No more free fuel for appointees: President Mahama’s new austerity move
Featured
Kweku Zurek
1 minute read
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate cancellation of fuel allowances and fuel allocations for all political appointees as part of broader measures to reduce government expenditure.
The move aims to redirect public funds to priority areas while ensuring that leadership shares in the sacrifices demanded of citizens.
“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP and Spokesperson to the President said.
This decision follows earlier austerity measures, including a reduction in the number of Ministers and Presidential Office staff, as well as the discontinuation of satellite TV subscriptions for government offices.
The Presidency emphasised that these steps are necessary to curb unnecessary spending and promote fiscal discipline.
In a regal ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolism, the Asante Kingdom has welcomed a new Queen Mother to the Boadi Stool. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s youngest wife has been officially enstooled as Nana Huahi Akua Asamoah II, marking a significant moment in the cultural and spiritual leadership of the Boadi community.
The enstoolment, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, was attended by royals, elders, and dignitaries from across Asanteman. Traditional drumming, libation rituals, and the presentation of sacred regalia set the tone for the occasion, which reaffirmed the deep-rooted customs of the Ashanti people. Nana Huahi Akua Asamoah II now assumes the mantle of Queen Mother, a role that carries immense responsibility in guiding the moral, social, and developmental direction of her people.
Her elevation to the stool follows the passing of the previous Queen Mother and reflects Otumfuo’s commitment to preserving lineage and continuity within the royal household. As Queen Mother of Boadi, she will serve as a custodian of tradition, a voice for women and children, and a key figure in community development initiatives.
The ceremony also highlighted the evolving role of royal women in modern Ghanaian society. Nana Huahi Akua Asamoah II, known for her grace and intellect, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the stool, blending tradition with contemporary leadership. Her enstoolment has been met with celebration across social media and traditional platforms, with many praising Otumfuo’s choice and the dignified manner in which the ceremony was conducted.
As she begins her reign, Nana Huahi Akua Asamoah II is expected to champion education, health, and cultural preservation in Boadi and beyond. Her presence at the palace adds a new layer of vibrancy to the royal court and signals a renewed focus on empowering women within the chieftaincy structure.
Essikado-Ketan Member of Parliament, Prof Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, has issued what appears to be a pointed response to the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s controversial comments on her recent appointment.
The Minority Leader suggested in Parliament that the elevation of Dr Grace Ayensu, who has been nominated as a Deputy Health Minister, was for “strange reasons,” apparently in comparison to other female MPs, including Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who has not received any appointment yet.
Taking to Facebook a day after the exchanges in Parliament, Dr Ayensu Danquah said, “No matter how badly they treat you, never drop down to their level,” she wrote. “Stay strong, stay calm, and walk away.”
Her post has since sparked conversation across social and political circles, with many praising her for her composed and dignified stance in the face of political provocation.
Dr Ayensu Danquah went further to emphasise the importance of character over credentials.
“No matter how educated, talented, rich, or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all,” she said, reflecting a core value of humility in leadership.
The medical doctor urged followers to embrace both praise and critique as part of personal growth. “Accept both compliments and criticism. It takes both sun and rain for a flower to grow.”
The Essikado-Ketan MP also warned against environments that stifle opposing views. “An environment that is not safe to disagree in is not an environment focused on growth. It’s an environment focused on control.”
In closing, she left a reminder that resonates beyond politics: “Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time. It’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it.”
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.
Controversial media personality, MC Yaa Yeboah launched a scathing attack on the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale during the latest episode of UTV’s United Showbiz.
The controversial media personality who believes Malik Basintale is behind the violence that occurred during the recently held Ablekuma North rerun election launched a scathing attack on the YEA CEO.
The Spanish government has demanded an investigation into Lamie Yamal’s controversial 18th birthday party, during which ‘dwarves were exploited’ and women with ‘specific breast measurements paid to attend’.
A model named Claudio Calvo has claimed Barcelona sensation Yamal paid for 12 women with a ‘certain breast size’ to attend the bash, and now the government are seeking a huge fine and a probe into the mafia-themed bash following the outcry over paid attendees with Dwarfism.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo may face legal sanctions after using Ghana’s national coat of arms in a private letter addressing the public. In the letter, the former president urged Ghanaians to disregard reports suggesting a scheme to postpone the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming Delegates Conference — but the use of the state emblem has triggered legal and constitutional scrutiny.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has inaugurated the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission Board, charging it to ensure the efficient use of land in the region.
Mr Sulemana urged the 50-member board to be diligent in the discharge of their duties because effective land administration was key to the economic transformation of the country.
He added that proper administration of the country’s lands would enable the government and the private sector to spread the needed development across the nation to create jobs for the unemployed and grow the economy.
“For instance, if an investor is coming into a community to invest and is able to register the land on which the project will be located within the shortest possible time, the investor will be able bring in the investment, leading to the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs” he said.
The board, which is chaired by Baffour Owusu Bediako, the Paramount Chief of Asante Akyem Domeabra Traditional Area, was sworn in last Wednesday (July 2) by the Supervising High Court Judge in the Ashanti Region, Justice Hannah Taylor.
Revenue generation
Mr Sulemana added that when investors were able to acquire lands, register them with ease leading to the establishment of their respective businesses, they would pay the required taxes in the form of revenue to the government.
Therefore, he stated that the role of the regional boards of the Land Commission in the smooth land and title registration was key in opening up the country for investments, saying “the role of the board is essential and strategic as it will facilitate the establishment of more businesses, leading to the payment of more taxes to the state for national development”.
Access to credit
He underscored the importance of properly registered lands and properties in accessing credit from financial institutions to fund businesses and projects, and that the inability of individuals to have titles on lands and properties would make it difficult to access loans from banks.
He told the members of the board that if they were able to play their roles well there would be an improvement in the agricultural sector, real estate industry and other sectors towards improving the economy for the benefit of Ghanaians.
He used the occasion to commend the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for setting up a secretariat to assist in land administration in the region and further called on traditional leaders in other regions to emulate the example to address challenges confronting land administration in the country.
Clear indication
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, said the board’s inauguration was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to strengthening the land governance and ensuring that management of lands was responsive and transparent.
He said many of the conflicts and disputes often handled by the Regional Security Council, be it chieftaincy related, boundary issues or even community unrest were often rooted in land ownership and access.
“We expect you to collaborate closely with the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional councils and other relevant agencies to ensure that land use aligns with our physical and economic development plans”, Dr Amoakohene said.
Other speakers
In a remark, Justice Taylor after swearing in the members, cautioned them against sharing the board’s information and other documents on social media as they would be guilty of an offence under the Electronic Transaction Act.
On behalf of the board, Baffour Bediako said having had the privilege of serving on the immediate past board, he would bring valuable lessons learnt and insightful experiences to bear to assist the board to deliver on its mandate.
Lawyer David Winnie, who represented former Hearts of Oak Technical Director Rene Hiddink, has explained the circumstances that led to the club’s recent loss in a FIFA ruling.
Speaking with ghanasportspage.com, Winnie revealed that Hiddink, who was appointed in June 2024 on a three-year deal, was abruptly dismissed after just eight months without any explanation from the club.
“They didn’t give any explanation at all just called him into a meeting and told him that his job was terminated,” Winnie said.
Given the international nature of the contract, Winnie filed a claim with FIFA’s Football Tribunal in Miami, although he admitted the case carried some risk because technical director dismissals rarely succeed at FIFA.
“I had to prove not only that the case could be heard by FIFA but also that, in addition to being a technical director, he was performing coaching duties — even though this wasn’t explicitly stated in the contract,” he explained.
FIFA ruled in Hiddink’s favor, ordering Hearts of Oak to pay him the full remainder of his three-year contract.
While Winnie declined to reveal the exact amount, he confirmed it was a six-figure sum.
“FIFA agreed with me on both points. They came back quickly and ruled that he had won his case. Accra Hearts of Oak must pay all outstanding wages for the three years,” he confirmed.
The ruling serves as a strong reminder of contractual obligations in football, particularly involving international hires.
A photo collage of Afenyo-Markin, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on July 14, 2025, caused a stir in Parliament following comments he made about the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
The Effutu MP, while making a submission, ordered Prof Ayensu to sit down, insisting she was out of order.
A visibly agitated Afenyo-Markin scolded the MP, arguing that as a new entrant in Parliament, she ought to conduct herself properly and not interrupt when a leader was speaking.
Afenyo-Markin further jabbed Prof Ayensu, questioning why she had been given a ministerial appointment in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government when senior party figures, such as Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, had not been considered.
“My colleague, your name is not even on the list yet. We have only heard rumors that you will be facing the Appointments Committee, and this is what you choose to be doing?
“You came to meet Dr Zanetor here, and for some strange reason, it appears your name is being considered when even party stalwarts like Helen Ntoso are still waiting. And yet you want to be raising points of order while your leader is speaking?” Afenyo-Markin said.
Prof Ayensu, who is also the Deputy Minister of Health-designate, did not take kindly to the comments.
She described Afenyo-Markin’s remarks as offensive and discriminatory against women in Parliament.
Responding to the Speaker, she said, “Mr Speaker, there are only 14% of women in this House, and some of these statements are very discouraging. I was simply standing up, waiting to catch your eye, when I was attacked for no reason.
“Mr Speaker, it makes it very difficult for women to speak when we face veiled threats and passive-aggressive behavior. I respectfully request that part of the statement be expunged from the records because I was offended by it, having done nothing to deserve such treatment.”
