By Godwill Arthur-Mensah/ Elsie Appiah-Osei  

Accra, July 23, GNA–The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for sustainable financing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, otherwise known as ‘Mahama Cares’ to fund the Trust Fund. 

The Minority proposed the Covid-19 levy as a viable financing option to support the Trust Fund, instead of the government allocating 20 per cent of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to it. 

It said the government’s decision to take 20 per cent from the NHIF would weaken the National Health Insurance Scheme since the Trust Fund would be competing with the scheme for financial resources. 

Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament made the call in an engagement with the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Wednesday. 

Dr Nana Afriye, also the Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, said even though the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before the 2024 general elections pledged to scrap the law establishing the Covid-19 levy, the NDC, after coming into government, found it useful to earmark the Covid-19 levy towards the Trust Fund. 

The Minority Caucus urged the government to apologise to Ghanaians and go ahead to channel the Covid-19 levy towards financing the Trust Fund. 

Dr Nana Afriye observed that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund seemed to be an outsourced function of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), noting, “If that is what  the Trust Fund meant to do, then there must be clarity for Ghanaians to understand where to seek help with the NHIA and where to seek help with the Trust Fund”. 

The lawmaker also suggested that the government should complete some of the Agenda 111 Hospital Projects and use them as specialist hospitals where sufferers of non-communicable diseases including cancer, diabetes, stroke, asthma and kidney disease could seek treatment. 

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

By Seth Danquah 

Aboadze (WR), July 23, GNA – Mr. Sampson Ahi, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has lauded Twyford Ghana Ceramics Company Limited for its exceptional contribution to Ghana’s industrial development, job creation, and export growth.  

Mr. Ahi gave the commendation when he toured Twyford’s state-of-the-art sanitary ware factory, and the K6 production line at its ceramic factory, located at Aboadze in the Shama municipality of the Western Region.  

He was received and led through the facility by Mr. Arvin Xie Zhiguo, Deputy General Manager, Mr. Henry Zhou, an assistant to the Managing Director; and Mr. David Wei, Commercial Manager of Twyford Ghana Ceramics.  

The Deputy Trade Minister expressed profound admiration for the advanced technology deployed by the company and its commitment to producing high-quality ceramic products that met international standards.  

Mr. Arvin Xie Zhiguo said the company was a leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware in West Africa, stating that it was currently one of the largest employers in the Western Region with a workforce of over 4,000 employees.  

He pointed out that the company’s products were widely distributed across Africa and exported to Europe and the Americas, showcasing Ghana’s industrial capabilities on the global stage.  

Mr. David Wei, Business Manager of the company, noted that the Deputy Minister’s visit was a strong endorsement of Twyford Ghana Ceramics’ role in driving Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda.  

He said the company continued to champion innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, reinforcing its position as a market leader within the ceramic industry in West Africa.  

GNA  

Edited Justina Paaga/Benjamin Mensah  

By Priscilla Oye Ofori  

Accra, July 23, GNA – The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called on transport leaders to champion gender equality within their sector and communities. 

She said transport leaders were key influencers with the capacity to effect meaningful change in households and workplaces. 

The Minister made the call in a speech read on her behalf at a Training of Trainers session in Accra on Wednesday. 

The training, convened by the Department of Gender with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together male representatives from various transport unions. 

It focused on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the transport sector. 

Dr Lartey stated that leadership and support from transport union members presented an opportunity to shift attitudes and challenge harmful dominant social norms and ideas about gender equality, as well as the patriarchal beliefs and structures driving inequality between men and women. 

“As transport unions members and drivers, you have a vital role to play in promoting respect and safety for all and this training marks a critical step forward towards fostering a gender-responsive transport sector in Ghana,” she said. 

The Minister noted that gender equality was fundamental to building a just society where individuals could thrive regardless of gender or intersectionality. 

“We want a Ghana where the right, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are males or females or other intersectionalities,” she said. 

