Crystal Palace won the first major trophy in the club’s history with victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Eberechi Eze was Palace’s hero when he crowned a superb counter-attack by sweeping home Daniel Munoz’s cross after 16 minutes.

City, meanwhile, endured a day of total frustration as they failed to win a trophy in a season for the first time since manager Pep Guardiola’s first campaign in charge in 2016-17.

They were furious when Palace keeper Dean Henderson was not shown a red card when he handled outside his area under pressure from Erling Haaland in the first half, the video assistant referee (VAR) adjudging that City’s striker was moving away from goal and therefore not denied a clear opportunity.

Henderson then emerged as Palace’s hero when he saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty after 36 minutes following Tyrick Mitchell’s foul on Bernardo Silva, Haaland stepping aside from spot-kick duties after failing with three of his past seven attempts.

City dominated possession but Oliver Glasner’s side defended magnificently, with Henderson outstanding, saving from Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku in the first half, then denying Claudio Jeremias Echeverri after the break.

The final whistle sparked scenes of ecstasy among Palace fans as the long wait for success was over for the Eagles.

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.

Ghanaian midfielder Amankwah Forson has been crowned the winner of Norwich City’s Goal of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign following his sensational strike against Coventry City.

The 22-year-old Black Stars midfielder earned the accolade after fans voted his thunderous volley — the first of his brace in a dramatic comeback win in January — as the club’s standout goal of the season.

Forson made headlines in that match with two late goals, including the stunning long-range effort that sparked the turnaround, securing a memorable victory for the Canaries.

Despite an injury-hit season, Forson has remained a fan favourite at Carrow Road. On loan from Red Bull Salzburg, the talented playmaker made 21 appearances in the Championship, scoring twice and providing two assists.

With Norwich City aiming for promotion back to the Premier League next season, Forson is expected to play a key role in their campaign.

Watch the award-winning goal below:

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, May 17, GNA – The Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC) has embarked on a targeted advocacy and sensitisation for young girls on the Affirmative Action Act 2024.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring the successful implementation and advocacy of the Affirmative Action Act in underserved communities across the country.

Madam Modupe Anorkplim Nukunu, Executive Director of HRAC, made disclosed this at the Affirmative Action Ambassadors training initiative in Accra.

She said the project would empower girls from remote areas with the knowledge and skills to become leaders and advocates in their communities.

Twenty girls selected from Bueman Senior High School and Tamale Technical Institute, received mentoring, financial literacy training, and practical exposure to media and leadership opportunities.

“We didn’t want the Affirmative Action Act to remain just a document on the shelves. These girls will serve as peer educators and young builders in their communities,” she said.

The Executive Director noted that the girls had undergone financial literacy sessions and media production training to broaden their perspectives on career opportunities.

She said her organisation would monitor the progress of the ambassadors over the next five years as they transitioned into tertiary education and leadership roles.

The monitoring, according to her, aligns with the Act’s goal of ensuring 40 per cent women’s representation in decision-making spaces.

Miss Gale Comfort Denis, a student at Bueman Senior High School, praised HRAC for organising the training, stressing that, “We will ensure that we become effective ambassadors.”

She said the programme would boost her interest in leadership roles, noting that she would contest any leadership position in her community.

Miss Ayisha Alhassan, a student of Tamale Technical Institute, said she was better placed to advocate for affirmative action in her community.

She said there was a significant deficit of women’s participation in leadership roles in her community, thus, her passion to change the trend.

She also noted that the training on financial literacy would enable her to save towards establishing her own business.
GNA
SOF

By Iddi Yire  

Accra, May 17, GNA – The Military High Command, led by Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Ghana Armed Forces, has made a donation of one month of their Basic Salaries to President John Dramani Mahama in support of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares). 

The Fund, which was launched by the President in April in fulfillment of his campaign promise, is aimed at relieving the financial burden of sufferers of chronic diseases (non-communicable diseases). 

