The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a new directive to all players in the shipping industry, mandating the adoption of transparent and market-reflective exchange rates in their pricing models.
The new guidelines, which take effect from Monday, July 22, 2025, are aimed at promoting consistency and regulatory compliance in foreign exchange practices within the sector.
Outlined in a formal notice (No. BG/GOV/SEC/2025/47), the central bank emphasised that the move follows consultations with key stakeholders in the shipping industry. The guidelines are designed to curb arbitrary exchange rate practices, improve transparency in port-related charges, and ensure customers are well-informed about the basis for pricing in either Ghana cedis or US dollars.
“All industry players must publish daily exchange rates used for invoicing on their websites and/or at their premises,” the BoG stated, adding that such rates must be made clearly available to customers before invoices are issued or payments are made.
Invoices are now required to provide full disclosure of key information, including the currency of the service rendered, the applied exchange rate, the date of application, and the final amount payable in either Ghana cedis (GHS) or US dollars (USD).
Crucially, the BoG has directed that exchange rates used must reflect prevailing market conditions and align with the commercial bank rates, benchmarked against the central bank’s published interbank exchange rate. The notice stresses that rates must not be “arbitrarily determined.”
To resolve any potential disputes, customers are first encouraged to lodge formal complaints directly with service providers. If unresolved, complaints may be escalated to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) for redress.
The directive further reminds industry players to comply with the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), and all related regulatory notices. Non-compliance, the central bank warned, could lead to administrative sanctions.
An Ethiopian official has denied Donald Trump’s claim that the United States helped fund Ethiopia’s new megadam on the River Nile, saying it is false and “destructive”.
Last week, President Trump said the controversial dam was built “with United States money, largely”.
Officially known as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the project is Africa’s biggest hydroelectric plant and a major source of pride for Ethiopians.
Over the 14 years it has taken to complete Gerd, the Ethiopian authorities have repeatedly said that the dam was funded by the government, along with contributions from the Ethiopian people.
The dam has, however, angered Egypt and Sudan, which lie upstream on the River Nile and fear the dam could lead to less water flowing into their countries.
The BBC has asked the US authorities to expand on Trump’s comments.
On Tuesday, Fikrte Tamir, deputy director of the Gerd Coordination Office, dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying the dam was built “without any foreign aid”.
Although technically an independent body, the Gerd Coordination Office was set up by the government to mobilise resources for the dam.
“Regarding what Donald Trump claimed, the government should respond with far-sighted and carefully considered diplomatic procedures,” Ms Fikrte said.
Following Ms Fikrte’s comments, some Ethiopians have questioned how privy the Gerd Coordination Office would be to any potential deal between the government and the US, given its independent status.
Ethiopia’s government has not responded to Trump’s comments about funding the dam, which began generating electricity in 2022 and was fully completed earlier this month.
It is not the first time Trump has claimed US involvement in Gerd. Last month, in a post on his Truth Social online platform, the president said the dam was “stupidly financed by the United States of America” and “substantially reduces the water flowing into The Nile River”.
Trump was referring to concerns from Egypt and Sudan that the megadam would disrupt the flow of water they get from the River Nile.
More than a mile long and 145m high, Gerd lies on the Blue Nile in the northern Ethiopian highlands, from where 85% of the River Nile’s waters flow.
Ethiopia wants the dam to produce desperately needed electricity, as the majority of its population – about 60% – have no supply.
But the construction of Gerd has led to tensions with Egypt – an ally of the Trump administration – and Sudan.
Initially scheduled to be completed within six years with a $4bn (£2.9bn) budget, GERD generated excitement among the Ethiopian public.
The authorities capitalised on this interest to raise money for the dam – bonds were sold to companies, employees pledged deductions from their salaries and Ethiopia’s huge diaspora sent in donations.
Despite the project running significantly behind schedule, and consequently over budget, it has continued to draw contributions.
In the year leading up to 7 July, 1.7 billion birr ($12.3 million; £9.1 million) has been collected from the public, the GERD Coordination Office says.
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.
Government plans to shorten mining licence durations and mandate direct revenue-sharing with local communities in its most sweeping mining law reforms in nearly two decades, details of which were announced by the Lands Minister on Wednesday.
The planned overhaul reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are rewriting mining codes to capture more value from rising commodity prices.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said the changes, which include scrapping automatic renewal of some licences, will apply only to future contracts, a departure from the stance in Mali and Burkina Faso, where military-led governments have applied reforms retroactively.
“In Ghana, we don’t do retrospective laws,” Buah said at a presentation in the capital, Accra. “Existing agreements are sanctified and will be respected.”
He added that the overhaul of the Minerals and Mining Act and mining policy was 85% complete following extensive stakeholder consultations.
DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENT
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, expects output to rise to 5.1 million ounces this year. Major miners in the country include Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin, Asante Gold, and Perseus.
It also exports bauxite and manganese with plans to start lithium production.
Under the proposed law changes, prospecting licences would no longer be held indefinitely, and the maximum term for mining leases would be reduced from 30 years to a shorter period agreed by the government and firms. Companies failing to meet environmental, social or production obligations would lose the right to automatic licence renewal.
In a major shift, the government plans to abolish development agreements, in which companies send money to the central government.
Instead, companies will be required to sign agreements committing a fixed percentage of gross mineral sales revenue to fund local development projects as the government seeks to address long-standing grievances from communities that they have seen little benefit from mining operations.
The reforms also propose a three-tier mineral rights regime, introducing a new medium-scale licence category to bridge the gap between large multinational operators and small-scale artisanal miners.
Another key change under consideration is the reduction or abolition of stability agreements, which currently offer up to 15 years of tax and regulatory protection to large investors.
Future agreements would be limited to capital recovery periods for major investments.
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.
Ghana’s Black Satellites secured third place at the 2025 WAFU-B U20 Boys Tournament with a decisive 2-0 victory over Niger at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
Striker Aziz Musibau delivered both goals, sealing the win in coach Desmond Ofei’s final match leading the U-20 squad. The bronze medal marks Ghana’s second podium finish under Ofei’s three-year tenure.
The match encountered controversy in the 67th minute when Niger’s team temporarily walked off the pitch protesting a handball penalty awarded to Ghana. Tournament officials intervened to restore order before play resumed. Musibau calmly converted the resulting spot-kick in the 70th minute, breaking the deadlock.
Musibau sealed his brace eight minutes later, finishing a swift team move with a close-range tap-in off Kelvin Nkrumah’s precise cross. Ghana maintained control through the final stages to clinch the bronze in the inaugural regional tournament. The victory concludes Ofei’s U-20 coaching chapter as he transitions fully to his assistant role with Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars.
An advert by Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been banned because the model appeared to be “unhealthily thin”.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the pose of the model and the choice of clothing – including “large pointed shoes” which emphasised “the slenderness of her legs” – made the advert “irresponsible”.
The watchdog ruled that the advert must not appear again in its current form and M&S must ensure all the images it uses do not portray models as unhealthily thin.
The retailer has stopped using the advert but said in its response to the advertising regulator that its women’s clothing range is inclusive and that it “responsibly promoted aspirational fashion”.
The now-banned image previously appeared on the retailer’s app and showed a model wearing a white off-the-shoulder top and slim-fit trousers as well as the pointed shoes in question.
The ASA also said the model’s head appeared out of proportion with the rest of her body, which further highlighted her small frame.
M&S said the model’s pose was chosen to portray confidence and ease and not to convey slimness.
It also said the shoes selected were for “stylistic and fashion” purposes only.
The ASA acknowledged that three other M&S adverts were also investigated but were not banned. Although M&S chose to amend and remove the specific images.
M&S said that all its models are “selected not only for their professional suitability but also for their health and wellbeing”.
It said it ensures all models are in good health and comply with industry standards to avoid promoting unhealthy body images.
‘Toned physique’
Earlier this year, fellow retailer Next also had an advert for blue skinny jeans banned because the model’s pose made her look “unhealthily thin”.
The ASA said the advert emphasised the thinness of the model’s legs using camera angles, and deemed it “irresponsible”.
Next said it disagreed with the advertising watchdog’s decision and said the model, while slim, had a “healthy and toned physique”.
It is not just fashion adverts that have been banned by the ASA recently.
Earlier this month, an Instagram post by TV personality Gemma Collins, which showcased a weight-loss drug and app, was banned.
It is illegal to advertise prescription-only weight-loss drugs, and Ms Collins’ was one of nine adverts banned in a crackdown on this content by the ASA.
Ms Collins told the ASA’s investigation she accepted her posts had promoted the Yazen weight-loss service and app, and she would follow guidance in future.
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.
