A new poll reveals 53% of Ghanaians support Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension by President Mahama. Regional and party-line divisions emerge as investigation continues.
A new nationwide survey by Global Info Analytics shows that a majority of Ghanaians support the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama, nearly a month after the action was taken.
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Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson
2 minutes read
The Supreme Court has thrown out another injunction application that sought to halt the impeachment process against the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
In 4-1 majority decision today [May 21], the court presided over by the Acting Chief Justice , Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie held that the application by the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES) had no merit.
Justices Baffoe -Bonnie ,Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu , Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi and Henry Anthony Kwofie were on the majority side , while Justice Yaw Darko Asare dissented.
This is the second time the Supreme Court has dismissed an injunction application seeking to halt the impeachment process, with the first one being an application by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah
CenCes , a civil society organisation, filed a writ at the Supreme Court arguing that the manner in which the impeachment process of the Chief Justice had been handled was against due process and therefore sins against many provisions of the constitution.
It therefore wanted the Supreme Court to put on hold the work of the five – member committee probing the petitions against the Chief pending the final determination of the substantive writ.
Submissions
Making a case for the injunction application, counsel for CenCES , Jacob Acquah-Sampson, argued that President Mahama failed to provide Justice Torkornoo with the prima facie determination made by him in consultation with the Council of State, leading to the setting up of the committee and the suspension.
In response, the Deputy Attorney General-General , Dr Justice Srem -Sai described the application as speculative and an abuse of the court process, urging the court to dismiss it .
It was his contention that all the constitutional requirements regarding the impeachment process had been adhered to by the President including the supply of the prima facie determination to persons expected to have them by law.
Former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has refuted claims by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) that cement prices have dropped to GH₵82.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mr Baafi insisted that cement prices remain unchanged, stating categorically that the government has not held any discussions with manufacturers to influence pricing.
“Ghana operates a free market economy where prices are determined by market forces, not political gimmicks,” he said.
He explained that while the recent appreciation of the cedi provides an opportunity for price reductions, the NDC has instead resorted to spreading misinformation.
Mr Baafi urged producers to take advantage of the strengthened cedi to benefit consumers and called for leadership that promotes transparency and accountability.
“Ghana deserves truth, stability, and affordable prices,” he emphasised, adding that the focus should be on real solutions rather than propaganda.
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.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, wants the scrapping of the Regional Ministry desks across the country, describing it as a political stumbling block that undermines the autonomy and effectiveness of local assemblies.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, May 21, he referred to the regional ministries as a medium for creating unnecessary interference and distractions for the work of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and an impediment to their operation with true autonomy.
“It is time for us to even dismantle the regional ministry because it is one of the reasons why we are not allowing the district assemblies to function. The district is autonomous. What can the regional minister do to a district chief executive, if not just political persuasion?”
He underscored that, by law, the role of Regional Minister is limited to supervision and coordination. However, he argued that in practice, their influence often extends beyond these boundaries, creating unnecessary interference, blurring lines of authority, and contributing to confusion and a breakdown of accountability within the local governance system.
“When the district assemblies sit down and make the law, the regional minister cannot unmake that bylaw. So what are they doing? It is just a political bottleneck meant to create more confusion at the local level,” he added.
Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber of Freight and Trade, has weighed in on ongoing concerns about high import prices despite the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi against the US Dollar.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Amfo Sefa addressed mounting public pressure on importers — particularly the Spare Parts Dealers Association — to reduce prices of goods.
He explained that traders are reluctant to lower prices because their current stock was acquired when the exchange rate was significantly higher, making it unfeasible to sell at reduced prices now.
The issue is further compounded by reported inconsistencies in exchange rate applications at the ports. Some importers claim that while the Bank of Ghana (BoG) pegs the Cedi at around GHC13 to $1, Customs officers at the ports use an exchange rate of GHC15 to $1.
however, Amfo Sefa clarified that Customs adheres to the Bank of Ghana’s official rates.
“No one can say Customs is using a different rate. If you check the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) system, you’ll find rates consistent with what BoG has published — around GHC12.1 or GHC13, never above it,” he explained.
The real issue, according to him, lies with private operators at the ports — particularly shipping lines — that apply their own rates for calculating demurrage and other charges.
“The shipping lines are not under any obligation to use the BoG rate. Some use interbank rates from their own banks. Others lock in a rate and review it monthly. This lack of uniformity creates serious challenges for importers,” he said.
He criticised the Ghana Shippers Authority for failing to rein in these practices, saying, “We’ve complained for years, but the Ghana Shippers Authority isn’t doing enough. Shipping lines are left to do whatever they want, and it’s hurting business.”
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has issued a fierce critique of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, accusing it of gross failure in tackling the illegal mining (galamsey) menace ravaging Ghana’s rivers and farmlands.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 21, the CDM described the Mahama government’s environmental record as “a national disgrace and an environmental catastrophe.”
The group said the NDC’s 2024 campaign promises to audit mining concessions, ban mining in water bodies, reclaim degraded lands, and operationalise the Ghana Gold Board have all been reduced to “empty political rhetoric.”
Citing the poisoned state of major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Tano and Birim, CDM said these water bodies have been “turned toxic” under Mahama’s watch.
“President Mahama cannot claim ignorance. He cannot feign helplessness. The rot is thriving under his watch—and worse, under his silence,” the statement read.
The group accused the government of complicity, stating that the surge in galamsey operations reflects a total breakdown of enforcement and political will.
Calling for immediate action, CDM demanded that the President declare a state of emergency in all galamsey-affected areas.
“The rivers are bleeding. The forests are dying. The people are suffering. A state of emergency is not optional; it is overdue. Declare it now, or stand forever complicit,” the statement concluded.
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.
Nana Agradaa has responded to a defamation lawsuit filed against her by Empress Gifty
Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has responded to a defamation lawsuit filed against her by gospel musician Empress Gifty.
It will be recalled that on May 20, 2025, Empress Gifty took legal action against Nana Agradaa at the Tema High Court, suing her for GH¢20 million over alleged defamatory remarks and the use of offensive language directed at her.
However, in response to this, Agradaa has stated that she is unperturbed by any legal action taken against her.
She added that she would not engage in a back-and-forth with Empress Gifty or her supporters, stating that she has moved on and now associates with what she described as “classier people.”
“Any idiot can go to court. I’ve left the farm, I’m now dealing with classy people, so I don’t have time to come out and make any banter with no one,” she said.
Nana Agradaa also slammed Empress Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye. She accused him of inciting violence against her and threatened to physically assault him if she ever cross path with him.
“If I catch Hopeson, I will beat him and for you, Gifty let me tell you, you can go to court 100 times, 200 times, I don’t give a damn,” Agradaa stated.
She added, “For you, stupid Hopeson Adorye, you go and sit on the radio to claim I am evil and inciting people to beat me to death. You have bypassed your wife to scold and humiliate me,” she fumed.
Nana Agradaa also insisted that she is not one of those people who are easily intimidated by lawsuits.
“I am not part of those people you can scare with legal actions or the court,” she said.
Agradaa announced her plans to retaliate by suing Hopeson Adorye in an international court.
She claimed she would demand compensation in dollars, which she said would be more than what Empress Gifty is demanding in her current lawsuit.
“If you sue me for 2 billion, I will also sue your husband for triple or more of that. I’m going to sue your husband in dollars, I will sue him in an international court and take dollars,” she declared.
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
AK/EB
Some traders have returned to pavements a day after the decongestion exercise
Reports reaching GhanaWeb indicate that some traders who were cleared from the Accra Central District’s pavements have returned, just a day after the first phase of the decongestion exercise led by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA).
The exercise, which is part of a broader initiative to reduce congestion, enforce city by-laws, and improve sanitation in the capital, initially targeted key areas around the AMA Head Office specifically Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka, identified as hotspots for street hawking and human and vehicular traffic.
However, in a viral video sighted by GhanaWeb on May 21, 2025, some traders were seen displaying their goods on the pavements in defiance of the directive.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has warned that traders who flout the directive will face fines as authorities move to sustain the exercise and restore order in the city.
According to the AMA, the second phase of the decongestion exercise will cover Wato Junction to King Tackie Tawiah, Cow Lane, Rawlings Park, Timber Market, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Watch the video below:
Despite the ongoing decongestion exercise, some traders have returned to the pavements…#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork#GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/p7lybqeksU
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) May 21, 2025
JKB/VPO
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has formally requested a one-month extension of the deadline for submitting applications for the Gold Buyers Licence, currently set for May 21, 2025.
The request was made in a letter dated May 20, 2025, signed by the association’s president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, and addressed to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi.
In the letter, the association acknowledged GOLDBOD’s initiative to regulate gold purchases and curb illegal mining, money laundering, and gold smuggling.
