The Minority in Parliament has vehemently opposed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice nominee, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine’s proposal to reintroduce public tribunals, describing it as unnecessary and potentially detrimental to Ghana’s justice system.

During a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Minority condemned the idea as a regression to a ‘kangaroo’ justice system.

Dr. Ayine, while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, had proposed the establishment of public tribunals in local communities and districts to complement existing regional ones.

He argued that these tribunals would offer a more accessible and efficient mechanism for resolving certain types of cases, particularly local disputes and criminal matters.

The Minority, however, rejected this justification, asserting that Ghana’s current judicial infrastructure is adequate to meet the country’s justice needs.

They questioned the necessity of reintroducing public tribunals, especially in light of significant progress made in expanding court infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the Minority at the press conference, John Darko, MP for Suame, tagged the proposal as regressive, highlighting the historical links between public tribunals and abuse of power as well as political interference.

“Mr. Attorney General-designate, why the Public Tribunal? What is our High Court not doing right, necessitating the creation of the Public Tribunal? In the last 8 years, through the District Assembly Common Fund, 110 new courts have been created.

“If it’s about more courts, like the NPP, the NDC should build more. In any event, the Chief Justice has the power to create more specialised courts, including specialised criminal high courts. There is, therefore, no need for the Public Tribunal, which is associated with killing our mothers and fathers.”

————————————————————————————

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

There is some exciting news on the horizon for those with West Africa on their 2025 bucket list. Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will resume flights to Ghana for the first time since 2013. The airline’s new daily service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra will commence in May 2025, providing passengers of both business and leisure more options for this important connection from London.

Virgin Atlantic will be treating passengers to a premium experience aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight pattern is designed to cater to a variety of traveler types, be it visiting family, transitioning to other Virgin Atlantic destinations like New York, or exploring what Ghana has to offer tourists in 2025.

So, allow Travel Radar to take you for a run down of the new route. 

Route Summary

• • Route Launch: May.1 2025 (subject to government approval)
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Flight Duration: 7h
  • Flight Schedule:
    • VS403: Departs LHR at 22:30, arrives ACC at 05:00 (+1)
    • VS404: Departs ACC at 09:15, arrives LHR at 17:25

The re-introduction of this route breaks a 12-year hiatus and offers welcome competition to the London-Accra route, currently only served by British Airways. The route makes sense for a number of reasons. Firstly, the UK is home to the third-largest diaspora of Ghanians in the world. This new route competition will inevitably create more affordable prices, in order to keep up with the steady and consistent demand of family visits and business trips.

Beyond passengers, this route also offers economic incentives. Virgin Atlantic will offer 30 tonnes worth of cargo capacity per flight. In turn, this will facilitate the transport of fresh produce and other goods between Ghana and important markets in the UK and US. 

Why Ghana?

From a tourism perspective, the route has arrived at the perfect time. The tourist market in West Africa has experienced notable growth since the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Statista, this is just the beginning, with the travel market in the region projected to grow by 7.71% per year until 2029, contributing a potential $350 bill to West African economies.

So, whilst not a typically travelled tourist route from the UK, here is why you shouldn’t look past Ghana’s vibrant capital city for your next adventure.

The Visit Ghana website captures the nation’s allure in just three words: “Culture, Warmth and Rhythm”.

Alongside that, the bustling coastal city of Accra is a hub of history, culture and commerce. Enjoy the lively streets, welcoming locals and the unique cuisine it has to offer. 

Undoubtedly one of the highlights that should bring any tourist to Ghana, is the vibrant array of food available. Enjoy fragrant jollof rice, savory waakye and spicy kebabs from local street vendors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore local dishes available. 