George Opare Addo is the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reiterated his commitment to permanently solving challenges in the National Service Scheme (NSS), particularly concerning the issue of ghost names.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express and monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, July 22, the minister acknowledged that the ghost names scandal is not new, citing similar incidents that happened under the previous NDC administrations.
He explained that the previous NDC government made some efforts in 2013 and 2014 which only provided a partial fix, allowing the problem to resurface under subsequent administration.
“This is not the first time. When we were in government, we had issues with ghost names. It seems like every 8 years the problem comes up again,” he said.
“In 2013-2014, we fixed it halfway but didn’t address it holistically. That’s why we’re still dealing with this today,” he added.
He disclosed that the suspension of some mobile applications used for metrics and postings was due to concerns over private ownership and lack of access to critical data.
“All those apps were owned by private individuals. That’s not ideal. The NSS is a state agency and must own and manage its own data,” he stressed.
“We are waiting for the Auditor-General’s advice, but going forward, we intend for the National Service Secretariat to have full control,” he said.
He also raised concerns about contractual agreements that allowed sensitive national data to be managed externally, promising a review of such arrangements.
“Whoever signed that contract will have questions to answer,” he noted.
George Opare Addo assured National Service Personnel that payments of allowances have been delayed not out of neglect, but as part of ongoing reforms.
“We’ve held on to allowances because the President instructed the suspension of the current metric app,” he explained.
The minister emphasised that he wants to be remembered as the one who fixed the NSS.
“I want to be remembered as the minister who fixed national service problem,” he stated.
According to him, the military is currently collaborating with the Auditor-General and security agencies to uncover the full extent of the issue.
“Even this morning, I had a discussion with the Auditor-General on what they are uncovering,” he stated.
George Opare Addo assured service personnel that a robust digital platform is being developed to eliminate fraud and ensure efficiency within the Scheme.
AS/VPO
Meanwhile, you can also watch videos from the NPP’s National Delegates Conference below:
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, Naa Abdul-Malik Azenbe via a Facebook post.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I have received the news of the tragic killing of the Ashanti Region Kusasi Chief, Naa Abdul-Malik Azenbe,” he stated.
He described the killing as a “heinous act” which is not only a threat to the country’s traditional authority but also a threat to its peace and security.
“This heinous act is not only an attack on a revered traditional authority but also a grievous wound to the peace and security we all cherish,” he wrote.
He has assured Ghanaians and the family that the security agencies will be committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“I want to assure the family and the people of Ghana that our security agencies are fully committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this crime are swiftly apprehended and made to face the full rigours of the law,” he added.
The Interior Minister also appealed to residents within the Asawase constituency and surrounding areas, to remain calm and assist with the ongoing investigations by providing any relevant information to the authorities.
“Let us all stand together to ensure that justice is served and that peace continues to prevail in our beloved constituency and nation” he urged.
The late Kusasi Chief served as the Kaadi Divisional Area Chief in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.
Black Queens midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe has admitted that Ghana’s semifinal exit at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is a tough pill to swallow.
Ghana suffered a painful 4-2 defeat on penalties to host nation Morocco after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Queens had taken an early lead through Stella Nyamekye, but Sakina Ouzraoui Diki levelled for the Atlas Lionesses in the second half to send the tie into extra time and eventually to penalties.
Misses by Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah in the shootout handed Morocco the win, denying Ghana a spot in the WAFCON final for the first time since 1998.
“It’s really hard luck today, I have to say. This one actually hurt,” Cudjoe told journalists after the game. “We gave everything. We wanted to win, we did everything that was asked of us. It just hurts because I feel like we deserved to be in the final.”
Despite the heartbreak, the former NJ/NY Gotham midfielder praised the spirit of the team, saying they showed character throughout the tournament.
“I’m just proud of the team because we didn’t give up. We proved to everyone that we can do something, and hopefully in our next game we can get a medal.”
Ghana will now shift focus to the third-place playoff against defending champions South Africa on Friday, July 25, as they aim to end the campaign with bronze.
The Black Queens of Ghana failed to reach the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in the semi-final.
Ghana opened the scoring through Stella Nyamekye in the first half before Sakina Ouzraoui forced the game into extra time with a second-half equaliser.
Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missed their spot kicks as Ghana lost 4-2.
The Black Queens dominated the early exchanges, with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah striking first from the box, but the Moroccan shot-stopper was equal to the task.
Moments later, Doris Boaduwaa hustled her markers, but her effort went wide before Nyamekye struck from outside the box, which fell straight into the arms of Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Nyamekye then broke the deadlock halfway through the first half after finishing off a corner she took. Her cross, which was cleared, fell to Grace Asantewaa, who found Comfort Yeboah on the right. The Ampem Darkoa Ladies defender’s cross was met by Josephine Bonsu’s header, which hit the post before Nyamekye bundled it across the line.
Ghana nearly doubled their lead after Boaduwaa charged down the Moroccan goalkeeper into making a mistake. The loose ball fell to Nyamekye, but the Gotham City midfielder’s effort went wide.
After the break, the Moroccans returned strongly, pinning the Black Queens back with waves of attack.
The early pressure paid off after a mistake by Yeboah allowed Sakina Ouzraoui to finish off the move and level the score after 55 minutes.
The hosts continued to dominate, with Ghizlane Chebbak coming close late in regulation time, but a timely intervention from Susan Duah denied the Moroccan captain and forced the game into extra time.
Ghana had a good opportunity to retake the lead in the second half of extra time after Asantewaa whipped in a sumptuous corner that evaded the Moroccan defence and fell to Alice Kusi at the far post, but her connection lacked power.
Evelyn Badu was gifted the chance to win it after the Moroccan goalkeeper punched a ball into her path, but the midfielder could not direct her header into the net.
Later on, Badu beat her marker to send in a deceiving cross, but there was no one at the end of it to convert.
The game proceeded to penalties, where Badu and Yeboah missed their kicks as the hosts secured a place in the final.
Former world champion Joseph Agbeko’s manager Nii Gonti Adjor 1 has urged Ghana’s boxing stakeholders to embrace strict professionalism, cautioning against industry indiscipline during his address at the Ghana Boxing Authority’s Extraordinary Congress.
The newly co-opted executive board member emphasized boxing’s global scale versus Ghana’s niche position, stressing that “misunderstandings and indiscipline” undermine progress.
Adjor specifically called for:
Confidentiality: Comparing boxing to banking and law, he warned against revealing strategic weaknesses (“Bankers don’t expose professional mistakes”)
Tiered Matchmaking: Advocating rational bout placement – major fights for large platforms, less prominent matches for pubs/gyms
Performance Standards: Sanctioning “journeymen” boxers who fail to deliver entertainment value
Stakeholder Unity: Strengthening discipline across “ranks and files” of promoters, coaches, and athletes
The Atukpai chief highlighted boxing’s rewards—international travel and elite networking—citing relationships with footballer Memphis Depay and promoter Don King. His appointment follows decades of industry experience, including guiding Agbeko to multiple world titles.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has stated that he has never been a supporter of any single political party in Ghana.
Speaking during an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Prof. Gyampo clarified his political stance when asked if he had any affiliation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“No. I have never been a supporter of any one political party. But I have voted since 1992, I have voted for the NPP, and I have voted for the NDC. These are the two main parties I have voted for.”
Prof. Gyampo further shared his admiration for the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, stating, “I used to love Jerry Rawlings, I voted for him throughout.”
Prof. Gyampo also disclosed that he was one of the most vocal critics of President John Dramani Mahama in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.
He recounted his active role in holding the then Mahama administration accountable, stressing that his criticism at the time was well-known and thoroughly documented.
“In the lead-up to the 2016 elections. We were the ones who chased him [President Mahama] out. I was an avowed critic of President Mahama. I think you are a fair-minded Ghanaian and a fair-minded stakeholder in Ghana’s media landscape, so if I tell you that I was among the loudest critics of President Mahama in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, you will know, and there are documentary proofs. The internet doesn’t forget,” he stated.
Prof. Gyampo was appointed by President John Mahama on January 30, 2025, succeeding Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, who had been appointed by the former Akufo-Addo administration in December 2024.
Two arrested over Ablekuma North rerun violence
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
THE GHANA Football Association (GFA) has held a strategic meeting with executives of the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League (WPL) clubs as part of preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The engagement, held on Monday, July 21, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the past campaign and explore ways to elevate women’s football in Ghana.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, and Executive Council members Gifty Oware Mensah, Samuel Aboabire, and Frederick Acheampong led the discussions. The Domestic Leagues Committee, the Referees Committee, and WPL club executives were also present.
In his address, Okraku commended clubs for their dedication during the 2024/25 season and highlighted the need for continued collaboration to advance the women’s game.