However, it highlighted significant challenges faced by many of its members in compiling the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
These documents include Tax Clearance Certificates, Business Operating Permits, Environmental Protection Permits, SSNIT Clearance Certificates, GRA Certificates, Police reports, and other regulatory requirements, which according to the association have proven time-consuming and cumbersome to obtain.
The association noted that a significant number of its members have been unable to complete their online applications, leaving them pending. It argued that extending the deadline by an additional month would provide small-scale miners with sufficient time to meet all requirements and participate fully in the licensing process.
“We believe that granting this extension will not only ensure broader compliance but also support your agency’s goal of fostering a transparent and responsible gold trading ecosystem in Ghana,” the letter stated.
The association appealed for fairness and inclusion, emphasising its commitment to supporting proper regulation of the small-scale mining sector.
The request follows GOLDBOD’s earlier decision to extend the application deadline from 30 April 2025 to 21 May 2025, providing an additional three weeks for gold dealers and small-scale mining companies to reapply for licences, as announced by Sammy Gyamfi on April 30, 2025.
GA
The Tanzanian police have launched an investigation into who targeted its social media accounts
Access to the social media platform X has been restricted in Tanzania after some official accounts of government and private institutions were targeted by hackers.
On Tuesday, the official police account was compromised, with sexually explicit material and false information that the president had died being posted.
The police dissociated itself from the information and said an investigation was under way to identify those responsible.
Hours later data from the internet monitoring organisation Netblocks showed that X was “unreachable on major internet providers” across the country.
Users in Dar es Salaam, the country’s biggest city, could still not access the site on Wednesday although some people in other regions indicated they were able to log on.
Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the hacking and assured MPs in parliament that the affected government social media accounts had since been secured.
Earlier, government spokesman Gerson Msigwa warned the people responsible that immediate action was being taken.
The problems with accessing X come amid the continued uproar over the deportation of prominent Kenyans – a move that prevented them from attending the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is accused of treason.
On Monday, the president warned activists from its northern neighbour that she would not allow them to “meddle” in her country’s affairs and cause “chaos”.
She spoke after Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua along with some others, who had all travelled to attend Lissu’s court case, were deported.
Another Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire were arrested in Dar es Salaam by suspected military officers on Monday and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Osman Ayariga has cast doubt on the sincerity of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent apology to Ghanaians, branding it a calculated political move rather than a genuine act of accountability.
Speaking in a fiery interview on GHOne TV monitored by MyNewsGh, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority expressed deep skepticism about the Vice President-turned-flagbearer’s motives, accusing him of trying to emotionally manipulate voters ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Ankara fabric, with its rich colors, bold patterns, and deep cultural roots, has emerged as one of the most popular materials in fashion, especially among African women. Its versatility allows it to be styled in countless ways, making it an ideal fabric choice for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re attending a wedding, going out for a casual day, or dressing up for a party, stunning Ankara dress styles are sure to make you stand out. Here are some of the most fabulous Ankara dress styles every woman can rock.
1. A-Line Ankara Dresses
The A-line dress is a timeless style that flatters almost any body type. The fitted top and flare at the bottom create an elegant and feminine silhouette. Ankara A-line dresses come in various lengths, from knee-length to floor-length, and can be styled with both casual sandals or elegant heels. The colorful prints of the fabric bring energy and vibrancy to this classic style, making it a perfect choice for both formal and casual events.
2. Ankara Off-Shoulder Dresses
For a chic, elegant, and slightly daring look, off-shoulder Ankara dresses are a great option. This style allows you to show off your shoulders and collarbones while maintaining a sophisticated vibe. The combination of the bold patterns of Ankara and the sensuality of the off-shoulder cut creates a stunning contrast, making it perfect for evening events, parties, or weddings.
3. Ankara Sheath Dresses
If you’re looking to highlight your curves, an Ankara sheath dress is a great option. The form-fitting design of the sheath dress allows the fabric’s intricate patterns to stand out, creating a sleek and polished look. This style works well for business meetings, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to look polished yet stylish.
4. Ankara Wrap Dresses
A wrap dress is a classic piece that works for just about any body type, and when made from Ankara fabric, it becomes even more stylish and eye-catching. The wrap design, which gathers the fabric to create a flattering waistline, makes it a perfect choice for both casual and semi-formal events. Whether paired with wedges for daytime wear or heels for an evening event, an Ankara wrap dress is versatile and chic.
5. Ankara Maxi Dresses
For women who love flowing, dramatic designs, an Ankara maxi dress is the ultimate choice. These floor-length dresses are perfect for special occasions such as weddings, galas, or evening events. The flowing design combined with Ankara’s bold prints creates an effortless yet sophisticated look. Maxi dresses can be styled with a wide belt to accentuate the waist or paired with accessories like statement earrings or bracelets to elevate the outfit.
6. Ankara Peplum Dresses
The peplum design has been a popular trend for years, and when combined with Ankara fabric, it creates a beautiful and structured silhouette. The peplum detail at the waist adds a feminine flair to the dress while balancing the bold patterns of the fabric. These dresses work well for formal events, business meetings, or social gatherings, offering both elegance and style.
7. Ankara High-Low Dresses
For a more contemporary and trendy look, an Ankara high-low dress is the perfect choice. The high-low cut, which features a shorter front and a longer back, gives the dress a playful and modern feel. It’s ideal for a daytime event, brunch, or a cocktail party. The bold Ankara prints make the style pop, ensuring that you stand out wherever you go.
Conclusion
Ankara dresses are an essential part of modern fashion, offering both style and cultural expression. From the elegant A-line and off-shoulder dresses to the chic wrap and peplum designs, there is an Ankara dress style for every woman. The fabric’s vibrant colors and bold patterns not only make a fashion statement but also reflect the rich African heritage that continues to inspire global fashion trends. No matter the occasion, Ankara dresses are sure to elevate your wardrobe with their stunning beauty and versatility.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, GTA boss
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Beyond the Return (BTR) Secretariat have invited event organisers and promoters to submit suggestions for inclusion in the schedule of ‘December in GH’ activities for 2025.
The event, which takes place from December 1, 2025, to January 3, 2026, promises to be a spectacular celebration of Ghana’s vibrant spirit.
Interested parties are expected to submit their detailed event proposals not later than Monday, June 16, 2025.
This year marks the seventh edition of the festivities, and the request for recommendations comes earlier than in previous years, since the GTA and event organisers anticipate an increase in tourists visiting Ghana during the holiday season.
Since 2019, ‘December in GH’ has been a strong driver of tourism during the busy December season for travel to Ghana.
‘December in GH’ is coordinated by the Beyond the Return (BTR) Secretariat and invites all interested event organisers seeking to have their programmes endorsed as an official event to submit a formal proposal to the team.
Taking place during the festive holiday season, December in GH spans a full month of curated events across music, fashion, art, culture and nightlife, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.
Each year, the season welcomes a vibrant mix of the Ghanaian diaspora returning home, as well as the diaspora reconnecting with their African roots.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, said, “December in GH is more than a festive celebration, it is a movement that showcases Ghana’s vibrant spirit to the world.
“As we embrace the Black Star Experience, we are setting the stage for our biggest December season yet, and we look forward to innovative events that will elevate Ghana’s place as a leading destination for culture, entertainment, and heritage tourism.
“GTA invites event organisers, promoters and cultural curators to submit proposals for events scheduled between December 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026 that will contribute to a vibrant and diverse calendar of activities across the country.”
Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie, noted that the call for proposals is part of the planning process.
“We’re excited to work with event organisers who bring fresh ideas and energy to December in GH. It’s a time when the global diaspora comes home to experience Ghana, its culture, warmth, entertainment, food and welcoming spirit.
“This year will have an even greater impact as we invite the world to be part of the Black Star Experience during one of the most vibrant times of the year,” she said.
All proposals must be submitted by Monday, June 16, 2025, through the official submission form: https://forms.office.com/r/xMVFeS20Fd.
Benjamin Afful-Eshun
The Board and Management of Ahantaman Rural Bank Plc say they are committed to ensuring compliance with the statutory provisions in the Anti Money Laundering Act and the applicable regulations and guidelines.
To this end, the bank, which has branches in Western and Central regions has decided to continuously train its staff on the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering Policies to ensure strict compliance.
This was contained in the Corporate Governance Report of the financial institution made known at the 37th Annual General Meeting.
According to the report, the Bank also has a comprehensive policy on conflict of interest and disclosures and will ensure strict compliance with the legal provisions of the policy.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Elizabeth Obeng, revealed that the bank rebounded from the adverse effect of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) to record outstanding performance in the year under review.
She disclosed that the bank’s deposit increased from GH¢236,095,344 in 2023 to GH¢367,253,780 in 2024 while profit after tax also increased from GH¢4,443,446 in 2023 to GH¢14,024,102 last year.
She indicated that the Board has recommended dividend of GH¢0.08 per share, amounting to GH¢3,130,261 which is the equivalent of 22.32 per cent of the profit after tax.
“In compliance with regulatory directives, we have written to the Bank of Ghana to seek approval for the payment,” she said.
“We hope that we shall receive the required approval for payment to be made in the shortest possible time”, she told the shareholders.
She said in line with the policy to give a portion of the bank’s profit back to the communities in which it serves, it has supported some social interventions within its catchment areas.
“During the period under review an amount of GH¢1,274,072 was spent to support critical areas under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility”, she added.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank, Benjamin Afful-Eshun, said he will keep working hard to help double the current dividend for shareholders next year.
He stated, “We want to expand on our digital infrastructure. We have had an approval for our new shortcode .We are going to introduce lots of digital channels to help customers do business with the bank wherever they find themselves”, he pointed out.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
The National Defence University is for all the security architecture and not for only the military, the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, has said.
He has, therefore, urged the various security bodies applying to GTEC for accreditation to run security related courses to rather host their programmes at the NDU.
“So, situations whereby GTEC in recent times have been receiving a lot of applications from many institutions, such as the police, customs and fire service, we want to use this opportunity to all on all of them to route their requests to the National Defence University,” he said.
Prof. Jinapor stated this when the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt General William Agyapong, led a team to call on the Director-General and his staff.
Lt Gen Agyapong was accompanied by the former Commissioner-General of the Boundary Commission, Major Gen. Emmanuel Kotia (retd); the acting President of NDU, Air Vice Marshall Felix Asante, and the Protocol Officer for the CDS, Lt Col Sena Affanyi.
They discussed issues relating to the takeoff of NDU and other matters.
It was also to enable the CDS to introduce the foundation President of the university, Air Vice Marshall Asante, to the staff of GTEC.
Prof Jinapor urged the management of the university to stay focused on its mission, adding that “we don’t want to see a mission drift. We want you to stay in whatever you are doing and do it well”.
He said even though the university had a charter to issue certificates, “I think it is also important for you to work to get an Act because that is the tradition within which public universities operate”.
“We had to get you the charter because we wanted you to be able to issue your certificates, especially because you were already a state institution where almost all your staff were on the government payroll,” Prof. Jinapor said.
He gave an assurance that GTEC would offer the necessary support required to get the university on its feet, saying “I think that you still qualify to be given any kind of support that a public tertiary institution is supposed to receive”.
The D-G commended the military as an institution with the highest level of discipline and said there was the need for such discipline to cascade down to the university.
“If this institution is able to stay and stand the test of time, I believe strongly that most of the issues that we deal with, in terms of security, in terms of discipline; and in fact, as a university you can even conduct tests in areas that have more or less relevance towards security and peace.
Lt Gen Agyapong explained that the visit was to “first introduce myself today as the Chief of the Defence Staff and secondly, to thank you for facilitating the chapter that our university was granted”.
He expressed his gratitude to Prof. Jinapor for being instrumental in spearheading the charter for the university.
Lt Gen Agyapong said the university still needed assistance for a quick start-up, adding they had already visited the management of GETFund.
By Kekeli K. Blamey
Battor (V/R), May 21, GNA – Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu has extended a warm gesture of support to newly posted teachers in rural communities in his constituency by presenting them with brand-new laptops.
A total of 36 teachers have benefited from this initiative, which aims to both welcome and empower the educators working in underserved areas.
According to the MP, laptop computers are a token of appreciation and a practical tool to aid teaching and learning in challenging environments.
“This is part of our broader effort to support our teachers who accept postings to remote areas. It’s important that they feel valued and equipped to perform their duties effectively,” Mr. Ablakwa stated during the presentation ceremony.
The North Tongu Legislator also disclosed plans to scale up a range of teacher-friendly policies.
These include continuous professional development programs, scholarship opportunities, and award schemes, all aimed at motivating teachers, retaining talent, and ultimately improving educational outcomes in the constituency.
Beneficiary teachers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support, pledging to work diligently to promote quality education at their respective stations.
GNA
Edited by MA/Benjami Mensah
The Ghanaian cedi has hit a new rate, with the dollar now trading at GH¢11.90 on the local forex market as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, according to Bloomberg’s latest update.
While the recent depreciation initially caused concern, some financial analysts view the current rate as a sign of stabilisation in the local currency market after a prolonged period of volatility that left many uncertain about the economy’s outlook.
This development also marks a significant improvement, offering some relief to businesses and consumers alike.
The Bank of Ghana is expected to comment on the recent gains, with Ghanaians anticipating that the central bank’s daily forex updates will reflect the latest changes starting Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have taken to social media to react to the dollar trading at GH¢11.90, sharing mixed views about its implications for the broader economy.
Here are some social media reactions to the new cedi rate
Cedi continues to gain, now trading at GHS11.90 against the dollar – Bloomberg#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/LEawxqMGhC
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) May 21, 2025
Cedi is at 11.9 to a dollar now!
— Kwaku Asante (@kwakuasanteb) May 21, 2025
At this point H.E JM @JDMahama Toaso for the next 40 years.
Wooooooow🇬🇭🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/H8fx4LCSto
— Maleek Basintale (@malik_basintale) May 21, 2025
BREAKING: A dollar to a cedi is now 11 cedis
3y3 Zu
— Popo🇰🇼🇬🇭 (@Popony_J) May 21, 2025
SP/MA
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The Super Eagles of Nigerian have unveiled the official squad list for the upcoming Unity Cup, with a strong blend of international stars and homegrown talents set to represent the nation.
The Super Eagles’ two marksmen, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman missed out on the 27-man squad, announced on Tuesday, for the four-nation tournament.
The duo will not be available for the game scheduled to take place in London.
The goalkeepers include Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie.
In defense, the squad boasts a solid mix of established and emerging players, including Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, and Junior Nduka. Felix Agu is also listed as available for training, further boosting options at the back.
The midfield engine room will be anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, who are joined by Christantus Uche, Collins Ugwueze, and rising talent Saviour Isaac.
The attack will be spearheaded by a formidable frontline featuring Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, and Cyriel Dessers .
They’ll be supported by a hungry supporting cast including Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, and Abubakar Adamu.
The Unity Cup clash between Nigeria and Ghana on May 28, 2025, is expected to reignite the fierce rivalry between the two nations while promoting unity and sportsmanship.
They face each other in the semifinal of the four-nation tournament with the winner set to play Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.
HoodTalk organisers in a pose with President John Mahama
HoodTalk Festival, which started as an initiative of DreamChild Foundation, is to be transformed into an annual festival opened to all musicians across the world, especially Africans who believe in the ideals of the festival.
The festival is to continue with ideals of drawing attention to the fundraising efforts of DreamChild Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), to build five paediatric clinics across five regions in Ghana.
Also, the issue of the girl-child, youth empowerment and climate change would remain the central theme of the festival.
This year’s edition has been applauded by patrons for the spectacular event and turnout as well as showmanship, which has been described as beyond epic.
The event, which was held on Friday, May 9, at the iconic Black Star Square, attracted music lovers and well-wishers from all walks of life.
It’s a national event that has received endorsement from the presidency, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), UNESCO and notable royalty from the Northern, Ashanti, Volta, and Greater Accra regions.
The festival hopes to emulate other festivals, notably Global Citizen festivals, to attract worldwide attention and bring about the socio- economic development and benefit to the nation.
It is reaching out to the government for their logistic and financial support, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of health for all, especially children.
By George Clifford Owusu
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the United Kingdom gave former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a standing ovation after he issued a heartfelt apology during a ‘Thank You Tour’ event in London.
The gathering, hosted by the Young Executive Forum (YEF), formed part of Dr. Bawumia’s ongoing engagements with the Ghanaian diaspora following his selection as the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 general election.
In his address, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that certain actions and decisions taken by the previous administration may not have met the expectations of every Ghanaian.
He admitted that while significant progress were made in areas such as digitalisation, infrastructural development, and education, there were also moments where the then government performance fell short.
“We are not perfect,” he said. “But we are listening, and we are learning.” His candid admission struck a chord with the audience, many of whom rose to their feet in applause.
The standing ovation was not only a show of respect but also an affirmation of the trust many NPP supporters still place in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership.
Several attendees described his apology as a sign of humility and maturity, rare traits in political leadership.
The YEF, a vibrant group of young professionals within the party, expressed confidence in the former Vice President’s ability to unify and energise the base ahead of the 2028 elections.
The event also highlighted the administration’s impact on the Ghanaian economy and governance.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, he urged members of the diaspora to remain hopeful and supportive.
“Together, we can build a Ghana beyond aid,” he concluded, drawing another round of applause from the packed audience.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), under the leadership of Chief Executive Michael Kpapko Allotey, has launched Operation “Red Line”, a new demarcation strategy aimed at improving pedestrian safety and regulating street trading in the Central Business District.
The initiative, part of the AMA’s broader decongestion exercise, involves the clear marking of red lines on pavements and walkways to designate specific zones for pedestrian use and controlled trading activities.
The operation is being rolled out alongside ongoing enforcement exercises, which include the removal of unauthorised structures, mobile vendors, and encroachments that obstruct public pathways and roadways.
On Wednesday, May 21, the AMA taskforce continued its decongestion efforts at the bustling Circle Neoplan Station, marking Day 2 of its citywide campaign to reduce congestion in the capital.
Rev. Toure Roberts and Rev. Sarah Jakes Roberts
Accra is set to host arguably the biggest Ghana diaspora business summit in continental Africa that links change-makers, thought leaders and government officials to explore the role of religious organisations in the business space.
Slated for May 29, this year at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, the summit is the initiative of Potter’s House, one of the biggest religious organisations in the world, in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministries of Trade and Industries, Tourism and Education.
A presentation by Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd on ‘Exploring Ghana’s Economy Landscape and Growth, Opportunities Across Sectors’, an official opening address by the Minister for Trade, Industries and Agribusiness, plus solidarity messages by the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture will set the tone for the summit seen by key players as “the next big move after the 2019 Year of Return.”
Themed, “Kingdom Marketplace Mandate: Diaspora-Ghana Exchange In Faith & Business,” the summit is the first major outreach to the world by the US-headquartered Potter’s House since the founder, Bishop T.D. Jakes, on health grounds, handed over leadership of this global ministry to his daughter, Rev. Sarah Jakes Roberts and her spouse, Rev. Toure Roberts, both of whom have been part of the leadership for many years.
The Potter’s House is a globally recognised and spiritually vibrant faith-based community with campuses across the United States. Known for its cultural relevance, dynamic worship and transformative teaching, the Potter’s House serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment to diverse communities around the world.
Toure is the founder of ‘The Called Leaders’, a global leadership initiative dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs, creatives and visionaries with the tools, mentorship, and community needed to build businesses and projects that create lasting, meaningful impact. He is an investor who is passionate about helping others bring their ideas to life through innovative ventures and strategic partnership.
In addition to a courtesy call on President John Mahama, the couple will hold meetings with Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, founder and General Overseer of the Christian Action Faith Ministry and Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana.
They will also tour the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and undertake philanthropy at an orphanage.
By Clifford George Owusu
Former MP for Subin Constituency, Eugene Boakye Antwi
Former Subin lawmaker, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has slammed the Mahama administration over their inability to curb illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Referencing the Mahama government, then in opposition, pressing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency and repeal L.I. 2462, which permits mining activities within forest reserves, Eugene Boakye Antwi questioned why it is now difficult for the government to do exactly what they demanded of the previous administration.
He noted on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” panel discussion show that the National Democratic Congress, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is currently in power and has every opportunity to stop the galamsey menace, and thus called on the sector Minister to take action.
“You are in government today. What is preventing the NDC from repealing the so-called obnoxious L.I. 2462? What is preventing them? This is not an entrenched provision requiring a referendum. Today, you have the numbers in Parliament to see to its repeal. Why haven’t they done it yet?”
L.I. 2462, formally known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022, is a Ghanaian legal instrument that permits mining activities within forest reserves.
It was enacted in November 2022 under the former Akufo-Addo administration.
The former Member of Parliament and NPP stalwart further stated that one reason galamsey continues to be an albatross around the government’s neck is that some appointees have a vested interest in illegal mining.
“Looking at President Mahama’s appointments, it has made me fear people. In fact, humans are dangerous, but when you look at some people who stood against the NPP government, and today all of them have appointments, it means whatever they did was all about personal interest. They were all lying,” he concluded.
Edem Agbana is MP for Ketu North
Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has acknowledged that his appointment as a board member of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is a tough call, but he remains committed to reforming Ghana’s energy sector.
According to him, the appointment, along with those of his fellow board members, comes at a time when the country is facing significant challenges in the energy sector.
He expressed hope that through their collective efforts, they will support the sector minister in achieving the government’s vision of resetting ECG.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Agbana thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment, pledging his utmost commitment to work diligently and meet public expectations.
“I am deeply honored to have been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a strategic national asset that plays a pivotal role in powering our economy and daily lives,” Agbana wrote.
Looking ahead, Agbana expressed optimism about the future of the energy sector, stressing that under the leadership of Sector Minister John Jinapor, the board is dedicated to supporting the necessary reforms to revitalise the sector.
He added that the focus of the board will be on service and reform, rather than celebration.
Here is the full list of the board members
1. Ing. Dr. William Amuna – Chairman
2. Georgette Emefa Fugah
3. Adams Abdul Salam
4. Dr Simon Akorli
5. Alhansah Sulemana
6. Queenster Pokuah Sawyer
7. Nana Agyakoma Dife II (Mamponhene)
8. Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena
9. Edem Eric Agbana
SP/MA
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Asante Kotoko legend Sarfo Gyamfi has thrown his support behind interim head coach Karim Zito, praising his ability to nurture talent and adapt in difficult situations.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Gyamfi expressed confidence in Zito’s capabilities, whether he remains as technical director or is confirmed as Kotoko’s substantive head coach.
“Zito is a coach I like. No qualms if he becomes the substantive coach or remains as technical director. He can help develop players for us as a technical director,” he said.
Gyamfi, popularly known as the “Black President,” pointed to Zito’s impressive track record with Dreams FC, where he rebuilt the squad after several key departures.
“He is noted for unearthing talents considering what he did for Dreams FC. He was able to assemble a new team for this season after losing a chunk of players to clubs abroad,” he added.
Zito’s work with Kotoko since taking over as interim head coach has been met with widespread praise, and growing calls from fans and former players suggest the club could consider a long-term future with him at the helm.
File photo of a worried woman
Dear GhanaWeb,
My dad is currently 65 and he has a tattoo on both his arms, chest and back. He is old now, he doesn’t even care about those tattoos anymore, unlike when we were younger and he used to wear singlets most of the times to show them off.
My father was really into women, he worried our mom with his constant cheating until she had high blood pressure and passed away in 2015 after developing stroke at just 49 years old.
Our father is definitely sorry because he has been very good to us since our mom’s demise.
He has been responsible, but unfortunately he wasted most of his money during his youth so it was too late for him to do anything tangible for us, but he has built a home where we all live rent free.
The issue is that, I’m always fighting with my father. I’m the last born, a lady and 29 years of age.
I just hate to see those tattoos. Though he doesn’t dress to display them, I remember my mom when I look at them and how he made her suffer, then I begin to fight him.
All my siblings have moved out so I’m the only person staying with him. Sometimes I beat him with pestle and other stuff I find around the house till he gets hurt, other times he even bleeds.
He doesn’t tell anyone about it, he just tells them he fell. I feel so bad, but I can’t stop hitting him with stuff.
Recently, I slapped him and he fell and hit his head on the floor and went unconscious but I managed to revive him, and we later went to the hospital. He’s since been bleeding through his nose occasionally.
I’ve done too much harm to this man because of the pain he caused us and our mom. We are all struggling, none of us is successful though he had money because he didn’t really start taking care of us early.
I want to get rid of this rage and just be a daughter to him, I’m his favourite, I don’t know why I’m hurting him. I feel sorry for him sometimes but I repeat it again and again.
Please guide me, I’m not happy. I’m also single, sometimes I feel life is so unfair and I project my anger on him. The fact that he keeps telling everyone he fell means he still loves and protecting me.
I honestly want to stop this but I don’t know how to go about it. What should I do now?
FG/EB
Professor Rofela Combey is an entomology expert
An entomology expert and Deputy Director of the International Stingless Bee Center, Professor Rofela Combey, has stated that although bee stings are painful, they possess notable medicinal properties.
She explained that numerous studies have shown bee stings may be effective in treating certain ailments.
According to a report by 3news.com, she made these remarks during an event to mark World Bee Day, commemorated annually on May 20, 2025.
The day is set aside to promote the protection of bees and other pollinators, whose survival is essential to ecosystem health, global food security, and the fight against hunger in developing countries.
Professor Combey stated, “The pain associated with bee stings often frightens people away, however, there is abundant evidence supporting their therapeutic applications. Research is still ongoing to fully understand the medicinal potential of bee stings.”
She added, “Their stings are medicinal. We are in an era of new medicine, apitherapy. Some of us don’t need much… a sting or two is enough. But the fear of bees triggers that flight response when one is stung.”
Professor Combey further called on the public to learn to coexist with bees, considering their crucial role in the ecosystem.
“They are animals; we need to learn to coexist with them. Research conducted in Ghana shows we have over 150 bee species, many of which are stingless,” she said.
She also revealed that her team is working with local and international partners to push for stronger legal protections and the sustainable use of bee species in Ghana.
“We are collaborating with government agencies through UCC, as well as partners in Germany and the EU, to advance this cause. Unfortunately, Ghanaian honey has been banned from the EU market, but we are working to address this,” she added.
Currently, Ghana has identified over 150 bee species, but there are no specific laws in place to protect them, unlike in some other countries, the report added.
JKB/MA
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama has stated that Ghana’s economy is showing early signs of stabilisation, supported by recent policy measures and improving economic fundamentals, both domestic and external.
He made these remarks during the opening of the 124th Meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Accra on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
“We convene at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions are exhibiting early signs of stabilization, supported by recent policy actions and improving external and domestic fundamentals,” Dr Asiama stated.
However, he was quick to caution that “the path ahead remains complex and fraught with risks, both global and domestic.”
The Governor highlighted recent developments in the economy, including a notable decline in inflation and a strong appreciation of the cedi.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service, inflation dropped to 21.2% in April 2025, down from previous highs, although it remains above the Bank’s medium-term target of 8 ± 2%.
“In March, the Committee responded decisively to the inflation outlook by raising the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent. Preliminary evidence suggests this action has contributed to dampening inflation momentum,” Dr Asiama said.
He noted that the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated sharply by nearly 19% between April and May, a development he credited to prudent monetary policy, improved market sentiment, and gains in the external sector.
“This appreciation has helped ease imported inflation pressures and restore public confidence,” he added.
Dr Johnson Asiama also referenced Ghana’s recent progress under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
“Ghana has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on the Fourth Review of the ECF Programme… the trajectory is clearly positive,” he noted.
Additionally, the recent S&P credit rating upgrade from Selective Default to CCC+ was cited as further affirmation of economic progress.
Despite these gains, the BoG Governor acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly concerning inflation risks from food supply constraints, global commodity price volatility, and geopolitical tensions, including the recent US-led tariff disputes.
In response, he mentioned that the Bank is revising its monetary policy implementation framework, moving away from the reliance on the unremunerated Cash Reserve Ratio to more active Open Market Operations using longer-tenor instruments.
“This is intended to enhance policy transmission, improve liquidity management, and allow greater room for credit expansion to the private sector,” Dr Asiama explained.
He also emphasised the importance of the Committee’s policy decisions and the need for clear communication.
“Our post-meeting communiqué must clearly articulate the rationale behind our policy decisions and provide an accessible, transparent account of recent economic trends,” he urged.
As the MPC Committee meets to deliberate on the appropriate monetary policy stance going forward, Dr Asiama posed key questions:
• Is the observed exchange rate appreciation sustainable?
• How durable is the nascent return of market confidence?
• What are the implications of these dynamics for our inflation forecast over the medium term?
He concluded his remarks by calling on members to approach their deliberations with professionalism and rigor.
“Our credibility depends on our ability to respond decisively and proportionately to evolving economic realities,” the BoG Governor rallied.
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, begin its 124th meeting to review recent macroeconomic developments and assess the country’s economic outlook.
This meeting is significant as it comes on the back of recent gains by the Ghana Cedi against the US dollar and ongoing efforts to tame inflation.
At its last meeting, the MPC increased the monetary policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent.
Already, some market watchers expect the BoG to maintain the policy rate at 28 percent, with any potential cuts dependent on continued disinflation.
The MPC’s decision on the policy rate will have implications for lending costs, investor confidence, and overall economic activity.
The meeting will conclude with a press briefing on Friday, May 23, 2025 to provide further clarity on the central bank’s monetary stance and the measures it intends to take in sustaining economic stability.
MA
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Coach Mohammed Yusif stopped playing football after sustaining severe injury
Ghanaian coach Mohammed Yusif has disclosed that he was compelled to reduce his age by 20 years to get the chance to play for the junior national teams.
He indicated that while playing for Ebusua Dwarfs football club, there was a mini-tournament that severely injured him during the games, and he stopped playing.
The coach disclosed that in his quest to gain a call-up to play for the junior national teams, he halved his age, which at the time was almost 40 years, for official documents.
Yusif stated that the desire to impress foreign scouts who were interested in young players was another factor that influenced his decision.
“In 1986, I moved to Accra to play for a third-division club, but it was not easy for me. Later, I moved to join Madina Republicans and later joined Ebusua Dwarfs. I sustained a serious knee injury during a gala, which became chronic, so I stopped playing. While playing, there was no robust system to check ages, so we reduced ours. I was getting close to 40, but it was different in reality, though it was different on paper.
“I did so because most teams and foreign scouts wanted young players to play for a long time. The opportunity to play in U17 and other national teams was a factor,” he said in Twi in an interview with GMN Sports shared on YouTube.
He also noted that he has currently obtained his License D in coaching and is ready to take over any team, even the Black Stars, if given the chance.
“After quitting football, I went into teaching Arabic, and currently, I’m coaching a team with a License D, ready to coach the Black Stars if the opportunity comes,” he said.
Watch Coach Yusif’s interview below:
Watch full report on the day one of the Sekondi Inter-Schools athletics
SB/EB
Social media critic, Afia Schwarzenegger has descended into the gutters with popular religious leader, Apostle Isaac Owusu Bempah.
It could be recalled that prior to the December 7, 2024 general elections, Apostle Owusu Bempah was very vehement about the New Patriotic Party losing the elections.
He predicted an abysmal result for the party which was then in power and post-election, the vociferous General Overseer of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International has not ceased making further commentaries about the party.
His recent comments have suggested that the New Patriotic Party should elect Kennedy Agyapong, a former Assin Central lawmaker and NPP presidential aspirant in 2024, to lead the party into the 2028 elections.
Owusu Bempah also hopes for the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to extend his tenure or appoint a successor who he asserted he will give his spiritual backing to him (the successor) to win the next presidential election.
Following Owusu Bempah’s constant comments which are usually made in front of his congregation, Afia Schwarzenegger has expressed her utter displeasure with the renowned prophet’s incessant attacks on the New Patriotic Party.
In an episode on her TikTok show, Afia slammed Owusu Bempah stating he should channel his energy on finding a woman to marry after his unsuccessful attempts.
It is a known fact that Owusu Bempah has not been lucky with settling down with a woman as his wife and to Afia, the religious leader should leave the NPP alone and pray to get married.
“Prophesy to yourself to get married. I am warning you, Owusu Bempah. Focus on getting married; stop your attacks on the NPP,” she exclaimed.
She further queried Owusu Bempah, asking “what confusion has been set in your life that is making it difficult for you to settle down with a woman?”
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Deputy Communications Director, Jennifer Oforiwa Queen, has taken a swipe at Energy Minister John Jinapor, accusing him of indirectly assisting criminal activity through his constant commentary on Ghana’s electricity challenges.
According to her, the minister’s repeated public statements about power outages—commonly known as dumsor—are not just political jabs, but serve as advance notice for armed robbers to plan their attacks.
In a moment of grace and celebration, Nigeria marks the 94th birthday of a national icon and trailblazer—Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the very first Miss Nigeria. Her life is a testament to elegance, ambition, and service, setting a standard for generations of women across the country.
Chief Oyelude was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1957, a time when the concept of pageantry was still new to Nigeria. Her remarkable poise and intellect won the hearts of many, making her the face of beauty and womanhood in a rapidly evolving society. But beyond the crown and sash, she charted a path that would impact many more lives beyond the spotlight.
A former employee of the United Africa Company (UAC), Chief Oyelude used the prize money from her pageant win to pursue her dreams abroad. She traveled to the United Kingdom, where she studied nursing and midwifery. Upon qualifying, she returned to Nigeria and devoted her life to healthcare and public service.
Her distinguished career as a registered nurse and midwife stands as a beacon of service and excellence. Chief Oyelude worked across various regions of Nigeria, touching lives and mentoring many in the medical profession. Her life reflects not only physical beauty but also the inner beauty of compassion, intelligence, and resilience.
Nollywood actress Rita Dominic took to social media to honor the icon, writing:
“Happy 94th birthday to the trailblazing Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the 1st Miss Nigeria. Celebrating her legacy that set the standards for beauty and grace in Nigeria. Her timeless beauty has inspired generations and continues to shine bright.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we also acknowledge the path she paved for Nigerian women to shine on both local and international stages. Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude is not just the first Miss Nigeria—she is a national treasure whose legacy continues to inspire.
Happy Birthday, Chief Grace Oyelude. May your days be filled with joy and continued honor.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEK Ghana (EWG), organised by Blacvolta Multimedia, Party Extra, and Q Bespoke, is an initiative that aims to promote the creative industry in Ghana, focusing on entertainment, music, film, and other related sectors.
The event targets innovative investment in the entertainment industry, seeking to attract investors, partners, and stakeholders to support the growth and development of the sector.
Speaking at the EWG brunch held last Sunday, Creative Architect Q Bespoke Africa, Kwamina Quansah, mentioned that the primary aim of the initiative is to drive growth, creativity, and innovation in the entertainment industry, ultimately contributing to Ghana’s economic and cultural development.
“This initiative we are championing is not only to have fun and enjoy ourselves but it is also tailored to attract the investor community to support creatives, which can contribute to Ghana’s economic growth and development. It is also aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, alongside promoting Ghanaian culture, music, and film, both locally and internationally,” he mentioned.
Founder and Creative Director of Blacvolta, Joseph Adjei, on his part mentioned that the central part of the initiative has to do with the global entertainment summit which has the likes of Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, Bola Ray, Mr. Eazi, Debbtaa Boateng among others as proposed speakers for the panel discussion.
He also added that an award scheme, ‘The Novas” has been instituted to honour some 15 deserving entertainers who over the years have contributed immensely to the development of the sector. Some of the categories include Creative Entrepreneur, Fashion and Style Icon, and Visual Story Teller among others.
Co-founder of Entertainment Week Ghana, De Graft Oppong, also mentioned that a section of the initiative dubbed the “Deal Room,” will be an exclusive forum where venture capital firms and tech-driven entrepreneurs can connect. This initiative aims to spur investment and foster strategic partnerships by enabling selected innovators to present their ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders.
He also mentioned other activities such as the Airwaves, Fashion Showcase, Creator Mixer and Sound System, which is the closing event to climax the Entertainment week with electrifying live performances from top disc jockeys.
The initiative is strongly backed by the Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment as well as Diaspora Affairs Ghana among other media partners.
By Prince Fiifi
Dr. Ato Forson
Our lead story yesterday was headlined “Ato Forson Hails GoldBod For Cedi Stabilisation”.
The story captured the sentiment of the Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson while inaugurating the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The Finance Minister attributed the current somewhat stability of the Cedi to the establishment of the GoldBod.
Many questioned how within a few months of the creation of a GoldBod and much later, a board could impact on the strength of the Cedi.
Economic policies take time to fruit. For a new government which is yet to find its feet at the throttles, no new policy could have yielded fruits so soon. Such ‘Alice in Wonderland’ stories should not feature in our public discourse because they have the tendency to insult the intelligence of right-thinking citizens of this country, and in fact foreigners who observe the developments in the country. After all, we belong to a global village whose international financial institutions we turn to when we are distressed, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank representatives here in Ghana monitoring every economic policy move that we take.
One of the innovations of the previous regime was the use of the country’s gold reserve in the vault of the apex bank to shore the Cedi and to protect it from the vagaries of the international currency market.
The Governor of the apex bank was right when he attributed the positive outcome to the hard work of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Governance being a continuum, we must as a people, both the government and the governed, give credit where this is due.
Such credits encourage our compatriots when they take their turn to serve in government to do even more.
No government can complete the task of development. We undertake our part and let others continue.
There is no doubt that the impact of whatever policy interventions the current government is undertaking will not bear fruits immediately. This presupposes that the fruits being observed now are the results of work undertaken by the previous government, and this must be acknowledged.
Some appointees of the current government must be congratulated for recognising the work done by their predecessors.
The obnoxious practice of running down our predecessors and creating the impression that they did nothing to advance the cause of the nation is wrong and unethical.
The positive impact of the Gold-For-Oil policy, which the former Vice President originated, is what has accounted for some of the economic dividends being felt in the country today. This has expectedly attracted the attention of countries like Namibia, which seeks to replicate it.
We recall the recent visit to the medical drone system by some government appointees. It was such a refreshing spectacle to behold when persons who previously derided the project, one of them even claiming it was going to be used to watch naked women in bathrooms, marveled at the innovation. Although this was balderdash and simply ignored by responsible Ghanaians, it testified to how lowly some Ghanaians in the name of partisan politics can think.
It is time to grow and to consider our country first in all that we do, and to remember that one government cannot do everything within the four-year mandate given by the people, the rest waiting to be continued by others.
Child Rights International (CRI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has strongly condemned the recent evacuation operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), describing it as a gross violation of child protection standards and a national emergency requiring urgent redress.
The operation, which occurred on May 16, 2025, saw the arrest of over 2,000 street beggars from key urban hotspots including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle in the Greater Accra Region.
Residents in North East Region have been urged to remain vigilant to report immediately suspected cholera symptoms to health facilities in the region.
This forms part of proactive steps by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prevent any potential cholera outbreak in various communities in the region.
The Health Promotion Division Manager of the GHS, Ms Patience Boahen, stated this here in Gambaga at a media engagement.
The purpose of the media engagement was to educate the people on their platforms the need for them to report any symptoms of cholera in their areas for early treatment.
She said it was important for residents to report timely for treatment of diarrhea and its
related symptoms, stating that “Although the North East Region has not recorded any cholera cases yet but we cannot also wait for it to strike before we start any actions.”
Ms Boahen noted that the rains had just started and one of the things that spreads the disease was an open defecation.
She added that the faeces were going to be washed with the rain and some of them would end up in their river bodies where members of the community would fetch the water to drink, and that could be a potential source of cholera
She further mentioned that her outfit was encouraging the residents to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration.
Ms Boahen indicated that they believed in working together as a team to prevent any outbreak in the region.
“Our outfit is doing all this education as a preventive measure against any possible outbreak in the region to prevent residents from getting the cholera disease,” she emphasised.
This, she stressed, was important for the media to help them educate the residents to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, and for early detection and report to the health facility for immediate actions
The economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported
Ghanaian economist, Mr Emmanuel Amoah, has revealed that the cost of many goods sold in Ghana remains unchanged despite the cedi’s strength due to long shipping times.
“There are certain goods that take time to buy and time to sell. Cars, for instance, unlike consumables like tomatoes, will take some time before the change reflects in their pricing,” he stated.
Speaking in an interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Morning Show, the economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported and purchased at high prices.
“The turnaround time that traders observe is highly important because it is also a factor that contributes to the pricing of goods,” he explained.
Mr Amoah encouraged traders to set prices that correlate with the strength of the cedi against the dollar, as other sectors implement changes.
“Once the cedi has been strengthened, you should do the right thing by also allowing the changes to reflect in the pricing of your goods,” he urged.
On Saturday, May 24, Polo Beach Club will transform into a multisensory haven of heritage and elegance as it hosts Grains of Empire, a special cultural experience curated by LAFA, La Foundation for Arts.
The event will blend gastronomy, music, poetry, and African history into a compelling evening along Accra’s iconic coastline.
Designed as an intimate celebration of Africa’s culinary and cultural legacy, Grains of Empire invites guests to explore the continent’s deep-rooted stories through a carefully curated 3-course dinner, live orchestral performance, spoken word interludes, and textile storytelling—all set against the stunning backdrop of Polo Beach Club at sunset.
Beyond its artistic offering, the evening also champions a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting children with diverse needs through art therapy, reaffirming the organisers’ commitment to using culture as a vehicle for healing and social good.
“Grains of Empire is a reminder that our stories are powerful tools of healing, memory, and connection. We are proud to use this platform to not only honour African history but to give back to children whose voices need to be seen and heard through art,” a Polo Beach Club representative said.
The event is open to the public with limited seating, and guests are encouraged to make reservations early and be on time.
Attendees can expect an elegant yet soulful experience rooted in Africa’s rich culinary and creative traditions.
The Minerals Commission has officially begun the deployment of 453 Blue Water Guards across seven Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Western Region. This initiative aims to protect the region’s water bodies from pollution caused by illegal small-scale mining activities.
These 453 personnel form part of a larger national plan to train and deploy 2,000 Blue Water Guards. They completed their training under the Ghana Navy on April 14, 2025, and are now set to operate in collaboration with both the Navy and the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, May 21, during the deployment of 213 guards to the Ellembelle District, the Western Regional Director of the Minerals Commission, Francis Annobil, announced that a total of 326 guards have already been deployed across the selected MMDAs.
He emphasised that the deployment exercise is ongoing and will continue until all trained personnel are stationed.
Mr. Annobil urged beneficiary communities to welcome the guards and offer their support, stressing the importance of community collaboration in achieving the program’s goals.
“These individuals have completed their training, and it is now time for them to go into the field and begin the work they were trained for,” he explained. “We thought it wise to present them to you, so that if you see them in the community, you will know they are on official duty.”
He further clarified that the guards will not be operating independently but in close coordination with the police.
“When they see anyone engaging in mining activities in the forest or water bodies, they will report the case to the police for appropriate action,” he added.
Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to provide trading space for hawkers operating in unauthorised areas of the Central Business District (CBD) within the next two months.
This assurance comes on the heels of an ongoing decongestion exercise aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing sanitation across the capital. The operation, dubbed “Red Line,” involves demarcated zones for pedestrian movement and regulated trading.
Speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, May 21, during a site inspection of the demarcation process, the Mayor reiterated his commitment to sustaining the exercise until its intended goals are fully realised.
“Because things are in a rush, we have to make a hasty decision. I know this will help things in the meantime. Within a month or two, I will try and get a place for them.”
“I didn’t ask the traders to sell on the street, and again, they know better that where they are is not the right place to sell. They should come to the market,” he stated.
A former Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay
A former Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay, has praised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing him as one of the most hardworking presidents the country has ever had.
Speaking in an interview with GH One TV on May 20,2025, the diplomat refuted claims that former President Akufo-Addo did not apply himself fully to the governance of the country during his tenure.
She indicated that she had a close working relationship with the former president and seized the moment to share her firsthand experience with him.
“I served under his government, and I’ll say that former President Akufo-Addo was one of the hardworking presidents that I know. At least I knew him because he was president, and he visited Germany a number of times. He wasn’t lazy at all,” she said.
Blay noted that while no administration is without challenges, Akufo-Addo’s efforts to improve Ghana should not be dismissed.
“If someone says he was lazy, it’s not true. He worked hard. Just like I’ve just said about President Mahama, he also wanted to give his best for Ghana. Along the way, there will be shortfalls, problems and challenges – which many people talk about these days,” she stated.
She added that Germany was one of the countries the former president visited most during his time in office, emphasising his role in strengthening Ghana’s international ties with the European country.
“In my view, having worked closely with him, I think he tried his best. So, we should accord him that credit,” she said.
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MRA/VPO
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
Blogger Kwadwo Sheldon (L) and Ghanaian dancehall musician, Shatta Wale (R)
Dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has escalated his ongoing feud with blogger Kwadwo Sheldon by releasing a diss track aimed at him.
The conflict began after Kwadwo Sheldon posted a video showing his apartment flooded due to the heavy downpour on May 18, 2025.
Following the post, Shatta Wale expressed sympathy in a series of posts, stating that he is willing to offer any assistance Sheldon might need.
Although Shatta Wale’s message appeared to be a harmless gesture, Sheldon responded via X, expressing displeasure and stating that he does not need any help from the musician.
This exchange triggered a back-and-forth between the two, with the situation escalating into a trade of words, particularly from Shatta Wale, who labelled Sheldon a “stubborn, proud man” for refusing his help.
In the latest development, Shatta Wale has released a diss track titled “Fame”, in which he has launched a fresh round of insults at Kwadwo Sheldon.
In the song, Shatta lambasted Sheldon and labelled him as an attention seeker.
The song has since sparked mixed reactions online. Scores of netizens have labelled it as irrelevant, questioning why Shatta Wale is dedicating so much energy to a back-and-forth with Sheldon.
Others have criticised Sheldon for reacting harshly to what they see as a well-intentioned offer of help.
Listen to the song below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile watch as Robert Klah given reasons why Charterhouse delayed TGMAs red carpet
The students are under investigation for openly displaying weapons
Students of the Winneba Technical Institute who were seen in a viral video brandishing weapons are currently under investigation by the school authorities.
According to the Assistant Administrator of the institution, Stephen Yaw Asare, the students, numbering about eight, who appeared in the video have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to uncover the identities of others who may have been connected to the incident.
Yaw Asare explained that, based on their interrogation of some of the students, it came to light that the act was intended to be playful, with no malicious intent.
However, he acknowledged that the video has triggered widespread backlash and outrage, which he said has tarnished the reputation of the school.
He assured that the necessary disciplinary actions will be taken to address the issue and serve as a deterrent to others.
“We assembled the students and were able to identify (sic) some of the students. We took them to the principal’s office to interrogate them further. After the interrogation, we realised they were doing something just for fun but unfortunately, looking at the nature of the video, we have to take action,” he said in an interview with Channel One on May 20, 2025.
Yaw Asare expressed shock at how the students were able to obtain such weapons, emphasising that the school neither permits nor requires students to bring such items to the campus.
“And nobody has ever told them to bring such things because it’s something we do not allow. Even mobile phones are not allowed and we forbid our students from using (sic) it while on campus. However, you look at it, it is our students, and regardless of the circumstances, our name has gone viral in line with the negativity they portrayed. So, we still have to apply our rules to mete out the punishment they deserve,” he added.
This update comes after a video surfaced on social media showing students of the Winneba Technical Institute openly displaying a variety of weapons.
The footage captured a group of students parading and brandishing what appeared to be knives and other objects within the school premises, sparking widespread condemnation from the public.
MAG/VPO
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor
The Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), Ben Nsiah, has cautioned the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, against what he described as repeated public lamentations over the financial challenges in the energy sector.
Speaking in an interview on Class 91.3 FM’s morning show hosted by Kwame Dwumoh Agyemang on Wednesday, Nsiah warned that the minister’s approach to disclosing liabilities in the energy generation sector could discourage potential investors.
“The manner in which the minister continues to speak about the sector’s liabilities could send the wrong signal to investors.
It creates an impression that any capital injected into the sector may not be recoverable,” he said.
Nsiah argued that while transparency is important, sensitive financial information should be handled with discretion, particularly in a sector as critical as energy.
He suggested that such issues be addressed through diplomatic engagements with key stakeholders such as Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Ministry of Finance, rather than through the media.
“Investors are listening. If the minister continues to lament publicly, it could create despair and further weaken confidence in the sector,” he warned.
“This behaviour, going forward, will not help in attracting the investment and capital injection the energy sector urgently needs.”
He urged the Minister to be more strategic in his communication, stressing the need to focus on policy solutions and attracting new investments instead of emphasising the sector’s financial distress.
Nsiah also called on the government to urgently develop and implement a clear action plan to rescue the energy sector from a potential crisis.
He recalled that in 2019, the Energy Sector Reform Programme, supported by the World Bank, aimed to bring lasting reforms to the sector.
However, he noted that since then, no comprehensive action plan has emerged to sustain those efforts.
“It’s time for the government to prioritise the energy sector.
Without a proper roadmap and responsible leadership communication, we risk losing investor confidence and plunging the country back into a power crisis,” Nsiah concluded.
Fans of Spurs and United engaged in a brawl
What started as a lively build-up to the Europa League final turned ugly on the streets of San Sebastian as rival Manchester United and Tottenham fans clashed in a violent street fight.
While the majority of the estimated 70,000 fans in Bilbao enjoyed the sun and beer-filled celebrations, tensions spilled over in a nearby city on Monday night.
Disturbing footage shared online shows groups of supporters trading punches and launching bottles, bins, and even furniture during a chaotic confrontation on Fermín Calbetón Street.
Locals called the police around 9:20 pm after witnessing the violent scenes. Witnesses say the trouble began when fans from both clubs exchanged insults, which quickly escalated into physical violence.
One supporter was seen flipping a terrace table and using it as a weapon. Others grabbed whatever was in reach, turning the street into a battlefield that endangered nearby businesses and pedestrians.
Police patrols arrived swiftly and brought the situation under control. While several people were treated by medical staff at the scene, no one required hospitalisation, and no arrests have been confirmed.
The incident adds a sour note to what has otherwise been a festive atmosphere in the Basque region ahead of the final on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Watch the video below:
United and Spurs fans in Spain fighting this night. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/14RW1YVP0R
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) May 20, 2025
FKA/MA
Watch full report on the day one of the Sekondi Inter-Schools athletics
The civil war in Sudan has led to widespread destruction in Sudan’s capital city Khartoum
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group, which has been engaged in a two-year war with Sudan’s army, has been entirely pushed out of Khartoum state, says the military.
“Khartoum State is completely free of rebels”, the army said in a statement published by Sudan’s News Agency.
The announcement comes nearly two months after the military recaptured Khartoum city – including the presidential palace – from its rivals in a major victory.
Earlier on Tuesday, fighting had broken out between the warring groups in the city of Omdurman – which is also in Khartoum state and part of the capital region.
The army said on Monday that it had started a “large-scale offensive” in Omdurman, according to the AFP news agency.
The RSF has not yet commented on the army’s latest claim.
Khartoum had once been at the heart of Sudan’s government, but the country’s military leaders were forced to move east to Port Sudan after their rivals took control of the area.
Until recently Port Sudan had been viewed as relatively safe, however it was at the centre of escalating fighting when it came under drone attack earlier this month, which the army blamed on the RSF.
The attacks hit key infrastructure and led to water shortages and worsening blackouts.
The war has also had diplomatic reverberations, with relations souring between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Sudan accused the Gulf nation of supporting the RSF, which it denies.
Those accusations continued on Tuesday, with Sudan saying the UAE was responsible for an attack on Port Sudan earlier this month, Reuters news agency reported.
The UAE has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as “unfounded allegations”.
Since the civil war erupted more than two years ago, thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced from their homes, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Both the army and the RSF have been accused of war crimes, which they deny.
Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber of Freight and Trade, has weighed in on ongoing concerns about high import prices despite the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi against the US Dollar.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Amfo Sefa addressed mounting public pressure on importers — particularly the Spare Parts Dealers Association — to reduce prices of goods.
He explained that traders are reluctant to lower prices because their current stock was acquired when the exchange rate was significantly higher, making it unfeasible to sell at reduced prices now.
The issue is further compounded by reported inconsistencies in exchange rate applications at the ports. Some importers claim that while the Bank of Ghana (BoG) pegs the Cedi at around GHC13 to $1, Customs officers at the ports use an exchange rate of GHC15 to $1.
However, Amfo Sefa clarified that Customs adheres to the Bank of Ghana’s official rates.
“No one can say Customs is using a different rate. If you check the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) system, you’ll find rates consistent with what BoG has published — around GHC12.1 or GHC13, never above it,” he explained.
The real issue, according to him, lies with private operators at the ports — particularly shipping lines — that apply their own rates for calculating demurrage and other charges.
“The shipping lines are not under any obligation to use the BoG rate. Some use interbank rates from their own banks. Others lock in a rate and review it monthly. This lack of uniformity creates serious challenges for importers,” he said.
He criticised the Ghana Shippers Authority for failing to rein in these practices, saying, “We’ve complained for years, but the Ghana Shippers Authority isn’t doing enough. Shipping lines are left to do whatever they want, and it’s hurting business.”
We can’t reduce prices now – Abossey Okai spare parts dealers
Ghanaian musician Ayisi, born Emmanuel Kwadwo Oware, has shared the reason why it took a long time for him to be massively recognised in the music industry after a decade.
He said he kept putting in effort to produce songs but realized that not everybody is made for fame — some are made for purpose.
According to him, even though he was not recognized, he continued creating songs with optimism that things would eventually turn around for him.
The musician spoke in a recent interview following his win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he clinched the Record of the Year award.
“I took a break because I wasn’t going for interviews and was handling some personal stuff too. But I was always going back to the studio to record and getting ready for the right moment when everything had settled cus I’m not the type of person that will wait for everything to cool down before I’ll take actions. I was still recording and going to the studio, doing what I should be doing and when the right moment came I’m out here again.” he told Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s ‘Changes.’
Regardless of the fact that his work was not widely known, he never stopped creating, so he could showcase his worth whenever he was asked to provide evidence of his efforts.
Responding to a question about whether he felt pressured, given how other artists such as KiDi and Kuami Eugene rose to fame even though he broke out before them, Ayisi said “now I’ve realized that some people are not made for the fame and all of the other stuff; some people are made for purpose.”
Therefore, it is incumbent upon individuals to identify what they are made for, align with their purpose, and continue doing their best.
At one point, he was worried, but it did not discourage him, as he realized he could not compare himself to others—only to himself.
Ayisi, formerly known as A.I., caught the attention of music lovers with his song ‘Grind’ in 2016. Although he continued recording, his subsequent songs did not gain widespread recognition. In 2022, he released a new track titled ‘Can I Live,’ but it didn’t gain traction until 2024, when it eventually earned him a nomination at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he won Record of the Year.
With this recognition, the artiste confidently concludes that this is his time to shine.
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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 recent appreciation of the Ghana Cedi has sparked a sharp debate between former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and current President John Dramani Mahama, with both leaders crediting different policies and approaches for the currency’s performance and broader economic recovery.
No NDC Policy Caused Cedi Gains – Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, dismissed claims that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government deserves credit for the cedi’s recent gains.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in London, Dr. Bawumia challenged the NDC to point to any policy they have implemented that directly influenced the currency’s recent strength.
“If you are to ask the NDC to point out exactly what policy they have implemented that has resulted in the appreciation of the cedi, they cannot tell you one that has actually been implemented,” he said emphatically, adding, “Not something that has been promised or talked about—something real. There is no such policy.”
Dr. Bawumia explained that the NDC administration only passed its 2025 budget in March and has yet to begin significant spending or launch initiatives that could impact the currency. “They’ve not even issued any contracts or made any payments of note. So you cannot ascribe what is happening to the cedi to any policy they’ve implemented,” he added.
Instead, Dr. Bawumia attributed the cedi’s gains to policies enacted under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration of which he was part of, with particular focus on the gold purchase programme launched in 2022. He recalled how Ghana’s gold reserves were a mere 8.7 tons before the programme but grew to 30 tons in just two years, equating to $5 billion in reserves accumulated through domestic acquisition.
“Ghana, as Africa’s largest gold producer, had just 8.7 tons of gold reserves. Meanwhile, countries like the US have over 8,000 tons. That reserve strength gives confidence in a currency,” Bawumia said and continued, “You don’t need to export to earn gold. You just dig it up or buy it with cedis. It was a faster and easier way to shore up reserves.”
He argued that this build-up of gold reserves, alongside the gold-for-oil programme, shielded the economy from collapse and created a foundation for the currency’s stability.
Dr. Bawumia also pointed to global factors and the NDC’s limited spending as contributing to the cedi’s current position.
“The US dollar is on a downward trend globally, which is strengthening other currencies. In Zambia, for instance, the Kwacha has gained because of the same global trend,” he noted.
He further claimed that the NDC’s failure to pay Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and contractors is temporarily reducing demand for foreign exchange, artificially easing pressure on the cedi.
“I believe what we put in place will help maintain stability in the cedi. But we’ll see how the NDC manages it going forward,” he concluded.
Robust Policies Driving Economic Recovery – Mahama
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the recent cedi stabilisation and signs of economic recovery to his government’s decisive and robust policy measures since taking office in early 2025. Speaking at the Ghana-European Union Business Forum in Accra, President Mahama painted a picture of an economy that was under severe fiscal distress upon his administration’s arrival.
“We had to take urgent steps with the presentation of a budget to Parliament that made a steep adjustment in the primary balance—from negative 3.9% of GDP to a projected positive 1.5% by the end of this year,” Mahama said.
“These bold and targeted interventions are now beginning to show early signs of economic recovery and renewed momentum,” he intimated.
He pointed out that Ghana’s 2024 GDP growth of 5.7%, largely driven by mining, construction, and services sectors, and pointed to data from the Bank of Ghana showing a sustained pickup in real economic activity early in 2025.
According to him, inflation, which peaked at 23.8% at the end of 2024, has started to ease, dropping to 21.2% by April.
President Mahama explained that the Ghana Cedi, after depreciating by 19.2% in 2024, has appreciated by 3.9% against the US dollar by the end of April 2025. This, he said, is supported by strong foreign exchange inflows, improved trade balances, and growing investor confidence.
“Our gross international reserves have also improved significantly—from $8.98 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion by April 2025—equivalent to nearly five months of import cover,” the President disclosed.
This increase reflects enhanced export earnings, particularly from gold and non-traditional exports, along with timely disbursements from multilateral partners, President Mahama said.
He added that fiscal discipline is a key factor, with the fiscal deficit dropping from 7.5% of GDP in 2024 to 6.4% in the first half of 2025, on track to meet an end-year target of 3.1%.
The President also emphasised his government’s efforts at expenditure rationalisation, improved domestic revenue mobilisation, and strong anti-corruption measures as critical to the recovery.
“The figures, though early in the year, indicate a disciplined and inclusive economic recovery,” he said, stressing the global shift from multilateral to more transactional economic relationships.
Touching on Ghana’s trade ties with the European Union, the President noted that total exports reached $20.4 billion in 2024, with a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion. Gold, mineral fuels, and cocoa accounted for over 82% of total exports.
He reaffirmed the EU’s role as a key development and trade partner, pointing to the Business Forum as a sign of commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation.
By Ernest Kofi Adu & Prince Fiifi Yorke
The Winneba Technical Institute is investigating eight of its students following a viral video of the students openly brandishing weapons.
In a viral video shared on X, the students dressed in their uniform were captured brandishing knives, pairs of scissors, and others.
The video has drawn widespread outrage particularly because of the ongoing case of the unfortunate incident involving SDA student, Suzzy Pinamang, who is still recovering from the tragedy of another student bringing a weapon to school.