Prof Ayensu emphasised that she had not provoked Afenyo-Markin in any way and urged Parliament to encourage a more inclusive and respectful environment for female MPs.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
After receiving a 15-year sentence with hard labour from the Accra Circuit Court on July 3, 2025, Nana Agradaa is now subject to the strict rules of the Ghana Prisons Service. Her daily life, including her movement and communication, is heavily regulated under the Prisons Service Act, requiring her participation in prison labour and limiting her privileges.
Here are 10 things Nana Agradaa cannot do while in prison:
1. Broadcast live TV programs
She cannot continue her money-doubling shows on Today-TV or Thunder TV, as inmates do not have access to broadcasting facilities.
2. Own or use a personal mobile phone
Prison rules forbid prisoners from owning or using personal mobile phones, limiting them to supervised calls through prison communication centres.
3. Receive unlimited visits
She is allowed only one monitored visit every two weeks, and any additional visits require special approval from prison authorities.
4. Send or receive unlimited mail
She can send and receive only one letter or telegram every two weeks unless given special permission for additional correspondence.
5. Access social media or the internet freely
Inmates are banned from unsupervised internet and social media use, with computer access allowed only for approved legal or educational purposes under strict supervision.
6. Make unscheduled private calls
All phone calls are made through official prison channels at scheduled times, and private calls outside these times are prohibited.
7. Host public religious gatherings or rituals
She may attend chapel services in prison but cannot organize or lead public all-night services or Sika Gari rituals.
8. Refuse compulsory prison labour
She must participate in assigned prison labour unless a medical officer grants an exemption, and refusal can lead to further penalties.
9. Manage her media businesses remotely
She cannot direct or manage Today-TV, Thunder TV, or any of her media outlets while in prison.
10. Avoid overcrowded living conditions
Nsawam Prison is heavily overcrowded, and she must endure the poor conditions, including limited food and resources.
Wisdom Boxing Promotions and WBO Africa Champion Theophilus Allotey have partnered with eSports Association Ghana to introduce virtual boxing to Atukpai near Bukom.
Official records confirm the July 13 outreach engaged youth through computer/mobile platforms, with Ghana Boxing Authority, Ghana Boxing Federation, and Olympic Committee representatives attending the inaugural event.
eSports Association President Kwesi Hayford emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Olympic recognition, noting winners will represent Ghana internationally. Coach Dr. Ofori Asare of Wisdom Boxing highlighted its potential to divert youth from social vices. The program honored Allotey—dual African bantamweight and super flyweight champion—who distributed refreshments to participants while advocating for the sport’s training benefits.
Three medal recipients emerged: Alfred Kotey (gold), Desmond (silver), and Jacob Thompson (bronze). International consultant Yoofi Boham urged strong leadership to elevate Ghana’s global boxing standing. The event aligns with President John Mahama’s National Democratic Congress administration focus on youth development and sports innovation.
Regina Daniels Shares Beautiful Video Of Her And Her Mother As They Step Out On Spa Date
News Hub Creator48min
Regina Daniels has shared a beautiful video that captured moment with her mother as they stepped out together.
The film star who has maintained a close and sweet relationship with her mother took to her Instagram story to flaunt a moment she took her mom on spa date to care for their skin.
The clip captured her mother Rita Daniels quietly seated in the room looking all beautiful in a black dress. Regina with her playful character was dancing towards her mom who seem busy attaching stuffs on her hair, but she caught her attention.
The mother and daughter moment between them was so pure and real filled with smile as the actress couldn’t help but laugh all through the video, showcasing extreme happiness seeing her mother who she described as My queen while captioning the video.
Recall that Rita Daniels has always shown up for her daughter during every one of her special moments, from the birthdays of her sons to her graduation from university in Mexico. The relationship between Regina and her mother has garnered admiration among netizens, showcasing how the actress values and cares for her mom.
The Managing Director of Despite Media, Fadda Dickson, led the team in greeting Chairman General Kwami Sefa Kayi with a warm welcome when he came back from a long break. Staff and coworkers gathered in the office to meet one of Ghana’s most well-known media personalities. The mood was tense and happy. People were looking forward to his return, and the warm welcome showed how much the team and the media community value him.
Kwami Sefa Kayi, who is better known as Chairman General, has been an important player in Ghanaian media for a long time. His job as a reporter and broadcaster has made people all over the country respect and admire him. Plenty of people thought the break he took was well-earned because it gave him time to rest and get back to work. Everybody is excited and full of energy now that he is back, from his coworkers to his friends.
Fadda Dickson was glad to see Chairman General again and said, “We are so glad to have him back.” Being around him makes our team stronger and more motivated. Management has a lot of respect for Kwami Sefa Kayi, as shown by this remark. In addition, it shows how important his job is in creating the media in Ghana.
It was a big welcome from the Despite Media team, who are known for being hard-working and polite. There were heartfelt talks, warm handshakes, and smiles to mark the return of Chairman General. The celebrations showed how much he meant to the organisation. People on the staff talked about how his work has affected their own careers and the media business as a whole.
The guest, Kwami Sefa Kayi, thanked everyone for their warm welcome. He said, “I’m grateful for the help and kindness of my coworkers and the people in charge.” I was able to think and get stronger after this break. His words show that he is humble and determined to keep working hard at his job with new focus and desire.
The return of Chairman General is a big deal for me and for Despite Media as a whole. People think that his ability to lead and his years of experience will help the company grow and take on new tasks in the media world, which changes quickly. A lot of young journalists and broadcasters have always looked up to and been inspired by his voice and appearance.
As the team looks ahead to the future, they are sure that they can do even better now that Chairman General is back. He is more than just a newsroom influencer; he is a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of success in Ghanaian media. He was given a warm welcome, which shows how much love and admiration he has.
Fans and friends can look forward to Chairman General going back to his normal job with new ideas and energy in the coming weeks. It was nice to take a break and recharge. He is now ready to keep doing his job to make a difference. The people at Despite Media are glad he’s back and look forward to seeing what he does next.
To sum up, everyone was happy and excited when Chairman General Kwami Sefa Kayi came back to Despite Media. The team showed Fadda Dickson how much they value him as a leader and coworker. His return starts a new era of hope, energy, and dedication to doing good work in the media in Ghana.
Check out this link: https://x.com/utvghana/status/1944670783923524081?t=uMZCkn50V_eo_hU_HbDCAg&s=19
Former France defender, Gael Clichy, has tipped Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Speaking on RMC Sport, Clichy claimed Dembele is “hands down” the most deserving candidate.
“The Ballon d’Or rewards players who are decisive: you have to take into account individual statistics, which have been highlighted by Cristiano and Lionel Messi,” Clich said.
The Ministry of Defence has withdrawn military protection from all civilians who are not legally entitled to such services, including some public officials, former ministers, and businessmen.
The move forms part of government efforts to restore discipline and accountability within Ghana’s security structure.
Announcing the directive in a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 15, Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah described the decision as a key component of the government’s broader “Reset Agenda” focused on promoting transparency and responsible governance.
“As part of our Reset Agenda to restore discipline and accountability, we’ve withdrawn military protection for civilians (including public officials, former ministers, businessmen and women, among others) who are not entitled to it,” Dr Boamah stated.
He stressed that the policy aims to put an end to the misuse of military personnel for personal benefit — a practice he said contradicts the professional duties of the armed forces.
“This decision aims to STOP the misuse of military personnel for personal gain,” he wrote, adding that any personnel found providing unauthorised guard or escort services would face “far-reaching consequences.”
The Minister called on the public to support the initiative and help foster a culture of accountability.
“Let’s work together to promote a more disciplined and responsible use of our military resources. We’re committed to transparency and accountability. Let’s build a more responsible and just society together,” he concluded.
Read Also: Police now protecting EC Chair following military withdrawal – Defence Minister
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.
Evangelist Mama Pat, also known as Nana Agradaa, has received sad news as the court has refused to grant her bail. According to a report by Ghbase, this comes after her legal team filed a request asking the court to release her while she waits for her appeal to be heard.
The appeal is against a 15-year prison sentence handed to her earlier this month. Her lawyers argued that there were problems with the trial and that the judge, Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, was not fair. They believed Agradaa had a strong chance of winning the appeal and should be allowed to stay outside prison while the case continues.
But the court disagreed. The judge refused the bail request and ordered that Agradaa remain in prison until the final decision on her appeal is made.
This news has caused strong reactions from Ghanaians on social media. Some people said they were not surprised by the court’s decision, while others expressed pity for her situation.
One person wrote, “This is really sad for Agradaa, but the law must take its course.” Another user commented, “She must face the punishment if found guilty. Let’s wait for the final outcome.”
Some also said they were losing faith in Agradaa’s earlier claims of innocence. Others believe she still deserves a fair second chance in the appeal process.
Many are now closely watching to see what the Court of Appeal will decide in the coming weeks.
Agradaa remains in prison as her legal team continues to fight the 15-year sentence. The court has not yet announced a date for the appeal hearing.
Ethiopian government forces “executed” three employees of medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) while they were on a humanitarian mission in Ethiopia’s war-hit northern Tigray region four years ago, a senior MSF official has told the BBC.
Raquel Ayora’s comments came as MSF released its findings on what it called the “intentional and targeted” killing of the three – a Spanish national and two Ethiopians – at the height of the now-ended conflict in Tigray.
“They were executed,” said Ms Ayora, MSF Spain’s general director. “They were facing their attackers [and] were shot at very close range… several times.”