“This platform is very important. It’s a feedback session for our clubs, what you saw last season and what you think can be done better as we seek improvement,” he said. “We will keep working on key areas such as improved matchday protocols, standardized player contracts, and other policies to raise the bar for the league.”
The meeting covered critical issues including league compliance, officiating, club licensing, and the GFA’s initiatives to accelerate growth in women’s football.
Chairman of the Domestic Leagues Committee, Dr. Anthony Aubynn, praised the progress of the women’s game, citing the Black Queens’ strong showing at the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as proof of the GFA’s investments and strategic direction.
The session ended with an open forum for club executives to offer suggestions aimed at strengthening the league’s structure, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
The 2025/26 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League season kicks off on October 31, 2025, and will run until April 27, 2026.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has disclosed that he was one of the most vocal critics of President John Dramani Mahama in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Prof. Gyampo recounted his active role in holding the Mahama administration accountable, stressing that his criticism at the time was well-known and thoroughly documented.
“In the lead-up to the 2016 elections. We were the ones who chased him [President Mahama] out. I was an avowed critic of President Mahama. I think you are a fair-minded Ghanaian and a fair-minded stakeholder in Ghana’s media landscape, so if I tell you that I was among the loudest critics of President Mahama in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, you will know, and there are documentary proofs. The internet doesn’t forget,” he stated.
He explained that the strong opposition to Mahama’s leadership stemmed from the belief that then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo would bring the transformational leadership Ghanaians desired.
“We chased him out of office in the hope that former President Akufo-Addo was going to be the messiah,” he added.
Prof. Gyampo was appointed by President John Mahama on January 30, 2025, succeeding Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, who had been appointed by the former Akufo-Addo administration in December 2024.
Two arrested over Ablekuma North rerun violence
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Tema, July 23, GNA – The First Baptist Church School has marked its ‘Advocacy Day’ with a passionate call on citizens and authorities to address and stop harmful social issues that threaten both individuals and the environment.
The theme of the advocacy day was centered around the need for collective action against pressing social challenges such as illegal mining commonly known as galamsey, child trafficking, cybercrime, and child abuse among others.
Ms. Vida Inkoom, Assistant Headteacher of the school, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that, the advocacy day served as an opportunity for the school to foster a sense of community responsibility among the pupils.
Ms. Inkoom emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about the dangers of certain activities that were damaging to nature, society, and future generations adding that by raising awareness, the school hoped to inspire actions that would lead to lasting change.
???????
She explained that these issues were not just isolated problems but represented serious threats that affected the well-being of individuals and communities which when left unchecked, could have long-lasting negative impacts on the environment.
She said this was the maiden programme and the school aims at organising it yearly to instil positive mind-set in the children and appealed to the decision makers to consider the future of the younger generation to quickly address issues that would affect their future, environment and nature.
The Assistant Headteacher stressed the importance of youth involvement in solving these problems and encouraged young people to take a stand and actively engage in tackling these social issues as future leaders of the nation.
The pupils of First Baptist Church School took to the streets with guidance from their teachers to engage with the local community and spread the message through placards and inscriptions on their shirts about the destructive nature of illegal activities, which may lead to adverse effects on the environment in years to come.
They wore T-shirts with various inscriptions such as “corruption is an enemy,” “stop child abuse,” “let’s fight cybercrime,” “do not destroy nature,” “ galamsey is killing our future,” and “plant tree for life”among others.
They also highlighted the dangers of child trafficking, child abuse, cyber crime and other criminal activities that robbed children of their futures and exposes them to exploitation and abuse.
Ms Stephanie Ababio, a class five pupil stressed on the need for Ghanaians to rise against activities that damaged the society and the future of the younger generation.
Joseph Kpemka, Lawyer for the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has described the GH¢2 million bail granted to his client as fair and considerate, rejecting claims that the conditions were overly harsh.
Speaking to in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 23, he expressed strong support for the judge’s decision, stating that “Absolutely not too harsh. In fact, I will say that the judge was rather considerate, looking at the circumstances and all that.
“So for me, I can tell you without a shred of doubt that the judge was spot on, and we appreciate very much what the court did.”
Dr. Abdul-Hamid is the first accused in a high-profile corruption case involving GH¢280 million in alleged extortion and money laundering, spearheaded by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He has been charged alongside nine other individuals and corporate entities, all of whom have denied the allegations.
As part of his bail conditions, Dr. Abdul-Hamid was required to produce two sureties, each earning a net monthly income of not less than GH¢5,000, with the amounts to be justified. He is also expected to report to the OSP every two weeks as investigations continue.
His co-accused—Jacob Kwamena Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, an NPA employee—were also granted bail under identical terms. Four additional accused persons received GH¢2 million bail each but must provide three sureties, including at least one backed by landed property.
The accused are alleged to have been part of a scheme targeting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), using their positions to extort money which was then laundered through purchases of luxury properties, vehicles, and fuel stations.
Read also…
Mustapha Hamid meets bail conditions in GH¢280m corruption case
Have you ever imagined living with a condition that quietly damages your kidneys, heart, brain, and eyes—without warning signs? A condition that affects millions globally, yet often goes undetected until the damage is already done?
That condition is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension—and it’s not called the silent killer for nothing.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook our body’s warning signs. Headaches, fatigue and dizziness can be dismissed as minor issues, but they might be symptoms of a more serious underlying problem. The silent killer is a major global health threat that’s often misunderstood and underestimated
High blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the force of pushing against the walls of the arteries is constantly high.
The high pressure causes the heart to work more than it should, damaging blood vessels over time and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and vision loss.
Why is it called ‘The Silent Killer’?
Hypertension is dubbed the silent killer because it often progresses without any noticeable symptoms. Many individuals with severely high blood pressure feel perfectly normal, which can lead to neglect of regular health checkups. Meanwhile, the condition quietly damages vital organs.
By the time symptoms like chest pain, vision issues, breathing difficulties, or fatigue emerge, the damage is often irreversible. This stealthy nature of hypertension makes it particularly lethal, as it can cause irreparable harm before being detected.
Disturbing statistics
High blood pressure isn’t just a health issue; it’s a public health emergency.
According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension affects more than 30% of the adult population worldwide; that is more than one billion people around the world.
An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition, and approximately 1 in 5 adults with this condition have it under control.
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
In a study conducted by the World Heart Federation, Ghana Society of Cardiology, and the Stroke Association Support Network – Ghana.
In 2022, it was discovered that 34% of the population between the ages of 30 and 70 years has high blood pressure.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, also said that data indicated that more than 600,000 people, including 400,000 females and 200,000 males, are diagnosed with high blood pressure every year, with many more affected people remaining undiagnosed.
In a nutshell!!!
Hypertension in Ghana affects around 27-30% of adults, about 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women, with higher prevalence in urban areas and older age groups.
Causes of high blood pressure include:
Hypertension could be primary or secondary
Primary hypertension has no single cause, but it’s mostly linked to diet, lifestyle and genetics.
Secondary hypertension is caused by other conditions such as medication use, kidney disease
Risk factors include:
Old age (risk increases with age)
Genetics (family history of hypertension)
Being overweight or obese
Not being physically active
High salt diet, fat and cholesterol
Drinking too much alcohol.
While there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, some signs may be an indicator for dangerously high blood pressure:
Persistent headaches
Blurred vision
Palpitations or chest pain
Fatigue or confusion
However, these signs usually appear late in the disease process; for this reason, routine blood pressure checks are very important even if you feel healthy.
Checking blood pressure is a quick, painless and lifesaving process. It can be done at clinics, pharmacies or at home with an electronic monitor.
Management and prevention
The most powerful weapon against hypertension is awareness, lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Healthy diet;
Reduce salt intake
Avoid processed food and fast food
Increase intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Choose low-fat dairy and lean proteins
Exercise regularly
Take prescribed medications.
Never assume that hypertension affects only the elderly. Young people are being diagnosed at alarming rates due to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise and high stress. Regular check-ups can be lifesaving.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!!!
Hypertension hides in silence, but it doesn’t have to win. Through routine screening, healthy lifestyle choices and timely treatment, it can be detected early and managed well.
The author, Joyce A. Hiamatu, is a laboratory scientist.
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.
FORMER UNDISPUTED world champion Josh Taylor has announced his retirement from boxing, citing medical advice to protect his eyesight. The 34-year-old Scottish fighter, known as “The Tartan Tornado,” revealed that ongoing issues following eye surgery last year have forced him to hang up his gloves.
Taylor, who lost to Ekow Essuman in May, said continuing his career would put his vision at serious risk.
