Hundreds of youth, including party sympathisers and executives from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), took to the streets of Akwatia in the Denkyembour District for a float and candlelight procession in honour of the late Member of Parliament for the area, Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Clad in black and holding candles, the crowd—comprising both the young and old—gathered at St. Rose’s Junction on Monday, July 14, and proceeded to the party’s constituency office amidst solemn singing.

Many participants were visibly emotional, shedding tears as they recounted personal memories and encounters with the late MP, who was widely respected across political lines.

“We have lost a great personality,” one of the supporters said.

Another also indicated, “His passing is a very sad one.”

“Kumi was friendly to all; he will be greatly remembered,” One of the supporters remarked.

The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Akwatia: A Constituency Mired in Controversy

Located in the Eastern Region, Akwatia constituency became a flashpoint in 2024 with Mr. Kumi’s victory marred by allegations of vote buying, irregularities, and legal disputes.

Following the announcement of results, the NDC challenged Kumi’s election in court. The Koforidua High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, subsequently issued an interim injunction preventing Kumi from holding himself out as MP and participating in parliamentary activities.

However, the case escalated after Kumi allegedly defied the injunction, leading to contempt of court charges and the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.

Supreme Court Overturns Contempt Ruling
In a major legal victory, the Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, quashed the contempt conviction and barred Justice Amedahe from proceeding with any sentencing.

The decision followed a judicial review application filed by Kumi in February 2025, led by his lawyer, Gary Nimako-Marfo, who also serves as the NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs. The legal team argued that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the election petition since the Electoral Commission (EC) had not yet published a gazette notification of the parliamentary results—an essential procedural requirement to invoke the High Court’s jurisdiction in election disputes.

Speaking to the media following the Supreme Court ruling, NPP communicator Kwame Owiredu stated:

“As we speak now, Hon. Ernest Kumi remains the elected and valid MP for Akwatia. Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi is as free as a bird. He’s a free man, and he will continue his good works as an MP for the good people of Akwatia.”

Background: Kumi’s Legal Challenge
Mr. Kumi’s legal challenge included both certiorari and prohibition applications, seeking to overturn the High Court’s ruling and prevent any further action by Justice Amedahe.

The legal team presented three central arguments:

Jurisdictional Error

“The learned High Court Judge committed a jurisdictional error of law apparent on the face of the record when he assumed jurisdiction in a parliamentary election petition at the Akwatia constituency at a time when the Electoral Commission had not published the gazette notification of the results to which the election relates.”

Breach of Natural Justice

“The learned High Court Judge breached the rules of natural justice when he proceeded to hear and determine the contempt application despite the pendency of the applicant’s motion to set aside the said contempt application for want of jurisdiction.”

Judicial Bias

“The learned High Court Judge was biased and highly prejudiced against the applicant when he, among others, refused to grant counsel for the applicant audience on the basis that counsel had not filed ‘Appearance’ in the contempt application.”

Reliefs Sought by Kumi
Mr. Kumi’s legal team requested the following reliefs from the Supreme Court: A declaration that the December 31, 2024, petition filed in the absence of a gazette notification was incompetent and legally void.

A declaration that the contempt proceedings and the February 19, 2025, ruling were of no effect.

An order of certiorari quashing:

The contempt ruling;

The bench warrant;

The interim injunction dated January 2, 2025;

And all other orders made under the disputed election petition.

An order of prohibition against Justice Amedahe, preventing him from sentencing Mr. Kumi.

The Supreme Court granted the application, effectively clearing Ernest Kumi of all legal encumbrances related to the case and affirming his legitimacy as MP—just weeks before news of his unexpected passing.

Ablekuma North: Akua Afriyie apologises to NPP for defying party boycott

…..

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The new GACL Board is chaired by James Agalga, MP for Builsa North

The newly inaugurated Board of Directors of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has been officially introduced to staff at a brief ceremony held at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday July 14, 2025.

The Board had earlier engaged with Heads of Department and Union Executives in an interactive session.

The Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, in her welcome remarks extended her appreciation to the Board.

She highlighted some of the company’s recent achievements, including the ongoing repurposing of Terminal 2 for dual use, international and domestic operations and the much-needed resurfacing of the 30-year-old runway.

“These accomplishments are the result of collective effort, dedication, and cohesion among management and staff. I am confident that with continued collaboration, we can further advance the vision of His Excellency the President for Ghana’s aviation sector,” she said.

