Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has taken a strong swipe at former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, whom he refers to as “Telephone Man,” over comments suggesting that proceedings regarding the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo should be held publicly.
In a sharply worded open letter, Amidu criticized Dame’s suggestion as “unethical and dishonourable,” accusing him of attempting to politicize a process that is clearly outlined by Ghana’s Constitution.
London (PA Media/dpa) – British King Charles III and Queen Camilla were welcomed to Canada by its prime minister, as they began a trip widely seen as a show of support for the country which has found itself in conflict with US President Donald Trump.
Charles and Camilla shook hands with Mark Carney, who has been engaged in a war of words with the US leader and has described the role the king will play at the state opening of the Canadian parliament as a “historic honour” that “matches the weight of our times.”
The king will give the address to open the parliament on Tuesday, and set the Canadian government’s administration legislative programme.
Carney said it would “define a new economic and security relationship with the United States.”
He greeted the king and queen as they disembarked the Royal Canadian Air Force plane that flew them from RAF Brize Norton in the United Kingdom to the capital, Ottawa.
In a statement ahead of their arrival, Carney said: “The royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown, one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories and grounded in common values.”
“A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity and confidence of our people.”
“Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the speech from the throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s sovereign first opened Parliament,” he added.
“This historic honour matches the weight of our times.”
“It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify,” Carney said.
“Canada’s strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French and Indigenous roots, the union of peoples that forms our bedrock.”
“Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation and truly multicultural,” he said.
“To that end, the speech from the throne will outline the government’s ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe,” Carney continued.
Among the dignitaries taking part in the ceremonial welcome were Canada’s first indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the king’s representative in Canada, and a number of senior figures from Canada’s indigenous peoples, including Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Charles is king of Canada and its head of state, and among the party was his Canadian Secretary Donald Booth, two Mounties – Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers – and on parade nearby was a 25-strong Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, of which Charles is colonel-in-chief.
Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers by schoolgirl Lila Graham, and the couple were warmly welcomed by school groups from Ontario and Quebec.
During their two-day trip, Charles will become only the second monarch, after Queen Elizabeth Il, to attend the state opening of Canada’s parliament and deliver the speech setting out the government’s legislative agenda.
Charles will be delivering the words of the Canadian government, similar to a UK state opening of parliament, but commentators will be looking for any veiled references to Trump.
The trip comes less than a month after former Bank of England governor Carney’s Liberal Party election victory, fuelled in part by its opposition to Trump.
Carney’s rival, populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, was in the lead until Trump took aim at Canada with a trade war and threats to annex the country as the 51st state, comments denounced by Carney.
GNA
PDC
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has accused the government of weaponising state institutions to target political opponents under the guise of fighting illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, May 26, Mr Ahiagbah criticised the government’s handling of the recent arrest and investigation of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Read also: Chairman Wontumi granted bail after CID interrogation
Chairman Wontumi was arrested and questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. He was later released on bail after submitting documents reportedly proving that his mining operations are legal.
According to Mr Ahiagbah, the government’s actions were not grounded in evidence but were instead politically motivated.
“This government is just targeting its political opponents to victimise and silence people,” he said. “If you don’t have any evidence, why send NIB officers to someone’s house at dawn, freeze his accounts, and cause embarrassment to their families?”
He explained that during his interrogation, Wontumi was asked two key questions—whether he was a galamseyer, and whether he mined in a forest reserve. Wontumi responded that he is a licensed small-scale miner and does not operate in forest areas. He presented official documentation to support his claims.
In light of this, Mr Ahiagbah argued that the absence of incriminating evidence proves the case was never about justice, but rather an attempt to destroy Chairman Wontumi’s reputation and intimidate other political figures.
“This is classic political witch hunt because it is Wontumi, we will target him and single him out, because he his a NPP member, we will target him and single him out for treatment. This is not right. This is not how this government should be fighting the galamsey,” he noted.
He further questioned whether the government’s broader fight against illegal mining is being carried out with diligence and fairness, or merely being used as a tool for political persecution.
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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.
As of May 2025, Ghana finds itself basking in a rare economic summertime. The Ghana cedi has appreciated by nearly 25% against the US dollar—its strongest performance in years. Inflation is on a downward path. Gross international reserves have climbed above USD 10 billion. Commodity exports, especially our gold and cocoa, are flourishing. Confidence is expectedly returning to the economy.
A moment worth celebrating, but with cautious optimism
Unsurprisingly, the new government, which assumed office in January this year, is taking much of the credit. Yet, in a candid moment, the President himself acknowledged that the previous administration left behind nearly USD 9 billion in international reserves. That admission should count for something.
But perhaps, and with a sober reflection, the more important debate is not about who deserves applause. It should be about what do we do next.
We’ve Been Here Several Times
Every Ghanaian government since 1992 has experienced this sweet economic breeze before. For example, President John Agyekum Kufuor enjoyed favourable external conditions at some point:
Kufuor made the case and received HIPC relief and some generous donor flows. But by the time he left office in 2008, fiscal slippages and inflation had returned, contributing to the NPP’s electoral defeat.
Mills and Mahama ushered Ghana into the league of oil-producing nations following the commercial discovery and the production foundation laid by the previous government. The economic outlook which followed was buoyant. But by 2015, a collapse in oil prices and fiscal overruns led to a sharp reversal in fortunes.
Our own administration was shaped by an era of ultra-low global interest rates. We took advantage to borrow cheaply and invested heavily in infrastructure and social programs. Then, unfortunately, came COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and a global tightening cycle that exposed the cracks. We survived a possible collapse of our economy, but for a Gold4Oil initiative which saved the near dried reserves situation.
Today, this 5-7Year economic cycle repeats: strong commodity prices (gold and cocoa), softening global financial conditions, and improving investor sentiment have provided another window of relief to us.
But here’s the sobering truth: we’ve never been good at using these favourable windows to build durable or lasting resilience. The challenge isn’t achieving macro stability. That’s easier. It’s about sustaining it, I think.
What Will We Do With This Moment?
Ghana’s economy today stands at a crossroads—again. The decisions made in the next 12 to 24 months will shape the trajectory of the next decade. The opportunities are significant. The risks are familiar.
This economic summertime, like those before it, will not last forever.
Four Priorities To Help Break the Cycle
The windfalls from higher cocoa and gold revenues must go into buffers and productivity—not electioneering spending. Stabilisation funds, targeted infrastructure for economic growth, and debt reduction are the only way to turn cyclical gains into structural progress and resilience.
This time, we cannot continue to live and die by the world market price of gold and cocoa. Non-traditional exports, industrialisation policy, and a decisive move into value addition are no longer optional—they are imperative.
Currency strength must translate into cheaper fuel, food, and medicines, not just favourable graphs. If macro gains don’t ease daily burdens, public support for reform will collapse when the next storm hits.
Conclusion:
Don’t Waste the Economic Breeze.
Ghana has never lacked potential. But we have too often lacked staying power. We soar in good weather, then fall when the winds shift.
Let us use this summer differently. Let us build institutions, not tents. Let us act—not to win the moment, but to shape the future and be part of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
This is because when the sun inevitably sets, the question won’t be “who took the credit?” It will be: who used the moment to make Ghana stronger?
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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.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s openness to international trade and investment, emphasising the country’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial business partnerships with the global community.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit and Expo held in Accra on Monday, 26th May, President Mahama extended a renewed invitation to the international business community, urging them to explore the vast investment opportunities Ghana has to offer.
He said, “As I said in my inauguration, Ghana is open for business again,” he said, adding, “The time has come for us to lift the gloom to restore confidence and to build again.”
This marks the second time the President has made such a call since assuming office. During his inauguration on 7th January, President Mahama underscored his administration’s intention to build an economy anchored on transparency, innovation, and robust partnerships, laying the groundwork for foreign and local investors to thrive.
“Ghana is open for business again,” Mahama declared on Tuesday, January 7.
Addressing top business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at the summit, the president reiterated the importance of positioning Ghana as a competitive and investor-friendly destination and called for collaborations between the state and the private sector.
“Let this summit mark the beginning of a new compact between the public and private sectors,” he said.
The summit, which brings together key players from across the private and public sectors, is designed to shape dialogue around economic transformation, digital innovation, and industrial competitiveness in Ghana and the wider West African region.
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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.
Ghanaian rapper, Tulenkey
Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has shed light on the inspiration behind his latest single, “B33ma,” revealing that it was influenced by the tragic suicide of a first-year student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The incident, which occurred in April 2025, involved a Level 100 student who allegedly took his own life after discovering that his girlfriend had been unfaithful with another individual on the UEW campus.
The student’s death sparked widespread discussions about mental health awareness, particularly among young men in Ghana.
In an interview on Accra-based Pluzz FM, Tulenkey expressed concern over the emotional struggles many men face, often in silence.
He stated that societal expectations discourage men from expressing vulnerability, which leads them to suppress their emotions until they become overwhelming.
“I realised that guys hoard things inside until they can’t take it anymore.
And I’m sure that guy… If it was regarded as normal for boys to voice out their feelings, someone would have noticed what he was going through.
But because people would say things like, ‘Ah, this guy is soft,’ and so on, he kept it all inside until he couldn’t take it anymore,” he said.
The rapper explained that the song seeks to address the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and to encourage open conversations about emotional well-being.
Tulenkey’s message aligns with ongoing advocacy from mental health experts and community members calling for greater support systems and educational initiatives to help young men navigate emotional challenges.