The BBC has asked the Ethiopian government for a response to the allegation.
MSF said it was releasing its findings as the government had failed to provide a “credible account” of the deaths despite 20 face-to-face meetings over the last four years.
Thirty-five-year-old Spaniard María Hernández Matas, along with 32-year-old Yohannes Halefom Reda and 31-year-old Tedros Gebremariam, were killed on 24 June 2021 while travelling in central Tigray to assess medical needs.
“They were very professional and passionate,” Ms Ayora told the BBC.
She added that the three were fully identifiable in MSF vests and their vehicle had the charity’s flag and logos on either side when they were shot.
“So, they [Ethiopian troops] knew that they were killing humanitarian aid workers,” she said, adding that the team’s travel route had also been shared in advance with fighting groups.
The Tigray conflict broke out in 2020 following a massive fall-out between the regional and federal governments, with neighbouring Eritrea entering the war on the side of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF).
The conflict ended two years later following a peace deal brokered by the African Union (AU). Its envoy, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, put the number of people who died in the conflict at around 600,000.
Researchers said the deaths were caused by fighting, starvation and a lack of health care.
The killings took place at a time when the conflict was intensifying, and Ethiopian and Eritrean troops were becoming increasingly hostile towards aid workers in the region, MSF said in its report.
Ms Matas had been working in Tigray since before the war and “was very much loved” by people in the region, Ms Ayora said.
Her death has been particularly devastating for her mother as she was her only child, the MSF official added.
Mr Tedros was killed soon after his wife had given birth to a baby girl. His widow named the baby Maria, after her father’s killed Spanish colleague, Mr Ayora said.
The bodies of Ms Matas and Mr Yohannes were found between 100m (300ft) and 400m from the wreckage of their vehicle.
The body of Mr Tedros, the driver, was found by the vehicle.”In line with MSF travel policy, the driver stays close to the vehicle”, Ms Ayora said.
The vehicle was shot at multiple times and burned on the main road from the town of Abi Adi to Yech’illa, Ms Ayora said.
Ms Matas and Mr Yohannes were walking when they were shot, she said, adding: “We don’t know if they were called for interrogation or they decided to engage with the soldiers.”
MSF said it had relied on satellite images, witnesses and publicly available information on the Ethiopian military’s movements at the time of the killings to draw its conclusions.
Its investigation placed Ethiopian troops at the “precise location” where the killings occurred, the charity added.
MSF’s report quoted witnesses as saying they overhead an officer informing the local commander of an approaching white car and the commander giving an order to shoot.
Moments later, the commander was allegedly informed that the soldiers had tried to shoot but that the car had turned towards Abi Adi and stopped, at which point the commander gave the order to “go and catch them” and “remove them”, the report alleged.
Ms Ayora told the BBC that officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Justice had verbally informed MSF in mid-2022 that their preliminary investigation showed that government troops were not at the scene of the killing.
However, the officials refused to give this in writing, and the charity kept engaging with the government in order to end “impunity” at a time when an increasing number of aid workers were being killed in conflicts around the world, Ms Ayora said.
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.
Outspoken preacher and founder of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Dr. Kofi Oduro, has strongly criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for personally showing up at a polling station during the recent parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency, describing the move as “unnecessary” and a reflection of a system in crisis.
In a passionate address to his congregation on Sunday, July 13, 2025 Prophet Oduro lamented what he sees as a troubling deterioration of institutional structure in Ghana, stating, “Ghana is so sick. What is an IGP doing at a polling station? So what is the use of the District Commander in that small community? What is the job of the Greater Accra Police Commander?”
His comments come in the aftermath of violence that erupted during the rerun in several polling stations, leading to the assault of at least two New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson and Deputy National Organizer Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, by alleged political thugs.
While he supported the interdiction of the officer who slapped a journalist at the polling station, Prophet Oduro insisted the timing of the disciplinary action was poor and questioned the apparent breakdown of the chain of command in the Ghana Police Service.
“The decision to interdict the police officer was right, but at the wrong time,” he said. “The officers deployed there weren’t even holding canes. Why send the IGP there? Are we that sick as a country?”
The clergyman also launched a scathing attack on political actors who, according to him, fuel violence during elections by hiring thugs to intimidate or attack opponents.
“In the name of politics, you want to kill somebody’s mother? This madness you display at polling stations is unnecessary. Somebody contracted those thugs. Their job was to assault or kill—and they proved it,” Prophet Oduro thundered.
He warned that societies that abandon civility and order will always be punished by chaos and foolish leadership.
“A country that behaves foolishly is punished by foolish people like the ones that caused violence at the polling station,” he noted.
On Wednesday, 9th July, 2025, President nominated his last batch of deputy ministers. These Ministers are yet to be vetted and approved by Parliament.
So far, several of the ministers and deputy ministers nominated by President John Dramani Mahama have been approved by Parliament.
Below is a list of MPs who are currently serving as ministers or deputy ministers. The information below were derived from data on the Presidency website.
1. John Dumelo
He is the Deputy Minister for Agriculture. He is also the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.
2. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He is the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He represents the North Tongu Constituency.
3. Cassiel Ato Forson
He is the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning. He represents the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency.
4. Haruna Iddrisu
He is the Minister for Education. He is the MP for Tamale South Constituency.
5. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
He is the Minister for Health. He represents Juaboso Constituency.
6. Clement Apaak
He is the Deputy Minister for Education. He is also the MP for Builsa South Constituency.
7. Samuel Nartey George
He is the Minister for Communications and Digital Innovation. He is the MP for Ningo-Prampram Constituency.
8. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
She is the Minister for Trade and Industry. She represents Techiman North Constituency.
9. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
He is the Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President. He is the MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese Constituency.
10. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak
He is the Minister for the Interior. He represents Asawase Constituency.
11. Grace Ayensu-Danquah
She is the Deputy Minister for Health. She is the MP for Essikado-Ketan Constituency. She is yet to be approved by Parliament.
12. James Gyakye Quayson
He is the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. He is the MP for Assin North Constituency. He is yet to be approved by Parliament.
13. John Abdulai Jinapor
He is the Minister for Energy. He represents Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency.
14. Governs Kwame Agbodza
He is the Minister for Roads and Highways. He is the MP for Adaklu Constituency.
15. Dorcas Toffey
She is the Deputy Minister for Transport. She represents the Jomoro Constituency. She is yet to be approved by Parliament.
16. Mohammed Adam Sukparu
He is the Deputy Minister for Communications. He is the MP for Sissala West Constituency. He is yet to be approved by Parliament.
17. Eric Opoku
He is the Minister for Food and Agriculture. He is the MP for Asunafo South Constituency.
18. Alhassan Suhuyini
He is the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways. He is the MP for Tamale North Constituency.
19. Yusif Issaka Jajah
He is the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. He represents the Ayawaso North Constituency.
20. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah
She is the Deputy Minister for Local Government. She is the MP for La Dadekotopon Constituency.
21. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
He is the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. He represents Tamale Central Constituency.
22. Joseph Bukari Nikpe
He is the Minister for Transport. He is the MP for Savelugu Constituency.
23. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
He is the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He is the MP for Ellembelle Constituency.
24. Thomas Ampem Nyarko
He is the Deputy Minister for Finance. He represents Asuogyaman Constituency.
25. Kofi Iddie Adams
He is the Minister for Youth and Sports. He is the MP for Buem Constituency.
26. Samson Ahi
He is the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. He is the MP for Bodi Constituency.
27. Ebenezer Terlabi
He is the Deputy Minister for the Interior. He is the MP for Lower Manya Krobo Constituency.
28. Yusif Sulemana
He is the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He is the MP for Bole-Bamboi Constituency.
29. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui
She is the Deputy Minister for Housing and Water Resources. She is the MP for Awutu Senya West Constituency.
30. Justice Srem-Sai
He is the Deputy Minister for Justice. He represents the Krowor Constituency.
31. Ernest Brogya Genfi
He is the Deputy Minister for Defence. He is the MP for New Edubiase Constituency.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has dismissed claims by former President John Agyekum Kufuor that the party has sidelined him in its activities.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on July 14, 2025, Kodua described the assertion as false, insisting that the video in which Kufuor allegedly made the claim was an old interview that had been edited and circulated in the public domain.
According to him, Kufuor remains an integral part of the party’s leadership structure, serving as a member of both the National Executive Committee and the National Council.
He added that Kufuor has representatives on the two executive committees who receive invitations on his behalf.
“Under the Fourth Republic, the man who first secured power for us was Kufuor, and we are proud of him as a former statesman. There is no way we would do anything and fail to inform him.
“Our party constitution makes all past presidents’ members of the National Executive Committee. When it comes to the National Council, all past presidents are also part. Anytime we have meetings, we invite them.
“For former President Kufuor, he has two aides, Araba Bosompem and Adu Acheampong. Every meeting we hold, we serve them notice, and they acknowledge receipt,” Kodua explained.
He further questioned the timing of the video, suggesting it was not a recent interview.
“The video raises questions because former President Kufuor is not even in the country at the moment. I can tell you that the video was recorded before the NPP launched the Patriotic Institute,” he added.
It may be recalled that in a reflective conversation with Abetifi MP and NPP flagbearer hopeful Bryan Acheampong, former President Kufuor had expressed a sense of growing marginalization within the party.
He lamented the lack of engagement from the current party leadership, stating that despite his contributions and institutional memory, he is now being kept in the dark about key party developments.