The CDS was accompanied to the Presidency by Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, Major General Lawrence Kweku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff; Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, the Chief of the Air Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters. 

Lt General Agyapong noted that the Military High Command was at the Presidency to lend their support to the noble venture that the President had established, the Mahama Cares. 

“We share in the goal of this venture that seeks to provide financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country, and especially to cover the cost of care and medication for non-communicable diseases not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme,” he stated. 

“We are intrigued, and it is also heartwarming to know that persons with conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, and stroke, among many others, will equally benefit from this fund. Your Excellency, that is why I and my Military High Command have decided to also contribute our one-month basic salary to the fund.” 

He said they were embarking on a sensitization drive to urge all their soldiers and the defense civilian staff who were willing to also consider making some contribution no matter how little towards the fund, because they know that one day, as individuals, there might be the need for them to benefit from the Fund. 

President John Dramani, who upon receiving the cheque, handed it to the Authorities at the Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude to the Military High Command for the kind gesture. 

“It shows that aside from your primary responsibility of protecting our territorial boundaries and wielding weapons and driving armored tanks, you have a heart and soul beating in your chest, and that you have love of country and love of the people that you are protecting. And so on behalf of the people of Ghana, I wish to thank you for this initiative. Government has made budgetary allocation to kick-start Mahama Cares,” President Mahama said. 

He said, however, that due to the extensive scope of coverage, it was obvious that government resources alone would not be sufficient hence the need for fundraising to top up whatever government had given. 

The President said since the launch of the Fund, many private sector organizations,  which were interested in helping to fund the programme, had made enquiries. 

“And so I’m sure that we will be able to raise significant amounts of money to be able to provide the care that people need. One of the major collaborations we are going to do is with the private sector,” he said. 

“And our requirements will be for the private sector to open dialysis centers in areas that don’t have them. And then also to train more physiotherapists and other people who are specialized in non-communicable diseases and spread them around the country so that people don’t only have to come to Accra and Kumasi, to the teaching hospitals to be able to receive care.” 

This, he said, would involve the establishment of diagnosis and treatment centers so that they would be able to detect and treat these sicknesses. 

Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, commended President Mahama for the laudable Mahama Cares initiative.  

He said it was laudable to support, particularly the needy, who suffered catastrophic health care expenditure and unable to cope with the situation. 

He said it was heartwarming that within the President’s first 120 days he was able to set up the Mahama Cares initiative. 

GNA 

CA/ 

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) yesterday swept some streets of Accra of ‘professional beggars’ of foreign nationalities in a massive exercise that sought to end the spectacle and break possible criminal networks.

Operating on intelligence, officials rounded up at least 2,241 people, 1,332 of them classified as children, who have made begging for alms their main source of livelihood in the capital.

The exercise was a sudden swoop that surprised even the public as motorists and bystanders held their breath, watching the smooth collection of those beggars from their regular spots of sleeping, begging or recreation.

Those arrested during yesterday’s exercise included 909 adults, of whom 384 were males.

From areas around the Kaneshie Market to Sabon Zongo, near Laterbiokoshie, Nima, Abossey Okai and Obetsebi Lamptey Roundabout, Immigration officers executed what looked to many like a rehearsed strategy to remove the supposed human public nuisance.

All those picked up during the exercise were moved into state buses and later transported to safety for screening and other relevant protocol before their intended repatriation.

“The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) undertook an intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, to rid the streets of Accra of foreign nationals involved in street begging,” a statement later issued by the GIS said.

“The operation seeks to repatriate undocumented foreign nationals humanely, and disrupt criminal networks that facilitate their operations in places such as Sabon Zongo, Nima, Abossey Okai and Obetsebi Roundabout, among others,” the statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Michael Amoako-Atta, added.

“The suspects are currently being taken through the necessary processes, including security and medical screening at the national headquarters in Accra.

The GIS assured all stakeholders and the public that the detainees would be handled with the highest professionalism and respect for their human rights. 

Context

The sight of beggars of foreign nationalities is common along the major streets of Accra.