“Gender equality involves not only protecting women’s rights but also creating a fair and equitable world for all. It is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to society, follow their dreams and live in a society free of violence and discrimination,” she added. 

While acknowledging Government’s progress, Dr Lartey pointed out persistent disparities in the socio-economic participation of women and girls, compounded by structural and cultural barriers such as patriarchy and limited access to resources. 

“These challenges are often compounded in rural and underserved urban communities where socio-cultural norms are more rigid, and information and services are less accessible,” she said. 

She added that the Ministry had launched several initiatives to actively involve men and boys in gender advocacy efforts and, with UNFPA’s support, developed a National Framework and Toolkit for Engaging Men and Boys on ending SGBV. 

Dr Emmily Naphambo, UNFPA Deputy Representative to Ghana, said in a statement read on his behalf that engaging men and boys was vital to tackling issues such as SGBV, SRHR and equitable access to opportunities. 

“By working together to challenge the status quo, we can create safer, more inclusive workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive,” he said. 

Dr Naphambo said the workshop equipped participants with the tools to lead by example, promote respectful practices, dismantle stereotypes, and foster inclusive work cultures. 

Mr. Olympio Peku, Vice Chairman of Tudu Welfare, Ghana Road Transport Union (GPRTU), pledged to help union members benefit from the training and support change in the sector. 

Mr. Famous Abotsi, Deputy Advisor of the Commercial National Motor Riders Union, Greater Accra Region, encouraged women to pursue careers in male-dominated industries with confidence and determination. 

GNA  

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

By Iddi Yire 

Accra, July 23, GNA – The Government has  within this half year seized 425 excavators and other machineries that were involved in illegal mining (galamsey) activities, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has announced. 

The breakdown for the number of excavators and other machines seized from illegal miners by the Forestry Commission were 177 excavators, four bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorcycles,155 pumping machines, 184 changfangs,15 detector machines, and 10 heavy-duty generators. 

He said so far, 1,345 arrests had been made nationwide, and prosecutions were steadily progressing. 

Mr Buah made this known when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra. 

The Government Accountability Series is being organized by the Presidency Communications Bureau as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance. 

Mr Buah reiterated that as part of the broader fight against Galamsey, the Ministry had in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority,  initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry.  

He noted that so far, 1,200 excavators had been impounded pending validation before clearance at the Tema Port.  

GNA  

Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has described former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration as the worst in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

In an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, July 23, he made it clear that his political views have always been independent and performance-based, rather than rooted in loyalty to any single party.

“I have never been a supporter of any one political party, but I have voted since 1992. I have voted for NPP, I have voted for NDC,” he said, underscoring his non-partisan approach.

He recalled his admiration for former President Jerry John Rawlings, for whom he voted in successive elections. However, he added that he joined the call for Rawlings to step aside after two terms, subsequently supporting former President John Agyekum Kufuor of the NPP.

“We were the ones who kicked against Rawlings after supporting him for two terms… and then we voted for J.A. Kufuor,” he noted.

Gyampo also expressed support for the late former President John Atta Mills and initially backed President John Mahama, only to later become disillusioned with Mahama’s second term and help push for change ahead of the 2016 elections.

“We chased him [Mahama] out with the hope that [former] President Akufo-Addo was going to be the messiah,” he said.

However, he believes President Akufo-Addo failed to live up to expectations. While he acknowledged that Akufo-Addo’s government started on a positive note, Gyampo argued that by 2020, the administration had “lost it.”

“In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, I felt he had done worse than all the governments in the Fourth Republic — and that is my view,” Gyampo asserted.

Read also

“We chased Mahama out in 2016” – Prof. Gyampo

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Parliament that no Ghanaian nationals were killed, injured, or involved in the recent political unrest in neighbouring Togo.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, Mr Ablakwa said the Ghanaian Embassy in Lomé has been in close contact with all documented citizens in Togo during the crisis, and confirmed there have been no reports of Ghanaian casualties.

He noted that the Togolese government shut all unofficial border crossings on July 2, 2025, citing security concerns that youth leaders behind the late June protests had established bases in Ghana.