Yvonne Opare also reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the Board, emphasising the importance of unity and shared responsibility in driving the company’s strategic goals.

The Board Chairman, James Agalga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Builsa North constituency, expressed his gratitude to management and staff for the warm reception.

“We are here to work with you. The Board is fully committed to collaborating with management to realise the President’s vision of making Ghana the aviation hub of the West African sub-region,” he noted.

He lauded the GACL team for their resilience and hard work, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted global air travel.

“Your dedication during and after the pandemic has been commendable. It is this kind of commitment that has helped GACL achieve profitability again,” he noted.

James Agalga further called for a unified front in delivering on the company’s mandate.

“Let us move forward with a strong sense of purpose and mutual cooperation,” he urged.

The newly inaugurated GACL Board includes:

Hon. Attah Issah – MP, Sagnarigu Constituency

Hon. William Ntebe Ayo – MP, Tatale-Sanguli Constituency

• Mark William Attipoe – Representative, Ministry of Transport

• Kwabena Amponsah Dapaah – Fellow, Ghana Institution of Surveyors

• Diana Amakie Ashong – Business Executive

• Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare – Managing Director, GACL

• Air Commodore Elvis King Arneson – Base Commander, Air Force Base, Accra; Representative of the Ghana Air Force

• Joseph Enimil-Armah

Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations linking him to an illicit, parallel anti-galamsey taskforce purportedly operating in mining communities across the country.

The claims, made by the self-styled Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG), have been categorically dismissed as baseless, malicious, and entirely without merit.

With unwavering clarity, Hon. Abanga stated, “Let me place it on record, without ambiguity: I have absolutely no hand in, and I know nothing about these allegations. I challenge anyone who claims otherwise to be bold and point to me directly. If I have ever extorted money from any miner or seized any equipment, let them mention my name publicly.”

His firm stance underscored a broader concern regarding attempts to associate his name with unlawful activities, prompting him to question the underlying motives behind such spurious accusations.

“This is not just about politics—it is about protecting reputations built over years of service and sacrifice. I will not sit back and allow anyone to jeopardize my name with falsehoods,” Hon. Abanga declared, emphasizing his commitment to preserving both the integrity of his office and his personal reputation.

As a licensed small-scale miner, Hon. Abanga reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for lawful, responsible, and transparent mining practices that contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.

He further clarified that neither he nor Hon. Joseph Yamin has ever authorized any group to conduct enforcement operations in any mining community. Any individual or group claiming such authority, he stressed, is engaging in impersonation and must be investigated and brought to justice.

In exposing factual inconsistencies within CSSMAG’s statement, Mr Abanga highlighted that the Mobile Money number 0244254231, purportedly linked to an individual named Andrew Abban, is in fact registered to Roland Agudogo.

He cited this as evidence of deliberate impersonation and deceit, designed to mislead the public and defame innocent persons.

“Their intent is to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, and we condemn it outright,” he asserted.

In conclusion, Mr. Abanga reiterated the NDC’s central mission under its Resetting Agenda, reaffirming the party’s focus on restoring national hope, creating sustainable employment for the youth, and ensuring that Ghana becomes a conducive environment for all its citizens.

“These fake, sponsored articles and propaganda should be disregarded by the good people of Ghana,” he concluded, assuring the public that no amount of disinformation will deter the party’s vision for a better and more accountable governance structure.

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.

Azumah Resources has firmly disassociated itself from recent public comments made by policy analyst Bright Simons, clarifying that he does not speak for the company in any way.

In a statement issued by its Board of Directors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the mining company moved to clear up what it called growing media speculation about its legal and commercial dispute with local firm Engineers & Planners (E&P).

Azumah stressed that while Mr. Simons has every right to share his personal opinions, he does not represent the company’s shareholders or directors and has no mandate to comment on its behalf.

“Mr. Bright Simons does not represent, act on behalf of, or speak for the Shareholders or Directors of Azumah Resources Ghana in any capacity.

“His public commentary constitutes his personal opinion and should not be construed, implied, or interpreted as reflective of the official position, intentions, or legal standing of Azumah Resources or its Shareholders,” the statement read.

The company also addressed reports involving the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), stating that although representatives of Azumah and E&P visited the bank in Lomé last year, any mention of EBID’s involvement beyond preliminary talks is “unwarranted and inaccurate.”