Indeed, it appears to have become a lucrative enterprise for some investors who are believed to recruit professional beggars from neighbouring countries for the business.

While local authorities have repatriated many beggars on the streets of Accra in the past, a lot more have found their way back into the country to practise what now looks like a lucrative business.

It is claimed that the beggars account for their “sales” to their employers at the close of each day.

While these beggars are hardly known to possess landed property in the country, their reproduction system is, however, legendary.

The women among them continue to bear children, who soon accompany the parents, particularly the mothers, to the roadside to beg.

In some cases, the adults take a back seat while the children virtually harass motorists and pedestrians for money across a 24-hour cycle.

Earlier action

In June 2022, the government collaborated with the Embassy of Niger in Accra to repatriate over 1,600 beggars to Niamey in Niger, with plans to send back even more illegal migrants.

“They are a street nuisance and they have to be returned home immediately,” a source told the Daily Graphic in an interview.

At the time, the newspaper learnt that through a partnership with the government of Ghana, about 1,000 beggars, including children, had been mobilised for repatriation in accordance with migration regulations of Ghana.

In December 2021, the Caretaker Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, led officials of the ministry to collect data on the street children and their guardians, lodgings, means of operation and the age range of children involved in begging for alms.

The step was to use data to take initiatives, as well as seek a partnership with the Nigerien Embassy in Ghana, to rid the streets of those beggars and to protect the well-being of the children.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has encouraged investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Ghana’s energy sector.

He made this remark at the Ghanaian-German Economic Association Business Forum, which was held under the auspices of the German Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Daniel Krull.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister disclosed that the ministry is ready to welcome investors in Ghana’s energy sector. He disclosed that the investment prospects in the energy sector are enormous, citing the growing electricity demand of 300MW annually and monthly petroleum product consumption of more than 400,000 metric tons.

“Ghana is a leading destination for energy investments in West Africa and beyond. As a government, our transformational agenda in the energy sector is anchored on 4 cardinal principles: energy security, affordability, universal access, and regulatory predictability.

“In the petroleum sector, the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant with a capacity of 150-300 mmscfd is under consideration. The country is planning to construct a new offshore mooring facility in Tema, and also storage will be expanded in Takoradi to accommodate the growing demand, reduce congestion and demurrage, guaranteeing a steady supply of petroleum products”, the Deputy Minister stated.

The Deputy Minister further noted that GRIDCo is reinforcing existing lines and building new lines in the electricity transmission sub-sector to improve supply quality.

He noted that the government is constructing a new 330kV line and a new transmission line from Tamale through Bimbila to Kejebi as well as upgrading the existing 69kV Asiekpe-Ho line to 161kV.

Gyan-Mensah further encouraged investments in renewable energy, reflecting in the President’s vision with the introduction of ‘Green Transition’.

“In implementing the National Energy Transition Framework, the Ministry is dedicated to increasing the proportion of non-hydro renewable energy from less than 3% to 10% by the year 2030 and continuing the construction of new the mini-hydro dams to meet the energy demand. For instance, the Ministry is rolling out 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems and 35 mini-grids. The Ministry is championing the Renewable Energy Authority Bill to promote renewable energy generation and investment. This shows our government’s commitment to Green Transition.”

University of Ghana refutes claims of GH¢59m payroll overstatement

A football feast like no other will descend on the University of Ghana Stadium, which is set to erupt with excitement as the nation’s two biggest women’s football competitions –the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League Final and the Women’s FA Cup Final – are staged back-to-back in a show-stopping Women’s Football Festival.

For the first time in the modern era, fans will be treated to the ultimate showcase of talent, grit and glory — two national titles, one stage, and a bold vision to elevate the women’s game to new heights. 

Ampem Darkoa chase dynasty

In the headline act at 6:00 p.m., Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the northern powerhouse and four-time champions, will attempt to cement their dynasty with a fifth league title — one that will make them be at par with record-holders Hasaacas Ladies, who, for only the second time since 2012, are missing from the big stage.