Must-See Attractions in Accra:

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: Visit this remarkable monument which honors Ghana’s first president and key leader in the country’s independence movement. Located in downton Accra, the monument is surrounded by idyllic gardens.
• Jamestown: Walk through this historic neighborhood filled with colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Bring your camera as Jamestown is a photographer’s dream.
• Makola Market: Visit this famous market and enjoy a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. This busy market is perfect for finding local crafts, souvenirs and fresh produce.
• Labadi Beach: A thriving beach spot to enjoy the Atlantic coastline, Labadi Beach is most well known for its live music, traditional drumming and dancing, especially on weekends.
• W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre: This is a well-known tribute to the Pan-Africanist leader, Dr W.E.B Du Bois. The cultural landmark offers history buffs among you a fascinating insight into Ghana’s cultural and political past.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Virgin Atlantic’s return to Accra is significant as more than just a new route: It is a bringing together of families, cultures and business between two heavily connected nations.

So, whether you’re looking to visit on holiday or simply just to reconnect with loved ones, thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s new route, Accra and London are more connected than ever and should certainly be on your radar in 2025.

Stay tuned for travel insights, trip suggestions and route announcements with Travel Radar.

Raymond Archer, Member of ORAL Committee

The Chief Executive Officer of Universal Labels & Packaging Company Limited and Colour Planet Limited, Raymond Archer, has suggested that his printing press may have been targeted due to his role as a consultant.

According to Archer, he served as a consultant for an international risk management company involved in key projects in Ghana, which might have put him at risk.

Speaking on Citi TV, he explained, “I think it has more to do with my work as a consultant. I worked for a very big global risk management company and became a risk advisor to one of the key projects happening in Ghana.

“The way the business was targeted, I know that could be one of the reasons. And we are all under very strict and terrible contracts as international consultants.”

Raymond Archer’s printing press was among the businesses affected by the Trade Fair demolition exercise back in 2020 to pave the way for a redevelopment project.

The renowned investigative journalist was recently nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to serve on a five-member team leading the National Democratic Congress’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

The ORAL initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing systemic corruption and financial impropriety.

It will focus on recovering misappropriated funds and resources to strengthen governance, restore public trust in state institutions, and provide much-needed fiscal space for national development.

SSD/MA

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries:

Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.

She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.

The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism and relatability through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine; and Royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.

The BIG8 concept produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.

The BIG8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modeling industry, crowning 8 of them with the ‘TOP MODEL’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.

“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.

About Prisca Abah

Early Life and Career

Prisca Abah began her modeling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5 Star International Modeling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.

From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway. During this period, she received accolades including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.

International Recognition and Pageantry

In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.

Philanthropy

Abah founded the Plains Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.

Awards and Collaborations

In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.

Legacy

Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.

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.

Ghana’s newly elected President John Mahama has announced plans to investigate his predecessor’s contested $400 million National Cathedral project, a stalled religious landmark that for critics become a symbol of fiscal irresponsibility.

Mahama and his National Democratic Congress or NDC party easily won the December election after voters punished President Nana Akufo-Addo and his ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for economic mismanagement and high living costs. 

The National Cathedral, envisioned by Akufo-Addo as a tribute to God for his 2016 electoral victory, was initially billed as a privately funded initiative. But allegations that $58 million in public funds had been spent — and charges of financial impropriety — sparked public outrage.

Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) late last year had recommended an audit into the project, citing procurement breaches.

“We will soon activate such an investigation,” Mahama said at a thanksgiving service this week. While he did not rule out completing the cathedral, he hinted at a more modest approach, noting, “any decisions moving forward will prioritise accountability and national interest”.

Set on a 23,000 square metre site in the heart of Accra, the cathedral was designed to include a 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, a choir school, an art gallery, and multipurpose spaces. 

But three years after construction stalled, the site remains a gaping crater. Some argue the project contributed to the electoral defeat of Akufo-Addo and his NPP party in December.

– ‘Restoring public trust’ –

“This cathedral represents everything wrong with governance – opaque processes, lack of accountability, and misplaced priorities,” said Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, a campaigner with Crusaders Against Corruption.

“Investigating this project isn’t just about the money; it’s about restoring public trust in government.” 

The project’s suspension comes as Ghana struggles with an economic crisis exacerbated by high inflation, mounting debt, and a reliance on a $3 billion IMF bailout to stabilise the economy.

New Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson recently told Parliament that public funding for the cathedral had been halted as part of broader efforts to curb wasteful expenditure. 