We Have Not Sidelined Former President John Agyekum Kufuor — NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua Clarifies In Response To Allegations That The Former President Has Been Marginalized#Kokrokoopic.twitter.com/ypBiETPOHz
When Kofi Iddie Adams took office as Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation in February 2025, he stepped into one of the most urgent and complex challenges in the country’s sports development agenda.
He inherited a sector weighed down by underutilised stadiums, dilapidated sports complexes, and abandoned multimillion-cedi infrastructure projects.
These crumbling assets, once showpieces of national pride and sporting ambition, have now become costly reminders of mismanagement, neglect, and the absence of a strategic sustainability model.
At the heart of this crisis lies a glaring absence of sustainable funding models and strategic facility management reforms.
Fixing this broken system is no ordinary task—it demands visionary leadership, bold policy direction, and an unwavering commitment to transform Ghana’s sports infrastructure from financial burdens into engines of development and opportunity.
Missed opportunities
From the overgrown terraces of the Nyinahin Youth Resource Centre in the Ashanti Region to the locked gates of the Essipon Stadium in the Western Region, the evidence is overwhelming.
Facilities commissioned for major events like the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2023 African Games have not only failed to generate post-event utility but have also become symbols of wasted public investment.
The Essipon Stadium, for example, has been closed to the public for nearly three years due to disrepair. The Baba Yara and Cape Coast stadiums have suffered similar fates, with poor maintenance costing Ghana its CAF certification to host international games.
In Accra, the Borteyman Sports Complex, a flagship project from the 2023 Games, is facing a different kind of threat—land encroachment.
Out of 99 acres secured from the University of Ghana, only 43 remain uncontested. The rest have reportedly been taken over by private developers in just the last three months.
This is yet another example of how poor institutional control and lack of legal protection undermine state investment.
Meanwhile, the Koforidua and Ho Youth Resource Centres, financed through the National Youth Authority (NYA), have seen limited to no sporting activity since their commissioning, used instead for one-off national events like Independence Day parades. The financial and developmental opportunity cost is significant.
Broken model
Ghana’s facility management model—largely centralised under the NSA—is outdated and unsustainable.
Facilities are often left to the mercy of government subventions, with no revenue-generating strategy, no structured maintenance regime, and no accountability framework.
The dismissal of former NSA Director-General, Prof. Peter Twumasi, in 2024 was a response to growing frustration from sports stakeholders over the NSA’s inability to effectively manage and sustain the assets under its care. But replacing leadership is not enough; the entire system needs reform. The new leadership under Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, a former sports journalist and respected advocate, has a rare window of opportunity to reset the trajectory of sports infrastructure management. But that will require more than just passion and public goodwill. The NSA must be resourced, restructured, and empowered with private sector expertise to pursue commercialisation strategies, implement performance-based management systems, and adopt global best practices.
Business case for reform
Ghana’s economy cannot afford for sports facilities to be financial liabilities. Around the world, modern stadiums and sports complexes are being run like businesses, with diversified revenue streams from venue rentals, concerts, naming rights, co-working spaces, hospitality packages, sports academies, and retail outlets.
Such models not only ease the financial burden on the state but also create sustainable jobs, enhance tourism, and provide a vibrant ecosystem for youth and community development.
Ghana must benchmark against these self-sustaining models, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive investment, innovation, and accountability in the sector.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, through the NSA, must as a matter of urgency, initiate a nationwide Sports Facility Management Reform Plan, anchored on three pillars:
1. Legislation-backed policy reform to guide the usage, maintenance, and commercialisation of sports facilities;
2. Creation of autonomous facility management boards with private-sector representation and performance-based contracts; and
3. Completion and implementation of the Sports Fund to finance both infrastructure upkeep and future development.
If Ghana is to avoid repeating its past mistakes, these reforms must not be delayed.
Importantly, the minister must ensure the completion of work on the Sports Fund—a strategic financing vehicle designed to sustainably support infrastructure development and sports programming.
The Sports Fund, which was initiated by the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, was seen as a game-changer for financing Ghana’s sporting dreams. It was extensively worked on by experts but has since been shelved.
Its revival will provide a buffer against the unpredictability of annual budgetary allocations and unlock consistent capital for the maintenance, upgrading, and expansion of sports facilities.
Unleashing commercial value of sports
Ghana’s state-owned sports infrastructure across the country, when managed properly, has far-reaching economic benefits.
Beyond serving athletes, these venues can catalyse urban renewal, job creation, youth engagement, and local business development.
Globally, sports venues have been transformed into multi-purpose facilities, hosting concerts, trade expos, conferences, and community events, which generate millions in non-sports revenue.
Kofi Adams must spearhead the adoption of a similar playbook in Ghana. As the government looks to complete stalled Youth Resource Centres and considers building more stadiums, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to reset the country’s sports industry, it must also prioritise building business plans around each facility, turning them from cost centres into productive assets.
The nation can no longer afford to turn ambitious infrastructure projects into white elephants. Mr Adams and the NSA boss have an opportunity to change the course of history, but will require visionary leadership, bold reforms, and the right partnerships to succeed.
Albert Nii Amartey Armah coordinated the artiste for the event
The 2025 edition of Ghana Party in the Park took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Barnet Playing Fields in London, drawing a large crowd from across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
The event, which has become a staple in the Ghanaian diaspora calendar, marked its 20th anniversary this year with a blend of live music, dance, and cultural display.
Coordinated by Akwaaba UK, the event featured performances from a wide range of artists including headliner Kweku Smoke, with King Promise serving as Creative Director.
Other acts on the bill included DopeNation, Sister Derby, Joint 77, Krymi, Flowking Stone, MOLIY, Beeztrap KOTM, and DWP Academy. Gyakie also made a surprise appearance during the show.
Artiste coordination for the event was led by Albert Nii Amartey Armah, who has been involved in previous editions and played a key role in curating this year’s lineup.
He worked closely with Akwaaba UK CEO Dennis Tawiah to deliver the 2025 programme.
In an interview after the event, Armah described the 2025 edition as a success, attributing it to the collaboration among organizers, artists, and stakeholders.
Notable Ghanaian personalities in attendance included music producer Appietus, fashion entrepreneur Victoria Michaels, broadcaster Delay, actor Master Richard, media personality Giovanni Caleb, and footballer Issahaku Fatawu.
This year’s event also coincided with the Ghana Party in the Park & Business Expo, aimed at connecting Ghanaian creatives and entrepreneurs in the diaspora with wider international networks.
Organizers say planning has already begun for the 2026 edition.
The Black Queens of Ghana have set up a date with Algeria in the quarter-finals of the WAFCON
The Black Queens of Ghana have set up a date with Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The senior women’s national team of Ghana booked a place in the knockout stage of the ongoing tournament in Morocco after finishing second in Group C.
The Queens kicked off their campaign at the WAFCON with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa.
After that setback, the team faced off with Mali in what was a very tough encounter. Despite creating so many chances, the Queens had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the opponent at full-time.
Today, the Black Queens needed to beat Tanzania in their final Group C match or risk going home early.
Led by coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the team put up a spirited performance to romp past the opponent with an emphatic 4-1 victory.
Securing all three points ensured that Ghana finished second in Group C and advanced to the quarter-finals, where the team will now take on Algeria on Saturday, July 19.
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, a respected legal expert and advocate for human rights, has harshly criticized Gabby Otchere-Darko, a key figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for treating him with apparent disdain. Ampaw said he spent three uninterrupted hours at Gabby’s office, hoping to hold a discussion on critical issues affecting the party, only to be completely ignored.
During his appearance on Mmra Ne Abrabo Mu Nsem on Wontumi TV, Ampaw recounted his experience, expressing shock that someone he once admired could disregard him in such a manner. Despite the noble cause he intended to discuss, Gabby reportedly paid no attention to his visit.“I’ve never had anything against Gabby. I admire him. But imagine sitting in someone’s office for three full hours, and they pretend you’re not there. That was my experience,” Ampaw revealed.
He further claimed that Gabby’s arrogant attitude is part of the problem within the NPP and could be driving supporters away. He warned party members not to let Gabby’s behavior discourage them from contributing meaningfully to the party’s future.
“Gabby Otchere-Darko is a hindrance. Don’t emulate him. Are people praising him for showing disrespect to someone like me? Win or lose, we’re not defending that attitude anymore,” Ampaw declared.
He used the opportunity to call for unity within the NPP, urging members to rise above petty conflicts and disloyalty if they want to prevent the party from losing leadership to John Mahama.
Ampaw’s sentiments add to a growing number of voices raising concerns about Gabby Otchere-Darko’s character and interpersonal relations, which many say are often cold and dismissive.
Though widely acknowledged for his exceptional legal skills and deep-rooted political influence, Gabby’s critics argue that his personal approach may be alienating people who genuinely care about the party’s growth.
Ghanaian media personality and political commentator, Okatakyie Afrifa, has stirred up social media with a fiery outburst aimed at Malik Basintale, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). In a bold and confrontational tone, Afrifa claimed that he used to provide food for Basintale in the past, suggesting that the YEA boss has forgotten his humble beginnings.
In a widely circulated video, Okatakyie Afrifa did not mince words as he addressed Malik Basintale, saying: “I used to buy food for you, gyae gyimii no!” — a statement which translates loosely to “stop the foolishness.” His remarks were laced with both disappointment and frustration, hinting at a strained personal history between the two.