Azumah however says it remains in confidential negotiations with E&P aimed at finding a fair and legal resolution to their dispute, and called on media outlets and commentators to avoid speculation that could undermine the talks.

Read the full statement below:

FKA/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Ghanaian innovator, Desmond Davis

Fisherfolk require reliable cold storage to preserve their catch, yet the high cost of freezers has long hindered operations in many coastal communities.

Recognizing this challenge, Ghanaian innovator, Desmond Davis, has introduced an inventive solution by converting barrels into deep freezers.

His creation, known as the Kingsway Barrel Ice Refrigerator, aims to reduce post-harvest fish spoilage caused by inadequate refrigeration.

Speaking on Joy Prime, Davis said each unit costs approximately GH¢2,000 to produce.

“Every single barrel is GH¢1,800, and I have to add GH¢200 to finish. That’s GH¢2,000. There are reasons for that, and it’s why we need people to come on board and support us,” he stated.

Despite the potential of his innovation, Davis said he is struggling with production capacity.

He noted that he works alone in an unconducive environment, which has led to the damage to both materials and equipment needed for production.

Stating some challenges he’s fraught with, Davis said; “I’m not making bulk purchases. I work alone. I’m not operating in a conducive environment, so some of the materials and machines I use get spoiled.”

He therefore appealed to Ghanaians and the government for financial support to scale up production and make his deep freezers widely available to fishing communities across the country.

SA/EB

Man who transforms ordinary barrels into deep freezers for the fishing industry in Takoradi appeals to officials.#PrimeMorning pic.twitter.com/97U4ZSqBOi

— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) May 20, 2025

Featured

GraphicOnline

Jul – 14 – 2025 , 20:07

2 minutes read

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has introduced a new theme ahead of its 2025 National Annual Delegates Conference, aimed at reconnecting with disillusioned supporters and reinforcing the party’s core values of the rule of law, limited government, and grassroots inclusion.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, July 14, 2025, the party’s Director of Communications, Mr Richard Ahiagbah, said the theme, “Building Together with Our Values”, reflects the party’s intention to respond to public feedback and rebuild confidence in its political direction.

“This is an indication to Ghanaians that we hear you,” Mr Ahiagbah stated. “All the feedback we received while in government on the issue of limited government, we have taken seriously. We are going back to the standards Ghanaians expect from the NPP.”

He explained that the party’s current efforts are aimed at reaffirming its identity as a party rooted in democratic principles, individual rights, and private enterprise. Mr Ahiagbah said these values are not just part of the party’s tradition but remain relevant to the country’s development.

Referring to the NPP’s origins in resisting the military-led Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), he credited the party’s forebears for their role in establishing Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

“Our forebears stood and resisted during very difficult times. It is because of their belief in the rule of law and order, not chaos, that we enjoy democratic governance today,” he noted.

Mr Ahiagbah also addressed concerns about economic policy, defending the party’s flagship industrialisation initiative, One District, One Factory (1D1F), which he said helped to create over 160,000 jobs nationwide.

He contrasted it with the current administration’s 24-Hour Economy programme, which he described as unclear and lacking direction.

“In place of a functioning industrialisation programme, the NDC has introduced something we don’t know when it will begin or end,” he said.

On cultural matters, Mr Ahiagbah reiterated the NPP’s position on traditional values and criticised what he described as the growing promotion of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

He claimed that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had shown support for what he called “a rather obnoxious phenomenon.”

He added that the NPP would continue to uphold values that reflect the beliefs of the Ghanaian people.

Acknowledging past criticisms, Mr Ahiagbah admitted that the NPP’s previous administration had allowed the size of government to expand beyond what many party supporters and citizens considered acceptable.

He assured that the party had taken note of these concerns.

“This theme is our way of responding to Ghanaians who felt left behind, or who believed we had become too similar to the opposition,” he said. “We are determined to return to the values that made the NPP a party of choice.”

The 2025 National Annual Delegates Conference is set to be held on Saturday at the Legon Sports Stadium in Accra.

Mr Ahiagbah said the party intends to use the gathering to unify its base and outline its future direction.

Sprout Source Ghana Limited, a Tema-based nursery certified by Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is producing disease-resistant coconut, cashew, and rubber seedlings to boost farmer incomes and combat climate change.

The company focuses on scientifically optimized varieties tailored to Ghana’s agro-ecological conditions, offering farmers 30–50% higher survival rates and accelerated yields.