“The government cannot justify pouring scarce resources into an unfinished project when Ghanaians are struggling to afford basic necessities,” he said. 

Contractors have abandoned the site due to unpaid invoices, and at least five trustees have resigned from the project’s board, further eroding public confidence.

– ‘Public frustration’ –

Mahama’s pledge to investigate the project has drawn praise and scepticism in equal measure.  

“Mahama is not just addressing the financial mismanagement associated with the cathedral; he’s tapping into public frustration over governance failures,” political scientist Kwame Asah-Asante from the University of Ghana told AFP.

“This investigation could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable, but it also risks becoming a political weapon if not handled transparently.” 

With Ghana facing a delicate balancing act between fiscal discipline and public sentiment, the fate of the National Cathedral remains uncertain. 

Over 70% of the population identify as Christian in the deeply pious West African country.

“When people are struggling to feed their families, such extravagance becomes indefensible,” Asah-Asante said.

kme/jj

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed shock and disbelief over the results of the just-ended 2024 parliamentary elections.

He stated that one major issue before the 2020 election was how the party had imposed some candidates on certain constituencies.

“So we vowed not to allow such instances to repeat themselves again in the 2023/2024 primaries. You can testify that we ran one of the most transparent and efficient parliamentary primaries in our party, with no traces of controversy after the election. The various constituencies were given the opportunity to elect whoever they wanted to lead them in the 2024 election,” he said.

He revealed that an album validation committee was established to ensure transparency during the election and avoid any misunderstandings among members.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen Show on Tuesday, January 14, Mr Kodua mentioned that parliamentary candidates of the party acknowledged that the party had fairly provided maximum support during the election, making it unprecedented.

“Some of us are still mesmerized, we are still shocked by the outcome of the election,” he emphasized.

Mr Kodua further explained that he chose not to grant any interviews after the election because he was puzzled by how the party lost so many seats despite ensuring a smooth election process during the primaries.

He expressed strong confidence in the committee set up to investigate the aftermath of the 2024 election.

“The committee, headed by Prof Mike Oquaye, will probe further to find out what really happened,” he stressed.

He also attributed the party’s loss to apathy that had crept into the party, which he claimed led to the poor performance.

“The kind of apathy that infiltrated the party in the 2024 elections affected both the presidential and parliamentary candidates…” he concluded.

Although both parties had 137 MPs with one independent MP backing the NPP to give them a slight majority in the 8th Parliament, the 9th Parliament has seen the NDC winning 183 seats, with the NPP managing just 88 seats with four Independent MPs.

There’s just one parliamentary seat yet to be determined by the Electoral Commission due to an outstanding dispute.

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

A photo of ongoing reconstruction a the Kantamanto Market

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called for a halt to the ongoing reconstruction efforts at the Kantamanto Market site until proper fire safety measures are put in place, citinewsroom.com has reported.

Alex King Nartey, a member of the GNFS communication team, emphasised the need to prioritise fire-resistant materials and implement fire detection systems during an interview.

“We advise that the reconstruction be halted until a proper plan for the building is put together, incorporating fire-resistant materials. A proper building should include a fire detection system and firefighting tools at strategic points so that, in case of a fire, these tools, like sprinklers, will activate and extinguish the fire,” he stated.

Alex Nartey explained that collaboration with the service by market stakeholders is imperative to ensure that new structures meet modern fire safety standards.

“Ideally, per the operations of the service, we would have preferred a consultation with the Ghana National Fire Service so we could make recommendations on how the rebuilding can be done with the right fire-resistant materials,” he said.

He expressed concern over the continued use of wood in the reconstruction process, noting the potential risks associated with such materials.

“Mind you, they are still rebuilding with wood. You can’t keep on doing the same thing and expect different results. In this case, we as a service wish that the market people would have come together with us so that we could be very instrumental in the reconstruction,” he noted.

He urged market authorities and traders to engage the GNFS in the planning process to prevent future incidents and protect lives and property.

“We wish the market people would come together with us so that we can become very instrumental in the reconstruction,” he added.

These statements result from a fire that destroyed the famous Kantamanto Market in Accra, on January 2, 2025.