Afrifa went on to allege that Basintale, who now occupies a high-ranking position within the Akufo-Addo-led administration, has become arrogant and ungrateful. He accused him of speaking ill of people who once supported him, including himself. The broadcast personality questioned Basintale’s loyalty and values, painting him as someone who has abandoned those who helped him rise to prominence.
The video has since triggered a wave of reactions online, with some supporting Afrifa for “reminding” public officials of their roots, while others felt the public nature of the rant was unnecessary and unprofessional.
This public fallout comes at a time when political tensions in Ghana are already high, and such personal attacks are increasingly drawing attention from both citizens and political watchers.
As of now, Malik Basintale has not issued a public response to the allegations and verbal jabs. However, many Ghanaians are closely watching the situation, anticipating whether the YEA boss will react or ignore the storm altogether.
A cloud of sorrow has fallen over the Ghanaian entertainment and youth culture community following the tragic discovery of the lifeless body of popular Jama leader, Agyei Baffour Emmanuel, popularly known as Atom De Moral Spirit. He was reportedly found dead in a bush after being declared missing for several days.
Atom, a well-known figure among Ghanaian students and youth groups, gained nationwide attention for his unmatched energy and charisma while leading Jama sessions — a traditional style of rhythmic chanting and drumming. He rose to online fame after a viral video showed him at the center of a vibrant school gathering, leading fellow students in high-spirited chants and dance routines that left social media users in awe.
Loved by many for his liveliness and spirited personality, Atom became a symbol of joy and excitement during public events, school programs, and communal youth gatherings. His unique ability to electrify crowds made him a beloved figure, especially among schoolchildren and the younger generation who looked up to him for inspiration.
Tragically, Atom went missing a few days ago, prompting concern among his friends, family, and followers. Search efforts were launched after his unexplained disappearance. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed when his body was discovered in a bush under unclear circumstances.
Photos circulating online show mourners gathered at the site where his remains were found, with many still in disbelief over the untimely passing of a young man who brought life wherever he went.
Authorities are yet to release full details surrounding the cause of death, but investigations are reportedly underway.
Tributes have since flooded social media platforms, with fans, friends, and fellow Jama lovers expressing heartbreak over his sudden demise. Atom De Moral Spirit is being remembered not just as a performer, but as a source of joy who brought people together through culture, rhythm, and energy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer considered science fiction. It is already evident in the way we live, work and connect, with personalised internet ads, voice assistants, chatbots, facial recognition systems, and even financial advice tools.
Artificial intelligence is gaining traction in Ghana’s banking, retail, agricultural, education and customer service industries. However, as technology improves, many experts are beginning to wonder whether AI will replace their skills.
If you’re a banker, teacher, call centre agent, content producer, marketer or even an entrepreneur, you’ve seen AI systems complete certain things faster and more efficiently than humans. This generates alarm, and rightly so.
The good news is that AI has not come to replace, but rather to enhance and improve human activities. Educational platforms in Ghana deploy AI tutors to help students.
This means that artificial intelligence isn’t optional. It’s a must-have tool for individuals and businesses who want to stay current and competitive.
Here are some compelling reasons why increasing your AI skills is important, especially in Ghana’s changing job market:
Automation is accelerating quickly
AI is automating routine and repetitive tasks across all industries. Many important occupations are being redefined, such as data entry, scheduling, inventory management, and email responses.
In Ghana’s financial business, for example, AI-powered chatbots now respond to consumer issues in seconds, whereas human personnel used to. This does not mean that all jobs will disappear.
This indicates that the nature of labour is shifting. The genuine value is now found in tasks that require judgement, creativity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and other skills that machines cannot fully replicate.
To remain relevant, let AI handle the mundane while you focus on the important. To accomplish this, you must first understand how AI works, what it is capable of, and how to use it.
New job roles are emerging
While artificial intelligence will eliminate certain jobs, it will also generate new ones, like AI trainers, data analysts, prompt engineers, machine learning specialists, AI ethicists, and others.
Even in traditional areas such as farming and education, there are job opportunities for people who can interpret AI data, create digital learning tools, or manage tech-assisted operations. Ghanaian youth who learn AI will be better prepared for these high-demand, high-value jobs.
If you work in marketing, human resources, education, sales or logistics, understanding AI solutions such as ChatGPT, Canva AI, Midjourney, Microsoft Copilot, or Salesforce Einstein can be a huge advantage.
Businesses want AI-savvy employees
Employers in 2025 will look for more than just qualifications. They want people who can think, adapt and create, especially with digital tools. A CV titled “AI Integration Experience,” “Prompt Engineering,” or “Data Analysis Using AI Tools” will stand out.
In Ghana, SMEs, fintech firms, and even government agencies are investing in artificial intelligence to improve service delivery and reduce costs.
If you can show that you understand AI tools and how to use them to improve efficiency or decision-making, you will improve your employability and promotion prospects.
Entrepreneurs can use AI to scale faster
If you own a small business in Ghana, AI could be your most valuable competitive advantage. ChatGPT, Grammarly, Canva AI, and Lumen5 allow you to automate customer answers, generate marketing material, analyse customer data, design business proposals, and create social media videos.
You no longer need to hire a large workforce to run a modern firm; all you need are the correct AI tools and expertise. This levelled the playing field for Ghanaian entrepreneurs with low funds.
AI makes you more productive and creative
Many professionals are concerned that AI would limit human inventiveness. But the contrary is true.
AI can help you generate ideas, overcome creative bottlenecks, and quickly test business models.
If you’re a writer, designer, musician or public speaker in Ghana, AI technologies can help you draft content faster, edit and enhance your work, create images or music, and suggest improvements and alternatives. Consider AI to be a smart assistant that accelerates, sharpens and innovates your performance.
Conclusion: Adapt or be left behind
Those who embrace artificial intelligence will succeed in 2025 and beyond. Those who resist will struggle. The future belongs to people who are adaptive, curious and eager to learn new abilities.
Whether you’re a student in Accra, a tailor in Takoradi, a corporate executive in Kumasi, or a farmer in Tamale, AI can help you, but only if you take the first step towards learning and growth.
So, is AI replacing your skills? Maybe. But only the outdated ones. The true question is whether you are improving yourself to stay relevant.
Dr Andrews Ayiku is a Lecturer/SME Industry Coach and Coordinator (MBA Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation) at University of Professional Studies Accra [email protected] IG: andy_ayiku @AndrewsAyiku F: Andyayiku
Chelsea have an astonishing number of attackers on the books ahead of the 2025-26 season
Chelsea’s acquisition of forwards continues unabated. Since the takeover by the Clearlake Capital consortium in the summer of 2022 they have permanently signed 19 wingers, strikers and attacking midfielders. In the coming days that number should grow to a round 20, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens expected to follow Joao Pedro, who on Wednesday signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in a $69 million deal, arriving to feature in the closing stages of the Club World Cup.
The Office of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed media reports alleging that he attempted to influence the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision on its early primaries and sought to postpone the upcoming July 19 National Delegates Conference.
In a statement issued on July 14, 2025, the former President described the reports as “completely false.”
According to the statement, Akufo-Addo, who is currently outside the country, has not submitted any petition or made any request to the party regarding the primaries or the conference.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state emphatically that these reports are completely false. President Akufo-Addo, who has been out of the jurisdiction for some time now, has not made any such requests on the party, either by a petition or any other means, and he does not have any such intentions,” the statement read.
The former President’s office further suggested that the publications were being driven by individuals with ulterior motives that had nothing to do with strengthening the party.
“Clearly, those behind these publications have an agenda of their own, which has nothing to do with improving the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),” it added.
The NPP National Delegates Conference is scheduled for July 19, 2025, as part of preparations for the party’s campaign ahead of the 2028 general elections.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has stated that if he were the President of Ghana, several police officers who witnessed the violence that marred the Ablekuma North election would have been dismissed.
According to the former Assin Central Member of Parliament, nobody will be above the law under his leadership, and regardless of a person’s status, whether a police officer or a party member, anyone who breaks the law will face justice.
Speaking to the media in a video shared on social media regarding the Ablekuma North elections, Kennedy Agyapong emphasised, “Nobody is above the law. And trust me, if I were the president, I would have fired many of the police officers who were there.
“I would have arrested those who were captured on camera to serve as a deterrent. You can’t take anybody’s life, and you can’t beat anybody.
“We are all one people, and I will ensure peace and fairness. What we are seeing now would not be tolerated under my leadership,” he said.
The election, which saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, elected as the Member of Parliament-elect for the constituency, was marred by violence.
Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was assaulted along with other party members during the chaos.
The rerun, held on Friday, July 11, 2025, followed months of controversy over the initial parliamentary results declared in December 2024, after rioting at the collation center forced the suspension of vote counting from 19 polling stations.
Hon. Kennedy Agyapong clashes with NDC Alhaji Asorka at the ongoing rerun elections in Ablekuma North.
A photo collage of Afenyo Markin, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on July 14, 2025, caused a stir in Parliament following comments he made about the Member of Parliament for Essikadu-Ketan, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
The Effutu MP, while making a submission, ordered Prof Ayensu to sit down, insisting she was out of order.
A visibly agitated Afenyo-Markin scolded the MP, arguing that as a new entrant in Parliament, she ought to conduct herself properly and not interrupt when a leader was speaking.
Afenyo-Markin further jabbed Prof Ayensu, questioning why she had been given a ministerial appointment in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government when senior party figures, such as Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, had not been considered.
“My colleague, your name is not even on the list yet. We have only heard rumors that you will be facing the Appointments Committee, and this is what you choose to be doing?