Coconut seedlings are bred for root strength and drought tolerance, while cashew varieties resist pests and maximize nut production. Rubber seedlings prioritize rapid growth and latex yield. This approach supports Ghana’s $200 million Tree Crop Diversification Project, which aims to scale climate-resilient crops like coconut and cashew for export markets. Sprout Source’s methods align with regenerative agriculture trends, incorporating biochar and micro-irrigation.

Economically, the initiative taps into booming global demand: coconuts represent a $20.24 billion market (projected to reach $38.58 billion by 2030), cashew trades at $9 billion annually, and rubber’s value chain exceeds $300 billion. By supplying CSIR-approved seedlings, Sprout Source helps position Ghana to expand its non-traditional exports beyond cocoa and gold while creating rural jobs.

The company’s model addresses climate vulnerabilities highlighted by recent droughts in northern Ghana. Its climate-smart seedlings enable agroforestry systems that improve soil health and buffer against extreme weather, directly supporting national goals for carbon reduction and agricultural modernization.

Elsie Appau-Klu has been accused of abusing her political power in a land litigation issue

The embattled Deputy Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Elsie Appau-Klu, has been dragged to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over allegations of abusing her political power in a land litigation case.

In his petitions, private citizen, Nana Awuku Bram, accused Elsie Appau-Klu of allegedly encroaching on his one-acre parcel of land located in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra, and attempting to use her office to unlawfully enter the property and destroy a structure belonging to him.

Copies of the petition filled with pictures and dated July 8, 2025, and addressed to EOCO, CHRAJ, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; and the party’s General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, have been sighted by GhanaWeb.

In the petition, Nana Awuku Bram is calling on these institutions and individuals to investigate Elsie Appau-Klu’s alleged encroachment and displacement of occupants from the disputed property, which he describes as ‘unlawful.’

Providing further details in his petition, Nana Awuku Bram alleges that, in addition to encroaching on his property, Elsie Appau-Klu enlisted the help of individuals he described as thugs to forcibly access the land and commence construction activities.

“I write respectfully to petition your esteemed office concerning the abuse of public office by Elsie Appau-Klu, who has forcibly entered and caused destruction on my property at Oyarifa, Accra. The land in question forms part of a development project being undertaken by me, Nana Awuku Bram of Oyarifa,” portions of the petition read.

It further stated; “Despite this, Appau-Klu has used persons suspected to be thugs and uniformed personnel, and allegedly invoked her status as a public official, to demolish part of the wall enclosing the site and to forcefully enter the premises. Appau-Klu has also commenced illegal construction activities on the land and has issued renewed threats of violence against anyone who challenges her actions or attempts to report the matter to the authorities.”

Awuku Bram is also seeking a restraining order to prevent Elsie Appau-Klu from continuing construction activities on the disputed land.

Furthermore, he has called on the relevant institutions to sanction her if it is confirmed that she used state security and resources in connection with the alleged encroachment.

“Restrain her from continuing any further activity on the disputed land pending the resolution of ownership and possession rights. Sanction any misuse of state security or public resources that may have been employed in furtherance of her private interests,” he added.

See copies of the petitions below:

MAG/AE

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

By Iddi Yire  

Accra, July 14, GNA – President John Dramani has reiterated that Africa’s Reparations call is now w unified demand. 

“Africa’s call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity and our unwavering commitment to dignity,” he said. 

He added: “As we implement the 2025 Theme of the Year on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs and injustices through restitution, healing and holistic systemic transformation.” 

A statement issued by the Presidency said President Mahama, who is the African Union Champion for Reparations made the declaration in his progress report at the Seventh African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. 

The Summit on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, focused on coordinating the efforts of the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms. 

President Mahama said notable progress had been achieved by the AU Commission and Member States in implementing the theme.  

He expressed satisfaction with the recent decision by the Executive Council to extend the focus on reparations for a decade, covering the period from 2026 to 2036. 

“This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realisation of this noble cause, as well as map out well-thought-out strategies to mobilise adequate resources to champion implementation of the theme domestically,” President Mahama said. 

He issued a call for global partnership, saying, “We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland.” 

He said the deep connection between reparations and African identity and dignity.  

“Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity,” he stated, adding that the movement aims “to speak of history on African terms, of healing deep civilisational wounds and of restoring to African peoples our rightful agency in shaping our past, present and future.” 

