The much-anticipated Beverage Industry Forum, organised as part of Ghana Beverage Awards (GBA) 2024, is set to take place virtually on March 26, 2025.
This groundbreaking event will bring together leading industry players to chart a path for Ghanaian beverage brands to do better on the global stage.
Under the theme “Strengthening the Ghanaian Beverage Industry in the Global Market” the forum will provide a vital platform for manufacturers, distributors, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore international expansion opportunities.
As Ghana’s beverage industry grows, the push to compete beyond local markets has never been more urgent.
The virtual session will feature insightful conversations with leading voices in the beverage industry, including representatives from the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), Ghana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade, Chartered Institute of Marketing and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
It will tackle key issues pertaining to regulatory compliance for exports, brand positioning, and quality assurance among others. Participants will also gain insights from industry experts on how to enhance their products’ global appeal, navigate international trade policies, and adopt best practices to meet world-class standards.
Speaking on the significance of the forum, Emma Wenani, Chief Director of Global Media Alliance, stated, “This forum marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s beverage industry. As we seek to position our brands better on the global stage, we must provide businesses with the right tools, insights, and networks to compete effectively.
“Through expert-led discussions and strategic collaborations, we aim to bridge the gap between local producers and international markets, fostering sustainable growth and economic transformation for the industry.”
The forum is open to all industry stakeholders, including beverage manufacturers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and trade professionals.
Interested participants can register and read other relevant information on the registration.
Curated to be the go-to avenue for salient conversations pertaining to Ghana’s beverage industry, GBA industry forum is poised to become a force to reckon with among the industry’s events.
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Kow Essuman, former legal advisor to ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo, has raised concerns about the silence of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet.
The jet, which belongs to Mahama’s brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, has become a subject of political debate in Ghana.
Essuman questioned why Ablakwa, who was once vocal about former President Akufo-Addo’s use of private jets, has not spoken out about the current situation.
“Ablakwa had so much to say when Akufo-Addo traveled in a private jet.
Now that Mahama is using his brother’s jet, where is his voice?” Essuman asked.
During Akufo-Addo’s presidency, Ablakwa frequently criticized the government’s spending on private jets, arguing that taxpayers’ money was being misused.
Many Ghanaians supported his stance, demanding more accountability in government travel expenses.
However, Essuman now suggests that the same standard should be applied to Mahama’s administration.
In response, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu defended Mahama’s use of the private jet.
He clarified that Dzata Airlines, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, had provided the jet to the president at no cost.
“There is no financial burden on taxpayers. This arrangement existed even before the 2024 elections,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
Despite this explanation, some critics argue that the issue is not just about money. “It’s also about fairness and transparency,” Essuman insisted.
He urged Ablakwa to remain consistent in his scrutiny of government officials, regardless of who is in power.
“If you held one president accountable, you should do the same for the next. That’s what true accountability looks like,” he added.
The debate has sparked conversations among Ghanaians about political bias.
Some citizens believe Ablakwa’s silence suggests selective criticism, while others feel Mahama’s situation is different because no public funds are involved.
One social commentator weighed in, saying, “People want honesty in politics.
If Ablakwa spoke against Akufo-Addo’s jet use, he should also address Mahama’s case, even if the circumstances are different.”
Regina Daniels, a Nigerian actress, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, has become a fashion icon admired for her impeccable style. Known for her beauty, grace, and confidence, Regina’s outfits are a true reflection of her multifaceted personality, which blends elegance, modern trends, and cultural influences seamlessly.
Her fashion choices are as diverse as her career, ranging from casual chic to haute couture. Regina has a knack for effortlessly pulling off both trendy, contemporary styles and more traditional, elegant looks. Whether she’s attending a red carpet event, a family gathering, or a casual day out, she always manages to make a statement with her clothing. Her Instagram feed is filled with photos of her in stunning outfits that showcase her love for luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and bold patterns.
One of Regina Daniels’ signature styles includes wearing figure-hugging dresses that highlight her curvaceous silhouette, often paired with elegant heels. Her love for African prints, particularly Ankara fabrics, is evident in many of her outfits. She often wears Ankara dresses, skirts, and tops, showing her pride in her African heritage while maintaining a modern and fashionable twist. Regina also knows how to style sophisticated gowns and formal dresses for high-profile events, making her a frequent standout at glamorous occasions.
Her fashion sense is not just about the clothes she wears, but also how she accessorizes. Regina frequently complements her outfits with statement jewelry, chic handbags, and stylish shoes, which enhance her overall appearance and elevate her looks to a whole new level.
In addition to her public appearances, Regina Daniels has also become a style inspiration for many young women. Her ability to mix high-end brands with affordable pieces has made her relatable to fans, proving that fashion is not just about the price tag but the creativity and confidence behind the look.
In conclusion, Regina Daniels has proven herself to be more than just an actress. Through her beautiful outfits, she has established herself as a true fashionista, consistently setting trends and influencing the style of her fans. Her effortless elegance, bold fashion choices, and commitment to her roots make her a fashion icon to watch for years to come.
A former studio engineer has been charged with stealing Eminem’s unreleased music and selling it online.
FBI prosecutors say more than 25 songs from the Detroit rapper have been played or distributed online without his or Interscope Capital Labels Group’s consent.
A federal affidavit said Joseph Strange, a 46-year-old from Michigan, was charged via a criminal complaint with copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Acting US Attorney Julie Beck in Detroit said the man, who lost his job at Eminem’s studio in 2021, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of both counts. He denies the charges.
The affidavit said the music stored on password-protected hard drives kept in a safe at Eminem’s studio in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb.
Studio employees reported the theft to the FBI in January this year, saying unreleased music still in development was live on various websites such as Reddit and YouTube.
A review found files were transferred from a hard drive in a safe to an external hard drive in October 2019 and January 2020, when Strange was a sound engineer at the studio.
Investigators also found buyers after Eminem’s business associate Fred Nassar posted an online warning to fans not to distribute the music.
A Canadian resident who used the screen name Doja Rat told investigators he had purchased 25 unreleased songs from Strange for about $50,000 (£38,435) in Bitcoin.
Doja Rat added he raised the money from a group of fans of the Lose Yourself star, and added Strange was trying to sell some of Eminem’s handwritten lyric sheets.
The affidavit added another group of fans, organised by someone in Connecticut using the screen name ATL, also purchased a “couple” of songs from Strange for about $1,000 (£768.70).
In a statement, Strange’s attorney Wade Fink his client is a married father of two “with decades of dedication to the music industry.”
He called the charges “untested allegations” that haven’t been vetted by a grand jury or a judge, adding: “We will handle the matter in a courtroom and we have great faith in the judges of our district.”
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In a shocking development this evening, Wednesday, 19th March 2025, National Security has picked up Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa, the outspoken host of the #ForTheRecords show. His whereabouts remain unknown, as authorities have yet to issue any official statement regarding his arrest.
The news of his detention has sparked concerns among Ghanaians, especially his followers and supporters, who believe his arrest is politically motivated. It is widely speculated that Okatakyie Afrifa’s frequent criticism of the ruling NDC government, particularly President Mahama, may have played a role in this incident. Over the past few weeks, reports indicated that there were threats of his arrest, but many did not expect it to happen so suddenly.
A statement circulating among his supporters reads, “You touch one, you touch all. Get ready.” This suggests growing tension and possible mobilization among his followers, who see his arrest as an attack on free speech and press freedom.
Okatakyie Afrifa has been a vocal critic of the government, using his platform to highlight issues of governance, corruption, and national development. His fearless approach has earned him both admiration and criticism. While some view him as a voice for the people, others argue that his commentary is often controversial and provocative.
Many Ghanaians are now demanding clarity from the National Security apparatus, urging them to disclose his location and the reason for his detention. Social media is buzzing with hashtags calling for his release, while others await an official response from the government.
As the situation unfolds, one question remains: Will this arrest silence dissenting voices, or will it ignite a stronger push for accountability and free speech in Ghana?
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has expressed deep concern over what he said is insufficient budgetary allocation to his office, stating that the GH¢78 million assigned for the year is woefully inadequate to meet the operational needs of the three key agencies under his supervision.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, Kwakye Ofosu underscored the pressing financial needs of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the Information Services Department (ISD), and the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
These institutions, he stressed, play a crucial role in disseminating government information, keeping the public informed, and upholding media integrity.
However, he lamented that the current funding levels would severely hinder their ability to function effectively.
In his submission, the minister detailed the financial burden placed on these institutions, noting that they collectively employ 2,537 civil servants who rely on the budgetary provision to carry out their duties.
He went on to highlight the urgent financial demands of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which has been tasked with expanding its services to cover the six newly created regions.