The North Tongu legislature stated that while access was restricted, the main Aflao crossing and Beat 9 Pedestrian post remain open, ensuring continued travel and trade.

“The Government of Ghana is not aware of Ghana serving as a base for any protester or any activist in Togo, and these claims are baseless and totally unfounded,” Mr Ablakwa told Parliament.

“I am pleased to inform the House that there have been no reports linking any Ghanaian national to the recent fatalities or arrests in Lomé.”

Mr Ablakwa stated that to support Ghanaians in Togo, the Embassy in Lomé has established a 24-hour communication channel, noting that the embassy staff have proactively engaged the Ghanaian community and are ready to provide assistance.

He further announced that all 71 Ghanaian diplomatic missions have been instructed to implement 24-hour hotline services.

The Foreign Affairs Minister further said that as of mid-June, 52 missions have installed modern communication systems capable of handling simultaneous calls.

He said the remaining missions will be upgraded to complete the rollout, ensuring prompt support for citizens abroad.

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.

play videoFormer EC chairperson Charlotte Osei was a student of the late Prof John Evans Atta Mills

Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has shared a deeply personal account of her interactions with the late President John Evans Atta Mills, revealing how the former president once admitted he had made a wrong decision.

Speaking at the 13th John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lecture in Accra on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Charlotte Osei recalled a disagreement she had with the late President over a decision she believed was wrong and unfair.

“I told him plainly that I believed his decision was wrong. And in another instance, I said it was unfair because he hadn’t listened to the other party.

“We argued as lawyers and he responded with his usual calmness,” she said.

According to her, the matter was discussed privately, where she told the late President that he had not listened to all sides before arriving at his decision.

Although he disagreed with her at the time, he responded with calmness and mutual respect.

“Months later, I received a message from him that said, ‘You were right, and I was wrong,’” she disclosed.

She described the moment as deeply emotional and a powerful demonstration of leadership grounded in humility.

She said the experience taught her that, “Power that fears criticism is already bankrupt.”

According to her, such openness to feedback and willingness to correct mistakes set the late President apart from many political leaders, especially in a region where leadership is often associated with defensiveness and control.

“His kind of leadership taught me that admitting fault doesn’t diminish your authority. It strengthens it,” she added.

Describing Mills’ presidency as one that left an “indelible mark” on Ghana, she noted that his humility was not a sign of weakness but a sign of true inner strength, “strength under control.”

The 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture was held in memory of the late President John Evan Atta Mills, who passed away while serving in office on July 24, 2012.

The event honoured his legacy of peace, tolerance, and ethical leadership.

AS/VPO

Meanwhile, you can also watch videos from the NPP’s National Delegates Conference below:

‎

Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below:

TotalEnergies Aviation has suspended its refuelling services at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) due to supply constraints.

According to the company, the suspension takes immediate effect and applies to ad-hoc or spot flights until further notice. It also noted that the development affects existing fuel orders, raising concerns about potential disruptions to scheduled airline operations.

As of now, the management of Kotoka International Airport is yet to officially comment on the situation or outline any mitigation measures to address the fuel supply gap.

In the interim, airlines operating into KIA are being advised to make alternative refuelling arrangements with their service providers, as the country anticipates a shortage of aviation kerosene.

Chinese investors pictured with officials from the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat

The Chinese Embassy in Ghana, in partnership with the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, hosted a high-level China–Ghana Business Engagement in Accra.

The session brought together senior officials from Ghanaian institutions and major Chinese private sector players to explore strategic partnerships aligned with the 24H+ Programme the government’s flagship agenda to industrialise the economy, expand exports, and create decent jobs at scale.

The engagement focused on how the 24-Hour Economy is being implemented and the role of the private sector, and Chinese investors in particular, in delivering results.

The Secretariat presented a pipeline of projects spanning agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, health, and the creative economy.

These projects are advancing through feasibility and early-stage development.