“You came to meet Dr. Zanetor here, and for some strange reason, it appears your name is being considered when even party stalwarts like Helen Ntoso are still waiting. And yet you want to be raising points of order while your leader is speaking?”Afenyo-Markin said.
Prof Ayensu, who is also the Deputy Minister of Health-designate, did not take kindly to the comments.
She described Afenyo-Markin’s remarks as offensive and discriminatory against women in Parliament.
Responding to the Speaker, she said, “Mr. Speaker, there are only 14% of women in this House, and some of these statements are very discouraging. I was simply standing up, waiting to catch your eye, when I was attacked for no reason.
“Mr. Speaker, it makes it very difficult for women to speak when we face veiled threats and passive-aggressive behavior. I respectfully request that part of the statement be expunged from the records because I was offended by it, having done nothing to deserve such treatment.”
Prof Ayensu emphasised that she had not provoked Afenyo-Markin in any way and urged Parliament to encourage a more inclusive and respectful environment for female MPs.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ghana’s Black Queens face a must-win clash against Tanzania today in what has become a do-or-die encounter in the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Following a 2-0 defeat in their opening match against defending champions South Africa and a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Mali, the Queens find themselves with just a single point after two games.
Anything less than a victory against Tanzania at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Monday will almost certainly end their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Despite the pressure, there are reasons for optimism. The team has shown flashes of quality, particularly in attack, where Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorhkah have proven dangerous.
Alice Kusi and Grace Asantewaa bring experience and composure in midfield, while coach Kim Bjorkegren has demonstrated tactical flexibility with his substitutions.
Tanzania, who are also fighting for survival in the tournament, won’t be an easy opponent.
They possess speed, grit, and the hunger of a team with everything to gain. However, Ghana will take confidence from past encounters and their superior quality on paper.
This match is about more than just three points – it’s about pride, redemption, and the chance to keep their WAFCON dreams alive.
Asante Kotoko are considering a review of their centralised player accommodation policy after serious allegations surfaced from former captain Justice Blay.
In a recent interview, Blay alleged that some players, while in camp, have engaged in misconduct, including alcoholism and “snatching” teammates’ girlfriendsâclaims that have since sparked heated debate among fans and stakeholders.
Reacting to the issue, Kotoko’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, said the initial decision to house players together was meant to improve convenience and team cohesion. However, the club is now reassessing the move in light of the disturbing revelations.
“The idea of bringing these boys together⦠is to ensure that they have some convenience,” Duku told Luv FM. “The struggle of players having to move from their destinations to come for training, traffic issues, transportationâwe thought bringing them closer to the training facilities would give them comfort.”
He revealed the policy was endorsed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the club’s life patron, with the goal of providing players with a stable and focused environment.
However, Duku admitted that if the arrangement proves to be more damaging than beneficial, Kotoko will not hesitate to make changes.
“It is an initiative that was endorsed by the King himself⦠but if upon second thought, we realise that it will rather go against the club, we will take another look at it,” he said.
The club is expected to evaluate the current setup before the new season begins.
Michael Donyinah Mensah, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness
Michael Donyinah Mensah, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness, (CenPOA) a non-partisan and non-governmental civil society organisation dedicated to promoting civic engagement and participation in public administration, has expressed the opinion that the violent incidents that marred the Ablekuma North constituency will tarnish John Dramani Mahama’s presidency if the government does not take swift action to bring perpetrators to book.
The policy analyst stated that the country did not learn any lessons from the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violent incidents.
He lamented that what happened has shown that democracy is not growing and is a threat to the stability of the people in the country.
He explained that from what has happened, it has become evident that without violence and hooliganism, the country cannot organise an election properly.
“It appears without violence and hooliganism; we cannot organise elections and declare winners. This is most unfortunate and shows we are still far from realising the full potential and benefits of our democracy.
“We should have learnt lessons from the Ayawaso West Wuogon crisis, but from what happened on July 11, 2025, it is sad and disgusting, especially when we have passed a law to deal with electoral violence and vigilantism and hooliganism. This clearly shows that we are not moving forward,” he said on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
Michael Donyina Mensah also condemned the justification by some people, saying, “Whereas some people have claimed that ‘tit-for-tat’ is not a sin, it is actually a grave sin because if you did something wrong and I condemned it, I have no business doing the same thing and justifying it.”
“The NDC made political capital out of the Ayawaso West Wuogon crisis and lambasted former President Akufo-Addo for failing to act, so after winning office, if a similar thing had occurred under your watch, then I can confidently say Ghanaian politicians are hypocrites.
“This will be a trial and test case for President John Dramani Mahama because if he fails to act on this matter to show Ghanaians that he is acting differently from what they expected Nana Akufo-Addo to do when the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident occurred, it will be a blemish on his presidency.”
Michael Donyina Mensah said although the Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s condemnation is good and reflects the position of the government, immediate action ought to be taken against those engaged in the act.
“Verbal condemnation is not enough. It must move beyond that, and action must be taken against those who engaged in the lawlessness. We need to see action taken against those who caused the commotion on the day of the election.”
Hearts of Oak right-back Michael Ampadu is set to part ways with the club after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension, sources close to the player have confirmed.
The defender has been a regular in the Hearts of Oak setup since joining from Legon Cities and was a key part of the team during the last Ghana Premier League campaign. Despite consistent performances, talks between the club and the player over a new deal have hit a deadlock, with no official agreement in place as of now.
Ampadu’s contract has expired, and with the Phobians yet to table a new improved offer, the player is now expected to leave the club as a free agent in the coming days. His departure will mark the end of a notable spell with the former league champions.
Several clubs in the Ghana Premier League and outside are reportedly showing interest in the versatile full-back, who is now free to negotiate terms elsewhere.
His experience, work rate, and defensive awareness make him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Hearts of Oak, under new head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, are expected to undergo a major squad reshuffle as they prepare for the upcoming campaign and Ampadu’s imminent exit appears to be part of the changes.
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Council of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Accra, with a strong call for a comprehensive review of the Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).
Speaking at the ceremony, Muntaka underscored the need to align the Service’s legal framework with current realities, international standards, and emerging global threats.
He noted that the GNFS’s mandate has expanded significantly over the years and now includes multi-hazard emergency response, rescue operations, fire prevention, public education, hazardous material handling, and disaster mitigation.
The Minister urged the Council to take the lead in initiating reforms that reflect the evolving role of the Service.
He assured the Council of the Ministry’s unwavering support in working towards the modernisation and effective resourcing of the GNFS, guided by sound policy and ethical leadership.
“I congratulate all members of the Council on your appointment and trust that you will discharge your duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication,” Muntaka said.
The newly appointed Chairman of the Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, also reiterated the Council’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the administration of the Fire Service.
He emphasised the Council’s responsibility in shaping a forward-looking and effective GNFS capable of fulfilling its vital national mandate.
Ghana’s proposed $70 billion Petroleum Hub development faces mounting criticism for potentially conflicting with national climate commitments.
Energy governance experts question the project’s alignment with Ghana’s Paris Agreement obligations and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which prioritize renewable energy transition.
The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) contends the investment risks locking Ghana into fossil fuel dependency as global markets shift. Country Manager Denis Gyeyir emphasized in The High Street Journal that such projects now carry significant financial disadvantages, noting investors demand high-risk premiums for fossil fuel ventures. “Financing costs escalate due to sector uncertainty,” he stated, highlighting potential debt burdens.
Project economics remain contentious. The hub’s $70 billion price tag nears Ghana’s 2024 GDP of $76 billion, requiring substantial borrowing. Critics argue equivalent investment could deploy nationwide solar farms, wind parks, and grid modernization addressing energy poverty faster while creating jobs. The infrastructure would also necessitate additional upstream oil exploration, increasing environmental impacts.
Timing concerns persist. Ghana’s energy transition framework targets renewable expansion, yet the petroleum hub’s multi-decade timeline could outlast peak fossil fuel demand. Gyeyir warned this might strand assets, stating such projects “deepen fossil fuel involvement counter to global trends.”
The Mahama administration has not publicly reconciled the hub with Ghana’s climate goals. With schools and hospitals underfunded, critics deem the project a misplaced priority. Renewable alternatives offer lower long-term costs and climate compliance, though officials maintain petroleum investments could fund green transitions.
UBA Ghana has had its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) affirmed at ‘B-’ with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings in its latest report released on 10 July 2025.
The rating is underpinned by UBA Ghana’s standalone creditworthiness and the potential support from its parent company, UBA Plc, which is headquartered in Nigeria.
Fitch also upgraded UBA Ghana’s Viability Rating (VR) to ‘b-’, reflecting improved creditworthiness following the sovereign upgrade of Ghana.
The update follows Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR being raised to ‘B-’ in June 2025, after the country successfully restructured most of its Eurobond debt.
There various Key Drivers of the Rating including: Strong Profitability and Capital Strength: UBA Ghana has consistently recorded high operating returns on risk-weighted assets, averaging 4.5% from 2021 to 2024. The bank maintains large capital buffers, with a tangible leverage ratio of 12.7% and a CET1 ratio of 14.1% as of March 2025.
High Sovereign Exposure but Well Capitalised: While UBA Ghana holds significant investments in government securities (over 290% of equity), Fitch notes the bank’s strong capital position mitigates potential risks. Liquidity also remains robust, with customer deposits accounting for 93% of non-equity funding.