“There are three agencies that I superintend, namely the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Information Service Department and the Ghana News Agency. These three agencies alone have 2,537 civil servants and it is these civil servants who have been allocated GH¢78 million in both goods and services.
“Mr. Speaker, it is woefully inadequate for them because the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation alone needs GH¢36 million to establish a presence in the six regions that they [the previous administration] created.”
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Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has on Wednesday, March 19, 2024, made changes in the various police hierarchy.
The changes in the commands are to ensure effective management and operational control of the Ghana Police Service.
A press release signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Akrofi-Ansah, Director of Police Public Affairs Directorate (PAD), and copied the Ghana News Agency, has said.
Commissioner of Police (COP) Mrs Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah is now the Director General (DG) of Research and Planning.
The new DG for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is DCOP Ms Lydia Yaako Donkor with DCOP Frank Abrokwa, the former Ashanti Regional Commander as her deputy.
COP Paul Manly Awini oversees Service Workshop, COP Daniel Kwame Afriyie is DG, Private Security Organisation, COP Dr Ernest Kwabena Owusu is DG, Services and COP Mohammed Fuseini Suraji is DG, (NAPD) National Patrols Department.
The new DG, Technical, is COP Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba whereas COP Mr Michael Nketia Frempong is the DG for Finance.
COP Mr Asumadu Okyere Darko is the new DG for Police Professional Standards Bureau, (PPSB), the new DG for welfare is COP Iddi Lansah Seidu, COP Mrs Faustina A.K. Andoh-Kwofie is the Commandant-Ghana Police Command and Staff College-GPCSC, Winneba.
The new boss (DG) for Legal and Prosecutions is COP Joseph Okla Gyamera whilst COP Peter Baba Atiniak is the DG for Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Dr David Agyeman Adjem, DG for Administration. DCOP Mr Vance Gariba is the DG for Operations and DCOP Sebastian Atsu Wemegah is the DG for Information Communications Technology-ICT.
DCOP Eric Ken Winful is now the DG, National Protection Department, DCOP Mr Arhin Kwasi Annor, DG of Special Duty, DCOP Mr Frederick Kofi Blagodzi, DG- Human Resource Department and DCOP Mr Gabriel Prince Waabu as the DG for the Motor Traffic and Transport Department – MTTD.
The Regional Police Commanders are DCOP Mr Duut Tuaruka for Greater Accra, DCOP Francis Kwame Tsidi, Western North, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, Central North and DCOP Yao Dogbey Tettegah, Bono.
The others are ACP Mr Wisdom Akorli, Volta Regional Police Commander, ACP Mr Joshua Coppson, Volta North, ACP Mr Wisdom Lavoe, Northern Regional Police Commander.
Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga [L] and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has issued a strong warning to the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over his behavior in the House.
According to him, the Minority Leader must learn to conduct himself properly in Parliament.
Ayariga’s comment came after the Minority Leader accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to fulfill the many promises it made to Ghanaians during the electioneering campaign.
However, NDC MPs did not take kindly to the accusation or the manner in which the Minority Leader made the comment.
Moved by the remark, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stood up and, after catching the Speaker’s eye, proceeded to respond to the Minority Leader.
“The Minority Leader should learn to behave properly in this chamber. Please, let’s treat each other with respect. You cannot stand here, throw your hands around, and point at us while saying we don’t keep our promises. The budget has just been presented; we have not yet considered it or approved it for implementation. You cannot always stand up and talk as if you are superior to everyone in this chamber. Let this be the last time,” Mahama Ayariga stated.
You’re not above anyone in this house—let this be your last time. Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, issues a strong warning to Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over his behavior in the house. pic.twitter.com/1PUI6z6dvt
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, is reported to have led a raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, with 20 armed men on March 19, 2025.
According to a news report by AsaaseOnline.com, the raid took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Dr. Addison’s Roman Ridge residence in Accra.
Reports indicate that Dr. Addison was at home when the heavily armed men, some wearing balaclavas and wielding AK-47 semi-automatic rifles, arrived to conduct a search.
The report further stated that the team repeatedly disabled all CCTV cameras in the house.
They then demanded that Dr. Addison lead them to the ‘vaults’ in his house. Our source says the former Governor, in shock, calmly told them that he had no vaults or any such cache of cash at home,” AsaaseOnline.com reported
Meanwhile, the Minority Leader of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin is reported to have visited the former BoG governor in his residence after the raid.
I visited the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison, whose house was raided by National Security operatives led by Richard Jakpa. pic.twitter.com/zoELLpOqDI
— Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (@AfenyoMarkin) March 19, 2025
AM/KA
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
Some of the team members during the farewell programme for Bossman Debra
In recognition of his services to the club and the great future that lie ahead of him, the management and players of Kenpong Football Academy has held a special farewell for prodigious talent Bossman Afirim Debra who is set to make his first and major international move.
The talented youngster is on the verge of sealing an incredible deal to Norwegian side Stabaek and Kenpong Football Academy sent him off with a touching and inspirational farewell program that will leave lasting memories on not just him by the entire playing body.
Before his departure from the academy’s base in Winneba in Central Region, Bossman Debra was presented with a jersey signed by all his teammates.
He was also given a guard of honor by teammates who gave him a resound applause, affirming their happiness for him and their prayers of him becoming a success story at Stabaek.
Debra also addressed his teammates for the last time with the coaches at Kenpong Football Academy offering some important counseling and prayers for him as he prepares to navigate another important chapter in his promising career.
Legendary Ghanaian coach, JE Sarpong urged him to work hard and remain humble and focused on his career as those are the keys to success in his career.
An emotional Bossman Debra expressed gratitude to the management of the academy including the owner, Kennedy Agyapong alias Kenpong, the coaches and players for their support and dedication to him.
The move to Stabaek by Bossman Debra comes on the back of extensive works and engagements with European clubs by the owner of the academy and Ghanaian business magnate, Kenpong.
Kenpong has for the past few years invested hugely in the academy and embarked on a mission to establish partnership with several European clubs.
This ambition of his, which is set to open huge doors for players of Kenpong Football Academy, has seen him establish partnerships with clubs in Norway, France, Spain (FC Barcelona), Switzerland among others.
Reports indicate that through the groundwork by Kenpong and the outstanding works by the coaching team at Kenpong Football Academy, a good number of the players will in the coming months join some major clubs in Europe either on permanent basis or initial trials.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced an ambitious plan to convert a significant number of traditional fuel stations into electric vehicle (EV) charging centers.
This move, according to the minister, forms part of the government’s broader strategy to facilitate Ghana’s transition to clean energy and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Speaking at an energy policy forum on Wednesday, March 19, Jinapor outlined the government’s vision for the future of transportation in Ghana, indicating that Ghana must begin preparing for the inevitable shift toward electric vehicles.
According to him, Ghanaian roads will soon see an influx of electric cars, with a major transformation expected within the next decade.
He further highlighted the rapid advancements in EV technology, noting that charging times have significantly improved over the years.
“What we are going to do is to convert most of our filling stations and take some space and put in place charging stations. And today with technology, in just five minutes to 10 minutes, you can charge your car and continue to move.
“We are also going to deploy BYD, the Chinese company to come up with a new technology. That new technology, in five minutes, your car is fully charged.”
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In a bold and powerful statement, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has addressed the public for the first time since securing a significant legal victory against controversial politician Kennedy Agyapong. The renowned journalist, known for his hard-hitting undercover exposés, spoke candidly about the lawsuit that has drawn widespread attention and sparked a fierce political and media debate.
Anas, whose work has exposed a myriad of corruption scandals in Ghana, was victorious in a legal battle against Agyapong, a businessman and Member of Parliament, who had previously accused Anas of fabricating evidence and targeting him for personal reasons. The case, which became a public spectacle, culminated in the court ruling in favor of Anas, dismissing the allegations and affirming the integrity of the journalist’s investigative methods.
In his first public comments since the case concluded, Anas delivered a pointed message to his critics, stating, “I am the son of a soldier.” The remark was a clear reflection of his determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his work. Anas, who has spent much of his career exposing corruption and unethical practices, drew strength from his background, reinforcing that the values instilled in him from an early age had shaped his unyielding resolve to pursue truth and justice.
The legal battle began after Agyapong, a frequent critic of Anas’ investigative work, made disparaging claims against the journalist. Agyapong, who has been a vocal opponent of Anas’ methods and high-profile investigations, accused him of being manipulative and of doctoring evidence in his exposés. The tension between the two figures escalated to the point where Anas was forced to take legal action to protect his reputation.
Anas, whose investigations have shaken the very foundations of political and business circles in Ghana, made it clear that this victory was not just a personal triumph but a broader statement about the importance of integrity in journalism. He emphasized that the court’s ruling was a reminder that those who try to discredit the truth will not succeed, and that the fight against corruption and injustice would continue.
