being criticised a lot by Ghanaians even though he was trying his best. Then it will center around how he was voted out, and now he’s back,” he stated.
LilWin further added that his other movie project will center on the life and story of former President Akufo-Addo.
He emphasised that these upcoming productions will be grand in scale and require significant investments, citing the need for realistic depictions of cities, vehicles, homes, and even scenes shot in aeroplanes.
“These projects are going to be costly because we’ll be depicting cities. We’ll have to plan for cars, roads, houses, and even shoots in planes. So, it won’t be easy,” he said.
The actor is currently promoting his latest film, Ibrahim Traore: The Last African Hero, which tells the story of the current leader of Burkina Faso.
See the video below:
Kumawood actor Lil Win has revealed that his next movie project, following ‘Captain Ibrahim Traoré’, will focus on Ghana’s sitting president, John Mahama.
According to him, the movie will be titled “Mahama: Second Coming” and will depict how Mahama’s first term in office was… pic.twitter.com/Qyjtu2sfsO
Aso-Ebi fashion in 2025 is bold, beautiful, and modern. Many ladies are choosing styles that make them stand out at weddings and special events. The trends this year focus on elegance, detail, and confidence.
One of the most popular styles is the dramatic sleeve. Many ladies love puff sleeves, bell sleeves, or bishop sleeves. These sleeves are big and stylish. Some dresses also have structured shoulders to add a strong and classy look.
Corset designs are also in style. These dresses shape the body and look very elegant. Many come with beaded lace or stones, making them perfect for parties.
The mermaid dress is still a favorite. This year, designers are adding long detachable trains. These make the dress more dramatic and beautiful, especially for bridesmaids or close family.
In 2025, velvet and organza fabrics are popular. Velvet looks rich and soft. Organza is light and shiny. When used together, they give a nice balance of comfort and beauty.
Beaded designs are everywhere. Dresses are decorated with shiny stones, pearls, and glitter. These make the outfit sparkle under lights.
Ladies also love high slits in their dresses. These are cut on the side or front of the gown. They add style but still look classy when paired with long sleeves.
Fringes and feathers are also trending. Fringes move when you dance. Feathers are added to the sleeves or bottom of the dress for extra flair.
Finally, off-shoulder and one-sleeve styles remain a top choice. They show the neck and shoulders nicely, perfect for showing off your gele or jewelry.
In 2025, Aso-Ebi is all about confidence, color, and creativity. Every lady can find a style that fits her personality and makes her feel special.
The North East Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong advisory to media practitioners operating in and around Nalerigu township, urging them to prioritise their personal safety and uphold professional standards amid ongoing insecurity in the area.
This comes after the Ministry of the Interior imposed a curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in Nalerigu and its surrounding communities, following rising tensions and threats to public safety.
In a press release dated July 27, 2025, and signed by Mohammed Fugu, Chairman of the GJA’s North East Regional Branch, journalists were reminded to exercise utmost caution in their coverage and movements during this period of heightened security concerns.
“While it is important to report the news and keep the public informed, journalists are strongly advised to take their personal safety and security seriously at all times,” the statement read.
The GJA advised journalists working during curfew hours to coordinate with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to obtain the necessary curfew passes that would enable them to operate without hindrance.
Media house owners were also urged to prioritise the safety and welfare of their staff by providing both logistical and moral support to help ensure safe reporting practices.
Additionally, the Association encouraged journalists to promptly report any instances of threats, violence, or intimidation to the GJA for swift intervention and redress.
“Stay safe. Remain professional. Uphold journalistic ethics,” the release said.
The GJA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of journalists while supporting efforts to maintain peace and stability in the North East Region.
Read also
Govt deploys Armed Forces to Bawku, curfew reviewed as violence escalates
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has retired as chairman of the company’s board effective July 25, 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Anthony Chiejina, chief, branding and communications officer of Dangote Group.
Dangote is stepping down to dedicate more attention to his other major projects, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, and government relations.
“Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025,” Chiejina stated.
“He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height,” he added.
The board has named Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new chairman of Dangote Cement. In addition, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been appointed to the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot, an independent non-executive director, has retired.
The government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is set to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure across the country to boost food sufficiency, Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has revealed.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony to rehabilitate the Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme, Opoku stated that the government, in collaboration with its development partners, would rehabilitate the various irrigation infrastructure to enhance food production in the country.
He further noted that Ghana has over 1.9 million hectares of irrigable land, but just a little, about 226,000 hectares, is being utilised for irrigational purposes, stressing that the government, as a matter of urgency, would undertake a major rehabilitation exercise to revive defunct irrigation infrastructure and possibly build new ones to augment the existing infrastructure.
He indicated that 10 irrigation dams in the Northern Region would be rehabilitated and another eight would be built, saying that the Volta, Ahafo, and Ashanti Regions would not be left out under the irrigation rehabilitation project.
Opoku further stated that the move would enhance all year-round farming in the country and migrate farming from rain-fed status, adding that farmers would have value for their input and make themselves self-sufficient.
The minister added that about 250 solar-powered boreholes would be built to aid farmers who are into the production of vegetables, saying the youth and women in farming would be the beneficiaries.
“With farming, we can feed the entire country and even export to other places to create wealth for our people,” he added.
Dorng Hyun Lee, the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), expressed the Korean Government’s readiness to support Ghana’s agriculture sector.
Lee further called for a collaborative approach in ensuring farmers were given the needed training and skills to increase yield and create job opportunities for the farmers through scientific and modern farming techniques.
Dreams FC have confirmed the appointment of Winfred Dormon as their new head coach
Dreams FC have confirmed the appointment of Winfred Dormon as their new head coach, ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.
The announcement follows an impressive interim stint, during which Dormon guided the “Still Believe” lads to their highest-ever league finish – 6th place in the 2024/25 season.
Dormon’s appointment marks a significant milestone in his long association with the club.
Having joined Dreams in 2019 as head coach, the former defender has served in multiple roles, including assistant to several head coaches such as Juha Pasoja, Vladislav Viric, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, and Abdul Karim Zito.
His deep knowledge of the club’s philosophy and structure, as well as his steady rise through the ranks – from youth coach to assistant and now permanent first-team manager – speaks volumes about his leadership and tactical capabilities.
The club’s official statement highlights a renewed ambition: to play “exciting, entertaining, and purposeful football” under Dormon’s leadership.
He will now be at the helm of a restructured technical department, tasked with building on last season’s momentum and pushing the team toward title contention and continental competition.
Dormon will commence pre-season duties next month as Dreams begin preparations for what promises to be a defining campaign in their growing legacy.
Spiritual leader and head of the Ajagurajah Movement, Prophet Ajagurajah