Investors were invited to work with Ghana to move these projects into execution and deliver real outcomes on the ground.

In his keynote address, the Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goosie Tanoh, emphasised that the focus of the engagement was not policy declarations, but delivery.

“We are building a portfolio of coordinated projects that will bring the Programme to life and deliver real value for Ghana. We have completed concept notes for our first 20priority projects and are now commencing feasibility studies that will make each one bankable and investment-ready,” he said.

Tanoh also reaffirmed the depth of Ghana–China relations, noting that “the China-Ghana relationship is longstanding and multifaceted, dating back to our struggle for independence and the collaboration between Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou, and our late President Nkrumah.”

He acknowledged the bureaucratic and systemic challenges foreign investors often face and confirmed that the Secretariat, working with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies, is finalising a simplified and transparent incentive and exemptions regime, embedded in a forthcoming consolidated incentives regime.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, underscored the alignment between the 24H+ vision and China’s development cooperation strategy in Africa.

“China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. In 2024, bilateral trade reached an unprecedented high of 11.8 billion US Dollars, marking a year-on-year growth of 7.1%. Bilateral trade from January to May 2025 reached 5.28 billion US Dollars, an increase of 8.9% year-on-year. In 2024, China’s direct investment in Ghana amounted to 62.15 million US Dollars, spanning multiple sectors and wide-ranging fields, creating substantial employment opportunities locally and assisting Ghana in advancing its industrialization,” he stated.

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support the sub-programmes of 24H+, particularly in agriculture, logistics, energy, and agro-industrial infrastructure.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), assured Chinese investors of MiDA’s role in ensuring the transparent and efficient execution of government-led projects. “MiDA will oversee the end-to-end scoping and procurement of projects, ensuring we partner with the right service providers to deliver on time and within budget,” Mould stressed.

He highlighted investment-ready opportunities in agro-ecological parks, feeder roads, and Volta Lake transport systems, adding that the government was prepared to finance viability gaps where needed to ensure bankability.

The event also featured key Ghanaian institutions responsible for investment, finance, and infrastructure delivery.

These included the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre led by the CEO, Simon Madjie, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund led by Deputy CEO Bennett Akantoa on behalf of the CEO, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, the Ghana EXIM Bank led by the CEO, Sylvester Mensah, and the Development Bank Ghana led by the CEO, Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala.

The Chinese private sector was strongly represented, with over 50 business leaders in attendance from major firms and industry associations operating across Ghana.

Participants on both sides expressed satisfaction with the structured, data-driven approach of the Programme and the clarity of Ghana’s investment roadmap.

The meeting reaffirmed China’s role as a strategic partner in Ghana’s long-term transformation and confirmed investor appetite to participate in the delivery of priority projects under the 24-Hour Economy.

SP/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who claims that France’s first lady was born male.

The suit, filed Wednesday in the US state of Delaware, said Owens has been spreading “outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions”.

Owens has regularly repeated the claims on her popular podcast and social media channels, and in March 2024 stated that she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on her belief that Mrs Macron “is in fact a man”.

The BBC contacted Owens for comment.

A conspiracy theory which has circulated for years in fringe online spaces alleges Mrs Macron was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which belongs to her brother.

Owens has spread the conspiracy theory to her large audiences including nearly 7m followers on X. Earlier this year she released a video series titled Becoming Brigitte.

The Macrons said in a statement released by their attorneys that they asked Owens repeatedly for a retraction, but “ultimately concluded that referring the matter to a court of law was the only remaining avenue for remedy”.

“Ms Owens’ campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety,” the statement said. “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused.”

The suit alleges Owens “disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.”

It also accuses Owens of falsely alleging the French president and his wife are blood relatives and that Emmanuel Macron was installed in office by a secret CIA plot.

Owens worked for conservative organisations including the student group Turning Point and media outlet Daily Wire before launching her independent podcast in 2024.

She has since spread rumours or suggested that conspiracies lie behind things such as Covid vaccines, the Holocaust and the moon landings.