Several shops were destroyed, along with goods worth millions of Ghana cedis destroyed.

Traders have reportedly started rebuilding structures to resume business.

RAD/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Joe Wise outlines two key strategies Minority can employ to be effective below:

(Left to Right) COP Nathan Kofi Boakye, Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani and DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak

Four men have been appointed to oversee Ghana’s national security, by President John Dramani Mahama.

A statement from the presidency announcing Mahama’s key national security appointments indicated that these four men have the competences to manage and enhance Ghana’s national security, which would ensure the safety of every Ghanaian.

Here are brief profiles of the men appointed by Mahama to manage Ghana’s national security:

Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani:

Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani has been appointed by President Mahama as his National Security Advisor.

Bani brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the security sector to the table. He is an international aid and development manager, and politician. He is a former Chief of Staff of Ghana and a former Minister of the Interior.

Bani is a senior manager and specialist in international peace-building and development processes. For over 15 years, he led innovative initiatives in peace and development with the United Nations in various locations worldwide.

COP Nathan Kofi Boakye:

COP Nathan Kofi Boakye has been appointed as Director of Operations at the Presidency to oversee operational effectiveness in security matters.

Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye is a retired senior police officer celebrated for his illustrious career.

Widely known as “Commander One,” he gained national recognition in 2005 when he led officers from the Accra Regional Command in the arrest of notorious armed robber, Ataa Ayi, and his gang.

During his tenure as the police chief in the Ashanti Region, he implemented dynamic approaches to crime-fighting that instilled fear among criminals.

Under his leadership, numerous wanted criminals in Kumasi and surrounding areas were apprehended.

Charles Alhassan Kipo:

Charles Alhassan Kipo, a veteran national security operative, takes on the role of Director General of the National Intelligence Bureau.

Charles Kipo, a seasoned operative with years of experience working within the state’s internal investigations body, is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

He has worked under former heads of the bureau, including Yaw Donkor, Owusu Fordjour, and Paul Awalinga.

DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak

Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul-Osman Razak has been named as the National Security Coordinator.

DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak is a course director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

Known for his strategic acumen and operational expertise, DCOP Razak will ensure seamless collaboration across all security agencies, focusing on creating a cohesive and effective security strategy to address both internal and external threats.

BAI/AE

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries:

Watch a compilation of the latest Twi news below:

By Philip Tengzu

Wa, (UW/R), Jan. 15, GNA – Amiwan Service Centre, a female-led enterprise in Wa, is in dire need of support to expand its production and present hope to many young people in the region and beyond through job opportunities.

The enterprise is into production and sale of cosmetics, body creams and detergents, shampoo, and other chemicals for hairdressing, among others.

The business sources some of its materials including shea butter from the local economy, which also presented business opportunities for shea pickers and processors in Wa and surrounding communities.

Ms Amina Haruna, aged about 32, the Manager of Amiwan Service made the appeal through an interview with the GNA in Wa.

She appealed to the government and philanthropic organisations focused on supporting Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMSEs) to support her to expand her business.

She indicated that getting the support to expand her business would enable her to engage more young people in the production and sale of the products.

Apart from the production of cosmetics, Amiwan Service Centre also operated a hairdressing salon in Wa to supplement the cosmetics production with funds.

Due to the inadequate finances to establish a cosmetics production facility, Madam Haruna currently produces the cosmetics in the hairdressing salon, which she said was not convenient and she could not engage more hands in that business.

“I currently have sales agents in Accra, Tamale and Wenchi, so after production I send the products to them to sell and through that they are getting income.

“If I had the support in the form of finance or other resources to establish a facility solely for the cosmetics production, I could have engaged more sales agents.

With that I could have also engaged young people in the production and packaging, and that would have served as a job opportunity for many young people in the region,” Ms. Haruna said.

She added that expanding the business and increasing her production would also enable her source more raw materials, especially shea butter, which would increase the economic fortunes of the rural women engaged in shea picking and processing.

Ms Haruna explained that she also trained young people in detergent making and said accessing the support to expand the business would enable her to train more young people in that business.