Improved Loan Quality: Impaired loans fell to 12.5% by the end of 2024 from 24.7% the previous year, thanks to strategic write-offs and recoveries. The bank’s prudent lending approach means loans constitute only 9% of total assets.
Group Support Outlook: Fitch notes UBA Ghana’s strategic importance within the UBA Group, with the parent company’s Long-Term IDR upgraded to ‘B’ in April 2025 following Nigeria’s sovereign rating uplift. UBA Ghana’s Shareholder Support Rating (SSR) remains at ‘b-’, a notch below its parent, reflecting its size within the group.
Commenting on the rating, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Ghana, Uzoechina Molokwu, stated: “We are encouraged by this affirmation from Fitch, which reinforces the confidence in our business fundamentals, prudent risk management, and the continued support from our parent group. We remain committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers, shareholders, and stakeholders across Ghana.”
UBA Ghana is well-positioned for future growth, with plans to expand lending to high-quality corporate and SME clients while continuing to manage sovereign and credit risks prudently.
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.
At a glance, the transformation might seem modest: a Cleaner, more conscious of disinfection routines, a Nurse adhering to protocols for wound dressing, or a medical officer being more attentive to patient interactions and documentation. But beneath these subtle changes lies a quiet revolution, SafeCare, which is impacting Ghana’s healthcare system—one facility, one worker, one patient at a time.
According to the internationally certified SafeCare assessors, who recently participated in the SafeCare Assessor Refresher Training in Koforidua under the theme “Consistency, Integrity, and Excellence: Elevating SafeCare Assessment Process for Facilities’ QI”, it may be the best hope yet for improving the quality of healthcare in Ghana.
Silently and gradually, SafeCare is helping to shape quality in healthcare delivery in Ghana. SafeCare was introduced to Ghana in 2011, but took off on a larger scale through the strategic partnership with Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and PharmAccess in 2019.
Through the partnership, selected healthcare professionals are trained to become Internationally Certified SafeCare assessors, utilising the SafeCare standards to assess CHAG member facilities and supporting them through an improvement initiative using the digitally enabled quality improvement approach.
Healthcare facilities networks using the SafeCare programme get their facilities introduced to a system for measuring, improving and benchmarking quality using ISQuaEEA-accredited standards. The SafeCare standards are categorised into 13 service elements (covering both clinical and non-clinical areas) with focus areas including Accident & Emergency Care, HIV, TB & Malaria, Infection Prevention, Mother & Child, Life & Fire Safety, Customer Care, Business Performance, Staff & Training, Stock Management, and Clinical Management.
Since its introduction in Ghana, healthcare organisations and networks such as CHAG, private healthcare partners and now Ghana Health Service (GHS), are using the SafeCare system to progress in improving trajectories from low quality to high quality. —demonstrating that systemic improvement is possible even with limited resources.
“SafeCare has the key to unlock remedies to the quality challenges in our health sector,” said Dr. Jennifer Salman, a paediatrician at Sunyani Municipal Hospital. “It’s more than guidelines and SOPs. It’s a way of thinking that transforms everyone in the healthcare facility—from the cleaner to the medical director.”
Training the Change Agents
The Assessor Refresher Training Programme, organised by PharmAccess, aimed to empower individuals to become agents of change. Participants included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospital administrators, quality officers, all trained to use the SafeCare standards and improvement methodology to support healthcare facilities with the provision of safer, efficient and more compassionate care.
“As a nurse, I used to think quality improvement was just about bedside care,” said Severa Kyeremaa, a pediatric nurse specialist from the CHAG network and a SafeCare certified assessor. “But SafeCare helped me understand that even cleaners and orderlies contribute to patient outcomes.” “Now I walk into a facility with confidence, knowing I have the tools to help close quality gaps.” For many, the training was an eye-opener. It pushed health professionals out of their silos, encouraging them to engage with broader aspects of service delivery— From governance, management, procurement & resource management, care coordination to data systems and waste management.
“SafeCare takes you beyond your area of specialisation,” said Benjamin Amoa-Menyah, another SafeCare-certified assessor and a specialist ENT nurse, from the CHAG network. “You start thinking about laboratory, pharmacy processes, documentation—things that seemed outside your role before. It sharpens your practice.”
A Proven Model, A Growing Movement
The success story with CHAG is proof of concept. Since 2019, SafeCare has helped the faith-based facilities adopt and integrate a culture of continuous improvement. Under the guidance of the CHAG Director for Quality, Dr. Abraham Baidoo and with the support of dedicated professionals at the newly set up Quality Hub, CHAG has embedded the SafeCare approach as a major strategic direction to support effective and efficient service delivery among member facilities.
“We have institutionalised SafeCare within CHAG, and the results are evident,” said Dr. Baidoo. “Our facilities are safer, better managed, and more accountable. It is no surprise that Ghana Health Service has adopted the same model. We are proud to share what we’ve learned.”
The Ghana Health Service began a small-scale rollout of the SafeCare Programme in the Savannah and Bono East regions in 2022. In one year, several facilities recorded significant quality gains. Subsequently, after expansion into one hundred other healthcare facilities in ten additional regions, four of the facilities have obtained a SafeCare Level 4 quality rating in 2024. —a leap that would have seemed impossible without the programs’ structured guidance powered by digital innovation. The Ghana Health Service is looking to scale the SafeCare system to all healthcare facilities of the Service using a local ownership approach.
“We have moved from fragmented quality initiatives to a system-wide framework,” explained Joyce Amponsah, who works with the Quality Assurance Department at the Ghana Health Service Institutional Care Division. “SafeCare has made it possible to track real progress, not just intentions.”
Restoring Trust, Raising the Bar
With healthcare organisations becoming more sensitive to medico-legal issues and striving to gain public trust, the SafeCare system is helping facilities to restore confidence of patients, communities and healthcare professionals.
“SafeCare is not just a checklist,” said Bonifacia Benefo-Agyei, Country Director for SafeCare Ghana. “It is a culture of integrity. Our assessors are trained not just to evaluate, but to inspire change.”
“When patients know that every step of their care is being guided by internationally recognised standards, it creates trust,” added Dr. Maxwell Antwi, Country Director of PharmAccess Ghana. “Our goal is for every Ghanaian to feel safe seeking care here, not to feel they must go abroad for better service.”
The growing SafeCare movement is also aligned with Ghana’s national commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—not just coverage in numbers, but care that is safe, equitable, and effective.
What’s Next: Building for the Long Term
The Certified Assessors will continue to work across Private, CHAG and GHS networks of facilities to evaluate quality performance, support improvements, and track facilities’ progress through SafeCare’s digital assessment tools. But the work doesn’t stop there. SafeCare’s ultimate promise lies in its sustainability—training teams who can train others, embedding standards into daily operations, and changing mindsets from the inside out.
SafeCare has transformed my approach to work,” said Dr. Salman. “I now view quality not merely as a target to achieve, but as a responsibility to maintain.” This sentiment resonates with the experiences of nearly every health worker who has adopted the SafeCare model. For them, it is not just about improving scores; it is about elevating standards. And in doing so, fostering hope.
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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.
Improved reserves will influence BoG FX policy adjustments
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is expected to reduce its dominant role in the country’s foreign exchange (FX) market in a strategic pivot toward a more flexible exchange rate regime, according to recent policy disclosures.
This move comes on the back of strong cedi appreciation and an overperformance in rebuilding international reserves – developments the central bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) say support a transition toward more market-determined currency pricing.
The BoG has discontinued its bilateral adjudications and now conducts all FX interventions exclusively through transparent auctions. In a further step, the central bank is developing an internal FX intervention policy framework that will guide the scope, instruments and governance of its operations in the FX market.
The framework, which is expected to be adopted by the BoG board by end-September 2025, will codify the central bank’s discretion under a constraint approach to currency interventions.
The IMF, in its recent programme assessment, welcomed these reforms and called for formalisation of the FX intervention framework. It urged the BoG to deepen the interbank FX market and reduce its footprint to allow the exchange rate to respond more freely to market dynamics.
Greater transparency and predictability, the IMF argued, would enhance investor confidence and align Ghana’s monetary architecture with international best practice.
“Replacing bilateral adjudications with a transparent auction-based FX system represents an important improvement to transparency of the BoG’s FX operations,” the Fund noted.
“Looking ahead, deepening the interbank FX market by reducing BoG’s footprint and allowing for greater exchange rate flexibility should be a priority,” it added.
By April 2025 reserves had grown to about US$10.7billion, covering more than three months of import needs. The cedi has recorded strong gains in recent weeks, buoyed by improved FX inflows, a strengthened reserve position and tightening monetary policy.
According to market data from Databank, last week the cedi appreciated by 6.36 percent week-on-week against the US dollar to close at a mid-rate of GH¢11.80/$ – representing a cumulative gain of 31.57 percent year-to-date.
Similar gains were recorded against the British pound and euro, with the local currency appreciating 23.79 percent and 19.26 percent respectively.
The currency’s recent performance reflects a confluence of factors which include larger-than-expected cocoa receipts, a strong pipeline of inflows from the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and consistent overshooting of Net International Reserve (NIR) targets under the IMF-supported programme.
The BoG’s FX interventions have also been more active in recent months, though authorities say such operations are increasingly rules-based and guided by auction outcomes rather than discretionary pricing.
“We are ahead of schedule on rebuilding official international reserves. Despite debt service commitments in a post-debt restructuring environment, we have consistently overperformed NIR targets since beginning the programme… This overperformance occurred in the context of a significant increase in BoG FX interventions,” the BoG stated in ensuing remarks.