The lawsuit also names her Delaware-headquartered companies and asks for unspecified damages.

Under US law the Macrons will have to prove “actual malice” – meaning that the defendant knew the information was false, but published or broadcast it anyway.

In September a French court found two women guilty of libel for spreading the false claims about Brigitte Macron, however that decision was overturned on appeal earlier this month, according to the AFP news agency.

Owens is married to George Farmer, a British-American entrepreneur and the son of Baron Michael Farmer, a House of Lords peer and former Conservative Party treasurer who has distanced himself from some of Owens’ views.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced that government is on course to train 2,000 Blue Water Guards by the close of 2025 to help protect the country’s rivers and water bodies from the impact of illegal mining.

During his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, explained that the Blue Water Initiative remains a key strategy in government’s fight against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with civil society organisations, aimed at keeping public officials accountable to the people they serve.

Mr. Kofi Buah noted that over 450 Blue Water Guards had already completed training and were actively working in various parts of the country.

He revealed that a second group of 530 personnel is expected to graduate on Friday, July 25.

“These officers are not armed but are trained to act as environmental intelligence agents. Their job is to monitor activities, engage communities, and promote awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and the need to protect our natural resources” he stated.

He highlighted that the presence of the guards is already having a positive impact in some mining areas, with residents becoming more aware of the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.

The minister revealed that the second phase of the Blue Water Initiative will focus on restoring polluted rivers by removing harmful chemicals and returning water bodies to their natural state.

“Feasibility studies for this phase are currently underway,” he remarked.

Mr. Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.

By Jacob Aggrey

Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders say new directive would enhance transparency at ports

The Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders has welcomed a new directive from the Bank of Ghana requiring all port service providers to publicly display the exchange rates they use when billing clients.

Describing the move as timely and necessary, the Chamber believes it will enhance transparency at Ghana’s ports and help reduce the cost of doing business.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Chamber’s President, Dennis Amfo Sefa, praised the central bank for responding to long-standing concerns raised by industry players.

He said the measure directly addresses calls for accountability from freight forwarders and traders.

“We’ve pushed for this kind of openness for years. If the government truly wants to ease the burden on businesses, then it’s essential for shipping lines, terminal operators, and other port actors to be transparent,” he said.

Sefa added that the government’s efforts to control exchange rate fluctuations should be reflected in the charges importers and exporters face at the ports.

According to him, applying official rates in billing will ensure that businesses benefit from broader economic reforms.

Under the new rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other port-related service providers must display their exchange rates daily.

These rates must be published on websites, clearly posted at physical offices, and communicated to customers before any invoices are issued.

The directive forms part of revised foreign exchange guidelines for the maritime and shipping sector, aimed at promoting fair trade practices and eliminating inconsistent billing, an issue that has long affected importers and exporters.

DR/MA

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Accra, July 23, GNA-Ghana is in the process of establishing a National Metrology Institute to bolster the country’s status as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has said.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra, the Minister said the country was building a metrology system that would not only support domestic manufacturing but also integrate seamlessly with global standards.

She said the move was critical to the success of the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which is expected to help create over 1.7 million jobs.

“In a world increasingly driven by precision and data, accurate measurements are the currency of trust. They ensure that goods are safe, services are reliable, and trade is fair,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.

She said with support from the German government, and through strategic cooperation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), GSA was undertaking a bold transformation of the national measurement
infrastructure.

She said GSA was spearheading efforts to upgrade its metrology capabilities to position the country as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement.

“Already, significant strides have been made. We are expanding our capabilities in temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring that these critical domains meet international standards and are traceable to the SI units,” the Minister added.

These upgrades will not only serve Ghana’s industries and consumers but will also support the broader ECOWAS region with highquality, internationally recognized metrological services.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to AFRIMETS, saying through it the continent was building a uniquely African metrology system that would support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhance competitiveness, and safeguard public health and safety.

“AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation, harmonizing measurement systems, facilitating trade, and building technical capacity across Africa. Its work is essential to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063, and Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” the Minister said.