“Right folks, this isn’t an easy post for me to write, but on the advice of my doctors, it’s sadly a necessary one,” Taylor said in a statement. “While the fighter in me always wants to box on, I know I have to listen to the medical professionals and save me from myself. It’s not the way I wanted to bow out, but I have to put my health first.”
Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest-ever boxers, Taylor’s rise was meteoric. He captured gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before turning professional and becoming a world champion in just his 15th fight, a unified champion in his 16th, and the undisputed light-welterweight champion by his 18th bout. He remains the only male fighter from the UK to hold all four major belts in a single division.
Taylor’s career highlights include wins over Ivan Baranchyk and Regis Prograis in 2019 and a historic victory against Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas in 2021, where he floored the American twice to secure undisputed status. However, injuries and inactivity hampered his later years, leading to title losses to Teofimo Lopez in 2023 and a rematch defeat to Jack Catterall in 2024.
His final bout—a defeat to Essuman in Glasgow two months ago—closes the chapter on a career few UK fighters have matched, cementing his legacy as a modern Scottish sporting icon.
Accra, July 23, GNA–The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for sustainable financing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, otherwise known as ‘Mahama Cares’ to fund the Trust Fund.
The Minority proposed the Covid-19 levy as a viable financing option to support the Trust Fund, instead of the government allocating 20 per cent of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to it.
It said the government’s decision to take 20 per cent from the NHIF would weaken the National Health Insurance Scheme since the Trust Fund would be competing with the scheme for financial resources.
Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament made the call in an engagement with the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Wednesday.
Dr Nana Afriye, also the Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, said even though the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before the 2024 general elections pledged to scrap the law establishing the Covid-19 levy, the NDC, after coming into government, found it useful to earmark the Covid-19 levy towards the Trust Fund.
The Minority Caucus urged the government to apologise to Ghanaians and go ahead to channel the Covid-19 levy towards financing the Trust Fund.
Dr Nana Afriye observed that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund seemed to be an outsourced function of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), noting, “If that is what the Trust Fund meant to do, then there must be clarity for Ghanaians to understand where to seek help with the NHIA and where to seek help with the Trust Fund”.
The lawmaker also suggested that the government should complete some of the Agenda 111 Hospital Projects and use them as specialist hospitals where sufferers of non-communicable diseases including cancer, diabetes, stroke, asthma and kidney disease could seek treatment.
The Supreme Court, exercising its supervisory jurisdiction, has unanimously overturned a ruling by the High Court—subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal—which ordered the inclusion of Nii Tackie Adama Latse II’s name in the National House of Chiefs registry as Ga Mantse.
The dispute stems from a chieftaincy controversy heard by the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs over the rightful occupant of the Ga Mantse stool.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was enstooled in 2020, but his claim to the title was contested by Nii Tackie Adama Latse II, who claims to have been previously enstooled in 2017.
Following proceedings at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Tackie Adama Latse II’s name was removed from the National House of Chiefs’ register of chiefs.
His legal team then filed a mandamus application at the High Court, seeking an order to compel the National House of Chiefs to re-enter his name into the registry.
The High Court granted the application, a decision that was later affirmed by the Court of Appeal after the National House of Chiefs challenged it.
However, lawyers for King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, led by Prof. Peter Atudiwe Atupare, filed a certiorari application at the Supreme Court, asking it to quash the decisions of the lower courts.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II argued that his right to natural justice had been breached, as he was not made a party to the proceedings at either the High Court or the Court of Appeal.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court by a unanimous decision upheld his application, quashing both lower court decisions and dismissing the order to include Nii Tackie Adama Latse II’s name in the registry of chiefs.
Aboadze (WR), July 23, GNA – Mr. Sampson Ahi, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has lauded Twyford Ghana Ceramics Company Limited for its exceptional contribution to Ghana’s industrial development, job creation, and export growth.
Mr. Ahi gave the commendation when he toured Twyford’s state-of-the-art sanitary ware factory, and the K6 production line at its ceramic factory, located at Aboadze in the Shama municipality of the Western Region.
He was received and led through the facility by Mr. Arvin Xie Zhiguo, Deputy General Manager, Mr. Henry Zhou, an assistant to the Managing Director; and Mr. David Wei, Commercial Manager of Twyford Ghana Ceramics.
The Deputy Trade Minister expressed profound admiration for the advanced technology deployed by the company and its commitment to producing high-quality ceramic products that met international standards.
Mr. Arvin Xie Zhiguo said the company was a leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware in West Africa, stating that it was currently one of the largest employers in the Western Region with a workforce of over 4,000 employees.
He pointed out that the company’s products were widely distributed across Africa and exported to Europe and the Americas, showcasing Ghana’s industrial capabilities on the global stage.
Mr. David Wei, Business Manager of the company, noted that the Deputy Minister’s visit was a strong endorsement of Twyford Ghana Ceramics’ role in driving Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda.
He said the company continued to champion innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, reinforcing its position as a market leader within the ceramic industry in West Africa.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has satisfied the bail conditions imposed by the Accra High Court in the ongoing GH¢280 million corruption and money laundering case.
The politician, who is the first accused in the high-profile case, was granted bail alongside six other individuals on 23 July 2025. However, he remains the only one to have met the court requirements as at 6:00PM, according to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged Dr Abdul-Hamid and nine others – comprising six individuals and three companies, with 25 counts of corruption-related offenses.
These include conspiracy to commit extortion, money laundering, and misuse of public office.
The alleged offenses were reportedly committed between December 2022 and December 2024, during which the accused allegedly extorted GH¢280.5 million from oil marketing companies.
The funds were allegedly laundered through Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited, and Kings Energy Limited.
The court set GH¢2 million bail for Dr Abdul-Hamid, requiring two sureties, each earning a net monthly salary of at least GH¢5,000, and directed him to report to the OSP every two weeks. He has complied fully with these conditions.
The six other accused, Jacob Kwamina Amuah (UPPF Coordinator), Wendy Newman (NPA staff), and directors of the implicated companies were also granted GH¢2 million bail each. However, their conditions included three sureties, one of whom must provide landed property as security.
Their inability to meet these terms has led to their detention. The three companies facing charges are not subject to bail.
The case has been adjourned to 26 August 2025 for substantive hearings.
One of the accused, Osei Tutu Adjei, a director of Kel Logistics, remains at large.
Update: Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 9 others
As of 6pm, only the first accused person, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has met his bail conditions. The remaining six accused persons were unable to do so and have been detained.
Ends/
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) July 23, 2025
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Chairman of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has urged Ghanaians to brace themselves for a potential 30% to 40% increase in statutory fees in the mid-year budget, which will be presented by the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, on Thursday, July 24.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 23, the Okaikwei Central MP revealed that the new fees Regulations are scheduled to be laid before Parliament as part of efforts to bolster government revenue.
“Ghanaians should expect a 30% to 40% increase in fees, as proposed in the new fees Regulations set to be laid before Parliament tomorrow by the Minister for Finance. The proposal is currently before the Subsidiary Legislation Committee for pre-laying consideration,” he wrote.
The announcement comes ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review. The review will focus on the government’s fiscal performance in the first half of the year and present revised strategies aimed at sustaining the country’s recovery under the ongoing IMF-supported programme.
The proposed adjustment in fees forms part of broader measures being considered by the government to boost revenue mobilisation, improve expenditure efficiency, and sustain macroeconomic stability.
Key areas of focus in the mid-year review are expected to include tax performance, public spending, debt servicing obligations, and potential amendments to existing levies.
Accra, July 23, GNA – The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called on transport leaders to champion gender equality within their sector and communities.
She said transport leaders were key influencers with the capacity to effect meaningful change in households and workplaces.
The Minister made the call in a speech read on her behalf at a Training of Trainers session in Accra on Wednesday.
The training, convened by the Department of Gender with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together male representatives from various transport unions.
It focused on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the transport sector.
Dr Lartey stated that leadership and support from transport union members presented an opportunity to shift attitudes and challenge harmful dominant social norms and ideas about gender equality, as well as the patriarchal beliefs and structures driving inequality between men and women.
“As transport unions members and drivers, you have a vital role to play in promoting respect and safety for all and this training marks a critical step forward towards fostering a gender-responsive transport sector in Ghana,” she said.
The Minister noted that gender equality was fundamental to building a just society where individuals could thrive regardless of gender or intersectionality.
“We want a Ghana where the right, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are males or females or other intersectionalities,” she said.
“Gender equality involves not only protecting women’s rights but also creating a fair and equitable world for all. It is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to society, follow their dreams and live in a society free of violence and discrimination,” she added.
While acknowledging Government’s progress, Dr Lartey pointed out persistent disparities in the socio-economic participation of women and girls, compounded by structural and cultural barriers such as patriarchy and limited access to resources.