Reflecting on his career, Anas acknowledged the difficulties he has faced over the years but stressed that his mission to expose corruption would remain steadfast. He explained that despite the risks and challenges associated with investigative journalism, including threats to his life and ongoing public scrutiny, he would not be deterred.
“I will continue doing what I have always done—uncovering the truth,” Anas asserted. “My father, a soldier, taught me the importance of courage and standing up for what is right. I will never back down, no matter the forces aligned against me.”
The case with Agyapong was only the latest in a series of challenges that Anas has faced over the years. His previous investigations have led to the exposure of several high-profile individuals involved in corrupt practices, leading to significant public outcry and, in some cases, legal consequences. Anas’ work has not only made him a household name in Ghana but has also earned him respect and recognition worldwide for his contributions to investigative journalism.
However, Anas’ victory over Agyapong is particularly notable, as it comes at a time when the country is facing increasing challenges related to governance, transparency, and accountability. His win has been hailed by many as a victory for press freedom and the integrity of the media.
In his statement, Anas also took the opportunity to reaffirm his dedication to the people of Ghana, emphasizing that his work is driven by a desire to create a better, more transparent society. He vowed to continue using his skills and resources to shine a light on corruption, human rights abuses, and other social injustices.
The ruling against Agyapong has also sparked renewed discussions about the state of politics in Ghana, with some observers viewing the case as symbolic of the broader struggle for accountability and transparency within the political elite. Anas’ win has given fresh momentum to calls for greater oversight of political figures and institutions, as well as stronger protections for journalists who take on the difficult task of exposing corruption.
As Anas moves forward, the spotlight remains on his next steps. While the legal battle with Agyapong is over, the journalist’s work is far from done. His determination to continue his investigations and hold those in power accountable remains stronger than ever, and his statement—“I am the son of a soldier”—serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for truth, no matter the obstacles, will always continue.
Professor Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), has called for the leveraging of existing banking infrastructure to establish women’s desks or units to address women’s financial concerns.
He emphasised the need for pragmatic solutions to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing credit and financial services.
The Director made these remarks at ISSER’s budget review, held at the Institute in Accra.
His recommendations come at a time when the government has allocated GHS 51 million for the proposed Women’s Bank in the 2025 budget and financial statement.
He stated that the feasibility of setting up a new bank with the proposed allocation of GHS 51 million cedis was insufficient to meet the capital requirements for a fully functional bank.
“The idea of empowering women through dedicated funding is laudable, but establishing a new bank may not be the most effective way to achieve this goal,” he said.
“Instead, we should consider creating dedicated women’s desks or units within existing banks, which already have extensive branch networks across the country,” he said.
He highlighted the success of similar models in other countries, where women-focused financial services are integrated into mainstream banking systems.
“By leveraging the existing infrastructure of banks like Ghana Commercial Bank, which boasts over 87 branches nationwide, the government can ensure wider accessibility and cost-effectiveness,” he said.
Professor Quartey also stressed the importance of addressing systemic issues such as partisanship and inefficiencies in the selection and distribution of funds.
“We need a robust system to identify beneficiaries and ensure that resources are allocated transparently and equitably,” he said.
Professor Quartey suggested that the allocated funds would be better utilised in strengthening existing financial institutions to offer tailored services for women entrepreneurs.
The Director said that empowering women has a multiplier effect on families and communities.
“Studies have shown that when women are economically empowered, the benefits extend beyond the individual to the entire household. Therefore, we must ensure that our interventions are sustainable and impactful,” he said.
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Former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has raised concerns over the government’s plan to deploy water guards to illegal mining sites as part of the Blue Water Initiative under the broader Reset Ghana Agenda.
The initiative, which is a key component of the government’s strategy to combat illegal mining and water pollution, aims to train and deploy 2,000 personnel nationwide to monitor the health of rivers, detect and report illegal mining activities, and collaborate with local communities and traditional authorities to protect water bodies from further degradation.
The Blue Water Initiative is designed to address the rampant pollution of water bodies, largely caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The government has identified water pollution as a significant environmental and public health issue, with many rivers and streams across the country being heavily contaminated by harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
The government believes that by strengthening monitoring and enforcement measures, it can curb the destruction of Ghana’s water resources.
However, during the Parliamentary debate on the 2025 budget on Wednesday, March 19, Dominic Nitiwul issued a caution to the government regarding the potential security risks associated with sending unarmed personnel into high-risk areas where illegal mining operations are prevalent.
He warned that illegal miners, often well-armed and operating with impunity, could pose a severe threat to the safety of the water guards.
“I want to just caution the minister that be careful what you say because the questions are, will those boys [water guards] be armed or not? If they are not armed, how are you going to tell them who are going to face illegal miners who are armed?
“The minister should be careful what he is doing, otherwise we may be having a bigger problem down the line on our arms.”
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The President of the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has noted that condoms are one of the most effective ways to safeguard oneself against sexually transmitted infections.
According to him, protecting oneself against HIV/AIDS is paramount to reducing the high infection rates recorded every year.
He said, “Over 10,000 people die every year due to the disease.” Ortsin outlined key points to consider when using a condom, urging young people to embrace a culture of protection during sexual intercourse.
Here are five things he highlighted:
Ensure that you wear a condom only on a fully erect penis.
Do not open the condom with your teeth, scissors, or any sharp object.
Make sure there is no air in the condom before wearing it.
Do not wear more than one condom at a time.
Dispose of condoms properly after use.
Ortsin also criticized the government’s role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
According to him, no funds have been allocated to the Ghana AIDS Commission in the last eight years.
He noted that while the commission previously received support from the Global Fund, this funding was redirected toward providing HIV medication, which is very expensive.
Speaking in the latest episode of Health Focus on GhanaWeb TV with Stella Dziedzorm Sogli, the GHANET president stated, “We don’t see the campaigns because the government is not giving the Ghana AIDS Commission the needed resources. In the past, the Ghana AIDS Commission worked with NGOs to carry out campaigns across the country since the commission itself lacked the resources to do the work.”
He added, “In the beginning, when the HIV/AIDS Commission was established, the Global Fund primarily supported its work.”
GHANET emphasized that medications were provided freely to patients because a lack of treatment increases the risk of infections.
Amoabeng stated that his organization has embarked on various advocacy drives to push the government to support their efforts in sensitizing Ghanaians about HIV/AIDS.
Ghanaian music icon Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, popularly known as Mzbel
Ghanaian music icon Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, popularly known as Mzbel, has addressed rumors about the paternity of her son, Aaron Adepa Amoah.
The controversy began earlier in the year with claims suggesting that the late musician Castro, who mysteriously disappeared in 2014, was the father of her child.
However, Mzbel has firmly denied these allegations.
In an interview with Max TV, the ‘16 Years’ hitmaker clarified that she last saw Castro in 2013 when they collaborated with other Ghanaian musicians to record a tribute song for the late Ronnie Coaches, a member of the legendary group Buk Bak, who passed away from a heart attack.
Mzbel emphasized that she gave birth to her son years after her friendship with Castro and other musicians from her era had ended.
“The last time I saw Castro was when Ronnie Coaches died, and we got together to record a tribute song. I never saw him again. I gave birth to Adepa six years after my friendship with Castro and other colleagues ended. Castro was alive when Adepa was born,” she stated.
Mzbel expressed confusion over why public figures on social media and others would assume Castro was her son’s father.
She also questioned the public’s obsession with her personal life, stating, “Why is it by force that they want to know the father of my child, all the people I know who put their relationships out on social media, it never went well for them.”
The veteran musician stressed that her relationship with her son’s biological father is a private matter and does not concern the public.
She revealed that her son, Aaron Adepa Amoah, popularly known as Komfo Black, knows his father and maintains a good relationship with him.
However, she has no intention of publicly disclosing his identity.
The items were donated on behalf of the philanthropist and businessman Ibrahim Mahama
Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister of Interior, has donated assorted food items to the Ghana Prisons Service to support the feeding of inmates during the Ramadan season at the Prisons Headquarters.
The items, donated on behalf of philanthropist and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, include 1,000 bags of rice, 417 boxes of sunflower cooking oil, 200 boxes of tomato paste, and 200 boxes of canned mackerel.
The gesture is part of the minister’s efforts to support and equip the Ghana Prisons Service, making it more attractive and efficient.
Muntaka stated that he reached out to Mahama to support prison inmates during Ramadan, and his request was granted, leading to the donation.
Reiterating his commitment to supporting the prison service, the minister announced that he would be presenting 15 pick-up vehicles to the Service out of a total of 50 pick-up vehicles that the Ministry of Interior would distribute in due time.
Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Esq., Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, acknowledged the minister’s willingness to support the Service.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.