Standing in their way is a spirited Police Ladies side making their maiden appearance in the league final. Led by the shrewd Abu Kassim and boasting one of the league’s meanest defences, they topped the Southern Zone unbeaten against Hasaacas and co., scoring 30 and conceding just eight goals in 18 games.

Although Ampem Darkoa will be without their talismanic top scorer, Mary Amponsah (15 goals), they will look up to striker Esther Owusu and goalkeeper Evelyn Yeboah, who boasts six clean sheets in nine outings. 

For Police Ladies, in-form striker Mary Berko — eight goals and counting — and shot-stopper Barikisu Issahaku with six clean sheets of her own, are ready to take their title dream all the way.

Women’s FA Cup: New queens to emerge 

However, before the league finale comes the main course appetiser — the Women’s FA Cup Final at 3:00 p.m., where Jonina Ladies face Faith Ladies in a fairytale showdown as both sides chase their first-ever FA Cup title and the honour of becoming Ghana’s sixth different champion since 2016.

Jonina have been nothing short of ruthless, smashing in 15 goals across five matches and breezing into the final without needing extra time once. 

Faith Ladies, on the other hand, have walked the tightrope of knockout football, prevailing on penalties in three of their five matches, including a thrilling upset over giants Hasaacas Ladies. 

Seasoned official Mercy Boakyewaa Gyan will take charge of the FA Cup final, assisted by FIFA referee Mary Tei and a stellar officiating team, while referee Rita Boateng Nkansah will oversee the Women’s Premier League finale.

The Women’s Football Festival is not a double-header just for logistical convenience. For the Ghana Football Association, it represents a powerful statement of intent to celebrate the strides made in Ghanaian women’s football and amplify its visibility, commercial appeal and legacy.

In a bold move to reward excellence, women’s football partner betPawa has announced a Double Locker Room Bonus, awarding GH¢800 each to players and selected staff of the league-winning team, paid directly into mobile wallets. 

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised contemporary global policymakers for failing to heed the fundamental lessons of history and economics, particularly in the handling of trade imbalances.

He made this remark while responding to a question on the weaponisation of trade and its impact on African economies, especially Ghana and what strategies can enhance the continent’s economic resilience at the International Democracy Union (IDU) Forum in Brussels on Saturday, May 17.

“I think that one of the things that policy makers are doing recently is failing to understand the lessons of history as well as the lessons of economics, we they are surely trading balances,” he stated.

He also cautioned against simplistic solutions such as tariffs, noting that trade deficits are deeply rooted in macroeconomic realities, not trade policy failures.

“If you look at the share of global trade, Africa contributes only 2.5% of global exports and 2.9% of imports,” Dr. Bawumia noted.

“In contrast, Asia accounts for 43% of global exports and 38% of imports, Europe 38% and 51% respectively, while the U.S. contributes 8% of exports and 14% of imports. These imbalances are real, but they cannot be fixed with tariffs.”

He explained that trade deficits result from a mismatch between national savings and investment, citing the national income identity as a basic economic principle.

“A country that spends more than it saves will inevitably run a trade deficit. This is a macroeconomic issue, not a trade policy issue.”

Referencing history, Dr. Bawumia pointed to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s, which imposed 20% tariffs and contributed to the Great Depression, as well as the U.S.–China trade war of 2018–2019, which disrupted global trade flows.

He also raised concerns over recent U.S. tariff hikes, noting the average rate has jumped from 2.4 per cent to 10 per cent — the highest since 1943.

While Africa is less exposed than other regions, Dr. Bawumia warned that specific countries like Lesotho, which rely heavily on textile exports to the U.S. through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), could suffer severe consequences.

“When 50% of your exports are at risk, the impact will be significant,” he said.

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

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

Members of Aglow International Ghana

Aglow International Ghana has beseeched God to rescue Ghana’s energy sector, especially from power crises that could disrupt business operations.