“These challenges are often compounded in rural and underserved urban communities where socio-cultural norms are more rigid, and information and services are less accessible,” she said.
She added that the Ministry had launched several initiatives to actively involve men and boys in gender advocacy efforts and, with UNFPA’s support, developed a National Framework and Toolkit for Engaging Men and Boys on ending SGBV.
Dr Emmily Naphambo, UNFPA Deputy Representative to Ghana, said in a statement read on his behalf that engaging men and boys was vital to tackling issues such as SGBV, SRHR and equitable access to opportunities.
“By working together to challenge the status quo, we can create safer, more inclusive workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive,” he said.
Dr Naphambo said the workshop equipped participants with the tools to lead by example, promote respectful practices, dismantle stereotypes, and foster inclusive work cultures.
Mr. Olympio Peku, Vice Chairman of Tudu Welfare, Ghana Road Transport Union (GPRTU), pledged to help union members benefit from the training and support change in the sector.
Mr. Famous Abotsi, Deputy Advisor of the Commercial National Motor Riders Union, Greater Accra Region, encouraged women to pursue careers in male-dominated industries with confidence and determination.
BRYAN MBEUMO says he has joined “the club of his dreams” after completing his move from Brentford for an initial £65m. The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
He is manager Ruben Amorim’s third signing of the summer after the arrivals of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon.
Mbeumo’s move, seven weeks after United’s first bid for the Cameroon international, brings to an end one of the longest-running sagas of the summer.
United’s third offer, worth an initial £65m with £6m in add-ons, was accepted last week.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” said Mbeumo.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”
United submitted their first bid for Mbeumo – worth an overall £55m – at the start of June.
They failed with a second bid of £62.5m at the end of that month before reaching an agreement with their third offer.
“Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him among the most productive players in England for the last three seasons,” said United director of football Jason Wilcox.
Accra, July 23, GNA – The Government has within this half year seized 425 excavators and other machineries that were involved in illegal mining (galamsey) activities, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has announced.
The breakdown for the number of excavators and other machines seized from illegal miners by the Forestry Commission were 177 excavators, four bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorcycles,155 pumping machines, 184 changfangs,15 detector machines, and 10 heavy-duty generators.
He said so far, 1,345 arrests had been made nationwide, and prosecutions were steadily progressing.
Mr Buah made this known when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
The Government Accountability Series is being organized by the Presidency Communications Bureau as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Mr Buah reiterated that as part of the broader fight against Galamsey, the Ministry had in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry.
He noted that so far, 1,200 excavators had been impounded pending validation before clearance at the Tema Port.
Accra, July 23, GNA – The Government is undertaking a comprehensive legislative and policy review of the Minerals Commission, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has announced.
He said the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), as amended, and the Minerals and Mining Policy (2014) are under review with extensive stakeholder engagement and were at 85 per cent completion stage.
Mr Buah said this when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference at the Presidency in Accra.
The Government Accountability Series is being organized by the Presidency Communications Bureau as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
He said some significant changes to be made included drastically reducing the number of years that prospecting licences are held from perpetuity to a defined minimal period.
Others are reducing the upper limit for the number of years for the grant of a mining lease from 30 years to an agreed period.
Abolishing Development Agreements and enforcing the signing of Community Development Agreements (CDA), imposing a rate of an agreed percentage of gross revenue from the sale of minerals to fund the community development projects to help fast-track the development of mining communities.
He mentioned the introduction of a three-tier mineral right regime by including a medium-scale licence.
He also cited reducing the upper limit for stability agreements from the current 15 years to allow for capital recovery for huge investments only or abolishing it altogether as well as abolishing the automatic right to the renewal of licences when certain conditions were not met.
Mr Buah said under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, and with extensive stakeholder engagements that included traditional authorities, civil society groups, and academia, government was committed to ensuring that the review of the Act corrects the imbalances of the past and secures a brighter future for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
He said in the fight against galamsey, 55 small-scale mining licenses issued during the transitional period were revoked at the beginning of the year.
Mr Buah said additionally, 907 out of 1,278 licenses were now under review for possible revocation due to irregularities identified by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee.
He said a similar exercise was currently ongoing to review large-scale mining licenses to ensure compliance.
The Minister said these measures were aimed at sanitizing the mining sector to ensure transparency and sustainable operations.
“The Mining Sector is the lifeline for millions of Ghanaians, and as we all know, Ghana is blessed with an abundance of minerals – Gold, diamonds, bauxite, iron, salt, and others.
“These natural resources are under unprecedented global strain due to rapid population growth, urbanization, escalating demand for raw materials, and the compounding effects of climate change,” he said.
He said the Government recognizes that for Ghana to fully harness the benefits of its mineral wealth, the law must be strengthened to ensure equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity for all stakeholders, especially our communities, which bear the direct brunt of mining activities.
The Accra Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the violent incidents that marred the parliamentary re-run in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 23, signed by Supt. Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, the suspects were named as Musah Muntari, a 46-year-old Station Manager at STC, and Ali Saeed, also known as Mboma, a 43-year-old businessman.
Both men are currently assisting police with investigations into the violence and assaults reported during the by-election.
The Ablekuma North re-run, which was held to determine the area’s representative in Parliament, was marred by disturbances at several polling centers, prompting public concern and calls for accountability.
The police assured the public of their unwavering commitment to bringing all perpetrators of election-related violence, intimidation, or misconduct to justice.
“We urge the public to continue cooperating with the Police and to share credible information,” the statement read, adding that citizens can contact the Police via emergency lines 18555 or 191.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its stance on maintaining law and order and ensuring that democratic processes remain peaceful and credible.
Read also
Parliament to vet Gyakye Quayson, Affo-Toffey, two others on Friday
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has described former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration as the worst in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
In an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, July 23, he made it clear that his political views have always been independent and performance-based, rather than rooted in loyalty to any single party.
“I have never been a supporter of any one political party, but I have voted since 1992. I have voted for NPP, I have voted for NDC,” he said, underscoring his non-partisan approach.
He recalled his admiration for former President Jerry John Rawlings, for whom he voted in successive elections. However, he added that he joined the call for Rawlings to step aside after two terms, subsequently supporting former President John Agyekum Kufuor of the NPP.
“We were the ones who kicked against Rawlings after supporting him for two terms… and then we voted for J.A. Kufuor,” he noted.
Gyampo also expressed support for the late former President John Atta Mills and initially backed President John Mahama, only to later become disillusioned with Mahama’s second term and help push for change ahead of the 2016 elections.
“We chased him [Mahama] out with the hope that [former] President Akufo-Addo was going to be the messiah,” he said.
However, he believes President Akufo-Addo failed to live up to expectations. While he acknowledged that Akufo-Addo’s government started on a positive note, Gyampo argued that by 2020, the administration had “lost it.”
“In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, I felt he had done worse than all the governments in the Fourth Republic — and that is my view,” Gyampo asserted.
Ghanaian media personality, Sammy Flex, has broken his silence following his reassignment within Shatta Wale’s revamped management structure. Formerly serving as the dancehall star’s Artiste Manager, Sammy now steps into a new role as the Media and Public Relations Manager.
The reshuffle, announced by Shatta Wale on Facebook, comes with a slate of fresh appointments aimed at fortifying the Shatta Movement brand.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has met his bail conditions in connection with the ongoing GH¢280 million extortion and money laundering case brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
He fulfilled the bail requirements by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, after he was granted bail in the sum of GH¢2 million.
As part of the conditions, Dr. Abdul-Hamid was required to provide two sureties, each earning a net monthly salary of no less than GH¢5,000, with the amounts to be justified. He is also mandated to report to the OSP every two weeks as investigations and proceedings continue.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid is the first accused in a high-profile case involving 10 individuals and corporate entities alleged to have orchestrated a widespread corruption scheme in the petroleum sector between 2022 and 2024.
Also granted bail under identical conditions are two of his co-accused—Jacob Kwamena Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, an NPA employee.
All three have pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, use of public office for profit, and money laundering.
Four other individuals—Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah—have also been granted bail in the sum of GH¢2 million each. However, their bail conditions include providing three sureties, with at least one backed by landed property. They are similarly required to report to the OSP every two weeks.
The accused are alleged to have benefited from a scheme that targeted Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), with laundered proceeds allegedly used to acquire luxury properties, vehicles, and fuel stations.
Mustapha Hamid, others granted GH¢2m bail each in NPA case
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
The Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Dr. Ekow Othniel Kwainoe, has lauded Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for what he describes as a deliberate and effective strategy to stabilise the Ghanaian economy.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, July 23, Dr. Kwainoe — who serves on both the Trade, Industry & Tourism Committee and the Office of Profit Committee — pointed to improvements in inflation and the exchange rate as evidence of competent economic management.