He underscored the necessity of reparations for African progress and unity, arguing, “We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage.” 

President Mahama stressed the importance of a unified African narrative on the global stage and encouraged robust partnerships, particularly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).  

Looking ahead, he announced that Ghana and Togo would co-sponsor a high-level event in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025 “to further bolster efforts at achieving the justice and closure which has eluded us for centuries. 

“As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul,” assuring the Union of Ghana’s continued support for this agenda towards “The Africa We Want.” 

GNA  

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

Renowned security analyst, Professor Kwesi Aning, has described the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as “unfortunate but unsurprising,” pointing to Ghana’s repeated failure to act decisively on electoral violence.

The Ablekuma North rerun descended into chaos after unidentified armed men disrupted voting at some polling centres, assaulting party agents, journalists, and even a former minister. The incident triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society, prompting calls for accountability and reform.

Speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, July 14, Prof Aning lamented the country’s entrenched pattern of responding to such incidents with symbolic gestures rather than concrete reforms.

“It was unfortunate, but I am not surprised because we establish commissions of enquiry, a report is written, the government issues a white paper… This has become a game of cyclical patterns of violence — talk, talk, drink tea, and then it is business as usual,” he stated.

Despite the outrage, Prof Aning expressed skepticism about whether the government’s latest promises would lead to real change.

“It was most unfortunate, but I wasn’t surprised at all, and I am really looking forward to what will happen in this particular case with all the strong statements coming from government ministers,” he said.

Read also

Ablekuma North chaos a wake-up call for Akwatia by-election – Muntaka

Seidu Issifu (R) flanked to the left by Jürgen Heissel during their meeting

The Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Ghana, Jürgen Heissel, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, to explore opportunities for bilateral collaboration in areas of environmental governance, renewable energy, climate finance, and green innovation.

During the visit, Heissel warmly welcomed the appointment of Seidu Siedu, describing it as historic, and a bold step by Ghana to elevate climate change to a national priority.

He lauded the foresight of John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for establishing the ministerial position as a demonstration of strong political will in confronting the climate crisis.

Seidu Issifu expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s remarks and reaffirmed that his appointment reflects the highest level of political and governance leadership ever conferred on the climate agenda in Ghana.

He emphasised that the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability was created to champion a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to climate action.

The minister shared his vision to establish a Climate Change and Sustainability Hub in Ghana, a proposed centre of excellence that will serve as a platform for policy research, innovation, capacity building, mobilizing finance and stakeholder dialogue.

The hub aims to position Ghana as a thought leader in the region, driving transformative solutions that respond to national and continental climate challenges.

Seidu Issifu also outlined plans to create Climate Change and Sustainability Units within all Ministries, Agencies, and across the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.

These institutional units will support the integration of climate considerations into planning, budgeting, and policy execution, thereby strengthening Ghana’s ability to implement its climate commitments at all levels.

Further, the minister disclosed preparations toward hosting a Climate Business Summit in Ghana, which will serve as a platform to attract climate investments, mobilize the private sector, and showcase innovative green solutions aligned with national development priorities.

Jürgen Heissel welcomed these ideas with optimism and expressed Austria’s readiness to align its expertise with Ghana’s emerging climate ambitions.

He highlighted opportunities for institutional exchanges, academic scholarships, and cultural cooperation, noting that such partnerships can play a significant role in building local capacity and accelerating climate solutions.

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation and transform shared visions into meaningful actions that deliver sustainable and climate-resilient outcomes for both countries.

The University of Ghana (UG), Legon, has officially lifted the restriction on social gatherings that was introduced following the recent resurgence of COVID-19 on campus.

In a notice issued by the Office of Student Affairs and signed in consultation with the University Health Services and University Management on Monday, July 14, the university community was informed that the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

“The restriction on social gatherings on the University of Ghana campus due to the resurgence of COVID-19 has been lifted with immediate effect,” the statement announced.

This decision paves the way for student bodies and campus-based organisations to resume their activities.

The notice specifically mentioned that groups such as the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Junior Common Rooms (JCRs), religious groups, as well as departmental and school associations, are now allowed to organise their weekly celebrations and other events.

“GRASAG, SRC, JCR, religious groups, departmental and school associations are now permitted to organise their week celebrations,” the notice stated.