The monetary authority said it remains committed to enhancing exchange rate flexibility, modernising FX operations and improving the governance of its interventions.
It has fully exited sell buy-back operations and earlier swap arrangements with commercial banks. Domestic gold purchases are now conducted strictly at market prices and the central bank is actively managing portfolio risks associated with gold’s share in total reserves.
While the IMF acknowledged benefits of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) in boosting reserve buffers, it cautioned that the central bank must closely monitor associated liquidity and valuation risks. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring that reserve accumulation strategies are consistent with long-term portfolio stability.
In a broader policy shift, BoG has committed to eliminating multiple currency practices (MCPs) and ensuring a unified FX market. A more robust reference rate computation method, adopted in September 2024, has been in place for six months and is reported to have improved transparency and accuracy in the FX rate-setting process.
The broader macroeconomic framework appears to be stabilising, though risks remain. Inflation remains above BoG’s medium-term target of 8 ±2 percent and monetary policy remains tight. The BoG increased its policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent in March 2025, citing persistent non-food inflation pressures and elevated inflation expectations.
The workshop features expert facilitators from Meta’s Public Policy team
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts has commenced a two-day digital skills training workshop in collaboration with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Running from July 14 to 15 in Accra, the workshop is designed to equip officials from the Ministry and its thirteen (13) implementing agencies with practical tools to harness Meta platforms for tourism promotion, cultural storytelling, and the growth of creative enterprises.
Delivering the welcome address, Vitus O Langmagne, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry, described the partnership as timely and strategic in aligning Ghana’s tourism, culture, and creative industries with global digital trends.
He urged participants to fully engage with the training and apply the knowledge gained to enhance both their professional output and personal development.
The training is spearheaded by Mabel Cudjoe, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry. She emphasized the importance of building internal capacity to meet the demands of an evolving digital environment.
According to her, participants will receive in-depth training on optimizing both organic and paid tools across Meta’s platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
“Modules include content creation, community engagement, audience targeting, campaign performance analytics, and the use of WhatsApp Business and API solutions to improve customer interaction,” Cudjoe noted.
“Participants will also be introduced to Meta Support Pro and the Self-Guide Portal to access ongoing technical and operational assistance.”
The workshop features expert facilitators from Meta’s Public Policy team, including Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa; Judith Mongala, Ahmad Shehada, and Burak Karagol, Partner Managers for Government and Social Impact; and Victoria Oloni, Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa.
It will also include a special address by Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President for Public Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye.
GA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ghana forward Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Monday night after the Black Queens’ dominant 4-1 victory against Tanzania in the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
After her outstanding performance and goal in the big win, she earned the Woman of the Match award.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has been one of the best-performing players of the Black Queens since the start of the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
Following Ghana’s 4-1 win against Tanzania on Monday, the Black Queens booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will be facing off with their counterparts from Algeria. That showdown will happen on Saturday, July 19.
More will be expected of Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah in the knockout stage of the tournament.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu, has disclosed that two suspects have been arrested over the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl by 18 men in Madina, Accra.
According to the MP, the victim was discovered to be pregnant following the assault.
In a statement on the floor of Parliament on Monday, July 14, Xavier Sosu expressed outrage over the incident and vowed to pursue justice for the victim, pledging to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.
“My checks with the Madina DOVVSU divisional commander confirm that the victim is 14 years old and lives in Madina. The girl was discovered pregnant by her parents. Upon questioning, the girl said she had had sexual intercourse with 18 men on different occasions.
“Two suspects have been apprehended, cautioned, and detained to assist the police investigation. Efforts are underway to get the remaining suspects arrested, since the condition is a matter of defilement,” He stated.
DRIP equipment being used for galamsey – Afenyo-Markin alleges
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Asante Gold Corporation has successfully secured $173 million through a private placement to support its mining operations in Ghana, particularly at the Bibiani and Chirano mines, and to settle outstanding debts.
Asante Gold Corporation has completed its previously announced bought deal private placement, raising gross proceeds of $173 million.
The funding was done through the issuance of $163.3 million subscription receipts, each priced at $1.06.
The offer was fully subscribed, including the full exercise of the underwriters’ option.
Each subscription receipt will convert into one common share of Asante Gold once escrow conditions are met.
These include securing a comprehensive financing package valued at no less than US$275 million. Until then, the proceeds will be held in escrow.
Commission
The placement was led by BMO Capital Markets as co-lead underwriter and sole bookrunner. Clarus Securities Inc. and Jett Capital Advisors LLC also participated in the underwriting syndicate.
The underwriters earned a cash commission of 5.5 per cent on the gross proceeds, excluding amounts raised from specific investors listed by the company’s leadership, commonly referred to as “president’s list investors”.
Conditions, strategy
The release of the escrow funds is conditional upon the completion of a larger financing arrangement, which includes a US$150 million senior debt facility, a US$125 million subordinated debt facility and a US$50 million gold stream agreement.
This package aims to provide Asante Gold with the capital needed to progress its projects and settle short-term financial obligations.
Appian Capital Advisory Ltd. is expected to contribute US$175 million, including a CA$10 million equity investment at the same share price as the private placement.
Rand Merchant Bank, part of FirstRand Bank Limited, is committing US$170 million in the form of debt, hedging, underwriting and guarantees.
Should the escrow conditions not be fulfilled by December 31, 2025, or if Asante indicates it will not go ahead with the plan, the funds will be returned to investors along with any interest earned.
Gold agreement
As part of its broader financial restructuring, Asante is also working to resolve its obligations to Kinross Gold Corporation.
The company has proposed a cash payment of around US$53 million and the issuance of shares, which will increase Kinross’ stake in Asante to 9.9 per cent.
In addition to this equity arrangement, Kinross will receive a convertible debenture and a deferred note to settle the remaining balance.
These steps are expected to strengthen Asante’s balance sheet and streamline its capital structure ahead of further investment and development.
Previous placement
Following the success of the current offering and the new financing arrangements, Asante has cancelled the third tranche—amounting to US$40 million—of its earlier US$100 million non-brokered private placement.
This move reflects the company’s decision to shift towards more structured and institutionally backed financing sources.
Ghana operations
Operationally, the company is advancing its work at the Bibiani and Chirano gold mines in Ghana.
It is also progressing technical studies at the Kubi Gold Project.
The funds raised through this placement, along with the expected financing package, will be used to further develop these projects, repay short-term debts and support general working capital needs.
Asante Gold’s decision to secure long-term capital comes as it seeks to solidify its position in Ghana’s gold mining sector, with a focus on enhancing production and sustaining growth through strategic partnerships and financial restructuring.
A 32-year-old filmmaker who recorded and circulated a video threatening to kill any police officer he encountered has been remanded by the Dansoman Circuit Court.
The accused, Israel Agbo Forson, pleaded not guilty to the charge of threat of death.
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, prosecuting, told the court that on June 18, 2025, a National Police Patrol Team stopped an Uber vehicle near Wisconsin University, with Forson as a passenger.
The team requested to search the vehicle and Forson’s luggage.
While the driver complied, Forson objected and demanded that officers wear gloves before conducting the search, leading to a verbal exchange during which he recorded the incident.
Both parties agreed to proceed to the Taifa Police Station, where the search was conducted in the presence of the District Commander. Forson was subsequently granted police enquiry bail.
The prosecution said that shortly after his release, Forson recorded another video in which he threatened to kill any police officer who crossed his path and shared it on social media.
On June 23, 2025, police intelligence identified Forson as the individual in the video.
He was arrested, and a search of his residence yielded no incriminating evidence.
The case has been adjourned, and Forson remains in custody pending further proceedings.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to intensify its crackdown on key actors behind illegal mining, urging swift investigations and prosecutions to dismantle the networks fuelling the practice.
The Coalition specifically demanded action against two National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairpersons from Axim and Dunkwa, who have been accused of involvement in illegal mining activities.
Although the Presidency has acknowledged receipt of the Coalition’s petition, the group says it is yet to receive an official response.
Speaking to Citi News on Monday, July 14, 2025, the Convener of the Coalition, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, emphasised the need to go after the masterminds of galamsey, describing them as central to the crisis.
“It is important that we deal with the kingpins involved in this. The president himself said in October 2024 that if we are to deal with this mess, it should be the kingpins. He even spoke of offering rewards for identifying those involved in illegal gold trade,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
“We have named specific individuals. Now, we need to see decisive action taken against them—both in terms of the mining operations and the broader illegal trade.”
The Coalition also pressed the government for updates on ongoing investigations into Akonta Mining, a company previously flagged for engaging in illegal activities within protected forest reserves.
“What has happened with the Akonta Mining case? We know one of the directors has been arrested, but what about the rest? And what’s the status of Heritage Imperial—the same company that was given a prospecting license and still went on to destroy parts of forest reserves?” he queried.
Ablekuma North rerun was rigged with fear and intimidation – Ahiagbah
After receiving a 15-year sentence with hard labour from the Accra Circuit Court on July 3, 2025, Nana Agradaa is now subject to the strict rules of the Ghana Prisons Service. Her daily life, including her movement and communication, is heavily regulated under the Prisons Service Act, requiring her participation in prison labour and limiting her privileges.
Evangelist Mama Pat, also known as Nana Agradaa, has received sad news as the court has refused to grant her bail. According to a report by Ghbase, this comes after her legal team filed a request asking the court to release her while she waits for her appeal to be heard.