Baffoe-Bonnie also highlighted the need for all officers to receive the contagious allowance and appealed to the minister to facilitate the restoration of some operational allowances for officers.
She hinted at strategic innovations that would support the minister’s vision of making the Prisons Service an enviable institution in Ghana.
Assuring the minister of the administration’s preparedness and commitment, she emphasized the prison staff’s dedication to working diligently to fulfill the Service’s mandate and enhance its global recognition.
The donated items will be distributed to selected prison facilities, including Nsawam Medium Security, the Ankaful Complex, Koforidua Local, Tamale Central, Sunyani Central, Amanfrom Camp, and Manhyia Local Prisons.
|Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | Ghana Prisons Service HQ, Accra
The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) reps visit rubber industry in the Western Region
The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening the rubber industry in the Western Region by engaging key stakeholders to address critical challenges affecting the sector.
The open forum brought together various industry players, including the Rubber Outgrowers and Agents Association, executive members of ANRAG, farmers, processors, producers, traders, and other value chain operators.
Discussions focused on fostering a strong working relationship to enhance economic growth and efficiency within the rubber sector.
Key issues raised included the shortage of raw materials, inadequate technical support, poor enforcement of laws and regulations, and deteriorating roads leading to plantation sites.
Leading the engagement, TCDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Andy Osei Okrah, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to supporting the industry through a well-structured management system.
This includes establishing regional and zonal offices to strengthen monitoring, supervision, and technical assistance.
“We are fully aware of the challenges facing the rubber industry, particularly the scarcity of raw materials. The government is actively working on measures to address this issue to ensure the sector operates at optimal capacity and contributes to job creation and economic growth,” Dr. Okrah stated.
As part of its tour, the TCDA delegation visited Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which operates two factories in the region with a combined processing capacity of 20 tonnes per hour. However, GREL is currently operating below its installed capacity due to raw material shortages.
The team also visited Golden Latex Products Limited, a leading African producer of medical gloves for industrial use. Located in the Ahanta West District, the company relies heavily on rubber supplies from the region to sustain production.
Additionally, the delegation toured Yaeric Company Limited, one of the fastest-growing rubber processing and exporting firms in the region.
The TCDA team held discussions with its zonal office members on strategies to revitalize operations and enhance monitoring systems within local communities. As part of this effort, new keys were handed over to the zonal council office in Ampain, located opposite the GREL factory.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call to the CSIR department responsible for coconut operations in the area, providing the TCDA delegation with firsthand insight into its activities.
This two-day tour and stakeholder engagement form part of TCDA’s broader effort to ensure the rubber sector thrives under improved regulation, enhanced supervision, and stronger collaboration among industry players.
EA/KA
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
This marks their second consecutive championship win for Team America
Team America emerged victorious in the 2025 Rainbow Nations Challenge, successfully defending their title in a thrilling competition at the Accra Lawn Tennis Club.
This marks their second consecutive championship win in the prestigious tournament.
“It’s a great feeling. This is the second time we have won this tournament—two in a row—and it took a lot of effort on our part,” a member of Team America said after their victory.
The team endured a demanding schedule, playing nine matches over two days. Adverse weather conditions on Thursday, March 13, 2025, forced delays, compressing the schedule into a single intense day of competition.
“We played a total of nine matches, which is a lot to fit into two days. Unfortunately, we got rained out on Thursday and had to play everything today. But we had a lot of fun—it’s a great tournament and a fantastic way to network,” the player added.
The Rainbow Nations Tennis Tournament, now in its fourth edition, continues to foster sportsmanship, unity, and community development.
This year’s event featured 56 players from 23 countries, reflecting the tournament’s growing reputation as a global sporting spectacle.
With another thrilling edition in the books, teams will now look ahead to 2026, hoping to challenge Team America’s dominance and etch their names into the tournament’s history.
AM/
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
The Institute for Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) has indicated that the 2025 budget presents a sense of optimism, particularly with its tax relief initiatives.
However, in its 2025 Post Budget Review, the institute raised concerns over sluggish GDP growth projections, which fall short of the Sub-Saharan African average.
Speaking during the budget forum, the Director of ISSER, Prof. Peter Quartey, stressed the need for the government to work to achieve its ambitious revenue targets.
“The Budget inspires hope especially some of the tax reliefs not just the reliefs but the reforms that have been proposed. If they are done properly then we stand to gain. However, the low GDP projection which is below the Sub-Saharan African Growth rate is a source of concern to us,” he stated.
He further added: “We need to grow more to a high rate of about 6 to 8 percent if we really want to move a lot of people out of poverty. We are also not sure whether the revenue target will be met. Corporate and property taxes going to be increased by 45% by what magic are going to this.”
Prof. Quartey also opposed the government’s decision to scrap the betting tax. According to him there is need for the government to redirect betting tax revenues into impactful youth development programmes rather than eliminating the levy.
“We are told road tolls raked in GH₵72 million, and betting tax is around GH₵140 million. Now, we want to introduce road tolls, which generate less, and scrap betting tax, which brings in more. I know the young ones won’t be happy with me, but for once, I am against this,” he added.
The items were donated on behalf of the philanthropist and businessman Ibrahim Mahama
Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, Minister for the Interior, has donated assorted food items to the Ghana Prisons Service to support the feeding of inmates during the Ramadan season at the Prisons Headquarters.
The items, donated on behalf of philanthropist and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, include 1,000 bags of rice, 417 boxes of sunflower cooking oil, 200 boxes of tomato paste, and 200 boxes of canned mackerel.
The gesture is part of the minister’s efforts to support and equip the Ghana Prisons Service, making it more attractive and efficient.
Muntaka stated that he reached out to Mahama to support prison inmates during Ramadan, and his request was granted, leading to the donation.
Reiterating his commitment to supporting the Prisons Service, the minister announced that he would be presenting 15 pick-up vehicles to the Service out of a total of 50 pick-up vehicles that the Interior Ministry would distribute in due time.
Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Esq., Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, acknowledged the minister’s willingness to support the Service.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.
Baffoe-Bonnie also highlighted the need for all officers to receive the contagious allowance and appealed to the minister to facilitate the restoration of some operational allowances for officers.
She hinted at strategic innovations that would support the minister’s vision of making the Prisons Service an enviable institution in Ghana.
Assuring the minister of the administration’s preparedness and commitment, she emphasized the prison staff’s dedication to working diligently to fulfill the Service’s mandate and enhance its global recognition.
The donated items will be distributed to selected prison facilities, including Nsawam Medium Security, the Ankaful Complex, Koforidua Local, Tamale Central, Sunyani Central, Amanfrom Camp, and Manhyia Local Prisons.
|Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | Ghana Prisons Service HQ, Accra
Bechem United edged Hearts of Oak 1-0 at the Nana Gyeabour Park on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, dealing the Phobians their second straight defeat in the Ghana Premier League.
Kofi Tompuo netted the decisive goal in the 52nd minute, capitalising on a well-worked move to hand Bechem all three points.
Hearts of Oak, who suffered a home loss to Dreams FC last Saturday, struggled to break down Bechem’s defence despite enjoying spells of possession.
The first half saw both teams battle for control, but clear-cut chances were limited.
After the break, Bechem United came out stronger, and Tompuo’s strike gave them the edge. Hearts of Oak pressed for an equalizer but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
The result sees Bechem United push into the top four, firmly placing themselves in the title race.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak have slipped out of the top four and now sit four points behind the league leaders, increasing the urgency to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
His Excellency of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama and others have visited the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, 19th March 2025 ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
He was accompanied by several key figures, including Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddi Adams (Hon.), Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Executive Council member and Black Stars Management Committee Chairman Dr. Randy Abbey, National Sports Authority Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and former Ghana captains Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan.
Others included Management Committee members Samuel Aboabire (Chairman of the Greater Accra Football Association, Executive Council Member) and Moses Armah (Owner of Premier League side Medeama SC).
During his visit, President Mahama encouraged the players to make Ghana proud by giving their best and showcasing their skills on the international stage.
He also emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and unity, noting that these values are essential for achieving success in football and beyond.
The Black Stars are set to face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to play Madagascar on Monday, March 24, 2025.
President Mahama’s visit aimed to boost the team’s morale and motivation ahead of these crucial matches.
A man, aged about 20, on March 14, allegedly committed suicide by hanging at Gaglokope, a suburb of Denu in the Ketu South Municipality.
Fabrice Woesah, an unemployed senior high school (SHS) graduate and father of a three-month-old baby, born prematurely was found hanging with a yellow nylon rope around his neck and tied to the branch of a dead tree.
A family source, Bernice Ahorlete told Ghana News Agency (GNA) that on the day of the incident, the deceased fetched water down and then went out, giving the impression that he had just gone out to buy something.
She said the deceased stayed out unusually late, necessitating a search for him, leading to the discovery of his body.