Despite the easing of restrictions, the university authorities stressed that health and safety must remain a top priority. Students and event organisers are expected to comply with COVID-19 safety measures to prevent any new wave of infections.

“Note that all COVID-19 protocols should be adhered to. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated,” the statement added.

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.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a new seven-member Board for the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), tasking them with the crucial responsibility of strengthening Ghana’s fight against financial crimes.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on July 14, 2025, the finance minister emphasised the importance of the FIC’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s financial system.

“This Board will play a critical role in our ongoing fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes that threaten the integrity of our financial system,” he stated.

The newly constituted Board is chaired by Mike Kofi Afflu, with Albert Kwadwo Twum Boafo serving as Chief Executive Officer.

Other members include; Grace Mbrokoh-Ewoal from the Ministry of Finance, Elizabeth Ama Yankah from National Security, Dr Kwasi Osei Yeboah, a representative from the Ministry of the Interior, and another from the Attorney-General’s Department.

The sector minister congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver on their mandate.

“I congratulate the new Board members and urge them to work diligently to support national and international efforts aimed at combating financial crime,” he said.

The Financial Intelligence Centre serves as Ghana’s national agency for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence relating to suspicious transactions and other activities connected to financial crime.

MA

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below:

 

Policy analyst Bright Simons

Policy analyst, Bright Simons, has clarified that he does not engage in advocacy on behalf of any organisation, following suggestions that he may be biased in the ongoing standoff between Engineers and Planners (E&P) and Azumah Resources.

In a post shared on his X page on Monday, July 14, 2025, Simons set the record straight after an E&P statement suggested that he was siding with Azumah Resources.

“I don’t think that there was any doubt about this in the mind of any serious person who has followed my work in the past decade and before. But since E&P, in their formal press statement, suggested that I am somehow biased towards the Azumah side, this statement that I am neither a representative nor an advocate for Azumah and its investors should seal the matter.

“I am an independent analyst working in the public interest and have always been,” he wrote.

Simons further shared his perspective on the involvement of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), taking a different stance from Azumah.

“Contrary to Azumah’s deference, my position is that the ECOWAS Bank must answer to the citizens of ECOWAS, its ultimate shareholders, how it got involved in this acquisition that clearly hadn’t happened as announced. And when it clearly knew that an earlier offer had been rejected in May 2024 and that the issues that triggered the rejection remained unresolved,” he said.

Simons expressed hope that the two companies would resolve the impasse amicably.

“All that said, we hope the two parties – E&P and Azumah – find an amicable solution to this bizarre impasse soon. Meanwhile, accountability is a marathon,” he added.

Background

His comments follow escalating tensions between the two companies, with both sides trading accusations over the status of a US$100 million acquisition agreement signed in October 2023.

E&P, in a press statement dated July 8, 2025, rejected what it described as “a deliberate effort to distort facts” surrounding its purchase of Azumah’s Black Volta Gold Project.

The company insisted that the agreement was reached in good faith after Azumah’s shareholders approached them in May 2023 to offload the struggling mine.

According to E&P, the original deal involved a US$100 million purchase price to be paid in two instalments.

The company claimed it assumed all liabilities, including debts exceeding US$5 million owed to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Minerals Commission, and has since invested an average of US$500,000 monthly in maintaining the project.

However, the dispute intensified in August 2024 when Azumah’s director, James Wallbank, allegedly demanded a revised price of US$300 million, citing rising global gold prices. E&P rejected the demand and subsequently initiated arbitration proceedings.

In June 2025, an Accra High Court ruled that Azumah’s attempt to terminate the agreement had no legal effect and ordered that the status quo be maintained.

The July 7, 2025 signing ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, which Azumah publicly distanced itself from, was later clarified by E&P to be a formal agreement between the company and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for a US$100 million facility to finance the acquisition.

E&P’s Business Development Director, Emmanuel Erskine, stated that the project remains a fully commercial transaction and is not politically motivated.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Azumah Resources Ghana Limited and E&P to resolve their ongoing dispute over ownership and control of the Black Volta Gold Project.

Read his post below:

I don’t think that there was any doubt about this in the mind of any serious person who has followed my work in the past decade and before.

But since E&P, in their formal press statement, suggested that I am somehow biased towards the Azumah side, this statement that I am… pic.twitter.com/4pI7mDdpNd

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) July 14, 2025

JKB/MA

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay

below: