By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 24, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday launched the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme for Girls in School in Accra. 

The national launch is in fulfilment of the President’s campaign promise and as part of the Government’s broader commitment to gender equity in education. 

It marks a significant step toward promoting menstrual health and hygiene, as well as improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls across the country. 

President Mahama, in his remarks, noted that he spoke on Wednesday to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was recuperating in the United Kingdom, and that she was doing very well  and would soon return home.  

“I wish to extend the greetings of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to all of you. I spoke to her yesterday and I told her we were going to miss her at this event because this is a programme that is very dear to her. 

“She said I should say hello to all of you and to say she is recuperating and catching a bit of rest. She is very well and soon she will join us to continue to prosecute the reset agenda.” 

The President lauded Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang, who was the Education Minister during his previous administration,  at that time championed a pilot project to get the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Initiative implemented. 

President Mahama noted that despite their efforts during his previous administration to implement the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) strongly opposed it and made mockery of it at that time, hence it was cancelled. 

“And so that pilot was undertaken, but I remember when we tried to pass it through Parliament, for the first time, it sounded very strange.  

“And for those who were in Parliament at the time, they will remember, our opposition bench called it the pad loan, if you remember,” he stated. 

“And a lot of mockery was made that a government will go to take a loan to supply sanitary pads for girls; because at the time, this challenge was not very well understood, even by members of Parliament. 

“Today, I’m happy that everybody accepts that this is the right thing to do. Because it is a natural process of creation.” 

President Mahama said the menstrual cycle the nation’s daughters go through every month was just their identity as women.  

He said God created women/girls to go through that so that they could exercise their reproductive function of the human race, so that they could reproduce mankind; saying “and that is why every month they have to go through that inconvenience”. 

He said the least society could do was to support them and assist them with what they needed to be able to go through it with dignity and with hygiene.  

“And so I’m happy that today we’ve reached this point. Everybody accepts that we should invest national resources in order that our girl children can have confidence to be able to go to school without fearing that they will become the laughing stock of their friends,” President Mahama said. 

He said the launch of the Free Sanitary Pad distribution initiative would enable girls to go school. 

He said the future was worth every investment that they could make in it. 

The President said the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme was more than just the distribution of sanitary pads; saying “it is a clear declaration that no girl in Ghana should miss school because of a menstrual period”. 

“Far too many of our daughters, our nieces and sisters have missed out on education, not because they lack the academic intelligence and the flair or the will or the ambition, but simply because they lack access to proper sanitary products.” 

President Mahama said research had shown that girls could miss up to five school days each month, amounting to nearly 40 days of schooling a year; adding that “This is not just a statistic”. 

“It represents a young girl failing, falling behind in class, losing her confidence and struggling to catch up because of what is a natural biological process. This reality is unacceptable. In Ghana, where we aim for progress, equity and justice, this must not continue.” 

The President said menstruation should never be a reason for exclusion or shame and that it should not be a barrier to education or self-achievement every year.  

“To our parents, I say, you have carried this burden for too long, having to choose between books, food, fees and sanitary products. Help is here. And help is here to stay. This is not a one-time gesture,” President Mahama said. 

“This is a sustained policy commitment, and we will expand it with your support and your feedback.” 

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, said the launch was to see a terminal end to the unbearable emotional trauma and indignity that young girls go through responding to the natural call. 

This, he said, was to ensure that no girl child in Ghana absented herself from school because of period. 

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to promote menstrual health, improve school attendance, and ultimately enhance the academic performance of school girls. 

The function was chaired by Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse. 

GNA

Ghana’s U-15 girls’ team will be hoping to continue their incredible run in the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) after making the semifinal.

The Black Damsels enjoyed an excellent run in the group stage after picking up nine points from three games against Morocco, Benin, and Malawi.

Ghana beat Morocco on the opening day before 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Benin and Malawi on matchday two and three, respectively.

With six goals in three games, they finished top of Group A ahead of Morocco, who recovered from their opening day loss to secure six points and finish behind Ghana.

Head coach of the side, Joyce Boatey-Agyei, says their group stage performance is a warning to their rivals.

“This is a morale booster for our players, and it’s a great message for the opponents to know that we haven’t come to play,” she said after the final group game.

“The hearts of all Ghanaians are in our hands; we have to make sure that we handle it with care and make them happy.”

Their top-of-the-table finish means they will now face defending champions, South Africa, who finished second in Group B behind Uganda.

In the other semifinal game, Uganda will play last year runners up, Morocco, who are chasing another final appearance.

The semifinal games are scheduled to begin at 14:00 GMT

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Associate Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has painted a sobering picture of Ghana’s fiscal landscape, characterising the nation’s financial troubles not as a state of bankruptcy but as the result of massive systemic losses.

Speaking at a Tackling Tax Revenue Leakages in Ghana Forum organised by his faculty, Prof. Boadi argued strongly that the risks are dire if immediate yet bold actions are not taken to tackle tax revenue leakages in Ghana.

“Ghana is not broke. Ghana is bleeding,” he declared, pointing out that “This is not a political matter. It is not NDC versus NPP. It is Ghana versus corruption.”

According to Prof. Boadi, Ghana loses about GH₵9 billion annually due to a combination of corruption, tax evasion, and systemic smuggling across various sectors of the economy.

He stressed that these are not abstract figures but stark indicators of missed opportunities and human suffering.

“These figures are not just numbers,” he said. “They represent classrooms unbuilt, machines and medicines unavailable, and dreams deferred.”

Sector-by-Sector breakdown of fiscal leakages

Prof. Boadi outlined detailed estimates of losses across several critical sectors, citing credible sources:

• Tax Administration: An estimated GH₵3 billion is lost annually to illicit financial flows, largely through high-net-worth individuals and foreign companies exploiting legal loopholes (GRA estimates).
• Customs and Trade: The World Bank’s 2023 report highlights import-related corruption costing Ghana over GH₵550 million annually due to under-invoicing, especially in machinery and textiles.
• Gold Mining: Losses in 2022 alone were pegged at GH₵2 billion, with about 60% of small-scale mining operations evading taxes entirely.
• Oil and Gas: An estimated GH₵1.5 billion in unaccounted revenues linked to production-sharing agreements, as reported by OPEC.
• Cocoa Smuggling: Approximately GH₵150 million lost annually due to cross-border smuggling activities.
• Forestry: Illegal logging is estimated to cost GH₵250 million annually in unpaid timber royalties (Forestry Commission).
• Public Procurement: The Auditor-General’s reports indicate a loss of over GH₵170 million due to procurement inefficiencies and waste.
• Fertiliser Subsidy Programme: Roughly GH₵100 million is lost yearly to fertiliser smuggling under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
• Port and Harbours: Corruption at Ghana’s ports results in an estimated GH₵250 million loss annually through unpaid import duties.
• Informal Sector: With an estimated 80% of the workforce operating informally, Ghana loses an additional GH₵15.6 million annually in untapped tax revenue.

Root causes and consequences

Prof. Boadi identified four root causes fuelling the leakages: weak enforcement, outdated systems, institutionalised collusion, and lack of transparency.

He warned that if these are not addressed, Ghana risks deeper social and economic consequences, including deteriorating public services, rising youth unemployment, and a worsening debt crisis.

“The loopholes are being exploited, not just by petty criminals, but by powerful corporations and even officials benefiting from a broken system,” he said.

The way forward

In his closing remarks, Prof. Boadi urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and citizens—to rise to the occasion.

He outlined four urgent interventions:

1. Digitalisation of revenue collection systems – “We cannot tackle 21st-century challenges with 20th-century tools.”
2. Strict sanctions for offenders – “Without consequences, corruption becomes profitable.”
3. Transparency in public finance – “Every Ghanaian must be able to track how every cedi is raised and spent.”
4. Formalisation of the informal sector – “Bringing more economic actors into the tax net is essential for inclusive development.”

He warned: “The data is clear. The victims are real. And the solutions demand courage—from all of us.”

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Ghana’s Paralympic athlete Zinabu Issah secured the country’s inaugural gold medal at the 2025 Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Ghanaian para athlete star had a throw of 29.25m breaking her own personal best of 27m in Paris 2024 and 26.6.

Earlier records indicate she achieved 26.66 meters in the 2024 edition and 24.39 meters in the qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Nevertheless, her impressive throw of 29.25 meters at the ongoing WPA 2025 Marrakech Grand Prix, marks a new personal best.

This throw puts Zinabu in the top ranking in World Para Athletics Women’s F57 Discuss Throw and puts her in direct qualification for WPA 2025 world championship and 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

She had claimed a gold medal at the 2024 Grand Prix Marrakech with a throw of 26.66 meters, which positioned her favorably to represent Ghana at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and former Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Nii Oko Vanderpuije, has defended the series of demolitions carried out during his tenure, stressing they were necessary for safeguarding public health and advancing the national interest.

Responding to criticism during an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom with Eno Safo, Vanderpuije justified the demolitions that occurred across parts of the Greater Accra Region under his leadership, particularly at the height of a public health crisis.

“Every demolition I led in Accra, there was a reason behind it. If you think of the High Streets, the beach side, at the centre of demolition, it was to stop cholera at that time. It was at a high end, people were dying. And medical officers traced it to that community,” he explained.

He described how the outbreak was traced to a specific area where unsanitary conditions posed a severe health threat.

“We went in there we were told to stop what was happening there. People were defecating when we went in there. And people were buying waakye, eating banku, and we had to clear that to eliminate it. The outbreak came down, and for about 4 or 5 years, Accra was okay. Until recently, two or three years ago, it came back again,” Vanderpuije recounted.

He also referenced the demolition at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, emphasizing its urgency due to diplomatic concerns raised by the United States.

“The next demolition I can think of is Circle, and that demolition was very necessary because the US had threatened to make a decision that was going to affect the economy of Ghana due to the human rights abuse there,” he said.

“Why should we sit down and allow a group of people to tarnish our image to the extent that it will cause us economic hardships?” he added.

While acknowledging that such actions may be controversial, Vanderpuije maintained they were ultimately in the best interest of the city and the nation.

Mahama nominates Ebi Bright, Ludwig Totimeh others as MCEs

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The health of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has worsened after intestinal surgery earlier this month, according to his medical team.

The 70-year-old remains in intensive care and will undergo new tests.

Bolsonaro was visited in hospital by a court official on Wednesday, who delivered a summons giving him five days to present his initial defence against coup charges, in preparation for his trial.

Bolsonaro has been ordered to stand trial after charges that he directed an alleged right-wing coup attempt after he lost the 2022 presidential election to the left-wing President Lula da Silva.

In a video of the summons being delivered, Bolsonaro could be seen reacting furiously, saying: “I have five days to present my defence?”

During the alleged coup attempt, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings. Investigations by the police outlined allegations he had personal conversations, including with figures from the armed forces – about the idea of a coup to cling onto power.

His earlier intestinal surgery was in response to ongoing health issues after he was stabbed in 2018 on the campaign trail in the south eastern state of Minas Gerais.

He lost around 40% of his blood and had emergency surgery, with the perpetrator later declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

He has repeatedly denied coup allegations and accused his opponents of a political witch-hunt.

A day before he was delivered the summons in hospital, he recorded a live YouTube broadcast from his hospital bed with three of his sons, despite a doctor’s recommendation not to have visitors.

The Brazilian Supreme Court argued that this showed he was able to be summoned and notified.

Bolsonaro had been hoping to contest the presidential elections again in 2026, despite a current ban on running for office, but he risks a 40-year prison sentence if found guilty.

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Prophet Jimmy Alla-Mensah, founder of House of Divine Glory Church

A prophecy made during a church service in February by US-based Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Jimmy Alla-Mensah, has sparked widespread attention following the recent earthquake that struck Turkey on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The leader of Jimmy Alla-Mensah Global Ministries and founder of House of Divine Glory Church had, during a Facebook and YouTube livestream on Sunday, February 16, declared that an earthquake was imminent in Turkey. Remarkably, he specifically mentioned a magnitude of 6.3, urging prayers for the nation.

“We lift the nation Turkey before the Lord. I see destruction of the land. And I see 6.3. I see destruction on the land and I see 6.3,” Prophet Alla-Mensah declared in the viral broadcast. “We pray against any earthquake in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We pray against earthquake, any fire-causing explosion, marine attack. May the Lord have mercy.”

Just over two months later, Turkey experienced a 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Istanbul, sending tremors across the region and prompting panic.

According to Turkey’s emergency services, the quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time at a depth of 6.92 km along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, near Silivri, about 80 km west of Istanbul.

While there were no reported fatalities, authorities confirmed 151 injuries, most of them sustained by people jumping from high places in fear. Thankfully, no major structural damage was recorded, and the nation remains on alert amid continued aftershocks.

Residents described the quake as one of the most powerful felt in recent years. Many spent the night outdoors, particularly in areas like Besiktas, where thousands of students and families gathered in city squares.

To followers of Prophet Alla-Mensah, the timing and specificity of the prophecy only deepened faith in the prophetic ministry, with many calling it a clear sign of divine revelation.

Meanwhile, the prophet and his ministry have since called for continued prayers for Turkey and its people, asking Christians worldwide to intercede for nations at risk of natural disasters.

BB

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has opened an investigation into a tragic shooting incident that occurred in Nyinahin on Thursday, April 24, 2025, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three others.

In a statement, the Police said preliminary reports indicated that the incident happened around 11:00 a.m. when a group of young people from Nyinahin were en route to the cemetery along the Kumasi–Bibiani Highway to bury a friend.

It said during the procession, a military truck carrying personnel reportedly stopped after spotting one of the mourners dressed in military camouflage.

Eyewitnesses say the soldiers approached the mourner and attempted to forcibly remove the camouflage attire. A confrontation ensued, during which a soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly.

The deceased has been identified as Akwasi Lala, popularly known as Kushivi.

The police stated that as tensions escalated, the military reportedly fired additional shots in an attempt to disperse the mourners and prevent retaliation, resulting in three more individuals sustaining injuries.

The statement said the three individuals are currently receiving medical treatment and are said to be responding well.

It noted that a police investigative team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, retrieving spent shell casings for forensic analysis.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Nyinahin Community Mortuary, where an autopsy will be performed.

The police further said that the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital where the injured are being treated.

It said he assured the community of a thorough investigation and pledged that all those found culpable would face justice.

The Police Command is also liaising with the Central Military Command to facilitate the release of the soldiers involved to assist with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate fully to ensure justice is served in this matter.

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The purpose of the visit was to familiarize themselves with the company’s operations

On April 23, 2025, a delegation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), led by its President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, paid a working visit to CBI Ghana Limited.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the company’s operations and to tour its newly commissioned Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) production plant and advanced laboratory facility.

During the visit, IET-GH held productive discussions with the management team of CBI Supercem, focusing on the strategic vision behind the company’s $100 million investment in LC3 technology.

CBI Ghana’s Managing Director, Frederick Albrecht, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting that Ghana is currently the largest clinker importer in the sub-region.

He explained how the use of local raw materials in LC3 production not only reduces the carbon footprint but also supports job creation throughout the supply chain.

The discussion included the participation of Peter Dickson (Quality and Process Manager), Kobby Adams (Commercial Director), Remi Touvet (Industrial Director), Frederick Albrecht (Managing Director), Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng (IET-GH President), Engr. Seth Ayim (Executive Director), Engr. Wonder Salami Davor (President-Elect), and Engr. Mark Nyameche.

Engr. Boateng commended CBI Ghana for achieving a significant milestone in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

IET-GH also endorsed Supacem 32.5N, a premium cement product manufactured using LC3 technology.

Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), commonly referred to as “green cement,” is a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. It consists of clinker, calcined clay, limestone, and gypsum. LC3 delivers performance comparable to Ordinary Portland Cement while offering up to a 40% reduction in clinker usage, enhanced durability, and significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

In 2024, Ghana became the first country in the world to establish an LC3 standard, permitting cement products with as little as 35% clinker. This initiative enables potential CO₂ savings of up to 200 kg per tonne of cement. Ghana’s leadership has inspired similar efforts in Togo, Kenya, and across the East African Community, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan.

CBI’s LC3 project is backed by research from 11 laboratories worldwide, including Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Ghana, and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI), as well as institutions in Germany, Austria, and Australia.

Supacem LC3 was officially launched in Ghana in April 2025, marking a major step forward in the production of sustainable, locally sourced construction materials.

The adoption of LC3 in Ghana offers numerous benefits:

Reduction of CO₂ emissions by up to 360,000 tons annually

Creation of new jobs in Tema and Torgorme

Reduction in clinker imports by 400,000 tonnes

Local sourcing of raw materials to boost the economy

Decrease in cargo ship emissions by 60,000 tonnes annually

Improved cost resilience against currency fluctuations and freight charges

AM/

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

The Government of Ghana has officially taken over the Damang Gold Mine from Gold Fields, effective 18 April 2025, a historic move that signals a bold shift in the country’s natural resource governance strategy.

While the initial decision to decline the lease extension drew mixed reactions, the transition of the asset into Ghanaian hands marks a watershed moment.

This is not merely about ownership, it is about agency, ambition, and the long-awaited opportunity to redefine Ghana’s relationship with its mineral wealth.

Why MIIF Matters

This evolving trajectory of Ghana’s resource strategy is best understood through the establishment of Ghana’s minerals sovereign wealth fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

Created in 2018 by Act 978, MIIF’s core objective is to maximize the value of royalties and dividends from the country’s mineral wealth by increasing the Government of Ghana’s equity interests and deriving optimal value across the entire mining value chain.

It must be emphasized that operating a gold mine requires continuous drilling, exploration, the adoption of new technologies, maximization of recovery, cost management, and high energy consumption. All of this demands significant long-term capital and technical expertise.

A complete nationalization of mineral assets, as some advocate, risks replicating the failures of similar efforts in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Ghana must instead pursue increased stakes through deliberate policies, including international partnerships, capacity building, and the strategic use of MIIF’s financial strength.

MIIF’s Current Blueprint

Investment in Asante Gold Corporation of Canada

Ghana’s interest in Asante Gold Corporation stands at approximately 40%, the highest national stake in an international mining company since the divestiture implementation program of the early 1980s.

Since 2022, MIIF has invested in the Chirano Mine (formerly Kinross), the Mensin Bibiani Mine, and the non-producing Kubi Mine, all owned by Asante Gold Corporation.

In partnership with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and the government’s compulsory Free Carried Interest, Ghana holds around 24% equity in the company.

A 2022 condition imposed by MIIF requiring all investee companies to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange has raised Ghanaian ownership in Asante to approximately 40%. Asante is now listed in Ghana, Germany, and Canada. Its assets, Kubi, Bibiani, and Chirano, are considered among the richest in West Africa.

Investment in Atlantic Lithium

MIIF is now the third-largest shareholder of Atlantic Lithium globally.

MIIF’s 2024 investment in Atlantic Lithium followed the Government of Ghana’s critical minerals policy and green transition agenda.

The Fund’s two-pronged investment strategy included both the Australia-based holding company and its Ghanaian assets, referred to as the Cape Coast Portfolio, with Ewoyaa as the flagship project.

Described by industry figures such as Sir Sam Jonah and policy analyst Dr Steve Manteaw as one of the best-negotiated mining contracts in Ghana, MIIF’s involvement granted it significant global equity and a 19% local stake in the Ewoyaa project.

Atlantic Lithium, listed in Australia and London, also trades on the Ghana Stock Exchange as a condition precedent to MIIF’s investment.

Why Damang Matters

The Damang concession, located in the mineral-rich Western Region, is one of Ghana’s top-performing gold assets. With substantial remaining reserves, advanced infrastructure, and proximity to existing processing facilities, it represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

This takeover gives Ghana a rare chance to operate a world-class gold mine under majority Ghanaian ownership, not just in principle, but in practice.

A Ghanaian-Led Mining Model

Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, described the Damang decision as a “clarion call” for Ghana to reset its extractive framework. His three-point proposal advocated for:

1.Prioritizing Ghanaian consortiums in future mining leases

2.Imposing a moratorium on foreign lease renewals

3.Establishing a Ghana Minerals Sovereign Fund to reinvest profits into mining communities

Given the existence of MIIF and its proven blueprint, this vision is not only realistic but immediately actionable.

MIIF’s Role in Damang

This is the moment for MIIF to evolve from a passive investor to an active operator or strategic investor in Damang. With a robust capital base, royalty income, and a diversified mining portfolio, MIIF can lead or anchor a Ghanaian consortium to manage the mine effectively.

In 2024, MIIF increased its revenue by 41% year-on-year, reaching GHC 1.3 billion and doubling its profit to GHC 409 million.

The Fund also expanded its total assets under management to over US$1.2 billion in 2024, up from US$195 million in 2021, positioning it among the fastest-growing mineral sovereign wealth funds globally.

The Missed Akyem Opportunity

Damang should serve as a stark reminder of the missed opportunity in the Newmont Akyem sale. The Akyem lease was set to expire in January 2025, presenting a similar opening for Ghana.

The mine accounted for 14% of Ghana’s total gold exports in 2023 and has a projected life beyond 2040.

Despite MIIF’s public support for a Ghanaian-led consortium, including a US$100 million commitment toward a reported US$700 million bid, the asset was ultimately sold to a Chinese firm for approximately US$1 billion.

Ghana’s benefit from this sale will be limited to tax revenue. As former MIIF CEO Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng said in a November 2024 statement, “We lost our opportunity to dance with destiny.”

Conclusion: Damang Must Not Be Another Missed Dance with Destiny

It is imperative that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and MIIF collaborate on a clear strategy to ensure Ghana capitalizes on such opportunities.

MIIF’s blueprint, investing across the mining value chain and requiring stock exchange listings, strengthens the financial sector and gives ordinary Ghanaians a stake in national resources.

Damang presents not just a gold mine, but a golden opportunity. Ghana must seize it, with clarity, courage, and commitment.

Rome, Apr. 24, (dpa/GNA) – Extensive security measures will be in place in Rome for Saturday’s funeral service for Pope Francis – to safeguard not just the throngs of faithful in and around the Vatican, but also the influx of world dignitaries.

Above all, the arrival of many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, will entail an unprecedented deployment of police, military and other security entities.

Further complicating matters, Francis’ coffin will be driven across Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place, following a funeral service in St Peter’s at the Vatican.

The authorities are expecting tens of thousands of people to line this route, which is around 6 kilometres long.

The exact route is still being discussed but could pass such iconic sites as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

“It’s extremely complex,” Rome’s police chief, Roberto Massucci, said in an interview.

According to Fabio Ciciliano of the civil defence service, more than 200,000 people were expected for the funeral service around St Peter’s Square: “But we need to look at these figures again.”

Security precautions around the Vatican have been boosted for days and a no-fly zone is in place, with the Italian special forces also securing St Peter’s Square with drone defence equipment.

All the faithful who want to say goodbye to the pope in person before the funeral in St Peter’s Basilica must first have their bags scanned.

The measures will be stepped up again for the funeral service on Saturday, when Rome is expecting delegations and leaders from around 170 countries.

Snipers, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, special forces on the River Tiber and other units will be deployed to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

The most difficult part will be organizing the simultaneous arrival of the many delegations and their escorts, said police chief Massucci.

There are likely to be extensive roadblocks, particularly because of Trump’s arrival.

According to media reports, the president will be staying at the US ambassador’s residence before travelling to the Vatican for the funeral service.

All of this comes at an already intense time for Rome. Large numbers of tourists are currently in the city because of the Easter celebrations and the 2025 Jubilee, announced by the late pope John Paul II at the end of the 2000 Great Jubilee.

To make matters worse for the police and security authorities, Friday is also a public holiday commemorating the 80th anniversary of Italy’s liberation from fascism and Nazism.

A number of rallies have been announced for the occasion, including some that are specifically anti-war. There have been repeated incidents at such events in Italy in the past.

GNA

PDC

 The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) leveraged technology to drive customer experi­ence at the Kwahu Business Forum held last Saturday at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region.

The high-level business forum brought together financial institutions, private sector leaders, MSMEs, government officials, and global businesses as part of a comprehensive Kwahu Easter Busi­ness Dialogue under the theme “The Fu­ture of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”

The Bank’s exhibition booth attracted very high number of foot traffic throughout the forum, largely due to the deployment of a fully digitised customer onboard­ing platform com­bined with profes­sionalism to ensure exceptional customer experience.

Visitors were able to open ac­counts instantly using a simplified, internally developed platform with paperless processes. Each new customer also received a free Visa Prepaid Card, activated on the spot, providing immediate access to the Bank’s wide array of digital services.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, indicated that as part of a new strategic direction, ADB was repositioning itself as an inno­vative Bank, leveraging technol­ogy to provide end-to-end and tailor-made products and services for all. “The Kwahu Business Forum is a strategic platform, and ADB is proud to demonstrate our commitment to inclusive banking by bringing technology closer to the people,” he said.

“The successful rollout of the internally developed digital on­boarding platform at such a major national event signals the Bank’s readiness to be technologically savvy and to lead the transforma­tion of financial service delivery in Ghana,” the MD added.

The Bank is in the process of selecting strategic and potentially viable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that par­ticipated in the Kwahu Business Forum to provide them with tai­lor-made financial services to help them expand and grow.

ADB is a universal bank provid­ing products and service offerings for all segments, including agri­business, asset finance, corporate banking, electronic banking, glob­al remittance service, institutional and public sector banking, and trade services, among others. The Bank has 89 networked locations across the country.

The attack occurred on April 17. Government spokesman Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji provided a revised casualty toll after authorities initially said only a small number of soldiers had died.

This attack marks another deadly chapter for Benin, a West African country of approximately 14 million people. In January, Benin suffered an assault in which around 30 soldiers were killed.

A West African al-Qaeda affiliate called the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The militant group, which has a history of violent actions in the region, claimed it had killed 70 soldiers and published photos of seized weapons and ammunition, according to the US-based SITE Intelligence Group.

JNIM and offshoots of the Islamic State have been causing instability in countries in the Sahel region – including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – for over a decade, seizing control of vast territories.

The violence has increasingly spread to states including Benin, Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast, where the terrorist groups exploit local ethnic conflicts to seize land and resources.

GNA

PDC

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has firmly rejected allegations by Assin South Member of Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, who claimed that two aircraft were being used to smuggle illicit drugs and launder money into Ghana.

President John Dramani Mahama responded to the claims by instructing security agencies to liaise with the MP and conduct investigations into the matter.

However, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, subsequently dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” accusing the MP of deliberately spreading misinformation to tarnish the government’s image.

Government officials have on several occasions denied the allegations by the MP and have called on the former Deputy Education Minister to provide evidence to back his claims.

In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Selorm Adonoo, Alexander Twum Barimah, Deputy Director General of NACOC, also discredited the claims, calling them entirely unfounded.

“He [Ntim Fordjour] didn’t know what he was talking about; that was a fallacy. It is not something I want us to revisit or even entertain. The person who was saying it was just throwing dust into the air. There was no such thing,” he stated.

The Commission emphasized that no credible evidence had been presented to support the MP’s claims and urged the public to disregard the accusations.

There’s enough evidence to back Ntim Fordjour’s claim – Haruna Mohammed

…..

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The 2025 edition of the prestigious International Pairs Golf Tournament has officially been launched in Accra, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting chapter in amateur golf in Ghana.

The brief but colourful ceremony which was held at the Montgomery Golf Estate in Accra on Wednesday, April 23, attracted various stakeholders in the golfing and sports communities such as club executives, sponsors, and media representatives.  

The launch also featured an afternoon golf event followed by an evening ceremony highlighting the tournament’s branding and honouring key contributors.

Speaking at the launch, Abdul-Aziz Amankwa, the brain behind the project, said he has high hopes for the future of the sport in Ghana.  He also emphasized the importance of the tournament in promoting golf as a sport accessible to all, while also highlighting Ghana’s rising status on the international golf scene. The International Pairs format, which sees amateur golfers compete in pairs for a chance to represent their country on the global stage, has been widely praised for its inclusiveness and competitive spirit.

“In the next five years I want to see this grow into a 5,000 to 10,000 strong golfing community. We are doing a lot at the junior level to try and get a lot more juniors into golf and we are hoping that their parents will also join them.”

He added; ‘The tournament has significantly boosted interest and participation in amateur golf. More clubs are now incorporating pairs tournaments into their annual calendars, and the social aspect of our events has attracted non-golfers to the sport, broadening its appeal.

Amankwa also said, a large golfing community will inspire the need for more golf courses in the country to improve the standard of the sport.

“You go to some countries and they have 100 plus golf courses, but in Ghana we have 18 to 20 courses.

Since its Ghanaian debut in 2023 under LSM CEO Abdul-Aziz Amankwa, the 27-year-old tournament has become a staple on the local circuit, known for its two-person team format where combined scores determine advancement.

Meanwhile, the qualifiers for the competition will begin on May 3 at the Tema Centre of the World Golf Club, with subsequent rounds at Accra-area courses like Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono. The competition will then move to the Western Region for a three-course rotation before concluding in Kumasi’s Royal Golf Club on May 31. The top 30% of participants at each qualifier will progress to the National Playoff on August 2 at Achimota Golf Club, where the winning pair secures an all-expenses-paid trip to the World Finals in Sun City, South Africa.

The International Pairs tournament has, over the years, attracted thousands of amateur players, making it one of the world’s largest amateur golf competitions. Ghana’s continued participation not only puts local talent in the spotlight but also helps deepen the country’s presence on the global golfing map.

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Kwabena Adu-Boahene, (L), Angela Adjei Boateng and Dr Dominic Ayine

The former National Signals Bureau Chief, Kwabena Adu-Boahen, and his wife have filed a defamation lawsuit against Attorney General Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, following allegations made during a press conference held on March 24, 2025.

During the press conference, Dr Ayine accused the couple of engaging in a number of criminal activities and financial misconduct.

According to the plaintiffs, the accusations were baseless, damaging, and made without any legal or factual justification.

The lawsuit stems from these comments, which the Adu-Boahens claim have tarnished their reputation and were made without supporting evidence.

In their writ, the Adu-Boahens are seeking the following reliefs from the court: an award of exemplary and punitive damages for the publication and/or broadcast of the defamatory statements made during the March 24 press conference; a perpetual injunction restraining Dr Ayine from making further similar statements; and the cost of the legal action, including attorney fees.

Under court rules, Dr Ayine has eight days from the date of service to respond to the suit. Should he fail to do so, the court may issue a default judgment in favour of the plaintiffs.

Kwabena Adu-Boahen was arrested by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in connection with an alleged financial scandal involving a $7 million cyber defense system contract.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, an Accra High Court reduced the bail conditions for the former Signals Bureau Director from GH¢120 million to GH¢80 million, with two sureties, one of whom must be justified.

The court also ordered that the passports of Adu-Boahen and his wife remain with EOCO, and any travel must receive express permission from the agency.

JKB/MA

‘I will come after you’ – Watch as Paul Adom-Otchere threatens Sam George

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for strict adherence to the tenets of the rule of law in the ongoing process for the removal of the country’s current Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.

In a statement dated April 24, 2025, the GBA emphasised that it expects all individuals involved in the process to align their actions with the provisions of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to uphold the image of the judiciary.

“While the GBA recognises the constitutional provisions for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146 (6) to (10) of the Constitution, and mindful of the fact that the entire matter is currently sub judice, it is the hope and belief of the GBA that all actors involved in this process will be guided by the time-tested tenets of the Rule of Law. In its application, they should follow the spirit of the Rule of Law,” the statement said.

“It is expected that persons playing even the minutest role in this process will bear in mind Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution regarding the exercise of discretion and will act in a manner that safeguards and enhances the independence and image of the judiciary,” it added.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo with immediate effect on April 22, 2025, following three petitions filed against her alleging misconduct.

After the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, and her subsequent suspension, a five-member committee has been set up to investigate the allegations, with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie appointed as Acting Chief Justice during the probe.

Read the full statement by the GBA below:

GA/MA

April 24 – China Everything recently released a documentary titled “Xi’s Passion for Reading,” a compelling documentary that explores the literary journey of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the profound influence reading has had on his leadership and world view. 

“Reading is my biggest hobby,” he has said. “Reading will be my lifelong hobby.” 

Xi’s passion for reading has remained constant, with his reading list still growing. 

In his view, reading maintains intellectual vitality, inspires wisdom and cultivates strong moral character. 

By Samira Larbie

Accra, April 24, GNA – Ghana will tomorrow, April 25, commemorate World Malaria Day (WMD) with the expectation that government will clearly outline its vision for malaria elimination in the country. 

Dr Felicia Owusu-Antwi, National Professional Officer for Malaria at the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that would help stakeholders to understand their roles and responsibilities towards achieving the country’s malaria elimination targets. 

She made the call during a webinar, organised by the Centre for Malaria Research at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). 

That was in collaboration with the Ghana National Malaria Elimination Programme and the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), ahead of the 2025 World Malaria Day celebration. 

Dr Owusu-Antwi noted that while malaria elimination may be a long and complex process, it was possible with the right systems in place.  

“These include strong surveillance, capacity building, effective partnerships, governance, and cross-border collaboration, underpinned by strong political will,” she said. 

“All these cannot be achieved without awareness creation, education, and the advocacy roles played by journalists.” 

Citing examples of countries that had successfully eliminated malaria -including Morocco, Sri Lanka, Paraguay, Algeria, Cabo Verde, and Egypt – Dr Owusu-Antwi encouraged the media to continue their efforts in educating the public and advocating a malaria-free Ghana. 

The World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, highlights the need for sustained investment and political commitment in malaria prevention and control efforts. 

The 2025 commemoration is themed: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”  

It is a grassroots campaign aimed at reinvigorating efforts at all levels – from global policy to community action – to accelerate progress toward elimination. 

The Day was instituted by WHO Member States at the 2007 World Health Assembly to recognise achievements in malaria control and mobilise individual and collective efforts to end the disease. 

Global research shows that over the last two decades, more than seven million lives have been saved and over one billion malaria cases prevented. 

 However, malaria remains one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases, killing more than 400,000 people annually, mostly children. 

Progress has been made through the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, improved case management for children and pregnant women, preventive medicine during peak transmission seasons, and monitoring insecticide resistance. 

According to the WHO,  2021 saw an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in approximately 619,000 deaths.  

The WHO Africa Region continues to carry a disproportionately high burden, accounting for 95 per cent of all malaria cases and 96 per cent of related deaths. 

 Children under five years old made up 79 per cent of malaria deaths in the region, it said. 

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the plasmodium parasite.  

It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, with the parasite first multiplying in the liver before attacking the red blood cells.  

Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, convulsions, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, unconsciousness and abnormal bleeding. 

People with low or no immunity, particularly children and pregnant women, are most at risk.  

Prevention strategies include the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial medications. 

Ghana has made significant strides in the fight against malaria, reducing prevalence from 27.5 per cent in 2011 to 8.6 per cent in 2022. 

 Testing rates have also improved significantly, from 38 per cent in 2012 to 98 per cent in 2022, resulting in a 95 per cent reduction in malaria-related deaths—from 2,799 deaths in 2012 to 151 in 2022. 

In 2024, Ghana recorded fewer than 300 malaria deaths, a substantial decline from over 2,000 deaths recorded a decade earlier.  

However, it is estimated that at least one person still dies from malaria in the country each day. 

GNA 

ABD