“Clearly, everybody sees it. From GHC17, you are doing GHC10.50 and today, the ripple effect of the exchange rate appreciation is translated even into inflation,” he said.
“Inflation rate has dropped significantly six months in a row, from a 23%…we are doing somewhere around 13.7%. It tells you that there is a deliberate effort to ensure that this is done.”
He attributed these improvements to sound fiscal policy and effective implementation by the Finance Ministry.
Dr. Kwainoe also referenced recent projections by Deloitte, which suggest Ghana could attain single-digit inflation by the end of 2025. He expressed confidence in that outlook, citing growth in agriculture and targeted government policies.
“I am not surprised that the likes of Deloitte have come out to say that we are likely to see a single-digit inflation at the end of the year. I share in that because Agriculture has also improved, and looking at the policies that the government has put in place, food becomes easily affordable, prices are low, clearly we expect inflation to drop quicker than we expect.”
“He has done a yo-man’s job, and he needs to be commended. Today, even written agencies are beginning to speak about it,” he added.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Parliament that no Ghanaian nationals were killed, injured, or involved in the recent political unrest in neighbouring Togo.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, Mr Ablakwa said the Ghanaian Embassy in Lomé has been in close contact with all documented citizens in Togo during the crisis, and confirmed there have been no reports of Ghanaian casualties.
He noted that the Togolese government shut all unofficial border crossings on July 2, 2025, citing security concerns that youth leaders behind the late June protests had established bases in Ghana.
The North Tongu legislature stated that while access was restricted, the main Aflao crossing and Beat 9 Pedestrian post remain open, ensuring continued travel and trade.
“The Government of Ghana is not aware of Ghana serving as a base for any protester or any activist in Togo, and these claims are baseless and totally unfounded,” Mr Ablakwa told Parliament.
“I am pleased to inform the House that there have been no reports linking any Ghanaian national to the recent fatalities or arrests in Lomé.”
Mr Ablakwa stated that to support Ghanaians in Togo, the Embassy in Lomé has established a 24-hour communication channel, noting that the embassy staff have proactively engaged the Ghanaian community and are ready to provide assistance.
He further announced that all 71 Ghanaian diplomatic missions have been instructed to implement 24-hour hotline services.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further said that as of mid-June, 52 missions have installed modern communication systems capable of handling simultaneous calls.
He said the remaining missions will be upgraded to complete the rollout, ensuring prompt support for citizens abroad.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Environmental advocacy group, A Rocha Ghana, is urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fast-track the prosecution of over 1,300 individuals arrested through a nationwide anti-galamsey crackdown.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 23, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bossu, welcomed the minister’s update on the fight against illegal mining but urged government to back the gains with swift and decisive legal action.
“It was good to hear the Honourable Minister for Lands give an update on what is happening in terms of the fight against galamsey. If you look at what they inherited and the level at which it has been going on, I would say these are early days yet.
“They say they have been on the ground, put men on the game, seized a lot of equipment, and repossessed nine forests and others. To that extent, I would say some very good steps have been taken, but it is still early days yet, and there is still more work to be done,” he said.
He emphasised that the focus must now shift to follow-through, especially regarding legal consequences for those involved in illegal mining activities.
“Right now, what is needed is that we need to wrap up actions and ensure that there are prosecutions for the people arrested,” Bossu stressed.
His comments follow a sector update by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who revealed that over 1,300 arrests have been made and 425 excavators and other mining equipment seized as part of the government’s renewed offensive against illegal mining.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister described the campaign as a nationwide crackdown, reporting that ongoing prosecutions were “progressing steadily.”
He credited the Forestry Commission for playing a vital role in the success of the operation, citing its involvement in the seizure of 177 excavators, 4 bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorbikes, 155 pumping machines, 185 chamfan machines, 15 gold detectors, and 10 heavy-duty generators.
The Government of Ghana has formally notified the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of its decision to cap public sector wage increases at 10 percent this year, as part of broader expenditure rationalization measures under its ongoing economic reform programme.
The disclosure is contained in the Fund’s latest review report of Ghana’s 36-month Extended Credit Facility Programme, which is expected to conclude in 2026.
play videoFormer EC chairperson Charlotte Osei was a student of the late Prof John Evans Atta Mills
Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has shared a deeply personal account of her interactions with the late President John Evans Atta Mills, revealing how the former president once admitted he had made a wrong decision.
Speaking at the 13th John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lecture in Accra on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Charlotte Osei recalled a disagreement she had with the late President over a decision she believed was wrong and unfair.
“I told him plainly that I believed his decision was wrong. And in another instance, I said it was unfair because he hadn’t listened to the other party.
“We argued as lawyers and he responded with his usual calmness,” she said.
According to her, the matter was discussed privately, where she told the late President that he had not listened to all sides before arriving at his decision.
Although he disagreed with her at the time, he responded with calmness and mutual respect.
“Months later, I received a message from him that said, ‘You were right, and I was wrong,’” she disclosed.
She described the moment as deeply emotional and a powerful demonstration of leadership grounded in humility.
She said the experience taught her that, “Power that fears criticism is already bankrupt.”
According to her, such openness to feedback and willingness to correct mistakes set the late President apart from many political leaders, especially in a region where leadership is often associated with defensiveness and control.
“His kind of leadership taught me that admitting fault doesn’t diminish your authority. It strengthens it,” she added.
Describing Mills’ presidency as one that left an “indelible mark” on Ghana, she noted that his humility was not a sign of weakness but a sign of true inner strength, “strength under control.”
The 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture was held in memory of the late President John Evan Atta Mills, who passed away while serving in office on July 24, 2012.
The event honoured his legacy of peace, tolerance, and ethical leadership.
AS/VPO
Meanwhile, you can also watch videos from the NPP’s National Delegates Conference below:
Frederick Asare formerly of Asante Kotoko SC has officially joined South African side Durban City FC.
The Ghanaian International goalkeeper joined on a free transfer after leaving Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko SC. He was a key member of Kotoko team that won the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup tittle and also inspired them to finish third in the league.
Asare, who previously played for Accra Lions FC signed a two-year contract with the South African club and is expected to be a key part of their 2025/26 Premiership season.
Durban City FC confirmed his acquisition via their social handle;
Signing Announcement
Durban City FC is proud to welcome Ghanaian international goalkeeper Fredrick Asare to the Club for the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership Season!
When headlines report another teen charged with assault, robbery, or worse, society often jumps to swift judgement. We label them criminals, shake our heads in disappointment, and watch as the legal system locks them away. But beneath the surface of these violent acts lies a disturbing trend few are talking about, one that raises urgent questions about the root cause of youth crime.
Startling new revelations suggest that over 73% of Ghanaian and Canadian teens who commit crimes are under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol at the time of their offence. Substances like fentanyl, carfentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, and a frightening new entrant called “red” are emerging as powerful influencers, silently poisoning the judgement of our youth.
In Ghana, the street drug, “red” is spreading fast. Described as more addictive and more destructive than traditional narcotics, it is targeting vulnerable young people in schools, on the streets, and even at home. Parents often realise too late that their children are hooked or worse, involved in crime under its influence.
Meanwhile in Canada, authorities have raised a red flag over a terrifying trend: fentanyl-laced gummies circulating in youth circles. Brightly colored and packaged to resemble harmless candy, these edibles are actually deadly traps. Hamilton Police recently issued a public warning after discovering these drugs during a warrant operation linked to teen criminal activity.
“These gummies are potent enough to kill with just one bite,” said an officer with Hamilton Police. “They are deliberately designed to appeal to young people and that’s what makes them so dangerous.”
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine, is lethal in tiny doses. Unknowing to teens and even children are at risk of accidental overdose. The physical warning signs can include drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.
The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. These substances are not only harming the health of our youth. Thy are reshaping their futures. Drug-induced behaviour is leading to violent crimes, criminal records, and broken families.
Parents, guardians, and educators must become the first line of defense. The Hamilton Police urge the public to talk to children about real dangers of drug-laced edibles, monitor candy and snack intake, especially after parties or social events, avoid accepting gummies or edibles from unknown sources and act immediately if symptoms of drug ingestion appear in teens by calling 911 or the nearest police station without delay.
If we are to combat the rise in youth crime, we must begin by confronting the powerful substances silently fueling it. The enemy isn’t always a rebellious teen, it may be what is coursing through their veins.
The time for awareness is now. Before another life is lost or destroyed.
TotalEnergies Aviation has suspended its refuelling services at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) due to supply constraints.
According to the company, the suspension takes immediate effect and applies to ad-hoc or spot flights until further notice. It also noted that the development affects existing fuel orders, raising concerns about potential disruptions to scheduled airline operations.