President of AFRIMETS, Dr. Henry
Rotich, said the 2025 General Assembly was a testament to the collective commitment to advancing metrology and fostering collaboration across the African continent.

He said over the past year remarkable progress had been made to enhance measurement standards and practices.

“Our efforts have not only strengthened our regional capabilities but have also positioned Africa as a key player in the global metrology community,”Dr Rotich added.

“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he noted.

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Hudu Mogtari, called for the building of robust measurement systems to support the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“In this context, metrology is not a peripheral concern; it is a strategic enabler. It is the invisible architecture that supports quality assurance, competitiveness, and trust in our markets,” he said.

“Together, let us build a metrology ecosystem that is not only technically sound, but strategically bold. One that reflects Africa’s aspirations, amplifies its voice, and secures its place in the global standards landscape,” Mr Mogtari added.
Acting CEO of the GSA, Clifford Frimpong, said the event was a reaffirmation of the commitment to advancing metrology for sustainable
development across Africa.

“Your presence here today is a testament to the growing importance of metrology in shaping Africa’s industrialization, trade, and innovation agenda,” he said.

The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly on the theme: “150 Years of the Metre Convention: Prospects for Metrology within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” is a week-long programme of technical meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at harmonising Africa’s measurement systems and advancing the continent’s metrology agenda.

AFRIMETS was founded to harmonize metrology across Africa and is supported by NEPAD, PTB, NMISA, and others.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

Accra — Ghana plans to shorten mining licence durations and mandate direct revenue-sharing with local communities in its most sweeping mining law reforms in nearly two decades, details of which were announced by a government minister on Wednesday.

The planned overhaul reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are rewriting mining codes to capture more value from rising commodity prices.

Ghanaian lands & natural resources minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said the changes, which include scrapping automatic renewal of some licences, will apply only to future contracts, a departure from the stance in Mali and Burkina Faso where military-led governments have applied reforms retroactively,

“In Ghana, we don’t do retrospective laws,” Buah said at a presentation in the capital, Accra. “Existing agreements are sanctified and will be respected.”

He added that the overhaul of the Minerals and Mining Act and mining policy was 85% complete after extensive stakeholder consultations.

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, expects output to rise to 5.1-million ounces this year. Major miners in the country include Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin, Asante Gold and Perseus. It also exports bauxite and manganese with plans to start lithium production.

Shorter leases

Under the proposed law changes, prospecting licences would no longer be held indefinitely, and the maximum term for mining leases would be reduced from 30 years to a shorter period agreed by the government and firms. Companies failing to meet environmental, social or production obligations would lose the right to automatic licence renewal.

In a major shift, the government plans to abolish development agreements, in which companies send money to the central government.

Instead, companies will be required to sign agreements committing a fixed percentage of gross mineral sales revenue to fund local development projects as the government seeks to address long-standing grievances from communities that they have seen little benefit from mining operations.

The reforms also propose a three-tier mineral rights regime, introducing a new medium-scale licence category to bridge the gap between large multinational operators and small-scale artisanal miners.

Another key change under consideration is the reduction or abolition of stability agreements, which currently offer up to 15 years of tax and regulatory protection to large investors. Future agreements would be limited to capital recovery periods for major investments.

Reuters

In the early 2000s, his name echoed through Ghana’s music scene. Mr. Oduro, as he was then known, gave us hits like “Abiba” and “Meeri,” collaborating with KK Fosu and Yoggie Doggie. Then, just as he was rising, he disappeared from the spotlight.

Now reintroduced to the world as Dr. Oduro, the once-celebrated musician has resurfaced—not with a new track, but with a stethoscope, a doctorate in pharmacy, and a passion for public health.

In a recent conversation, he opened up about his transition from music to medicine, and how he’s using both passions to make a difference.

“I never stopped dreaming—my dreams just evolved.”

Dr. Oduro’s shift away from music wasn’t because of a scandal or burnout. Instead, he made a conscious decision to pursue something deeper.