Amiwan Service Centre also offered contractual services to both public and private-sector organisations as well as individuals in training people in detergent production and supply of detergents to organisations and agencies.

The enterprise had offered such services to the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) and ActionAid Ghana (AAG) where it trained hundreds of people in detergent production.

GNA

Ghana intends to ramp up revenue mobilization

Financial analyst, Yaw Appiah Lartey has called for urgent action to address the growing concerns surrounding Ghana’s revenue generation, urging the government to focus on tackling revenue leakages and diversifying its income sources.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Lily Mohammed, Mr. Lartey emphasized that while the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing, the growth in tax revenue is not keeping pace. He pointed out that the nation is grappling with a significant gap between its economic growth and its tax revenue collection.

He advised that negotiations should be with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and external creditors, suggesting that the government still has significant work to do. This reaction was following the vetting of the financial minister-designate.

However, the financial analyst warned that the nation faces a critical vulnerability in its taxation system. According to him, currently, 77% of government revenue is derived from taxes, a concentration that poses a serious risk to the economy if tax revenues were to decline for any reason.

“We are generating revenue; our GDP is growing but we are not having corresponding growth in our task revenue. We have to negotiate with the IMF and external creditors. We have to negotiate the entire IMF programme because significant portions of the external credit facility have been disbursed. We have to engage IMF and discuss the additional support that we require”.

“We have an economy that is over-taxed. You cannot run an economy that has this concentration risk. 77% of the revenue is from tasks so if tomorrow there are no taxes, we will struggle to sustain the economy. This is a huge risk, and we should diversify our revenue sources to mitigate it”.

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries:

By Ernestina Adzo Dika 

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA-The East Ghana Conference of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (W.H.&O.M.S.) of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church has held its annual convention in Accra. 

The convention, which was themed “Reaching the Masses in an Ever-changing World, the Journey Continues! Equity and Justice, Moving Beyond Trauma,” brought together participants from 12 districts across the Volta, Greater Accra, Oti, and parts of the Central Regions. 

The districts included Accra North, Central, West-Kasoa, Tema, Ashaiman, Keta, Agbozume, Akatsi, Ho, Hohoe, Penyi, and Oti. 

The convention emphasised the role of women in Church growth, community development, and nation-building, reiterating the A.M.E. Zion Church’s mission to inspire change through equity, justice, and faith-driven actions. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Prudence Hagan Banini, Fieldworker of the East Ghana Conference W.H.&O.M.S, said the convention was an annual spiritual exercise that empowered women for evangelism, community service, and personal growth. 

Madam Banini underscored the women’s place in the Church, where they offered various assistance in the expansion and growth of the Church, which went to positively influence their families and communities. 

“The gathering strengthens women spiritually and equips them to evangelise, win souls, and support one another while contributing to their families and communities,” she said. 

Rev. Felix Ernest Kwaku Dodor, Chairman of the Presiding Elders’ Council of the Church, stressed the Church’s commitment to the convention’s theme, which draws inspiration from Micah 6:8. 

Rev. Dodor highlighted the importance of promoting equity and justice and lauded efforts by the Young Adult Missionary Society (YAMS), a department within the W.H&O.M.S, to visit cured lepers at the Weija Leprosarium. 

He said the outreach reflected Christian values of empathy and inclusion, emphasising that illness should not lead to the isolation of affected individuals. 

He said, “I want to tell the whole world that sickness is not an accident or something that we should cast people away because they’ve been attacked by a particular disease but rather visit them and stretch out our hands to them so that they will also feel part of the society.” 

Assorted items, including food, toiletries, and disinfectants, were donated to the cured lepers, symbolising the Church’s dedication to supporting the marginalised. 

“This act of kindness demonstrates our commitment to spreading the love of Christ by serving and caring for the vulnerable,” Rev. Dodor added. 

He urged Ghanaians to adopt a culture of self-reliance and collective responsibility, calling for hard work and community support to build a brighter future. 

The convention featured a variety of activities, including worship sessions, Bible studies, leadership and relationship workshops, and health screenings for participants. 

GNA