Israel Bossman, Assembly member for Denu confirmed the story saying, the Police had since deposited the body at the Ketu South Municipal Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, for further investigations.
While there were no visible marks of violence on the body to suggest any foul play, it was detected that the cervical vertebrae were broken, with the tongue stretched out of the mouth.
Bossman said he suspected that the deceased might have taken his life out of depression over financial challenges saying, his partner (also unemployed) was currently in the hospital with their pre-term baby.
The GNA had gathered that the family of the deceased, ostensibly for financial reasons had requested the Police to discontinue their investigation into the case but the Police did not yield to that and had Tuesday, March 18, proceeded to Agbozume District Court to seek the directives of the coroner for a postmortem or otherwise.
Edward Kareweh, Director for Campaign and Advocacy, Centre for Development Research and Agro Innovations, says utilising prison labour for large-scale commercial farming will be a strategic approach to enhance food production and strengthen the national economy.
Kareweh said prisoners could play a crucial role in addressing the country’s agricultural challenges while simultaneously acquiring valuable skills to aid their reintegration into society upon their release.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that while some individuals and companies currently engage prison labour in some projects, expanding this initiative into a structured, nationwide farming programme could significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on food imports and create a more sustainable labour force for the agricultural sector.
Kareweh added that leveraging prison labour could lessen some challenges in the sector, including labour shortages and high production costs, among others, which could lead to increased domestic food production and enhanced overall productivity in the sector.
He further said that such an initiative would help stabilise food prices, ensure food security, and reduce the financial burden on the government, which currently spends significant resources on food imports and feeding of incarcerated individuals.
He suggested that Ghana’s laws should be reviewed to determine whether they currently permit large-scale prison labour initiatives and, if necessary, be amended to support the initiative, stressing that such a programme must be structured in a way that ensures the fair treatment of prisoners.
Kareweh said if the initiative was properly structured and regulated, it could serve as a transformative solution to Ghana’s agricultural and economic challenges, fostering a more self-sufficient and resilient food system.
The President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, held a productive meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, to explore areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing football development between the two nations.
The meeting, which took place at the Israeli Embassy in Accra, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, focused on strengthening bilateral ties through strategic football initiatives.
Ghana and Israel have a long-standing football relationship, with several Ghanaian players, both men and women, currently plying their trade with several Israeli clubs. Additionally, Ghana’s connection with Israel was further strengthened when Avram Grant, an Israeli football coach, managed the Black Stars from 2015 to 2017, guiding the team to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Israeli Eyal Lachman also coached Ghanaian powerhouse Hearts of Oak, to underscore the connection between the two nations.
Building on these strong ties, key discussions at the meeting centered on collaborating on events to celebrate cultural and sporting connections between the two nations.
Both parties also explored opportunities for technical exchange programs and capacity building for Ghanaian coaches, medical personnel, and marketing officers, leveraging Israel’s advanced sports science and football technology.
The meeting also highlighted plans for Ghana’s U-15 national team to participate in a tournament in Israel, offering young talents international exposure and competitive experience. Furthermore, the GFA is seeking support from Israeli companies operating in Ghana to invest in the development of football infrastructure and grassroots initiatives.
Another critical area of focus was coach attachment programs, which would see Ghanaian coaches travel to Israel for training in modern IT trends in football, while Israeli experts would visit Ghana to share best practices.
Additionally, plans were discussed to bring specialists to train local pitch managers, ensuring improved playing surfaces across the country.
President Simeon-Okraku expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“This engagement with the Israeli Ambassador and his team is a great step towards strengthening our football ecosystem. By leveraging Israel’s expertise in sports science and technology, we can create more opportunities for Ghanaian footballers, coaches, and administrators.”
The GFA remains committed to advancing international partnerships that drive football development and will continue to work closely with stakeholders to implement these initiatives in the coming months.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Michael Osekre and Head of Business Development at the GFA, Janice Odonkor.
President John Dramani Mahama made a surprise visit to the Black Stars at their training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Addressing the players and technical team, President Mahama acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but expressed faith in their ability to reverse the situation
“We didn’t qualify for the AFCON. But even when we qualified for the AFCON, we crashed out very early the last time. And so we haven’t given up on you.
“We still believe that the Black Stars can find its glory again. And it’s dependent on you, the technical team, and the management committee.” he noted
The President also reminded the players that while the nation stands behind them, their success ultimately depends on their commitment and effort on the pitch.
“The goals will come from these feet that are right here. And so it takes sacrifice. It takes strength. We all like to watch you when you play for your teams, and we expect that you bring some of that dedication to the national team.” he said.
The Black Stars are set to face Chad on March 21 before playing Madagascar three days later in Morocco as they aim to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
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.
Felix Kwkye Ofosu, Minister in charge of Government Communications
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has accused the Minority in Parliament of waging a campaign of misinformation against the 2025 budget.
Speaking during parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, he alleged that the opposition was deliberately distorting facts in an attempt to discredit the government’s fiscal plan.
“Our colleagues on the other side know that the Finance Minister has provided evidence of their mismanagement of the economy during the eight years they were in power.
They have begun to wage a campaign of misinformation with the aim of demonizing this budget. Many speakers on their side have made claims that are untrue about allocations in this budget, particularly regarding the Office of the President and the Office of Government Machinery,” he stated.
One of the key areas of contention has been the over GH¢70 million allocated to Government Communications, a figure the Minority has strongly criticized.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu also addressed national security concerns, blaming the opposition for some of the challenges facing the country.
“One of the gravest problems facing this nation is security. The government inherited the sector as the most peaceful in Africa. Armed robbery is increasing, and worst of all, illegal mining (galamsey) has created serious insecurity in this country,” he noted.
He warned that if the opposition continues its approach, it could lead to bigger challenges.
“They should be careful with what they are doing; otherwise, we may have a bigger problem on our hands,” he cautioned.
The budget debate remains heated, with the Minority standing firm in its concerns over government spending, while the Majority continues to defend its economic policies.
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has argued that former Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, should first explain why his son lost the seat she was an MP of before he attempts to attribute blame elsewhere in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
She demanded that Prof Oquaye should focus on explaining the defeat of his son, Mike Oquaye Jnr, in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, before addressing broader party issues.
“Charity begins at home, so Prof Oquaye must first be able to tell the NPP why his son lost the seat to the NDC before touching on other issues,” she stated.
Adwoa Safo, however, sent a stern caution to Prof Oquaye as the NPP awaits the committee report on its electoral defeat.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, won the Dome-Kwabenya seat in a closely contested election, securing 50,967 votes against Mike Oquaye Jnr’s 50,669.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo stated that this was the time for re-energising, organising, branding, structuring and grouping to recapture the seat.
She advised against placing sole responsibility for the NPP’s defeat on the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
An Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday turned down a bail application for the painter accused of stealing electrical cables at the Bank of Ghana building at Ridge in Accra.
Ahmed Mohammed Lawal is accused of stealing assorted copper cables worth GHC1,035,500. He has denied the charge of unlawful entry and stealing.
At an Accra circuit court on Wednesday, Lawal‘s lawyer, Nii Martey Korley, prayed for bail for his client, saying he was not a flight risk, and he has fixed place of abode at Accra Newtown.
Defence counsel said Lawal was gainfully employed and had also cooperated with police investigations.
Again, the defence counsel held that his client had independent sureties “who are of substance” and willing to ensure his attendance to court whenever needed.
Counsel drew the court’s attention to the fact that Lawal had spent over a month in custody and he needed to be granted bail to prepare for his defence during trial.
Prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustin Kingsley Oppong, did not oppose the grant of bail, saying it left it in the hands of the court.
It informed the court that the police were on the verge of concluding investigations and that the accused had refunded GHC2,000.
However, the police were yet to retrieve the stolen cables.
The relieving judge, Mr Isaac Addo, ruled that “bail application is refused, accused person to remain in custody.”
The complainants in the case; Samuel Nii Tettey and Davidson Mensah Otinkorang, are safety officer and electrical engineer, respectively, at the new Bank of Ghana building, where construction work is ongoing.
ASP Oppong said on February 16, 2025, the complainants detected that someone had broken into the Energy farm at the site and stolen quantities of 1c x 240 and 1c x 300 square of copper cables, all valued at GH¢1,035,500.
That necessitated the review of the Closed- Circuit Television (CCTV) camera, where the accused and two others were seen stealing the copper cables from the Energy Farm.
Bundles of electrical cables were kept in the place.
The prosecution said the complainants nabbed the accused and handed him over to the police.
During investigations, it was revealed that the accused and two others, at large, gained ingress into the Energy Farm by means of a scaffold where they cut the copper cables with a sharp object and carried them away.
Further investigation proved the cables were sold to someone at Kwame Nkrumah Circle by the accused, whose share was GH¢2,000.