ID/MA
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Former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has urged Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign, accusing him of breaking a promise he made regarding the government’s use of private jets for presidential travel.
This comes amid similar calls from NDC members for the Minister to leave office following reports that Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang returned to Ghana aboard a private jet.
Speaking on Top Story on Joy News, Mr. Nitiwul recalled Mr Ablakwa’s firm stance against the use of private jets while in opposition.
Mr. Ablakwa frequently criticised such travel arrangements as wasteful and unnecessary and pledged publicly that he would resign if the government continued to rent private jets.
“I think that excuse is laughable,” Mr. Nitiwul stated.
“Nobody asked Honourable Ablakwa to make that promise to the people of Ghana. He didn’t say it would depend on circumstances. He simply said that if they rented a private jet, he would resign.”
He continued, “If I were him, I would resign. I wouldn’t even wait for the President to say anything. I would just honourably go, because he claims to be a man of principle. So we are waiting. He made a promise—it wasn’t me.”
Mr. Nitiwul stressed that the promise was unconditional and clear.
“He never said, ‘If this happens’ or ‘If that doesn’t happen.’ He was direct. He said that if they rented a jet, he would resign. It’s not up to us—it’s up to him to respond. And if he doesn’t, the people of Ghana will judge him accordingly.”
He concluded by dismissing any attempt to justify a reversal based on circumstances. “Trying to say that circumstances have changed won’t work at all.”
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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.
By Kodjo Adams
Accra, May 26, GNA – Professor Elijah Yendaw, the Director General, Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), a sub-vented agency under the Ministry of Employment, has advised Ghanaian workers to prepare adequately for retirement by investing towards their pensions.
He said prioritising investment and retirement planning at an early stage helped the worker to build a strong foundation for financial independence.
Prof Yendaw gave the advice during a three-day pre-retirement and pension planning training for staff of the Bui Power Authority in Accra on Monday.
The programme was organised and facilitated by the MDPI, in collaboration with the Authority, to ensure that retired staff lived dignified lives.
He said investment was very important in addressing critical needs of a retiree and the training would help the staff to adjust favourably to life during retirement.
The training would empower them to plan their finances, health issues and social life in order not to become disillusioned after pension.
“Life expectancy globally is increasing; the Ghana Statistical Service reveals that people can now live as old as 80 years. Longevity has improved, and if you really want to live a decent life after your working life, it is important to save something towards your retirement,” he said.
Prof Yendaw urged workers to explore investing in treasury bills, bonds, and other viable schemes for better returns.
He said even though economic challenges may affect the gains of investment, there was the need to invest prudently with the help of financial consultants.
He implored workers to check their lifestyle and eat well to avoid contracting illnesses that could result in huge medical bills during retirement.
The participants were taken through; Preparation and Managing Retirement, the New Pension Scheme, Managing Social Life and Health, and Preparing and Managing a Will, among other topics.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has condemned what he describes as government-sanctioned harassment of individuals without concrete evidence.
This follows the release of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, May 26, Mr Ahiagbah expressed concern over the way Chairman Wontumi was handled by the CID of the Ghana Police Service, accusing the authorities of acting without proper cause.
“He’s been released on bail after all this harassment—seizing his account, creating the impression that he’s possibly done something wrong—yet the government had no evidence to support their actions,” he said.
“Whilst it’s refreshing that he hasn’t done anything wrong and perhaps he’s been left go, it is worrying that our government would be operating this way, harassing people without evidence, and then, when faced with the person they accused, you don’t have any evidence to show, but by which time would have harassed you, frozen your account, and whatever you suffer as a result of that process will just have happened to on no course. It’s very sad,” he pointed out.
Chairman Wontumi, who had been invited by the CID over allegations of involvement in illegal mining (galamsey), was released after being interrogated in the presence of his legal team. He reportedly submitted documentation proving that he is a licensed small-scale miner.
Mr Ahiagbah insisted that “The difference between a galamseyer and a legal small-scale miner is documentation,adding that “Chairman Wontumi showed them his papers. If the government had any evidence to contradict that, they would have presented it. But they didn’t.”
While acknowledging that the investigation has not been officially closed, Mr Ahiagbah insisted that the burden of proof lies with the state, which he believes has failed to justify its actions.
“It is sad that after all this, someone’s reputation can be dragged through the mud without evidence. Is government seriously prosecuting the fight against galamsey with diligence, or is this just political optics?” he questioned.
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.
The newly appointed Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has pledged to champion innovation, inclusivity, and improved staff welfare as key pillars of his leadership.
Speaking at a staff durbar held in Tema to formally introduce himself, Dr Dogbey expressed his gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and CMC’s leadership for the trust placed in him.
Describing CMC as a “respected leader in the cocoa industry,” Dr Dogbey underscored the company’s pivotal role in Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term growth. He outlined his vision to transform CMC into a global leader in cocoa marketing, built on a foundation of quality, sustainability, and stakeholder empowerment.
“We are all part of one team. Everyone matters. Everyone contributes. And everyone must feel valued,” he stated, encouraging a cultural shift in the way staff are perceived. He proposed using the term “team members” to reinforce unity and a shared purpose.
Dr Dogbey identified staff morale and welfare as top priorities, assuring employees of an open-door leadership style and a workplace free from discrimination or political victimisation.
“No one will be victimised for sharing honest feedback. My doors are open to all, regardless of where you are on the org chart or your political affiliation,” he assured.
As part of efforts to foster inclusive innovation, the new MD announced plans to introduce a digital suggestion box to allow staff to anonymously submit ideas and feedback.
“Innovation and efficiency will be at the heart of our strategy moving forward,” he said. “Let’s think boldly—whether in marketing, operations, or sustainability.”
Dr Dogbey also urged the leadership to identify and nurture talent across the organisation and pledged to improve working conditions and employee benefits.
“Together, we can build a stronger CMC and achieve remarkable goals,” he concluded.
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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.
Rising Ghanaian music sensation, Aklerh
Rising Ghanaian music sensation Aklerh has been officially nominated for the prestigious Emerging Artiste category at the Ghana Music Awards (GMA) U.S.A. 2025.
This nomination marks a significant milestone in Aklerh’s burgeoning career and recognises her remarkable contributions to the Ghanaian music scene throughout 2024.
For Aklerh, 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. She launched her highly acclaimed EP, Dancehall Queen, which showcased her unique sound and lyrical prowess, earning her widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Her electrifying performance at the Queen of the Coast concert further cemented her status as a dynamic live performer with an undeniable stage presence.
In addition to her solo projects, Aklerh made numerous appearances across Ghana, expanding her fanbase and influence. She also featured on Enwai’s hit song, Imagine adding her distinctive vocal flair and contributing to the track’s success.
This year, Aklerh has released two vibrant Afrobeat singles, “Mash Up” and “Amelee,” both of which are receiving airplay and are being streamed, further establishing her as a leading voice in the genre.
Expressing her excitement with her nomination, Aklerh said: “Being nominated for the Emerging Artiste category at the GMA U.S.A. is a huge honor and a testament to the hard work and passion I’ve poured into my music.
This recognition fuels my determination to keep pushing boundaries, creating meaningful music, and representing Ghana on the global stage. I am just getting started, and I promise to do even more for my fans and the music industry.”
Aklerh is a Ghanaian Afrobeat artiste known for her soulful voice, captivating performances, and authentic storytelling.
Since her debut, she has steadily released tunes, captivating audiences with her blend of reggae, dancehall, Ghanaian rhythms and afrobeats.
President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has urged compliance with the newly introduced automated system for collecting road tolls.
Speaking at the 9th CEO Summit in Accra on May 26, 2025, President Mahama explained the seamless transition from physical toll booths at designated road points to an automated toll collection system.
The president detailed the processes involved in the new automated road toll system.
He explained that the system would be managed electronically through the Ghana Identity Card, also known as the Ghana Card.
“We said in our budget that we would reintroduce road tolls. There has been discussion about the modalities, but the good thing is that every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana Card. So, we no longer need the old toll booths.
“If you cross the East Legon bridge, we simply take a picture of your car, and the system will automatically charge the toll to your mobile money or bank account. You will just pay 1 cedi, only 1 cedi,” he stated.
Background
The reintroduction of road tolls, as previously announced by the Government of Ghana, is set to commence with the necessary processes already underway.
A report by graphic.com.gh, indicated that the reintroduced road tolls will incorporate technology-driven solutions aimed at modernising the system to improve efficiency, boost revenue generation, and ensure greater transparency.
The report further indicated that the new road toll system will be implemented at 65 toll booths nationwide, an increase from the previous 39 booths that were in operation before the suspension under the previous administration.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways, which is leading the initiative, is therefore inviting qualified Ghanaian private sector entities to submit tenders for pre-qualification in the areas of design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the new tolling system.
Additionally, this process is in line with the Public Private Partnership Act, 2022 (Act 1039).
“We are beginning the procurement process, where we are inviting Ghanaian-owned companies or a consortium that is led by Ghanaians. At least they should prove that the Ghanaians have about 51 per cent in that consortium.
“We are doing what we call the pre-qualification, where we look at the technical, the financial capacity of the firms and their legal status,” the Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, is quoted as saying by Graphic online on May 22, 2025.
The deadline set for the submission of bids from qualified entities is June 19,2025.
According to Ahmad Yartey, the successful bidder would be responsible for mobilising capital for the tolling system’s modernisation and also undertake the design and construction through engineering, construction and installation of toll gantries/plazas and related infrastructure.