As of now, the management of Kotoka International Airport is yet to officially comment on the situation or outline any mitigation measures to address the fuel supply gap.
In the interim, airlines operating into KIA are being advised to make alternative refuelling arrangements with their service providers, as the country anticipates a shortage of aviation kerosene.
The suspect in murder of immigration officer has face court today, July 23
Bright Aweh Roberts, the prime suspect in the disappearance and subsequent murder of Immigration Officer Stephen King Amoah, appeared before the Kwabenya Circuit Court on July 23, 2025.
He faces charges of kidnapping and murder.
The courtroom was charged with emotion as Roberts was brought in.
Family members and loved ones of the deceased were visibly distressed, their grief and palpable anger demonstrated through chants.
A video reports shared by SikaOfficial on X on July 23, 2025, capture intense emotions of grief and dismay as the suspect appeared at the court.
Roberts has been remanded into police custody pending legal proceedings and investigations.
Watch video below
The main suspect arrested in connection with the disappearance of Immigration Officer Stephen King Amoah, suspect Bright Aweh Roberts has been brought before the Kwabenya Circuit Court today, where he now faces kidnapping and murder charges.
Chinese investors pictured with officials from the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat
The Chinese Embassy in Ghana, in partnership with the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, hosted a high-level China–Ghana Business Engagement in Accra.
The session brought together senior officials from Ghanaian institutions and major Chinese private sector players to explore strategic partnerships aligned with the 24H+ Programme the government’s flagship agenda to industrialise the economy, expand exports, and create decent jobs at scale.
The engagement focused on how the 24-Hour Economy is being implemented and the role of the private sector, and Chinese investors in particular, in delivering results.
The Secretariat presented a pipeline of projects spanning agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, health, and the creative economy.
These projects are advancing through feasibility and early-stage development.
Investors were invited to work with Ghana to move these projects into execution and deliver real outcomes on the ground.
In his keynote address, the Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goosie Tanoh, emphasised that the focus of the engagement was not policy declarations, but delivery.
“We are building a portfolio of coordinated projects that will bring the Programme to life and deliver real value for Ghana. We have completed concept notes for our first 20priority projects and are now commencing feasibility studies that will make each one bankable and investment-ready,” he said.
Tanoh also reaffirmed the depth of Ghana–China relations, noting that “the China-Ghana relationship is longstanding and multifaceted, dating back to our struggle for independence and the collaboration between Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou, and our late President Nkrumah.”
He acknowledged the bureaucratic and systemic challenges foreign investors often face and confirmed that the Secretariat, working with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies, is finalising a simplified and transparent incentive and exemptions regime, embedded in a forthcoming consolidated incentives regime.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, underscored the alignment between the 24H+ vision and China’s development cooperation strategy in Africa.
“China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. In 2024, bilateral trade reached an unprecedented high of 11.8 billion US Dollars, marking a year-on-year growth of 7.1%. Bilateral trade from January to May 2025 reached 5.28 billion US Dollars, an increase of 8.9% year-on-year. In 2024, China’s direct investment in Ghana amounted to 62.15 million US Dollars, spanning multiple sectors and wide-ranging fields, creating substantial employment opportunities locally and assisting Ghana in advancing its industrialization,” he stated.
He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support the sub-programmes of 24H+, particularly in agriculture, logistics, energy, and agro-industrial infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), assured Chinese investors of MiDA’s role in ensuring the transparent and efficient execution of government-led projects. “MiDA will oversee the end-to-end scoping and procurement of projects, ensuring we partner with the right service providers to deliver on time and within budget,” Mould stressed.
He highlighted investment-ready opportunities in agro-ecological parks, feeder roads, and Volta Lake transport systems, adding that the government was prepared to finance viability gaps where needed to ensure bankability.
The event also featured key Ghanaian institutions responsible for investment, finance, and infrastructure delivery.
These included the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre led by the CEO, Simon Madjie, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund led by Deputy CEO Bennett Akantoa on behalf of the CEO, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, the Ghana EXIM Bank led by the CEO, Sylvester Mensah, and the Development Bank Ghana led by the CEO, Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala.
The Chinese private sector was strongly represented, with over 50 business leaders in attendance from major firms and industry associations operating across Ghana.
Participants on both sides expressed satisfaction with the structured, data-driven approach of the Programme and the clarity of Ghana’s investment roadmap.
The meeting reaffirmed China’s role as a strategic partner in Ghana’s long-term transformation and confirmed investor appetite to participate in the delivery of priority projects under the 24-Hour Economy.
SP/MA
How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience
Parliament’s Appointments Committee is set to vet the final batch of deputy ministerial nominees on Friday, July 25, 2025, following their nomination by President John Dramani Mahama.
The four nominees were selected in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empower the President to appoint ministers and deputy ministers in consultation with Parliament.
The nominees include:
Dorcas Affo Toffey, MP for Jomoro – Deputy Minister-designate for Transport
James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North – Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West – Deputy Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan – Deputy Minister-designate for Health
President Mahama formally submitted the nominations to Parliament through the Speaker, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, efficient executive to support the country’s development efforts.
During the vetting process, the nominees will face questions on their qualifications, experience, and vision for their respective ministries.
The outcome of the vetting will determine whether the nominees are approved to assume their roles, forming part of the government’s strategy to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in key sectors.
Read also
Stop the fancy stunts and deal with galamsey – Minority to govt
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who claims that France’s first lady was born male.
The suit, filed Wednesday in the US state of Delaware, said Owens has been spreading “outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions”.
Owens has regularly repeated the claims on her popular podcast and social media channels, and in March 2024 stated that she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on her belief that Mrs Macron “is in fact a man”.
The BBC contacted Owens for comment.
A conspiracy theory which has circulated for years in fringe online spaces alleges Mrs Macron was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which belongs to her brother.
Owens has spread the conspiracy theory to her large audiences including nearly 7m followers on X. Earlier this year she released a video series titled Becoming Brigitte.
The Macrons said in a statement released by their attorneys that they asked Owens repeatedly for a retraction, but “ultimately concluded that referring the matter to a court of law was the only remaining avenue for remedy”.
“Ms Owens’ campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety,” the statement said. “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused.”
The suit alleges Owens “disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.”
It also accuses Owens of falsely alleging the French president and his wife are blood relatives and that Emmanuel Macron was installed in office by a secret CIA plot.
Owens worked for conservative organisations including the student group Turning Point and media outlet Daily Wire before launching her independent podcast in 2024.
She has since spread rumours or suggested that conspiracies lie behind things such as Covid vaccines, the Holocaust and the moon landings.
The lawsuit also names her Delaware-headquartered companies and asks for unspecified damages.
Under US law the Macrons will have to prove “actual malice” – meaning that the defendant knew the information was false, but published or broadcast it anyway.
In September a French court found two women guilty of libel for spreading the false claims about Brigitte Macron, however that decision was overturned on appeal earlier this month, according to the AFP news agency.
Owens is married to George Farmer, a British-American entrepreneur and the son of Baron Michael Farmer, a House of Lords peer and former Conservative Party treasurer who has distanced himself from some of Owens’ views.
The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to reconsider its plan to scrap the COVID-19 Levy and instead channel its proceeds into supporting the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the MahamaCares Fund.
This recommendation comes in the wake of heated opposition from New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs regarding a proposal to allocate 20% of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fund to finance the newly proposed Trust.
Speaking to the press in Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, argued that maintaining the COVID-19 Levy would provide a more sustainable and dedicated funding stream for the initiative.
He warned that reallocating funds from the NHIA could jeopardize the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), potentially leading to financial strain and public confusion over where to access health services.
“There should be clarity for Ghanaians on where to seek care with the NHIS and where to seek care with the Trust. We object to the NHIA 20% allocation to the Trust, but would the government think about a COVID Levy?
“If the government had promised to repeal the act that establishes the COVID Levy, I think there is nothing wrong with apologising, so that the COVID Levy can be earmarked to support the work of the Trust,” he said.
The MahamaCares Fund is intended to improve access to quality healthcare and provide an alternative avenue for Ghanaians, especially the vulnerable, to receive medical attention.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced that government is on course to train 2,000 Blue Water Guards by the close of 2025 to help protect the country’s rivers and water bodies from the impact of illegal mining.
During his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, explained that the Blue Water Initiative remains a key strategy in government’s fight against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with civil society organisations, aimed at keeping public officials accountable to the people they serve.
Mr. Kofi Buah noted that over 450 Blue Water Guards had already completed training and were actively working in various parts of the country.
He revealed that a second group of 530 personnel is expected to graduate on Friday, July 25.
“These officers are not armed but are trained to act as environmental intelligence agents. Their job is to monitor activities, engage communities, and promote awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and the need to protect our natural resources” he stated.
He highlighted that the presence of the guards is already having a positive impact in some mining areas, with residents becoming more aware of the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.
The minister revealed that the second phase of the Blue Water Initiative will focus on restoring polluted rivers by removing harmful chemicals and returning water bodies to their natural state.
“Feasibility studies for this phase are currently underway,” he remarked.
Mr. Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
Blakope has expressed her concerns about indiscipline across the country
Former Deputy Director of the Ghana Tourist Development Company, Akua Djanie, popularly known as Blakofe, has expressed her concerns about the increasing levels of indiscipline across the country.
Her utterances were captured on an X post by Sikaofficial on July 23, 2025.
The accompanying caption stated, “Former Deputy Director of the Ghana Tourist Development Company, Akua Djanie, popularly known as Blakofe, has raised concerns about the growing level of indiscipline in the country after witnessing a woman selling her wares on a section of a major street. She noted that such acts have become common, with perpetrators justifying their actions due to the need to survive and the high costs of living.”
“This is how indiscipline starts. This is a street you are supposed to drive on, yet this unknown trader has turned it into her trading space with her clothes. When I asked her if this was the right thing to do, she responded with, ‘Aane, y3b3 y3 nu den?'” she said.
“I understand the system is tough, but that’s not an excuse to be indiscipline. Should we all start bringing our clothes to the roadside to trade? What do you expect to happen here?” she added.
Her comments come after observing a woman selling goods on a major street, a situation Blakofe noted is becoming increasingly common.
“We need discipline and leadership in this country. Actions like these do not help us at all. We cannot just decide to trade on the roadside because times are hard; this is a road, after all,” she remarked.
“This is where she is trading, apparently sitting on the floor instead of using a tabletop. If I speak out about it, people say I’m too-known, but these issues are what make our country dysfunctional. M’abr3,” she added.
Blakofe pointed out that such actions are often justified by those involved with the excuse that they need to survive amid high cost of living.
Watch video below.
Former Deputy Director of the Ghana Tourist Development Company, Akua Djanie, popularly known as Blakofe has raised concern about the growing level of indiscipline in the country, after seeing a woman selling her wares on a section of a major street.
A picture of the supposed mother of Nana Agyei captured wailing
A video has emerged showing the grieving family of 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, whose body was returned to Ghana after his mysterious death in Latvia.
According to Latvian authorities, Nana Agyei died after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment.
However, his family disagrees, pointing to a voice note he sent days before his death saying he had been poisoned.
They are therefore calling for a full investigation and justice.
In a video shared by Citi FM on Facebook on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a visibly distraught woman believed to be the mother of 18-year-old Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia was seen crying and pleading for help from President Mahama.
“Nana Agyei, due (to wit, Nana, sorry),” she wailed.
“Mahama, will you let these people go free? Mahama, help me. I’m in pain. I’m suffering. They’ve been so wicked to us; they’re tearing my heart apart. Is the president in Ghana? Please help us. Ibrahim, father of the nation, Nurudeen Ibrahim, please help me,” she said while crying.
Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders say new directive would enhance transparency at ports
The Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders has welcomed a new directive from the Bank of Ghana requiring all port service providers to publicly display the exchange rates they use when billing clients.
Describing the move as timely and necessary, the Chamber believes it will enhance transparency at Ghana’s ports and help reduce the cost of doing business.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Chamber’s President, Dennis Amfo Sefa, praised the central bank for responding to long-standing concerns raised by industry players.
He said the measure directly addresses calls for accountability from freight forwarders and traders.
“We’ve pushed for this kind of openness for years. If the government truly wants to ease the burden on businesses, then it’s essential for shipping lines, terminal operators, and other port actors to be transparent,” he said.
Sefa added that the government’s efforts to control exchange rate fluctuations should be reflected in the charges importers and exporters face at the ports.
According to him, applying official rates in billing will ensure that businesses benefit from broader economic reforms.
Under the new rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other port-related service providers must display their exchange rates daily.
These rates must be published on websites, clearly posted at physical offices, and communicated to customers before any invoices are issued.
The directive forms part of revised foreign exchange guidelines for the maritime and shipping sector, aimed at promoting fair trade practices and eliminating inconsistent billing, an issue that has long affected importers and exporters.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that more than 200 Ghanaians who fell victim to a trafficking and scamming syndicate in Nigeria—believed to be linked to the Q-Net group—have been rescued and repatriated.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister also disclosed that an estimated 500 Ghanaian nationals are still being held hostage in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with efforts underway to identify and safely return them home.
“Our mission in Nigeria has recently rescued and repatriated a total of 202 Ghanaians, 78 through the Abuja Mission, and 124 through the Lagos Mission,” he said.
According to the Minister, investigations have revealed that some of the ringleaders behind the Q-Net operations in Abidjan are Ghanaians who were once victims of the same scam and are now exploiting others in an attempt to recover their own losses.
Okudzeto Ablakwa assured Parliament that the Ministry, in collaboration with both national and international agencies, is intensifying efforts to dismantle the trafficking network and implement lasting solutions to what he described as a “deeply troubling trend.”
“The traffickers lure unsuspecting compatriots to supposed countries under the pretext of facilitating their travels to France or other destinations in Europe or elsewhere for paid jobs. The traffickers entice the victims to the supposed transit country for the processing of their visas, as the procedure takes a long time to complete in Ghana,” he explained.
He further noted that the secretive operations of the scammers and the quiet arrival of victims in Côte d’Ivoire have made it difficult to determine the exact number of Ghanaians currently being held.
“According to the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan, the clandestine nature of the operations of the scammers and the silent arrival of victims in Côte d’Ivoire make it challenging to determine the number of Ghanaians being held hostage.
“The Mission estimates that there are over 500 Ghanaians currently held in secluded locations. Efforts are being made to bring them home,” he added.
The Criminal Division of the High Court on Wednesday granted GHC2 million bail each to seven accused persons in the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) fraud case before it, including the first accused, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, a former Chief Executive Officer of the NPA.
The other six accused persons are Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Wendy Newman, Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah.
Accra, July 23, GNA-Ghana is in the process of establishing a National Metrology Institute to bolster the country’s status as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has said.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra, the Minister said the country was building a metrology system that would not only support domestic manufacturing but also integrate seamlessly with global standards.
She said the move was critical to the success of the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which is expected to help create over 1.7 million jobs.
“In a world increasingly driven by precision and data, accurate measurements are the currency of trust. They ensure that goods are safe, services are reliable, and trade is fair,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.
She said with support from the German government, and through strategic cooperation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), GSA was undertaking a bold transformation of the national measurement infrastructure.
She said GSA was spearheading efforts to upgrade its metrology capabilities to position the country as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement.
“Already, significant strides have been made. We are expanding our capabilities in temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring that these critical domains meet international standards and are traceable to the SI units,” the Minister added.
These upgrades will not only serve Ghana’s industries and consumers but will also support the broader ECOWAS region with highquality, internationally recognized metrological services.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to AFRIMETS, saying through it the continent was building a uniquely African metrology system that would support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhance competitiveness, and safeguard public health and safety.
“AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation, harmonizing measurement systems, facilitating trade, and building technical capacity across Africa. Its work is essential to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063, and Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” the Minister said.
President of AFRIMETS, Dr. Henry Rotich, said the 2025 General Assembly was a testament to the collective commitment to advancing metrology and fostering collaboration across the African continent.
He said over the past year remarkable progress had been made to enhance measurement standards and practices.
“Our efforts have not only strengthened our regional capabilities but have also positioned Africa as a key player in the global metrology community,”Dr Rotich added.
“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he noted.
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Hudu Mogtari, called for the building of robust measurement systems to support the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“In this context, metrology is not a peripheral concern; it is a strategic enabler. It is the invisible architecture that supports quality assurance, competitiveness, and trust in our markets,” he said.
“Together, let us build a metrology ecosystem that is not only technically sound, but strategically bold. One that reflects Africa’s aspirations, amplifies its voice, and secures its place in the global standards landscape,” Mr Mogtari added. Acting CEO of the GSA, Clifford Frimpong, said the event was a reaffirmation of the commitment to advancing metrology for sustainable development across Africa.
“Your presence here today is a testament to the growing importance of metrology in shaping Africa’s industrialization, trade, and innovation agenda,” he said.
The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly on the theme: “150 Years of the Metre Convention: Prospects for Metrology within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” is a week-long programme of technical meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at harmonising Africa’s measurement systems and advancing the continent’s metrology agenda.
AFRIMETS was founded to harmonize metrology across Africa and is supported by NEPAD, PTB, NMISA, and others. GNA Christian Akorlie