The group called for divine direction for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) officials to make the right decisions regarding the alleged privatisation of their operations, to avoid worsening the state of the energy sector.

They believe that the issues in the energy sector, including debts owed to some power producers, ought to be dealt with, hence their call on God to salvage the situation.

“Let us be serious about this prayer topic because a lot of things will be affected if there is dumsor. The topic is the energy sector and the way forward for ECG. We pray that God should be gracious to Ghana and show our leaders clearly the specific areas that ought to be privatised,” the woman leading the prayer session said in a viral video on X.

They also implored God to bless the various labour unions with understanding, to avoid any form of strikes that would pose a significant challenge to the government.

“Let there also be a consensus on the labour front to avoid strikes and other forms of agitations,” she added.

Aglow International is headed by its President, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie.

The group brings together women across the country to gather and intercede for the nation occasionally, seeking divine intervention.

Watch Aglow International Ghana’s prayer session below:

Aglow International Ghana, during their monthly intercessory prayers for the nation today, prayed for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the privatisation processes, and against the ‘dumsor’ (power outages). pic.twitter.com/t97tzAJiZc

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 17, 2025

SB/BAI

You can also watch the latest news on GhanaWeb TV below:

The Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak has announced that the government’s crackdown on organised street begging will soon be extended to other regions beyond Accra, following the arrest of over 2,200 foreign nationals in a major enforcement operation.

In a Facebook post on Friday, 16 May 2025, the Minister disclosed that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had arrested a total of 2,241 foreign nationals during a targeted, intelligence-led operation in the Greater Accra Region.

The exercise, carried out in the early hours of the morning, aimed to dismantle networks believed to be behind the growing problem of organised street begging in the capital.

Among those detained were 909 adults and 1,332 children, comprising 961 males and 1,280 females.

Mr Mubarak commended the GIS personnel involved, describing their efforts as a vital contribution to national security.

“I want to commend the personnel of GIS for their commitment to national security,” he wrote.

However, the Minister’s remarks also made clear that this was only the beginning of a broader campaign.

“I have seen the public reactions and calls for similar actions in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities. Please be assured that this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will be extended to other regions soon.”

The Minister appealed for public support and cooperation as the operations move into new areas, calling on citizens to play a role in ensuring the safety and orderliness of their streets.

“Let’s work together to keep our streets safe,” he urged.

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.

The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), a member-based trade association that promotes trade between Ghana and the United Kingdom, has hosted an evening of smooth rhythms, rich conversations and shared heritage to mark this year’s International Jazz Day at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.

The event, sponsored by Audiovisual Systems, Aphro Palm Spirits, African Regent Hotel and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, brought together a diverse crowd — from representatives of the UKGCC’s member companies to key Ghana and United Kingdom Government stakeholders, jazz lovers and art connoisseurs — for what many described as a unique celebration of culture, connection and commerce.

Set against the backdrop of soulful jazz melodies, guests mingled and networked, exploring business opportunities between Ghana and the United Kingdom. With curated beverage tastings, the evening was not just about deals and dialogue — it was a toast to the finer things in life.

Executive Director of the UKGCC, Adjoba Kyiamah, told the media that the event is part of UKGCC’s deliberate efforts to promote international business ties through cultural engagement.

“We create networking opportunities for our member companies to engage with each other as well as with key stakeholders,” she said. “This event is about building meaningful relationships in an informal, yet elegant, setting.”

Ms. Kyiamah added that the UKGCC organises such events regularly, alongside sector committee meetings to address issues affecting member businesses.

While she acknowledged that the first quarter of 2025 had brought mixed fortunes for some companies, she expressed optimism for a stronger rebound in the months ahead.

She urged businesses to join the UKGCC for the opportunity to benefit from the UKGCC advantage, which would help them leverage key relationships and shared experiences to expand their businesses and increase their profits.

The event featured a curated art exhibition which added a layer of cultural depth to the evening and showcased visual stories that, much like the jazz tunes playing in the background, spoke to the soul and celebrated the rhythm of life.