In the operation and maintenance, he said the selected bidder would manage toll collection and related road/bridges and ensure system reliability and that with revenue collection, it would implement robust systems to maximise efficiency and minimise revenue leakages.
VPO/MA
Nigerian comedian Shank Comics has gone viral, this time for a hilarious take on his family’s religious history.
In a recent conversation with a fellow streamer at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University bootcamp, Shank revealed that his father converted from Islam to Christianity simply because a church gave him food when he was hungry.
“My dad was a Muslim, then there was one time he was f*cking hungry. Then one church gave him food, then he became a Christian. I swear to God, my dad is so cheap. He was just hungry.”
The clip, recorded during the boot camp at Akron University in the U.S., has been making the rounds online, drawing laughter from fans.
Shank is currently participating in the Streamer University program, hosted by American content creator Kai Cenat. Notably, Shank recently won a $10,000 prize at the bootcamp, courtesy of a surprise giveaway sponsored by YouTuber MrBeast.
Watch the video below…
Former JoyNews anchor, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has joined Ghana’s new gold dealership agency, Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod).
Schandorf will support communications at Goldbod— the sole state agency mandated to buy, sell, assay, value, and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana.
The multiple BBC Komla Dumor Award nominee will also play an additional role as the media relations officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
In a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, Schandorf expressed gratitude to Goldbod CEO, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, describing the opportunity as an honour to contribute to national development.
“These dual roles reflect my passion for writing, journalism and communications at large, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to contribute to President Mahama’s vision of resetting the country!
While I owe everything to God, I’m exceptionally grateful to my boss and Goldbod’s CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, for the sheer belief in my competence and for the opportunity to serve our beloved country”, portions of his post read.
In his dual role, Schandorf is expected to assist the Ministry in shaping its media engagement and strengthening its strategic communication.
A twin by birth, Schandorf began his media journey at TV Africa, where he hosted the station’s flagship morning show and anchored prime time news.
While at TV Africa, his passion and skill for writing led him to pioneer the outlet’s online news platform.
His talent quickly drew attention, and he was soon recruited by The Multimedia Group.
There, he served as a presenter on both Joy FM and JoyNews, and the Joy Campus show, a programme that explored life across the country’s tertiary institutions.
After leaving The Multimedia Group, Schandorf had a brief stint at Wesleyan Television, a faith-based channel of the Methodist Church, where he served as News Editor and host of the current affairs programme ‘The State’.
Prior to his new appointment, he was the acting Head of News and Current Affairs at TV Africa.
As an alumnus of Labone Senior High School, where he served as School Prefect, Schandorf later studied at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he held multiple student leadership roles, including the Public Relations Officer of the SRC.
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.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail with two sureties following his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra on Monday.
This comes just days after a failed attempt by a joint National Security and police team to arrest him at his residence on Friday, May 23—a move that sparked public outrage and saw dozens of NPP supporters gather in protest outside his home.
Speaking after being granted bail, Chairman Wontumi confirmed that he was charged with alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey). However, he categorically denied any wrongdoing.
“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey,” he said. “I presented my license to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining. They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me.”
Wontumi further explained that although he once applied for a license to operate in a forest area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission had informed him the land had been reserved for protection. “If anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.
Beyond the galamsey allegations, Wontumi also addressed claims regarding financial dealings with the Ghana Cocoa Board, stating that suggestions he had improperly collected funds were “absolutely untrue.”
“If you are constructing a road, the government doesn’t give you money upfront—you use your own money,” he explained. “The Ghana Highways Authority and COCOBOD engineers later assess the road and pay you based on agreed rates. My contract stated I should be paid within 28 days, but it took nearly three years. So COCOBOD cannot claim they don’t owe me.”
Read also…
Ambassador Palmer: ECG losses threaten Ghana’s economic stability
Peggy Ovire has returned to social media amid marriage speculation.
A viral video of her transformation has garnered significant attention online.
In the video, Peggy showcased a stunning look in a purple aso-oke outfit with a matching headwrap and an elegant butterfly fan.
Nollywood actress Peggy Ovire has made a return to social media following a wave of speculation surrounding her marriage.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, the Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress has stated, that suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo cannot resign due to ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
According to Edudzi Tameklo, in the case of Justice Kojo Amoah vs Attorney-General, former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah on October 29, 2015, ruled that a sitting judge cannot resign once disciplinary or impeachment processes have begun.
Gold Fields Ghana has launched a comprehensive Cocoa Farmers Support Programme to empower 300 cocoa farmers in communities impacted by its Tarkwa Mines operations. The initiative is part of the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and livelihood improvement beyond mining.
Each beneficiary farmer received a cocoa spraying machine along with COCOBOD-approved fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, and cocoa seedlings to enhance cocoa production.
Speaking at the launch in Tarkwa on Monday, May 26, the Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine Manager, Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, explained the scope and long-term vision of the five-year programme, which focuses on sustainable cocoa farming and farm expansion.
“A baseline assessment conducted in the Tarkwa communities revealed an average yield of 2.2 bags per acre, well below the recommended 8 bags per acre. The study also revealed pervasive challenges in input access, pest management, finance and labour.
“The Cocoa Farmer’s Support Programme addresses these gaps by supporting farmers with inputs whilst linking them to access to credit through the Promprom Credit Union and promoting climate-smart agroforestry and integrated pest management. It is interesting to note that the Promprom Credit Union was also set up with support from the Foundation. Through the Foundation, we intend to empower at least 300 cocoa farmers over five years,” she said.
Highlighting the expected outcomes of the project, Kuupol Kuutor added, “The intended impact of the project will include: 60% increase in cocoa production/yield per farmer; 250 farmers expanding farm size by at least 25% through the distribution of cocoa seedlings; improved household incomes and livelihood resilience;
“Strengthening of local farmer groups/cooperatives through capacity-building support; reduction in the use of unapproved agrochemicals and contribution to national cocoa production targets and export performance, as well as improved environmental sustainability through proper agrochemical use and farm management.”
She also detailed Gold Fields’ broader investment in agriculture through its foundation:
“One of the key investment areas of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation is agriculture, and over the years, the Foundation has invested over US$6.9 million to support the development of the agricultural sector.
“This investment covers initiatives in livestock production, the Community Oil Palm Project (COPP), the Youth in Organic Horticulture Production (YouHoP) programme, and the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme.”
One of the beneficiary farmers, Awudu Karim from Huni-Pepesa, expressed his gratitude to Citi News.
“We have benefited a lot. We received farm input supports, thus, pesticides, weedicides, and even spraying machines. Though this is our first time support, others have already benefited a lot,” he said.
In a related development, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has trained and graduated 29 youth from its host communities in Tarkwa and Damang as part of its apprenticeship programme aimed at improving livelihoods and skills acquisition.
Adressing the public on the grounds of the graduation, the Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to youth development.
“For the years the Foundation has been around, it has invested over \$4 million in training programmes. As I speak, we have students in Obuasi, learning industrial and domestic wiring, and we also just graduated 29 youth from our host communities in Tarkwa and Damang.
“These trainees were selected by the host communities themselves and presented to the mine for training. They have gone through two years of intensive theory and practical training in welding and fabrication. They sat the Minerals Commission’s examination and passed with distinction, including Health and Safety certification,” he said.
Yakubu also highlighted employment opportunities for the graduates:
“Twenty-four of them have already been engaged by a partner on the mine, thus Kansco Engineering, and we are encouraging others, such as Engineers and Planners and all the other partners we work with to also engage some of them.
“These are trained people with the right attitudes, and we are excited that they are going to share this knowledge with other youth in the host communities, serve as ambassadors, and we are going to continue to support them to improve livelihoods,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Taylor Salifu, who was present at the ceremony, commended Gold Fields for investing in the youth and urged the graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Raymond Debrah, President of the graduating class, told Citi News the programme was transformative:
“The training has been very educational in all aspects of welding and fabrication,” he said, applauding Gold Fields for investing in their future.
By Eric Appah Marfo/ Harriet Kwakye
Accra, May 26, GNA – A five-member robbery gang responsible for two major attacks in the Greater Accra Region — at Jos Bakery in Dome and ACP Junction near Kwabenya — have been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to various prison terms.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Duuti Tuaruka, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, briefing the media on Monday, said two armed men — Isaac Agbezudor alias “Money Man”, a 20-year-old mechanic, and Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong alias “Gariba Manta” or “Demon”, a 19-year-old okada rider — attacked the Head Office of Jos Bakery at Dome in the early hours of May 11, 2025.
Riding an unregistered motorbike, the duo fired a locally manufactured pistol into the air to terrorise staff before making away with a Tecno Pop 8 smartphone valued at GH¢1,500 and a handbag containing personal belongings.
The Police, he said, launched investigations that led to the arrest of Agbezudor on May 14, 2025, through a covert operation.
Following intensive interrogation, he confessed and led the Police to retrieve crucial evidence, including the motorbike and clothing used in the robbery, as well as identify his accomplice.
On May 22, 2025, Gariba Manta was arrested at a mining site between Osino and Saaman.
He subsequently led the Police to a hideout at Sonitra, Amasaman, where the pistol and live ammunition used in the robbery were recovered.
Both suspects were processed for court, and the Kwabenya Circuit Court convicted and sentenced Agbezudor to 10 years imprisonment on two counts, to run concurrently, while Manta received a 15-year sentence.
Further investigations linked Gariba Manta to another robbery that occurred on February 5, 2025, at ACP Junction.
In that incident, Manta, together with Bright Alikor alias “Zaamani”, 21, a driver’s mate; Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey alias “Chameleon”, 23; and Prince Owusu alias “Check Boy”, 19, used a knife and scissors to rob a female victim of an iPhone 11 Pro Max, a Samsung tablet, and GH¢6,000 cash.
The victim sustained knife wounds during the attack.
The three accomplices were also arrested through targeted covert operations.
They were tried at the Kwabenya Circuit Court, convicted, and each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
In a related development, Police are on the trail of a suspect in Koforidua believed to have purchased the stolen iPhone 11 Pro Max.
DCOP Tuaruka commended the dedication and professionalism of the intelligence and operations teams in swiftly apprehending and securing convictions against all five suspects.
He urged the public to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts by providing credible information, assuring informants of maximum protection and confidentiality.
“Together, we can make our communities safer and more secure,” he said.
GNA
Edited Samuel Osei-Frempong
Denchembuoso-Techiman road in disrepair
Residents in the Ashanti Region are calling on the government to urgently intervene in the reconstruction of the Denchembuoso-Techiman road, which has deteriorated into an unusable and hazardous route over the years.
The road, which connects several communities including Trabuom, Ofoase, Atwima Boko, and Twedie, was upgraded in 2019 as part of a 16.2-kilometer Kwadaso-Trabuom project awarded to Asabea Engineering Limited.
It was expected to be completed within two years but has since been abandoned, causing major disruptions in transport, commerce, and daily life.
Speaking to Citi News, some residents expressed frustration with the dust pollution during the dry season and the muddy, pothole-ridden conditions when it rains.
Nana Yaa Kyerewaa, a local trader, said the road’s condition is affecting businesses and public health.
“If you sit in a commercial vehicle, you won’t have peace. The dust is affecting our lives. If someone is selling food, you are essentially buying sickness.”
Community leaders are also raising concerns. Nana Tie-Bonsu Ansah II, Linguist for the Atwimahene, lamented that despite being near Kumasi, the road feels like “you’ve traveled to a remote village.”
Drivers plying the route report constant vehicle breakdowns.
“Every four days I have to visit a mechanic because of the road,” said driver Tony Bekumah. “We are calling on the government to come to our aid.”
Another driver, Alex Nyarko, added, “Every day we need maintenance. The contractor has abandoned the site. We need the road fixed.”
The situation has impacted travel times, with some commutes increasing from 15 minutes to over an hour.
Assembly Member David Asare said community leaders are appealing to the government not just for road repairs but for broader economic revitalisation.
“If the road is fixed, it will attract investors and create jobs. Right now, even businesses that want to come here are discouraged because of the road.”
Nana Afriyei Takyi, Odikro and Nifahene of Atwima Techiman, echoed the sentiment.
“We the chiefs have land to attract investors, but the road is a major setback. We are urging government intervention.”
Despite several calls for help, residents say there has been no update on when work will resume. They are now appealing directly to authorities to act before the next rainy season worsens conditions.
NAD/MA
Ghanaian hip-hop artiste, Ko-Jo Cue
Ghanaian hip-hop artiste Ko-Jo Cue has called for more open conversations about mental health, particularly within the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, he shared his personal experiences with mental health challenges and emphasised the importance of seeking help.
According to Ko-Jo Cue, who has been open about his own struggles, seeking help demonstrates vulnerability, a quality he sees as a strength rather than a weakness.
He stated that acknowledging one’s challenges and taking steps to address them is a sign of personal growth.
The artiste, known for the hit single “Up & Awake,” revealed that two traumatic events in quick succession, coupled with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, had a profound emotional impact on him. These experiences ultimately led him to pursue therapy.
“In 2020 and 2021, I faced two back-to-back traumatic experiences that pushed me to my limits. I’m intentionally withholding some details as they relate closely to my upcoming projects, both in theme and execution.
“However, those events occurring so closely together, alongside the pressures of COVID, became overwhelming. It was this situation that drove me to seek therapy and address the challenges I was facing,” he explained.
Ko-Jo Cue, whose real name is Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, also discussed how travel became a transformative healing tool for him.
“I travelled extensively. At one point, I visited Nigeria, then Kenya, spent some time in the US, and even lived in Italy for a while. My travels took me all over, including various places here [in Ghana].
“The essence behind that was simple: a change in environment can often clear your head.
“It’s similar to how tidying up your room can enhance your mental clarity. When you’re in a new space, your brain is flooded with fresh information to process, leaving little room for overthinking or moping. It helps you reset,” he shared.
In addition to travel, Ko-Jo Cue highlighted the importance of therapy, connecting with friends, and engaging in activities like gardening to manage his emotions and stay grounded.
ID/MA
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Kennedy Agyapong, former MP for Assin Central
Former Assin Central Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has called for a shift from an academic-focused approach to a more practical and entrepreneurial mindset to drive national development.
Speaking at a Tertiary Education Students Confederacy Network (TESCON-UCC) meeting on May 23, 2025, themed “Entrepreneurship and Networking,” the former legislator emphasised the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
In a video shared on X by user Qwofi Manuel on Monday, May 26, 2026, Agyapong highlighted the limitless opportunities in applying practical knowledge gained through academia to create jobs and advance national development.
“If Ghana is going to develop, we need entrepreneurs. We’ve had intellectuals – they’ve taught us and guided us through academic excellence, which is essential.
“Without education, many of us wouldn’t get far. But the other aspect that creates entrepreneurs is a pragmatic, practical approach, and that is what we must now embrace,” he stated.
A report by ghanaiantimes.com.gh on the event added that the former MP for Assin Central urged students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to cultivate fiscal discipline and embrace risks as essential ingredients for entrepreneurial success.
According to him the future belonged to risk takers and not security seekers as such the students must dare to take risk and move away from their comfort zones.
He shared his real-life experiences of his journey as a self-made entrepreneur, stressing the need for students to develop a clear vision for their future and encouraged them to set long-term goals and work relentlessly towards achieving them.
“If you want to be like Honourable Alfred Obeng, begin to have a vision — a vision that allows you to look ahead and say, ‘This is what I want to become in five to ten years,’” he said.
He was quick to dispel any easy approach to success story and noted that the path to achievement is often fraught with setbacks and sacrifice.
“Anyone who tells you that life is going to be easy is not telling you the truth,” he cautioned.
He enjoined students to focus on saving for the future since that is the foundation for building capital.
“Postpone spending on material things today and save for tomorrow,” he advised.
He also warned against the temptation to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others, stressing the importance of living within one’s means.
“When you see a colleague wearing expensive clothes, don’t be swayed by the glitz. Don’t spend your last resort money — money someone gave you — just to fit in. Be yourself and save the little you have,” he added.
Agyapong also explained that disciplined savings can eventually grow into seed capital that can be invested into profitable ventures.
“When you’ve saved enough, then you can begin to take risks. To borrow my daughter’s words: risk. The future belongs to risk takers, not security seekers,” he declared.
Watch the video below
“If Ghana is going to develop, we need entrepreneurs. We’ve had intellectuals, they’ve taught us in school and guided us through academic excellence, which is essential. Without education, many of us wouldn’t get far. But the other aspect that creates entrepreneurs is a… pic.twitter.com/An4C29PoWt
— Qwofi Manuel 🇬🇭 (@qwofi_manuel) May 26, 2025
VPO
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
Ghanaian Afro-fusion artiste Gyakie has named R2Bees member Paedae, also known as Omar Sterling, as her all-time favourite Ghanaian rapper.
In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Gyakie explained her choice.
“My favourite rapper in Ghana now is Omar Sterling of R2Bees. He’s always been. Yes, he’s my all-time favourite Ghanaian rapper.
Omar Sterling is a poet. I always say that his rap is always different. The storytelling—he shares stories about his life or things happening in real time, and the way he puts the lyrics together helps the listener understand what he is saying. That always makes me very happy. I think he’s a very good writer and storyteller,” she said.
While admitting she is not a rapper, Gyakie noted that she loves the genre and tries to fuse it into her musical works occasionally.
Gyakie further mentioned that her style of music is eclectic, influenced by a wide range of genres she grew up listening to.
She is currently out with a new song titled ‘Sankofa,’ ahead of her upcoming maiden album, ‘After Midnight.’
The information gathered reveals Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been fingered for allegedly receiving GH¢50m from former deputy COCOBOD CEO Emmanuel Ray Ankrah.
According to the report the payment was made despite the Chief of Staff’s Julius Debrah explicit instruction to all state institutions to suspend payments.
Ghana is blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients that have been cherished for generations for their skin-nourishing properties.
These locally sourced treasures not only promote radiant skin but also support sustainable practices and community livelihoods.
Here are five Ghanaian ingredients renowned for enhancing skin health:
1.
Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has offered himself as one of the sureties for Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), who was recently granted bail.
Mr. Agyapong’s decision to step in came during court proceedings on Monday, May 26, where Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million, with two sureties required to justify the amount with landed property located in the Greater Accra Region.
Citi News can confirm that Kennedy Agyapong, who was present in court, volunteered as one of the sureties as the legal team works to meet the bail conditions.
Earlier in court, counsel for Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, Duke Aaron Sasu, had appealed for bail to be granted on the accused’s own recognisance. He cited his client’s long record of public service, including roles as Minister for Education, Minister for Ports and Harbours, and as a former lecturer and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Coast.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi also previously chaired the Board of the Public Procurement Authority.
The defence further pointed to the accused’s advanced age—80 years—and underlying health conditions that have required two medical procedures, arguing these were grounds for leniency in the bail terms.
Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to apply the same conditions previously imposed on the first accused in the case—a GH¢15 million bail with two sureties justified by landed property in the Greater Accra Region.
However, Justice Comfort Tasiame settled on a reduced bail amount of GH¢10 million with the condition of two sureties, both to be justified with landed property within the Greater Accra Region.
Ameyaw-Akumfi granted GH¢10m bail
Grammy-winning global sensation Burna Boy has achieved yet another major milestone as his hit single ‘City Boys’ earns a platinum certification from France’s official music certification body, SNEP.
The track, featured on his seventh studio album ‘I Told Them’, becomes Burna Boy’s ninth certified song in France—solidifying his status as the most certified Nigerian artist in the country’s history.
This week, Africa’s economic future takes the spotlight as the African Development Bank (AfDB) convenes more than 6,000 global delegates in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for its 2025 Annual Meetings — a high-stakes event that will decide who takes the helm of the continent’s leading development finance institution for the years ahead.
At a time when global development finance faces tightening aid budgets, shrinking concessional funding, and volatile borrowing costs, the AfDB’s $318 billion capital base has become critical for financing Africa’s growth.
Here’s a look at the five contenders in the running to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB) and their key priorities, with elections set for Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Amadou Hott (Senegal)
Senegal’s former economy minister brings a strong track record in banking and investment, with experience from Lagos to London. His top priority is boosting African financial self-reliance by mobilizing domestic resources and designing projects that retain private capital on the continent. Hott emphasizes improving tax collection — Africa’s average tax-to-GDP ratio is just 16%, compared to 34% in OECD countries — to strengthen credit ratings, lower borrowing costs, and drive investment into sectors like power and infrastructure.
Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia)
Currently a World Bank vice president on leave, Maimbo has 30 years in development finance. He proposes strengthening the continent’s financial infrastructure by improving data systems, harmonizing regulations, and facilitating intra-African trade and financing.
With only 15% of African goods traded within the continent, Maimbo argues there’s huge untapped potential. He is backed by both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Swazi Tshabalala Bajabulile (South Africa)
A banker with three decades of experience, Tshabalala was the AfDB’s senior vice president until October. She is the only female candidate. Tshabalala says the bank’s internal structure needs an overhaul to deliver more effectively on infrastructure and large-scale projects. She wants to expand innovative financial instruments, building on AfDB’s use of hybrid capital, to unlock Africa’s resource and trade potential.
Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
Tolli has held key financial positions across Central Africa, including Chad’s finance minister, central bank governor, and president of the Development Bank of Central African States. He prioritizes strengthening governance, reducing inefficiencies, and increasing self-sufficiency across sectors from agriculture to finance. Tolli calls for a major overhaul of AfDB’s operational model, focusing on risk pooling, public-private partnerships, and digitized financing mechanisms. Drawing on personal experience — fleeing civil war at age six — Tolli says his journey gives him a deep understanding of Africa’s development challenges and opportunities.
Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania)
A former Mauritanian finance minister, Sidi Ould Tah has spent the past decade leading the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. He wants the AfDB to shake off legacy constraints and focus on boosting Africa’s economic sovereignty. His agenda includes mobilizing broader capital sources, reforming financial systems, formalizing the informal sector (which employs over 80% of Africans), and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. Sidi Ould Tah says strategic partnerships can multiply every dollar raised into $10 of productive capital.
This election is also critical because with Africa facing rising debt burdens, climate risks, and a need for massive infrastructure upgrades, the AfDB’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping the continent’s financial and development trajectory over the next decade.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP, Bernard Antwi Bosiako
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail with two sureties following his interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, May 26, 2025. The amount of the bail was not disclosed.
Speaking to journalists after the interrogation, Chairman Wontumi denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
He stated that he had provided the police with his mining license as evidence that he is engaged in legal, authorised mining operations.
“I showed them my license to prove that I am not involved in galamsey. They also claimed that I have been mining in forest reserves, but I refuted the allegation and challenged them to provide evidence. I have been granted bail with two sureties,” he said.
This development follows a failed attempt to arrest him at his residence on Friday, May 23, 2025, by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers.
Chairman Wontumi has been formally charged with engaging in illegal mining activities and is expected to report to the police on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Watch the video below:
Breaking | Chairman Wontumi has been cautioned and granted bail with an undisclosed amount and two sureties. pic.twitter.com/NXU2OG5uEV
— ThisIsNeneOdompleh (@The1957News) May 26, 2025
JKB/MA
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The banking sector in Ghana continues to grapple with a high level of non-performing loans (NPLs), with the latest data from the Bank of Ghana showing a slight uptick in April 2025.
According to the Central Bank’s May 2025 economic and financial data summary, the NPL ratio rose marginally to 23.6% in April, up from 23.4% in March. This marks a continued upward trend from the beginning of the year, when the NPL ratio stood at 21.8% in both December 2024 and January 2025.
Excluding loans classified under the “loss” category, the NPL ratio was significantly lower at 9.0%, indicating that a substantial portion of the distressed loan portfolio has already been recognized as impaired and provisioned against.
The high NPL ratio remains a critical concern for regulators and stakeholders, as it signals ongoing asset quality challenges despite overall balance sheet growth. Total advances in the sector stood at GH¢92.2 billion in April 2025, representing an 18.3% year-on-year increase. However, this growth in credit has not translated into improved asset performance.
The capital adequacy ratio, a key measure of financial soundness, improved to 17.5% in April, from 17.1% the previous month, supported by regulatory reliefs. Without these reliefs, the capital adequacy ratio stood at 15.8%.
Industry analysts point to the lingering effects of the post-COVID credit restructuring and macroeconomic volatility as key contributors to the persistently high NPL levels. While some improvement was seen in the latter half of 2024, the recent data suggests a plateau or reversal in gains.
Going forward, analysts suggest enhanced risk management practices and strengthened credit underwriting standards will be crucial to mitigating further asset quality deterioration.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has taken a firm swipe at former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame—whom he mockingly referred to as the “Telephone Man”—for what he describes as a misleading and disingenuous stance on the ongoing constitutional process involving Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In an open letter sighted by MynewsGh, Amidu criticized Dame for suggesting that proceedings regarding the possible removal of the Chief Justice should be open to the public in the interest of transparency, due to the high level of public scrutiny the case has already attracted.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been released by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Chairman Wontumi, as he is popularly known, left the premises of the security agency moments ago, accompanied by his lawyers.
The party official told journalists that he provided documentation to the police during his interrogation, which proved that he was not involved in any illegal mining activities.
He further explained that he presented further proof that he was not mining in any forest reserve.
Mr Boasiako was granted bail with two sureties.
Wontumi earlier today turned himself in to the Ghana Police Service following last week’s failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to execute a search warrant at his Kumasi home on May 23.
A tense standoff ensued on that day when heavily armed national security operatives tried to enter his residence with a court-approved search warrant.
According to JoyNews, the operation was close to leading to an arrest when Chairman Wontumi raised an alarm, drawing a crowd of supporters to the scene.
The standoff prompted negotiations between the operatives and Wontumi’s legal team. The operatives eventually withdrew, and Wontumi’s lawyers agreed to present him to the police on Monday.”
The state is pursuing Bernard Antwi Boasiako for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities through his company, Akonta Mining.
Earlier this month, Land and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced the termination of the Akonta Mining lease. Wontumi, however, is challenging the cancellation in court.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
By James Amoh Junior
Accra, May 26, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama Monday underscored the need for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term transformation.
Addressing the Ninth Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, Mr Mahama said Ghana’s path to sustainable growth required a renewed compact between government and business, based on mutual accountability, shared risk, and shared prosperity.
“The time has come for us to lift the gloom, to restore confidence, and to build again. Ghana is open for business again,” he said.
President Mahama said: “This summit marks the beginning of a new compact between the public and private sectors.”
He announced plans to institutionalise a national business consultative platform for regular engagements between government and industry leaders.
That, he said, would allow businesses to provide feedback on key policy reforms and co-create solutions for national development.
The summit, held on the theme: “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable, Futuristic Economy,” brought together key actors from the public and private sectors, including Chief executive officers, investors, policymakers, and development experts.
Mr Mahama outlined a comprehensive economic reset strategy anchored on eight pillars, including fiscal discipline, debt sustainability, support for local industry, and infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships.
Restoring macroeconomic stability must not crowd out private sector financing, he said, and that “access to credit and capital markets will not crowd you out. We will borrow responsibly to ensure space for your businesses to grow.”
Mr Stephen Blewett, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, called for stronger collaboration between businesses and government to create an enabling environment for innovation, job creation, and digital transformation.
“There’s no reason the next big innovation shouldn’t come from Ghana…But we must create the environment for it and believe in our collective potential as business leaders,” he said.
Mr Blewett noted that MTN Ghana had invested over US$1 billion in digital infrastructure between 2021 and 2025, a move that reflected confidence in Ghana’s long-term potential.
He called on other private sector leaders to invest in innovation and skills development to harness the potential of the country’s youthful population.
Mr Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr, the CEO of Margins Group, said Ghana’s journey toward a resilient and inclusive economy must be underpinned by a secure and efficient digital identity infrastructure.
He described the national ID system as the “foundation for effective governance, business efficiency, and economic empowerment.”
“In this digital age, data is the new currency, and trust is the foundation. Without a reliable and secure identity system, governments cannot run effectively, nor can businesses serve their markets efficiently.”
Mr Baiden said Ghana’s identity infrastructure – anchored by the Ghana Card – was among the most advanced globally, enabling both e-government and e-commerce systems to operate securely, efficiently, and at scale.