Lawal, however, could not lead the police to arrest his accomplices and the “dishonest receiver.”
The matter has been adjourned to April 2, 2025.
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.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has raised concerns over the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA’s) decision to keep Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The 49-year-old coach came under fire after Ghana failed to win a single game in the AFCON qualifiers. While many fans called for his dismissal, the GFA chose to retain him, reinforcing the backroom staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking to 3Sports, Kofi Adams revealed he had voiced his concerns in a meeting with the GFA and Black Stars’ technical team.
“They [GFA] gave me an answer. Am I satisfied? Time will tell, but I had my concerns, and I registered them,” he said.
He admitted that while he was not pleased with the situation, making coaching changes so close to the World Cup qualifiers would have disrupted the team’s preparations.
Instead, the focus is now on supporting the technical team, which has been strengthened with the addition of former Cameroon coach Winfried Schäfer as technical director.
Ghana faces Chad and Madagascar on March 21 and 24 in crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Lands and Natural Resources minister. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
President of Policy Think Tank, Imani Africa, has joined calls for the Lands and Natural Resources minister to furnish Ghanaians with information on the forest reserves taken over from illegal miners.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at a press conference on March 19, 2025, announced that the government has taken over 7 forest reserves in which illegal mining was taking place.
“I’m proud to tell you, with the cooperation of the security agencies and the military, we have taken back seven of these nine forests, and we are working very hard to ensure that the remaining two are fully reclaimed,” the minister stated.
The Minister’s claim has been brought under scrutiny with calls on him to name the forest reserves which have been salvaged from illegal miners.
Franklin Cudjoe in a post shared via social media said “Government says it has taken over 7 forest reserves from illegal miners. Nice. I also agree with the government to revoke all small scale mining licenses granted after December 7, and review all licenses ever granted.”
Meanwhile, Erastus Asare Donkor who has been a leading voice against illegal mining in Ghana has also questioned the minister saying “Please can the minister tell us which of the forest reserves they have taken back from illegal miners please”.
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
The Director of Communications of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum has disclosed that Black Stars midfielder, Thomas Partey is not worried about being dropped as captain for the senior national side.
According to him, the Arsenal star is rather focused on the national teams’ upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar as the team bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Mr. Twum clarified that there is no tension or bad blood between the Black Stars players due to controversies surrounding the captaincy.
“It’s not a problem for Thomas Partey that he is no longer the Black Stars captain. It is about not prioritising individual aspirations,” he clarified.
There have been controversies surrounding the captaincy of the Black Stars since Andre Ayew’s exclusion from the side.
Thomas Partey was named Captain for some of the Black Stars matches in recent times, while Mohammed Kudus wore the arm band in the team’s last match.
Reports suggest that Otto Addo is set to name Jordan Ayew as the substantive captain of the Black Stars, whiles Thomas Partey has reportedly turned down the opportunity to be his deputy, considering the decision to be a demotion.
The Black Stars take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday March 21, and Madagascar on March 24 as the side takes steps to qualify for the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), has revealed that Ghana’s 10 largest State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) by asset base collectively suffered a net loss of GHC11 billion in the 2023 financial year.
This staggering figure exceeds the combined losses of all 53 SOEs, highlighting severe financial challenges within key state institutions.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, March 19, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte disclosed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) accounted for GHC10 billion of the losses, while Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) recorded a GHC3 billion shortfall.
“10 SOEs with the most assets recorded an aggregate net loss of GHC11 billion in the financial year 2023, which surpasses the total loss of all 53 SOEs. ECG alone accounted for GHC10 billion,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte acknowledged that some SOEs have maintained profitability over the years. He listed Bui Power Authority, ESLA PLC, Ghana Gas, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, TDC Company, and State Housing Company as consistently profitable entities that have paid dividends to the state from 2019 to 2023.
“It’s not all bad news. The best-performing SOEs include Bui Power Authority, ESLA PLC, Ghana Gas, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, TDC Company, and State Housing Company. From 2019 to 2023, they have consistently made profits and contributed dividends to the state,” he noted.
His remarks have intensified discussions about the need for urgent reforms in the SOE sector to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.
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Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah [3rd from R] with some friends after his release on Wednesday night
Outspoken broadcaster, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has been released by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) several hours after his arrest on Wednesday night.
He was picked up at around Mile 7 near Achimota.
National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) Henry Nana Boakye who had earlier announced his arrest on Facebook, confirmed his release on the same medium.
He wrote: “We have just left the premises of National Security, and it is very disappointing to say that the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa by National Security operatives after his exams this evening was completely unnecessary and unwarranted.
Thanks to the efforts of several individuals who intervened, he has been released. Free speech cannot be suppressed under the guise of an investigation. If that is the case, then National Security should be prepared to arrest all of us.”
DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor has been appointed the new Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in a latest reshuffle by Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Wednesday, March 19,2025.
She takes over from COP Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh-Kwofie, who was appointed in 2022.
As the new Director-General of the CID, she would be responsible for all criminal matters, overseeing the running and maintenance of an effective and efficient Detective Training School for the training of all detectives in the country, coordinating activities of regional, divisional, district and station CIDs and supervising monitoring and controlling activities of all units under the department.
Here is a brief profile of the new CID Director-General
Early Life and Education
A product of Wesley Girls Senior High School, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon.
She later pursued a Barrister-at-Law at the Ghana School of Law, solidifying her legal expertise. Recognising the need for further specialisation, she earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the prestigious University of Leeds in the United Kingdom in International and Human Rights Law.
Career in Law and Law Enforcement
DCOP Donkor’s professional journey is an impressive blend of law practice and law enforcement.
She began her career as an associate at Acquah-Sampson and Associates, where she handled litigation and legal drafting. She also served as a Pro Bono advocate for the Legal Aid Board in Takoradi, where she championed gender and children’s rights, providing legal representation for underprivileged communities.
Her transition into law enforcement was marked by a swift rise through the ranks of the Ghana Police Service. She served in various capacities, including Head of Legal & Prosecutions in multiple regions, Divisional Commander of Tesano, and District Commander of Tesano-Accra.
Her dedication to justice and the rule of law earned her a place in international peacekeeping, serving as a United Nations Police Officer (UNPOL) in Liberia, where she played a pivotal role in internal evaluations and addressing conduct and discipline issues.
Today, she is the most senior lawyer in the Ghana Police Service, having been called to the bar almost 25 years ago.
Commitment to Professional Development
DCOP Donkor’s thirst for knowledge and excellence has led her to participate in numerous professional training programs and workshops worldwide. From attending the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders’ Course in Korea to the International Association of Women Police Officers’ Conferences in Canada, South Africa, and the United States, she has continuously honed her skills.
Her expertise extends to counter-terrorism, anti-human trafficking, money laundering, and election security.
Championing Human Rights and Women’s Empowerment
Beyond her duties in law enforcement, DCOP Donkor is an advocate for human rights and gender equality. She is a proud member of the Ghana Bar Association, the Police Ladies Association, and the International Association of Women Police Officers.
She is currently Chairperson of the Safety & Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association and a Safety and Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football, travelling around the continent to ensure games are secured for fans, players and officials alike.
She has also transformed the Police Ladies FC, one of the strongest teams in the Ghana Women’s Premier League where she is the Chief Executive Office. Her involvement in football highlights her commitment to community engagement and promoting women’s involvement in sports.
Current Leadership and Future Prospects
Currently serving as the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB), DCOP Donkor continues to set high standards for professionalism and integrity in the Ghana Police Service.
She remains dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and accountability of law enforcement in Ghana while mentoring the next generation of police officers and legal professionals.
DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s journey is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. As she continues to break barriers and inspire many, her legacy in law enforcement and legal advocacy remains an indelible mark in Ghana’s justice system.
Breakdown of credentials and career highlights
Early Life and Education
• Attended Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, a prestigious institution in Ghana.
• Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon.
• Obtained a Barrister-at-Law qualification from the Ghana School of Law.
• Furthered her specialization with a Master of Laws (LLM) in International and Human Rights Law from the University of Leeds, UK.
Career in Law and Law Enforcement
• Began her legal career as an Associate at Acquah-Sampson & Associates, handling litigation and legal drafting.
• Provided pro bono legal services for the Legal Aid Board in Takoradi, advocating for gender and children’s rights.
• Transitioned into the Ghana Police Service, rising through various ranks and key leadership roles:
o Head of Legal & Prosecutions in multiple regions.
o Divisional Commander and District Commander of Tesano, Accra.
o United Nations Police Officer (UNPOL) in Liberia, contributing to internal evaluations and conduct discipline.
• Currently the most senior lawyer in the Ghana Police Service, with nearly 25 years of legal experience.
• Currently Serving as Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB).