“I loved music, and I still do,” he said. “But at a point, I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to help people in a different way.”

That desire led him into pharmacy. He began the journey at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he spent a semester at the School of Pharmacy. A proud Katanga Hall resident, he later moved to the United States and earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2017 from Buffalo, New York. He’s been practicing for eight years.

But his love for healthcare didn’t come out of nowhere.

“My uncle was a medical doctor. He opened a chemical shop and started giving me books on medications when I was about 12. That planted the seed.”

Music, Medicine, and Motivation

Though his career path changed, Dr. Oduro hasn’t left music behind. Instead, he says he now blends his artistic and scientific sides through motivational speaking and health advocacy.

“I’ve found a new stage. It’s not music performances anymore, but platforms where I speak to people about purpose, discipline, and health.”

He’s becoming a familiar face on social media, using his voice to motivate the youth, promote wellness, and inspire people to dream beyond limitations.

When asked what health advice he often gives, his answers are refreshingly simple:

“Sleep well, drink enough water, and exercise. These are small habits, but they make a big difference.”

And the secret to sticking with healthy habits?

“Discipline. Without discipline, nothing lasts.”

A Word to the Youth

Dr. Oduro is passionate about helping young people see beyond trends and temporary fame.

“Don’t be afraid to change direction. Don’t think giving up one dream means failure. Sometimes, it means you’ve found a bigger one.”

He encourages the youth to:

• Work hard at whatever they pursue
• Stay resilient through life’s challenges
• Use their stories to uplift others

What’s Next?

Dr. Oduro says he’s just getting started. Alongside his pharmacy practice, he plans to build a stronger online presence, focusing on health education, lifestyle tips, and motivational content.

“I want to bring creativity to health promotion. It doesn’t have to be boring. We can make it engaging, relatable, and even fun.”

For now, he invites everyone to connect with him on his social media platforms.

“Let’s grow together. Let’s live better.”

Ewurabena Aubynn is the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North

Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, has been appointed to the Board of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA).

Aubynn recently won the July 11, 2025, rerun parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.

Her victory increased the ruling National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) seat count in Parliament to 184, further strengthening its two-thirds majority.

She was officially sworn into office on Monday, July 22, 2025, in a ceremony marked by a walkout from the Minority Caucus moments before the oath was administered.

Her appointment to the GSA Board is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and stakeholder engagement in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

The 15-member Board is chaired by former Minister for Transport and former MP for Effutu, Mike Allen Hammah.

Other members include political science lecturer Professor Ransford Gyampo; Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Nathaniel Amonoo Wilson; Alex Mensah; Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono; Madam Adjoa Oboubia Darko-Opoku, among others.

Ewurabena Aubynn has pledged her commitment to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s mandate.

The Ghana Shippers Authority plays a central role in facilitating trade and protecting the interests of importers and exporters across the country.

DR/MA

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The Sarkin Zango Palace in Asawase has condemned the assassination of the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

In a statement issued by the Asawase Zongo Community Chief, Alhaji Shaibu Suleiman M. B., the Palace expressed deep sorrow over the killing, which occurred in Asawase on the night of Tuesday, July 22.

The Palace extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Kusasi community, and the wider Zongo population.

“We respectfully appeal to the entire Zongo community and the general public to remain calm and peaceful, and to allow the security agencies the necessary space and cooperation to conduct thorough investigations,” the statement read.

The Palace also called on residents to assist the police with credible information to help bring the perpetrators to justice and urged the security services to act swiftly and professionally to restore public confidence.

The statement acknowledged the swift intervention of Asawase Member of Parliament and Minister of Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mubarak, and Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassane, in managing the crisis.

Urging Zongo residents to shun violence, the Palace reminded all communities to honor the counsel of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, in maintaining peace and coexistence.

“Let us not allow this tragedy to sow seeds of division or unrest. The strength of our community lies in our unity, discipline, and adherence to the teachings of peace in Islam,” the chief stated.

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