He called the system “the most successful public-private partnership between the Government and private sector to deliver the public good sustainably.”
Services such as healthcare, law enforcement, and financial transactions had seen improvements in transparency, speed, and fraud prevention because of the integration of digital identity systems, he noted.
“This is not just a card; it is an infrastructure of trust, the gateway to inclusion and the engine of economic transformation into the future,” he added.
The summit provided a platform for strategic dialogue on private sector leadership, policy direction, and new investment opportunities, particularly in technology, finance, and manufacturing.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Some distinguished Ghanaian figures in Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, Juliet Ibrahim, Sparqlyn (Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh), and the Agricultural Development Bank Ghana, have been nominated for honors at the upcoming 2025 African Performance Leadership Awards (APLA).
The nominations were announced by the APLA Organizing Committee, which praised these personalities for their exceptional contributions to leadership, governance, culture, music, philanthropy, and economic development across Africa.
Originally scheduled to be held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the event has now been relocated to Olumo Hall at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025. The venue change, the committee explained, became necessary due to ongoing political tensions in Burkina Faso, including its suspension from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a recent military coup.
Organizers emphasized that the move ensures a more secure and enabling environment for dignitaries and nominees, with arrangements in collaboration with the Lagos State Government already well underway to guarantee a smooth and celebratory event.
Among the standout nominees is President John Dramani Mahama, who returned to office in Ghana’s 2024 general elections, reclaiming leadership with a renewed mandate focused on economic revitalization, infrastructure expansion, and regional diplomacy.
President Mahama has long been recognized as a statesman of vision and compassion, with his leadership elevating Ghana’s democratic credentials and international standing.
Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, is also among the honorees. Since ascending the Golden Stool in 1999, Otumfuo has dedicated his reign to peacebuilding, development, and cultural preservation.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in resolving the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy conflict as Chair of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, earning him national accolades, including the 2020 Pillar of Peace Award.
Through the Otumfuo Education Fund and other philanthropic ventures, he continues to provide scholarships and support to thousands of underprivileged Ghanaians.
Juliet Ibrahim, one of Ghana’s most accomplished actresses and authors, also earned a nomination for her cultural influence and humanitarian advocacy. Her charitable organization, the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, focuses on raising awareness of kidney disease, mental health, and women’s empowerment. Her work in film and social activism has made her a leading voice in the promotion of African talent and welfare.
Popular Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, widely known by his stage name Sparqlyn, is another honoree. A former member of the music group Dunsin, Sparqlyn has carved out a successful solo career and has also ventured into entrepreneurship and the real estate space.
His influence stretches beyond entertainment, as he is also the Development chief of Manye Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Sparqlyn continues to use his platform to empower youth and promote Ghanaian music and identity across Africa.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Ghana also joins the prestigious list of nominees. A stalwart of agricultural financing, ADB has long been at the forefront of Ghana’s agribusiness transformation.
Through its support for farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises, the bank has boosted food security, job creation, and rural development, aligning strongly with the vision of sustainable African growth that the APLA awards seek to celebrate.
The 2025 APLA event will be chaired by His Emperor Majesty, Ambassador Dr. King Nkosinathi Eugene Mahlangu, The Bongwe 2nd of the Ndebele Kingdom, South Africa.
The occasion will be graced by a roster of high-profile dignitaries, including former South African President Dr. Jacob Zuma; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate; Hon. Obinna Oriaku, former Abia State Finance Commissioner; and Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, among others.
Ambassador Dr. Joseph Anthony Carew, an IAWPA/United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador and Pan-Africanist, will deliver the main lecture of the day on the topic: “Terrorism, Corruption, and Climate Change as Threats to African Development and Economy.” Hon. Obinna Oriaku will deliver the keynote address titled: “Bold Leaps and Action Innovations in Climate Resilience, Revamping Economic Activities of States and Delivering Monumental Infrastructural Development Strides and Dividends of Democracy within States.” The spiritual honor of the event will be held by Ambassador Bishop Dr. Emeka Michael Nwankpa as the Father of the Day.
Nominees have been requested to submit any inputs or suggestions to ensure the success and smooth running of the award ceremony by June 12, 2025.
In cases where nominees cannot be physically present, they are encouraged to formally designate a representative to receive the award on their behalf.
The APLA 2025 Organizing Committee, led by Ambassador Dr. Chiozoadighi Nnaemeka Great and Executive Secretary Ambassador Dr. Albert Chukwunyere Ndeze, emphasized that this year’s awards are guided by the mantra: “Lifting Africans for Africa.” The committee reiterated its commitment to delivering a memorable celebration of African excellence, unity, and leadership.
Samuel Atta Akyea (L) is the lawyer of Kwabena Adu-Boahene (R)
Samuel Atta Akyea, the lawyer for embattled former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has refuted suggestions that he leaked letters written to national security regarding the ongoing GH¢49 million national security trial.
Speaking to the media after court proceedings on Monday, May 26, 2025, Atta Akyea said he would be the last person to leak such a letter.
“I don’t know who leaked it, but I could tell an authority that I would never leak such a letter, but it has implications and ramifications,” he said.
He, however, indicated that the details of the letter show that the issues at hand have grave consequences and are not matters that should be in the public domain.
“Anybody who reads the letter will come to their own conclusions. There are serious matters that should not be part of public consumption, and we don’t need that,” he said.
He also disclosed that national security has not reached out since the letters were sent to them.
“No, they’ve not (heard from national security)… I’m sure in good time if they want to approach us on some matters or invite us, we will go,” he said.
He added that his team is available to meet with national security should an invitation be extended.
In one of the leaked letters addressed to the National Security Coordinator, Atta Akyea warned that prosecuting Adu-Boahene, who the state has charged with 11 corruption-related offences over the GH¢49 million NSB fund, could have national security implications.
He also argued that the charges violate provisions of Ghana’s laws, including Act 1030 and Act 1040.
“Our client has instructed us that a cursory look at the case from the documents you inherited underscores the fact that the pith of the Hon. Attorney-General’s case are matters bothering on national security.
“Besides, the intended prosecution violates the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030) and the National Signals Bureau Act, 2020 (Act 1040),” part of Atta Akyea’s letter read.
In a separate letter to the National Security Coordinator, Adu-Boahene denied stealing from the state.
He submitted a list of individuals and organisations he claimed to have paid the contested funds to, among them MPs, asserting that these payments were for national security purposes.
The list included a supposed disbursement of over GH¢9.5 million to ISC Holdings for “Special Operations” in 2020; GH¢6.9 million to various personnel for “Operation Conquered Fist” between 2020 and 2024; and over GH¢3.7 million for “Operation Calm Life” to various individuals between 2020 and 2024.
Other payments included GH¢960,000 as allowances to members of the Defence and Interior Committees of Parliament, and GH¢309,000 to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee for the enactment of laws for the NSB.
BAI/MA
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Xabi Alonso is the new manager of Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of Real Madrid, marking a powerful return to the club where he once excelled as a player.
The 43-year-old, fresh from a historic double-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen, signed a three-year deal with Los Blancos and replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to lead the Brazil national team.
The unveiling, held at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, May 26, 2025, opened with a stirring video highlighting Alonso’s journey from midfield maestro to one of Europe’s most respected young coaches.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed the new manager with high praise, setting the tone for what he called the “dawn of a new era” for the club.
“The coach coming in is already one of the best in the world and the embodiment of Real Madrid values. He was here as a player when this new golden age in our history got underway, when we lifted the unforgettable tenth European Cup in Lisbon. Today, we’re welcoming back one of our own, Xabi Alonso,” he said.
Taking to the podium with visible emotion, Alonso spoke from the heart about his return to Madrid.
The former midfielder, who played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014 and was part of the squad that won La Décima, expressed gratitude to the club and to Ancelotti, whom he described as a mentor and major influence.
“The cycle has come to an end under Ancelotti, who was my coach. He left a mark on me and has been a huge influence. I wouldn’t be here without all I learned from him. I’m honoured to take over from him and proud to be in a place where he achieved so much. I hope I can live up to the expectations,” Alonso said.
Alonso returns to the Bernabéu at a critical juncture. Real Madrid endured a difficult 2024–25 campaign, relinquishing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, losing domestic cup finals to the same opponents, and bowing out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals to Arsenal.
Despite the recent setbacks, Alonso was optimistic about the club’s future and eager to get started.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential. There’s a very good present and a very good future. That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team,” he added.
Alonso officially begins his duties on June 1 and will lead the team into the FIFA Club World Cup next month, the first competitive test of what promises to be an exciting new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
FKA/MA
Watch full report on the day one of the Sekondi Inter-Schools athletics
Ghanaian artiste Tulenkey has opened up about why he deliberately limits his use of social media, citing the impact it has on time management and mental health.
Speaking to DJ Slim on , the hitmaker revealed that he has significantly reduced his engagement on digital platforms due to their distracting nature.
“Imagine you are in the office and you get a notification—some girl is distracting you,” he said. “Most people have their notifications on. WhatsApp should be like email; when you go online, that’s when you reply. You never get notifications from your email unless you turn it on.”
Tulenkey added that it can take up to seven minutes to fully regain focus after a single interruption, which he says affects productivity. For this reason, the hiplife artiste has disabled all notifications on his phone.
“When I wake up from bed, until 12pm, my phone is on ‘Do Not Disturb’ because that’s the time I do most of my work,” he noted.
He likened the experience of being on social media to walking into a noisy, chaotic environment.