The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has called on the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, to provide complimentary tickets to Members of Parliament to show their support for the Black Stars during their match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Addressing the house on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Adams urged all Members of Parliament to attend the game. He encouraged them to lead by example and demonstrate unity, passion, and patriotism for national football.
Reacting to the special invitation by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Boamah acknowledged that Parliament is willing to rally behind the team while also requesting tickets.
“Parliament will give the national team the due support, and I entreat the minister to support members to come to the stadium with some complimentary tickets. We are not asking for VIP,” he said.
He also wished the team well ahead of the game, stating: “We wish the national team the very best, and we ask the technical team and the management team to put in everything that is required of them to ensure that we garner all six points needed to push us forward,” he further stated.
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with coach Yaw Acheampong: Return of Ghana Premier League and coaching ambitions below:
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
The Accra Sports Stadium will be closed for further renovations after Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday, March 21.
The stadium had already been shut for months following Ghana’s final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Niger. Speaking on TV3’s Sports Station on Monday, Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams stressed the need to upgrade the facility to meet international standards.
“I think after this game, we have to close the Accra Sports Stadium to refurbish it and bring it up to standard,” he said.
While improvements have been made—including work on the pitch, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities—Mr. Adams noted that more needs to be done to fully restore the venue.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have started preparations for the Chad clash, with nine players attending their first training session on Monday. A win would boost Ghana’s chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament
After the Chad game, the team will travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in their final qualification match.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has accused the National Intelligence Bureau of conniving with the Koforidua High Court to harass the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, he alleged that some state security operatives attempted to detain Ernest Kumi.
“A week after the ruling, state security operatives were harassing the Member of Parliament in his constituency, but for the intervention of his constituents. They were armed with pickup vehicles and in fact, they actually pulled a weapon, a pistol on the MP, trying to threaten him to force him into the pickup”, he stated.
He added that such actions undermine the rule of law.
“I think that the NDC government must know that this country is a country of rule of law. And I can assure the government that a question will be filed for the Attorney General to come and answer the circumstances leading to the judiciary in Eastern Region, the High Court in Eastern Region colluding with the National Security Coordinator and for that matter the NIB, to attempt enforcing an order, which order the higher court, the Supreme Court, had already placed on injunction,” he stated.
The Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, justified attempts to arrest Ernest Yaw Kumi following the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest for contempt by the Koforidua High Court.
The warrant dated February 19, 2025, was served at the National Investigations Bureau’s (NIB) Eastern Regional Office, through the National Security Coordinator.
On January 3, 2025, the court issued an interim injunction preventing Kumi’s swearing-in.
This followed a lawsuit filed by Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate and former MP, against the Electoral Commission (EC), Kumi, and the Clerk to Parliament.
The lawsuit challenged the election results, which declared Kumi the winner with 19,269 votes against Boakye-Yiadom’s 17,206 votes.
Despite the injunction, Kumi proceeded with his swearing-in on January 7, 2025. The interior minister stated that the attempted arrest was a lawful execution of the High Court’s warrant for contempt.
However, the move was met with resistance from supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Akwatia.
JKB/AE
Catch up on the mysterious and historic details of Fort Amsterdam in this final part of our Ghana Month Series on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below:
Consumers are to expect a reduction in transport fares if the price of fuel drops below GH¢12 per litre.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) disclosed this while explaining that fares have not been reduced despite a decrease in fuel prices over the last few pricing windows.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union was initially planning to increase the fares because the other factors that affect the price have been witnessing price hikes.
“Before December, we were already considering increasing transport fares due to the high cost of spare parts, rising fuel prices, expensive lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes. But we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.
“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is around ¢14.99. We are praying that fuel prices drop to at least ¢12 per litre. If that happens, we will reassess the situation,” he stated in a myjoyonline.com report.
Samuel Amoah also said the reduction in fuel prices is not low enough to warrant a reduction in transport fares considering the fact that there are other variables in the price bracket.
“Yes, we have seen the fuel price coming down a little bit, but it has not gotten to the level where it will call for a reduction in transport fares. We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on.
“We assess where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to, but we also consider other components like spare parts, lubricants, and various taxes. When deciding to either increase or reduce fares, our team goes to the market to assess these factors before making recommendations,” Amoah added.
He also listed the cost of spare parts as a major reason it may be impossible to reduce transport fares yet.
“Looking at where spare parts prices are now, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares immediately,” he cautioned.
SSD/EB
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The Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directives to the heads of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as clear and non-negotiable marching orders.
He emphasized that the President would not hesitate to remove underperforming SOE leaders who fail to meet the expected standards of efficiency and financial accountability.
President Mahama has called for a sweeping overhaul of SOEs, aiming to curb financial mismanagement and enhance their contribution to national development.
In response, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte reaffirmed SIGA’s dedication to ensuring strict compliance with these directives.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, he underscored the importance of performance-based evaluations.
“More importantly, I saw his [Mahama’s] speech as marching orders, as telling all of us, myself, my colleagues, and everybody who was in that room that there will be clear indicators around which your performance will be measured,” he stated.
His remarks reinforce the government’s commitment to driving accountability and improving efficiency within SOEs, signaling a new era of stringent oversight in the sector.
No more bailouts: Govt to merge, privatize, or close failing SOEs
…..
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The Accra Sports Stadium has seen an upgrade, according to the sector minister
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has disclosed that significant infrastructure upgrades have been made at the Accra Sports Stadium to ensure it meets the required standards.
The Black Stars are set to host Chad at the venue on Friday, March 21, 2025, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a ban on the Baba Yara Stadium, which had served as the home ground for the Black Stars for the past couple of years.
Although the Accra Sports Stadium hosted the Black Stars’ game against Niger in November 2024, fans criticised the poor condition of the facility and called for renovations to meet CAF standards.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Adams explained the ministry’s efforts to enhance the facility ahead of the game.
“As part of our preparation for the World Cup qualifier against Chad, the ministry has undertaken significant infrastructure enhancements at the stadium to meet the required standards,” he said.
Adams also detailed key upgrades and improvements to critical areas of the stadium.
“Key renovation areas include the dressing rooms, mix zones, safe zones, bench area, and infotainment system. My ministry directly engaged the presidency for immediate action, ensuring that the major concerns were expedited and addressed,” he added.
The Black Stars currently sit second in their group with nine points after four games, trailing leaders Comoros.
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with coach Yaw Acheampong: Return of Ghana Premier League and coaching ambitions below:
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
In a few days our Muslim brothers and sisters will be crowing their fasting with the Eid, which is a big festival for joy, reflection and celebration. Another aspect of this event is the outfits, our Muslim sisters dress in beautiful regalia to showcase their cultural heritage and festive mood. Below are some stylish outfit ideas that can be rocked at the festive celebration this year;
Usually the outfits have bold accessories so this includes different embroideries, clutches, colourful veils and the likes.Another part of the celebration is henna, which is artistic designs people get on their skin to add to their overall look. The colours as shown are usually bold as well; shades of green, burgundy and shades of silver with their complementary veils to match.
In all, the celebration is basically bringing people together in unity and happiness regardless of differences in culture and backgrounds, crowned with stylish outfits.
The Office of the President has announced the reassignment of COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah to the Ministry of the Interior, where she will serve as the Technical Advisor to the Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.
The directive, issued by President John Dramani Mahama, takes immediate effect.
In a formal communication, the President expressed his gratitude for COP Addo-Danquah’s unwavering dedication, professionalism, and significant contributions to the nation.
He conveyed confidence in her ability to continue serving Ghana effectively in her new role.
The reassignment aims to ensure a smooth transition, with COP Addo-Danquah expected to liaise with relevant authorities to assume her new responsibilities seamlessly.
The President extended his best wishes as she embarked on this new chapter of her career.
The directive was communicated through Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, and copied to key government officials, including the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, and the Minister of the Interior.
Meanwhile the reassignment follows COP Addo-Danquah who had been earlier named as the Director-General of Research & Planning at the Ghana Police Service by Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Read also
National Apprenticeship Programme will be fair to all Ghanaians – Osman Ayariga
Tensions are escalating in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region as teachers and education stakeholders call for the immediate removal of the District Director of Education, George Bebuba Woyongo, over alleged misconduct and administrative malpractice.
In response to mounting pressure, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Woyongo to proceed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the claims.
The aggrieved teachers have accused Woyongo of demoting four headteachers and the District Statistics Officer without due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among staff.
They have also condemned his decision to appoint Gerald Awozare—allegedly his favourite—to dual roles as District Training Officer and District Budget Officer, describing it as a clear conflict of interest.
Further allegations include the selective appointment of circuit supervisors without public advertisement, a practice criticized for lacking fairness and transparency.
Teachers argue that such actions undermine merit-based appointments and erode trust in the district’s leadership.