For many attendees, the 2025 Jazz and Heritage event was more than a business mixer. It was a refreshing reminder that at the heart of United Kingdom-Ghana trade lies community, culture and connection.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has called on African nations to step up coordinated policy efforts to transform the continent into a single digital market.

He made the call while delivering opening remarks at the 3i Africa Policy Forum in Accra, a high-level meeting aimed at translating digital finance commitments into actionable strategies.

Held under the theme “One Africa, One Market: Driving Innovation, Investment, and Impact for a Connected Future,” the Forum brings together leaders in policy, regulation, finance, and technology to chart the way forward for digital financial integration across Africa.

Addressing participants at the Kempinski Hotel, Dr. Asiama described the theme as a strategic imperative rather than a mere aspiration. He said a connected future requires bold and coordinated action between the public and private sectors, grounded in forward-looking policies and the embrace of transformative technologies.

“Africa must no longer be seen as a patchwork of disconnected economies, but as a dynamic bloc powered by innovation and united by a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development,” he stressed.

Dr Asiama emphasised that the time has come to scale up promising national efforts through continental collaboration. While progress is visible in areas like fintech expansion, cross-border digital payments, and the creation of regulatory sandboxes, he warned that isolated national initiatives are not enough to achieve the broader vision of One Africa, One Market.

He highlighted several priority areas for immediate attention, including attracting sustainable investment into digital finance, harmonising regulatory frameworks to enable cross-border payments, empowering SMEs, operationalising the Digital Trade Protocol, responsibly adopting stablecoins and digital assets, and unlocking investor capital through strategic de-risking mechanisms.

“The aim is not just dialogue but deliverables — concrete steps that move us from intention to execution,” the Governor said.

Dr Asiama also announced a key cross-border collaboration involving the Bank of Ghana, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Financial Technology Network (Singapore). The initiative, called the Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure Project, seeks to modernise Africa’s cross-border payment ecosystem by piloting scalable, central bank-led solutions in partnership with fintechs and financial institutions.

He reaffirmed the Bank of Ghana’s commitment to the continental digital agenda, citing Ghana’s active participation in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and bilateral fintech passporting arrangements as evidence of progress.

As discussions began, the Governor urged participants to be pragmatic yet ambitious in crafting the building blocks of a connected African financial ecosystem by 2030.

“Let this Forum be a turning point where vision meets action, where policy enables innovation, and where Africa steps confidently into its role as a digital financial powerhouse,” he concluded.

Community Health Nurses across Ghana are calling for improved incentives and better working conditions to enhance healthcare delivery.

The appeal was made during the National Special Delegates Conference held in Sunyani under the theme: “Welfare and Condition of the Community Health Nurse in the CHPS Programme: Achieving Quality Universal Health Coverage.”

Community Health Nurses, who play a vital role in Ghana’s healthcare system especially in rural and underserved areas under the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative say their efforts are being hampered by inadequate support.

Esther Frimpomaa Bamfo, National President of the Community Health Nurses Association Ghana (CoHNAG), highlighted key challenges, including delayed promotions, insufficient logistics, and poor accommodation.

“Our members face numerous challenges. How can we deliver quality healthcare when our welfare is neglected? We demand urgent action from the government and health authorities,” she said.

Madam Bamfo also expressed frustration over what she described as neglect by the Ghana Health Service during difficult times. “When my people fall sick Ghana Health Service turn their back at them, when they have an accident Ghana Health Service turn their back at them, it’s so painful to treat such people in this way,” she lamented.

In response, Dr. Prince Quarshie, Bono Region Deputy Director of Public Health, acknowledged the concerns and assured nurses of steps to address them.

“We recognize the sacrifices of community health nurses. The Ghana Health Service is working on actionable steps to improve your welfare, including better incentives and resource allocation. Your role is vital to achieving universal health coverage,” he said.

Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa also pledged the government’s commitment to resolving the issues.