“One thing about social media is that it’s in your face. There’s a lot going on—it’s too much. If you really meditate and seclude yourself from everything, and then enter social media, it’s like you’ve entered a marketplace,” he said.
Tulenkey also criticised the habitual use of mobile phones in all settings, even in the bathroom, arguing that people no longer allow their minds to rest.
The rapper is currently promoting his latest music project, , which addresses mental health challenges faced by men. The song is available on all major digital music platforms.
Kwame Dadzie
By James Amoh Junior
Accra, May 26, GNA – Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Monday announced a series of drastic actions following findings of alleged corruption at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC.
He said a special audit team, set up some months ago to investigate alleged corrupt practices at the embassy, uncovered a sophisticated fraudulent scheme perpetrated over at least five years.
This has resulted in the dismissal, suspension, and recall of key personnel, as well as a temporary closure of the mission.
With the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited staff member who joined the Embassy’s IT Department on August 11, 2017, has been dismissed with immediate effect, the Minister said on his Facebook page.
The audit report and Mr Kwarteng’s own admission revealed that he created an unauthorised link on the embassy’s official website that redirected visa and passport applicants to a private entity, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), which he owned.
Through the scheme, applicants were charged additional fees ranging from US$29.75 to US$60 per transaction.
Those charges were neither sanctioned by the Ministry nor approved by Parliament, thereby violating the Fees and Charges Act.
All proceeds from the fraudulent operation were deposited into Mr Kwarteng’s private accounts.
“The investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least five years,” Mr Ablakwa said.
“This conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.”
He has, therefore, ordered the immediate recall of all Foreign Affairs Ministry staff currently stationed at the embassy.
The embassy’s entire IT department had also been dissolved, and all locally recruited staff had been suspended pending further investigations, Mr Ablakwa said.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the Auditor-General had been invited to conduct a forensic audit of all financial and operational transactions at the embassy to determine the full extent of the fraud and assess the total cost to the state.
As part of ongoing restructuring and systems overhaul, the embassy would be temporarily closed for a few days, he said.
Mr Ablakwa acknowledged the inconvenience that may cause to visa and passport applicants but stressed the necessity of those measures to prevent fraud.
“Any inconvenience these radical measures may cause visa and passport applicants is regretted. President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest, and blatant abuse of office,” he said.
GNA
Agnes Boye-Doe
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s plan to replace traditional tollbooths with a fully automated road toll collection system, as outlined in the 2025 Economic Policy and Budget Statement.
Speaking about the new approach, President Mahama explained that the government is exploring a digital system that would link each vehicle to its owner’s Ghana Card, allowing toll charges to be billed directly to the owner’s mobile money or bank account.
“We said in the budget that we were going to reintroduce road tolls, and so they’ve been talking about what the modalities should be and all that. But the good thing today is every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana card, and so we don’t need to have the old toll gates and those cards that you stand and open and all that,” the President said.
He noted that ongoing consultations are focused on finalising the collection method but emphasised the simplicity of the new system.
“We will just go straight digital. If it is GHS 1, GHS 1. If you cross the East Legon bridge, the governor and finance minister will all be happy. We will just take a picture of your car, then we will take the bill to your MoMo or bank account and just pay GHS 1—only GHS 1,” he added.
The transition is part of broader efforts to improve revenue collection and reduce inefficiencies associated with manual toll collection systems.
Read also…
Ambassador Palmer: ECG losses threaten Ghana’s economic stability
May Edochie has become an ambassador for Meet Surrogate Mothers, a company aiding those facing infertility.
In a promotional video, she encouraged individuals struggling with infertility to consider surrogacy as a viable option.
Her announcement led to controversy, particularly from a social media user named Callmemmy.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reportedly ordered the destoolment of Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, from his position as President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs. This development has sparked intense discussions about traditional leadership and authority in Ghana. The tension between Otumfuo and Dormaahene has been building over time, with disagreements centered on chieftaincy jurisdiction and authority.
We’re always “vibing,” but never arriving.
Somewhere between “hey you up?” and “we’re just taking things slow,” a generation is losing the art of emotional clarity, one undefined relationship at a time.
They call it the talking stage.
Not quite dating. Not exactly friends. Just… texting, linking up, late-night calls, sharing memes, dropping hearts, but never hearts-on-sleeves. It’s love in limbo; romantic enough to feel real, vague enough to deny accountability.
And while it may seem harmless, this modern dance of “maybe” is quietly draining our capacity for honesty, emotional literacy, and healthy attachment.
The rise of romantic ambiguity
Let’s call it what it is: commitment phobia in cool packaging.
For many, especially Gen Z and urban millennials navigating love in a digital world, the talking stage offers a low-risk illusion of connection. No pressure. No labels. No expectations.
But in reality, what we’ve created is a culture of emotional loopholes, where people invest time, affection, even intimacy, with no clarity about where it’s all going.
We don’t ask “what are we?”
We ask “are we cool?”
We say “I’m not ready for a relationship”
…right before acting like we’re in one.
What it’s doing to us
Here’s the quiet cost:
Emotional Confusion: We feel deeply, but aren’t allowed to name those feelings. That tension creates anxiety, second-guessing, and self-silencing.
Delayed Healing: Without clear beginnings or endings, it’s hard to grieve or grow. We walk away from “almosts” feeling foolish for caring — like heartbreak needs a title to be valid.
Reduced Empathy: Ambiguity breeds detachment. If we’re not “official,” then it’s easy to ignore how our actions hurt the other person. We become experts at ghosting, but amateurs at closure.
Ego over Emotion: We keep things vague not because we don’t feel — but because we’re scared of looking vulnerable. So we pretend not to care, even when it’s tearing us up.
But what if we relearned emotional courage?
The truth is, not everyone we connect with is meant to become a partner — and that’s okay. What’s not okay is playing emotional games just because we’re afraid of awkward conversations or difficult truths.
It’s time we outgrew “vibes” and chose intention.
Time we said:
“I like you, but I’m not ready, and I want to be honest about that.”
“I’m catching feelings; what does this mean for you?”
“Let’s define what this is, so we both know how to move.”
No more assumptions. No more “go with the flow” when the flow is headed nowhere.
Here’s the real flex: clarity.
Being emotionally intelligent means being willing to ask the hard questions, set the hard boundaries, and speak the hard truths, with compassion.
It means moving away from soft gaslighting (“You knew what this was”) and towards mutual responsibility (“Let’s talk about what this is becoming”).
Because love without labels might look modern, but it often feels medieval: full of uncertainty, ruled by fear, and devoid of emotional justice.
We deserve better.
Love deserves better.
And the next time someone says, “We’re just talking,”
…maybe the boldest response is,
“Then say something real.”
Osei Tutu SHS emerged as the winner at the 2025 ACE Spoken Word Competition
In a spectacular celebration of youth creativity and expression, Osei Tutu Senior High School emerged victorious at the 2025 ACE Spoken Word Competition, taking home a cash prize of GH¢7,000 and solidifying its reputation as a cradle for the arts.
The grand finale, held on May 23 at the KNUST Great Hall Auditorium in Kumasi, saw Osei Tutu SHS captivate both judges and audiences with a performance that combined rich imagery, heartfelt emotion, and a passionate belief in the power of words.
The competition, themed “Volunteerism,” highlighted the importance of selfless service and sparked lively discussions on the value of giving back within local communities. Through their compelling verses, Osei Tutu SHS underscored their commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring students to boldly share their voices.
Marilyn Owusu, CEO of ACE Consult and Executive Director of American Corner-Kumasi, praised the event’s significance:
“A lot of people in Ghana do things expecting to be paid, and when they aren’t, they get angry. It is the spirit of volunteerism that transforms a nation.”
The competition featured four finalist schools: Osei Tutu SHS, Kumasi Academy, KNUST SHS, and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS. Kumasi Academy secured first runner-up with GH¢5,000. Each school delivered distinct performances that filled the auditorium with passion and creativity.
Matthew K. Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, commended the depth and diversity of the event stating, “It’s amazing. I initially thought it might be just one person performing, but then I saw the first part, it was more theatrical… Then came the second part, the Q&A session, followed by the third section, which involved impromptu and improvisation. It was quite impressive.”
The ACE Spoken Word program aims to promote English literacy and boost confidence among students across all fields, serving as a vital platform for young voices to engage meaningfully with societal themes.
With their inspiring victory, Osei Tutu SHS’s spoken word team is poised to continue influencing the literary scene, empowering a new generation of writers and artists. Their triumph stands as a testament to the power of words to inspire change and shape the future.
NAD/MA
By Iddi Yire
Accra, May 26, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans by the Government to reopen domestic and international capital markets.
“We’re working to reopen Ghana’s foreign markets in collaboration with the IMF and our development partners, the Ghana Stock Exchange and local banks,” President Mahama stated in his remarks at the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit in Accra.
He said future borrowing would be linked to self-financing commercially viable projects, particularly by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), ensuring value for money and sustainable repayment.
Ghana’s international and domestic markets faced significant challenges in recent years under the previous Government, including a loss of access to international financial markets and a reliance on treasury bills for funding.
This situation prompted Ghana to implement policies like debt restructuring and fiscal consolidation to address the challenges.
President Mahama said between 2013 and 2016, his previous administration took bold steps to deepen Ghana’s domestic and external financial markets.
He said under Finance Ministers such as Dr Kwabena Duffour and Mr Seth Terkper, and in partnership with the Central Bank and commercial banks, they introduced medium and long-term domestic bonds, listed them on the Ghana Stock Exchange, and operationalized the Central Securities Depository to improve transparency and liquidity.