At a press conference attended by representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), school heads, and other education professionals, the educators accused Woyongo of fostering a culture of intimidation and mismanagement.
They further alleged that he abused government resources, including using the district’s official vehicle for personal errands, and made intimidating statements such as, “I am the owner of the district, nobody can do anything.”
During an interview, Hilary Aniakwo, the Paga GNAT Local Chairman, reiterated these concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the district’s administration.
The teachers are demanding Woyongo’s immediate removal, the reinstatement of demoted officials, and a transparent recruitment process for vacant positions.
The GES committee is expected to review the allegations and recommend appropriate actions.
Meanwhile, the teachers have warned that failure to address their grievances could lead to further agitation, arguing that Woyongo’s leadership undermines the district’s educational progress.
They expressed gratitude to media partners and teacher unions for their support, vowing to continue their fight for a fair and just educational environment.
File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]
Central banks in Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, and several other African nations are set to announce interest rates over the next month, each adopting different strategies to mitigate the risks posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.
In Ghana, the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has scheduled its next meeting from March 25 to 28, 2025, with the outcomes to be announced on March 31, 2025. As of January 27, 2025, the current policy rate is set at 27%.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg ahead of the policy rate announcements across the continent, EY Africa Chief Economist Angelika Goliger stated, “The common theme across these countries is expected to be a cautious approach to monetary policy, as central banks navigate the delicate balance between controlling inflation and fostering economic growth.”
She continued, “This balancing act is influenced by a myriad of factors, including domestic economic conditions and global economic trends, which are now much more at the forefront due to foreign and trade policies emerging from the U.S. and their global impacts.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric and tariff measures against neighbors, allies, and competitors have escalated in recent weeks, threatening trade and creating uncertainty.
The Federal Reserve’s projected rate path, set to be revealed on Wednesday, will also factor into central banks’ deliberations. Higher-for-longer interest rates in the U.S. could strengthen the dollar, putting African currencies under pressure.
Goliger emphasised that, after three consecutive 25-basis-point interest rate cuts to 7.5%, South Africa will likely hold rates steady in the coming days.
Global uncertainties that previously led the MPC to cautiously lower borrowing costs have intensified since its last rate move on January 30.
Inflation across most African nations has been steadily easing since late 2023 and remains low and stable in some countries, including Kenya and Morocco.
However, Citigroup Incorporated’s Chief Africa Economist, David Cowan, noted exceptions such as Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Nevertheless, inflation in these countries is also expected to cool this year.
SP/EK
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Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dubbed the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad a “national mission.”
The minister emphasised that the game should be treated with the utmost importance, while urging Members of Parliament to attend the game at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he extended a special invitation to all parliamentarians to the game.
“Mr. Speaker, this is a national mission and requires the support of everyone, including this august House. I extend a special invitation to all Members of Parliament to join us in the stands as we support the Black Stars in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium,” he said.
The Black Stars head into the game looking to make amends after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
The team has faced heavy criticisms since their subpar performance in the AFCON qualifiers, recording their lowest attendance in recent years during their last game against Niger.
However, the team’s strong form in the World Cup qualifiers has rekindled fans interest, with many eager to visit the stadium for the game against Chad.
Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before travelling to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
EE/AE
Meanwhile, watch Minister of Sports Kofi Adams dismisses criticism of Black Stars’ commitment
Former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah has criticised the National Investigations Bureau for attempting to arrest the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi despite the Supreme Court’s injunction on the Koforidua High Court’s order.
His response follows Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka’s clarification that the attempted arrest of the Akwatia Member of Parliament, on March 7, 2025, was indeed to enforce a bench warrant issued by the Koforidua High Court for contempt.
Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Akwatia in the Eastern Region reportedly resisted the arrest attempt by operatives of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
In an exclusive interview on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, March 19, Tuah Yeboah emphasised that the NIB breached the law in their actions.
He questioned the authority upon which the NIB acted while emphasising that the Supreme Court’s directive cancelled out the verdict by the High Court.
“I am surprised that after the Supreme Court had stayed the hands of the High Court in Koforidua, a state institution may want to take it upon itself to go and execute a frozen order.
“If the Supreme Court said the High Court could not go ahead to deal with the matter until the matter in the Supreme Court is disposed of, then by what authority did those people go to Akwatia to effect the arrest,” he questioned.
Background
The High Court in Koforidua, Eastern Region, on February 19, convicted the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, for contempt of court.
The ruling followed his defiance of an interim injunction barring him from being sworn in as a legislator.
Presiding Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe, also issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after he failed to appear before the court for sentencing.
The court had earlier restrained the MP from presenting himself for swearing-in, pending the resolution of a legal dispute. However, despite this directive, Kumi proceeded to take the oath of office in Parliament.
Citing overwhelming evidence of willful defiance, the court ruled that the lawmaker had acted in contempt.
Ernest Kumi challenges contempt conviction at Supreme Court
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin visits Ex-BoG Governor after shocking National Security raid
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has paid a visit to former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, following a surprising raid on his residence by National Security operatives.
The operation, allegedly led by Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, has sparked widespread concern and condemnation.
On Wednesday, March 19, a group of heavily armed men, suspected to be operatives from the National Security Secretariat, reportedly stormed the private residence of former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.
According to Joy News sources, the operation, which took place around 5 a.m., at Roman Ridge unfolded while Dr Addison was at home.
About 15 soldiers, arriving in three separate vehicles and wielding rifles, forcefully entered the premises.
Upon arrival, the operatives swiftly disabled the CCTV system before demanding that Dr. Addison lead them to supposed “vaults” hidden within the house.
However, the former Governor firmly denied having any such vaults or caches of money on his property.
Despite his response, the operatives proceeded to ransack the residence, leaving the property in disarray.
When their search yielded no results, they reportedly called in National Security drivers to remove four of Dr. Addison’s vehicles, leaving only two behind.
Before leaving, they also confiscated the CCTV monitor and control unit.
Sources indicate that later in the evening, the family was contacted and instructed to retrieve the seized vehicles, which had been parked opposite Jokers Club in Labadi.
Dr Addison and his family are said to be deeply shaken by the incident.
This operation comes just a month after a similar raid on the home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in Accra.
On February 11, 2025, a group of 12 individuals, including nine military personnel, plainclothes officers, and two other operatives, allegedly entered Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence without a warrant or prior notice.
At the time, Mr. Ofori-Atta was out of the country for medical treatment.
He has since stated that the incident caused significant distress to his household staff and damaged his reputation.
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Persons suspected to be powerful individuals have set their sights on the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) lands in Accra.
With their ability to fight the encroachers not yielding results, the Commission has resorted to virtually pleading with the public to desist from the anomaly.
In a press release issued yesterday, GAEC cautioned the general public against acquiring its land from encroachers and unauthorised sellers.
Anthony Nana Boateng, Director of Commercialisation and Communication of GAEC, who signed the Tuesday, March 18, 2025 release, said it has observed that unknown individuals have illegally broken barricades securing portions of its land behind the Bohye Police Base Workshop and Ga-East Hospital.
It said “the individuals have begun grading vast areas designated for the expansion of nuclear facilities,” adding that “the land in question, located along the ‘Bohye’ stretch of GAEC property, is government-owned and has been earmarked for the construction of an Electron Beam Irradiation Facility.”
It said the facility would support sustainable agriculture and enhance national food security by preserving food, reducing post-harvest losses, and control contamination in consumer products, as well as for sterilisation of single-use medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other essential products.
“The Commission is increasingly confronted with a surge in encroachments, with activities now dangerously close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre. This centre houses hazardous radioactive waste, which is managed in strict compliance with the laws of Ghana and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations,” it added.
According to the Commission, this encroachment poses serious safety and security risks to both the facility and surrounding communities, with the safety of residents in the immediate catchment area also under serious threat if the security installation remains unprotected.
It further emphasised the state’s obligation to protect its assets under international legal frameworks, to which Ghana is a signatory, as preventing encroachment is crucial for maintaining a safe research environment and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for national development.
“Ghana currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, the United Nations agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.
“If the land encroachment issue is not addressed swiftly, it could negatively impact Ghana’s international reputation and future opportunities. Ghana’s positive reputation and good safety record in operating a research reactor for over 30 years could be eroded,” it added.
The Commission further indicated that GAEC’s land was legally secured by the Government of Ghana through an Executive Instrument (EI 75) in 1973, and was designated to facilitate comprehensive nuclear science research to support the country’s national development across various sectors.
![Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga [L] and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/445/44591500.295.jpg "Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga [L] and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin")
![Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah [3rd from R] with some friends after his release on Wednesday night](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/701/70119689.295.jpg "Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah [3rd from R] with some friends after his release on Wednesday night")
![File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/902/90290459.295.jpg "File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]")