“Government is committed to addressing your challenges. We will engage stakeholders to ensure conducive working environments and timely incentives. Your dedication to grassroots healthcare is commendable,” he stated.

With universal health coverage as a national priority, stakeholders agree that empowering community health nurses is essential. However, nurses remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting tangible improvements.

As the conference concluded, the pressing question remains: Will these assurances translate into real change for Ghana’s frontline healthcare workers?

By Claude Kumi Abisa

Accra, May 17, GNA-Communities in Ghana’s Upper East and Upper West regions are expected to benefit from a set of interventions under the newly launched BORDER Project, spearheaded by World Vision Ghana. 

 The initiative, which aims to promote development and strengthen regional stability, is being implemented in collaboration with RACED Ghana and with funding support from the PATRIP Foundation. 

This was in a statement from World Vision Ghana copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. 

The project is targeting some of the most vulnerable areas along Ghana’s northern frontier, including Zini, Fielmo, and the Zini Refugee Camp in the Sissala West District; Bansi and Issakatinga in the Binduri District; and Tarikom along with the Tarikom Refugee Camp in the Bawku West District. 

These communities were selected due to their growing exposure to climate shocks, severe food insecurity, environmental degradation, and an increasing influx of refugees from neighbouring Burkina Faso. 

The project will directly benefit 19,219 individuals, comprising 13,454 Ghanaians and 5,765 Burkinabe refugees, and is expected to indirectly impact an additional 33,657 residents across the five target communities and two refugee settlements. 

The strain on already limited resources has intensified socio-economic pressures, heightening the risk of social tensions and threatening local peace and cohesion. 

Key interventions under the BORDER Project involved the provision and rehabilitation of solar-powered water systems and the construction of biofill ecological sanitation facilities for homes, schools, and health centres. 

The rest are the refurbishment of healthcare facilities, with a focus on maternal and child health; the establishment of drip irrigation systems to support year-round farming; and the training of farmers in climate-smart agricultural techniques. 

It also seeks to promote sustainable land use through Community Resource Management Areas and build capacity for traditional leaders, local authorities, and security personnel in peace building and conflict resolution. 

The BORDER Project is aligned with Ghana’s National Development Plan 2030, the United Nations Sustainable  

Development Goals, and the Gulf of Guinea Joint Response Plan. 

 By investing in essential infrastructure and building the capacity of local communities, the initiative seeks to trigger a lasting ripple effect of peace, prosperity, and resilience across Ghana’s border regions and the wider West African sub-region. 

GNA 

CA/ 

William Ato Essien, former MD of now-defunct Capital Bank

The Accra High Court has denied a bail application filed on behalf of William Ato Essien, the founder of the defunct Capital Bank, who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for stealing over GH¢90 million from the bank.

Essien, who served as the Managing Director of Capital Bank, was convicted in October 2023 after failing to fulfill the terms of a plea bargain agreement brokered by the then-Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

The agreement allowed him to avoid a custodial sentence by repaying the state GH¢90 million in three installments.

Under the arrangement, Essien was required to make payments as follows; an initial sum by April 28, 2023, a second by August 31, 2023, and a final installment by December 15, 2023.

Though he paid GH¢30 million in December 2022, he defaulted on the subsequent payments.

At the time of sentencing, Justice Kyei Baffour noted that Essien had managed to pay only GH¢7 million of the outstanding GH¢40 million due under the agreement. As a result, he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour.

Following his conviction, Essien filed an appeal against the sentence. On Friday, May 16, 2025, his legal team, led by Baffour Gyawu Bonsu Ashia (standing in for Thaddeus Sory), applied for bail pending the determination of the appeal.

Meanwhile, the prosecution, represented by State Attorney Frederick Adu-Gyamfi, indicated that the Attorney General’s office did not oppose the application.

However, presiding over the bail hearing, Justice Emmanuel Lodoh exercised judicial discretion to deny the application, ruling that Essien remain in custody as his appeal progresses through the legal system.

MA