He said they went further to ensure that Ghana became one of the few African countries to issue a $200 million denominated domestic bond, a strategic innovation that supported their smart borrowing initiative; saying “and I am happy to say that bond was oversubscribed. Simultaneously, we accessed external capital markets responsibly.”
The President said from 2013 to 2016, Ghana issued four-euro bonds, all without default, and these were anchored in a sinking fund mechanism designed to ensure repayment.
He said they applied over 335 million from their oil-funded sinking fund to settle maturing euro bond liabilities and that they refinanced the $200 million HIPEC-era 2007-euro bond through their 2015 World Bank-guaranteed bond.
President Mahama said before his previous administration left office on January 7, 2017, they left sufficient reserves, enabling the next administration that came after them to pay off the balance in 2017 of the 2007 bond without distress; declaring that “this was not magic. It was just discipline, and it was foresight.”
“Tragically, this architecture was dismantled. Between 2017 and 2022, debt accumulation skyrocketed, and yet the framework to ensure repayment was abandoned.
“As a consequence, Ghana defaulted on both the domestic and external debts, a first in our post-independence history.”
The President said investors, businesses, and pensioners suffered crushing losses through the domestic debt exchange program, with crude haircuts eroding trust in the financial system.
He said Ghana’s credit worthiness was downgraded to junk status, and public sector arrears ballooned, and SMEs were squeezed out of the credit market.
He reiterated that this was not simply a matter of global shocks.
President Mahama said other countries with smaller resource bases managed their recoveries much better than Ghana; and that in Ghana’s case, poor fiscal management, opaque collateralization of statutory funds, and disregard for procurement and accountability rules were major contributory factors.
“The results are visible. A loss of access to capital markets, both domestic and foreign, the collapse of investor confidence, and a shrinking private sector unable to plan, invest, or expand. Let us be honest with ourselves. A true reset must begin by learning from what worked and what was recklessly abandoned,” the President said.
“And so, the first thing to look at is how do we lead a reset for the future, a path to recovery and resilience? Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Ghana has what it takes to recover, not by repeating the past mistakes, but by learning from it and innovating for the future. Let me outline eight key pillars of the economic resets that we envisage.”
He said number one was completing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme with discipline; stating that they would continue the discipline in government expenditure and borrowing and work to achieve all targets under the extended credit fund programme with the IMF.
He said they were expect to conclude the Fourth Review of the IMF programme in June 2025, with a target to exit at the end of the programme in 2026; and thereafter, they would participate in Article 4 Consultations and adopt the policy support instrument framework, signaling Ghana’s return to responsible, non-borrowing engagement with the fund.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Public policy think tank and consumer advocacy group, CUTS International, has called on the government to take strong action against commercial drivers who are refusing to implement the recently announced 15% reduction in transport fares.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced the nationwide fare cut, which took effect on Saturday, May 24, following a significant drop in fuel prices. However, reports suggest that many drivers and unions have failed to comply, citing unrelated operational costs.
CUTS International described the non-compliance as exploitative and urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to deregister and ban drivers who defy the fare directive.
“Fuel prices have dropped significantly, and GPRTU has taken the commendable step of recommending lorry fare reductions by 15%,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS.
“It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs.”
CUTS in its statement proposed a three-pronged approach to ensure compliance, beginning with empowering MMDAs to revoke the operating licenses of non-compliant drivers.
Mr. Adomako explained that MMDAs already hold the authority to register and regulate commercial vehicles in their jurisdictions and should be backed by the government to enforce fare policies.
He further recommended that compliant drivers be issued visible stickers to help law enforcement easily identify and sanction violators.
To ease the burden on commuters during the enforcement period, CUTS also suggested that idle university buses from institutions like the University of Ghana, KNUST, UCC, and UPSA be deployed along affected routes to increase capacity and pressure uncooperative drivers.
Looking beyond the immediate issue, CUTS called for greater government investment in public mass transport systems. “Cities like London, New York, Seoul, and Berlin have reliable public transport because their governments invest in it. Ghana must do the same,” Mr. Adomako said.
He urged for the retooling of Ayalolo and Metro Mass Transit (MMT) fleets and the development of dedicated bus lanes to improve service efficiency and reduce congestion.
While acknowledging Ghana’s liberalised economy, CUTS argued that government intervention is still necessary to ensure fairness and stability in public transport pricing—similar to how the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) uses a pricing formula to regulate fuel prices.
“We need consumer-focused transport reforms that promote affordability, fairness, and safety,” Mr. Adomako said. “Now is the time for action.”
Cedi appreciation not engineered – BoG Governor
The Kumasi High Court has acquitted and discharged Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, former nominee for Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in 2021 under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka faced 26 counts of corruption brought forward by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, who had questioned him since November 2021.
The charges were linked to a video in which he was seen hurling insults at some assembly members who were alleged to have accepted money from him but refused to confirm his appointment as the substantive MCE.
In the video, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka reportedly gave elected assembly members GH₵5,000 each and GH₵2,500 to government appointees.
However, the court, presided over by Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori on Monday, May 26, 2025, ruled that the evidence presented, including the video, did not prove that the money was intended to influence the assembly members’ votes.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister has announced that the country has temporarily closed its embassy in the US capital amid an investigation into an alleged visa scam.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the embassy will be shut following the “damning findings” of an audit team he put together to investigate alleged corruption at the Washington diplomatic mission.
The statement added that the closure would last “a few days” until a “restructuring and systems overhaul” is finalised.
According to Ablakwa, a locally recruited staff member and “collaborators” were allegedly involved in a “fraudulent” scheme whereby they extracted money from visa and passport applicants.
It is alleged that the scheme consisted of creating an unauthorised link on the embassy’s website to redirect visa and passport applicants to a private firm where they were “charged extra for multiple services” without the knowledge of the foreign ministry.
Ablakwa added that the staff member “kept the entire proceeds” in their private account, and that the scheme had been going on for five years.
Applicants seeking visas were charged unapproved fees ranging from almost $30 (£22) to $60 by the private firm.
“This conduct has been reported to the attorney-general for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes,” Ablakwa added.
As a result, foreign ministry staff in Washington “have been recalled home” and “all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended”, Ablakwa said.
“President [John] Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office.”
Nii Noi has called on gospel musicians to see TGMA as a platform for spreading the word of God
Ghanaian gospel music promoter Nii Noi has called on gospel musicians to see the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) as a platform for spreading the message of Christ.
Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Nii Noi encouraged gospel artistes to embrace the TGMA stage as an opportunity for soul-winning, rather than viewing it as a secular awards scheme.
“We need to see the TGMA scheme and its stage with all its importance. The scripture says, ‘Go into the world and win souls for me.’ When we are confined to our audience, that is, the church, how do we win souls?” he said.
He stressed that when gospel artistes are given the opportunity to perform at the TGMA, they must not take it lightly. According to the gospel music advocate, the moment should be treated as a spiritual opportunity.
“We need to take the scheme seriously, and even when billed to perform, we must consider it a platform for winning souls,” he stated.
Nii Noi further explained that everything gospel musicians do during the TGMA, from how they campaign for votes to how they appear on the red carpet, should reflect Christian values.
“Also, during the TGMA, when we solicit votes to win a category, grace the red carpet, and again get the chance to perform, these should reflect our Christian values. This is because they help win souls for Christ. We should attach seriousness to these things, just as we do with all other programmes in the gospel space,” he shared.
He then likened performing on the TGMA stage to mounting a crusade platform, urging gospel artistes to shift their mindset from self-promotion to promoting the message of Christ.
“For instance, if you get a slot to perform, have it at the back of your mind that you are performing at a crusade to win souls for Christ. It is not about your brand; it is about the brand Jesus. So mount the stage and make Jesus proud,” he noted.
When asked if he believes some gospel artistes stay away from the TGMA because they consider it secular, Nii Noi said he could neither confirm nor deny that view. However, he encouraged gospel musicians to see beyond such perceptions.
“I can’t confirm or deny that some gospel artistes don’t show enthusiasm for the TGMA because they see it as secular or evil, because I haven’t heard it personally. However, what I want them to know and understand is that the TGMA will not dent your brand as a gospel artiste,” he explained.
Nii Noi also highlighted the career growth of two top gospel artistes, Joe Mettle and Diana Hamilton, as proof that participating in the TGMA can yield positive results.
“It would be unfortunate for gospel musicians to overlook the benefits of the TGMA, especially when we see the clear growth in brands such as Joe Mettle before and after he won Artiste of the Year in 2017.
The same can be said for Diana Hamilton before and after 2021. Let’s analyse those changes together. TGMA serves as a propeller for your brand as a gospel artiste,” he said.
AK/MA
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
French President, Emmanuel Macron and wife, Brigitte Macron
A video has surfaced online that appears to show the moment Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron, ‘slapped’ her husband during a heated exchange on an official visit.
The viral video, filmed at Hanoi Airport in Vietnam on the evening of Sunday, May 25, 2025, shows President Macron through the aircraft door and captures Brigitte raising her hand toward his face, seemingly hitting him, while the French President looks surprised.
As the couple descends the stairs, Emmanuel Macron attempts to hold her hand, but she appears to ignore him.
The French President married Brigitte, his former La Providence high school teacher, in 2007.
They met during a theatre workshop she was leading when he was a 15-year-old student and she was a 39-year-old teacher.
His parents initially tried to separate the couple by sending him to Paris to complete his final year of schooling, as they believed the relationship was inappropriate due to his age.
Watch the video below:
JKB/MA
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