Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, has recently captured national attention and media headlines, becoming the most talked-about political figure in Ghana.
His sudden surge in popularity follows a bold allegation: Rev Ntim Fordjour claimed that two foreign flights suspiciously landed in Ghana in March 2025, allegedly involved in cocaine trafficking and money laundering activities.
These explosive claims have been strongly denied by the John Mahama-led government, which has urged the MP to cooperate fully with the country’s security agencies as investigations continue.
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, around 20 operatives of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), armed with AK-47s, attempted to arrest Rev. Ntim Fordjour at his residence. The arrest attempt was foiled when members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by their leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, along with senior figures from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), rushed to his home in solidarity.
Ghanaweb takes a look at the profile Reverend Ntim Fordjour whose popularity has now soared.
Profile
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, 38, was born on May 28, 1986, in Assin Kruwa in the Central Region of Ghana.
He attended Assin Manso Senior High School and has a multidisciplinary academic background encompassing mining, economic policy, and international relations.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mineral Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, in 2007. He later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Economic Policy Management from the University of Ghana in 2014. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Ghana.
Career
A three-term Member of Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour previously served as Deputy Minister of Education under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.
He has also served on the Governing Board of the Ghana Integrated Iron & Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), where he chaired the Investments and Strategy Committee.
Aside from his political and professional engagements, he is the Senior Pastor of Victory Bible Church International (VBCI), Higher Heights Sanctuary, located in East Legon.
Politics
In the 2016 general elections, Rev. Ntim Fordjour secured 23,308 votes out of 39,887 valid votes cast, representing 58.99%, to win the parliamentary seat for the Assin South Constituency on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Personal Life
In 2019, he married his longtime partner, Tracy Fordjour. The couple has three daughters. Rev. Ntim Fordjour is a devout Christian.
KA
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Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has thanked former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his solidarity following what he described as a politically motivated act of harassment.
On Wednesday, April 9, operatives from the National Investigations Bureau reportedly stormed the residence of the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, in an incident he claims was an attempt to intimidate him.
Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia @MBawumia for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight. pic.twitter.com/a2LNm05q6E
— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) April 9, 2025
The operation, however, was thwarted by members of the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP), who intervened to prevent the raid.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Fordjour accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of targeting opposition lawmakers in an effort to suppress their oversight duties.
“Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia @MBawumia for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight,” he wrote.
The MP’s remarks add to growing concerns over alleged political intimidation ahead of the upcoming elections.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on April 9, 2025, visited the Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, to show solidarity following what is being described as an attempted politically motivated arrest.
In a social media post, Rev. Ntim Fordjour expressed appreciation for the former Vice President’s show of support during what he called a moment of political harassment.
“Thank you very much, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia), for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically motivated, lawless act of harassment by the NDC government in their attempt to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight,” he wrote.
According to reports, officers from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) stormed the residence of Rev Ntim Fordjour in an attempt to arrest him.
Although the exact reason for the attempted arrest remains unclear, it follows recent explosive allegations made by the MP involving drug trafficking and money laundering.
Sources say the NIB operatives left the scene after several high-ranking members of the NPP, including MPs and national executives, arrived at the lawmaker’s home to resist the arrest.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo, who spoke on behalf of the NPP leadership at the scene, disclosed that about 20 NIB operatives had surrounded the house but later withdrew.
“We will not allow any of our members to be intimidated or harassed by the John Dramani Mahama government,” he stated, adding that the NPP caucus, which he dubbed “The Mighty Minority,” stands firmly behind Rev. Fordjour.
The attempted arrest comes days after Rev Ntim Fordjour alleged at a press conference on April 1, 2025, that two aircraft, a private jet and an air ambulance, were possibly involved in drug trafficking or money laundering.
He claimed that one of the aircrafts, Air MED flight L823 AM, landed in Ghana on March 20 and remained at the Kotoka International Airport for five days without any record of transporting a patient.
In response to the claims, President John Dramani Mahama directed national security agencies to fully collaborate with the Assin South MP to investigate the allegations.
“Ghana has a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, and we will not allow the country to be used as a transit point or final destination for illicit drugs,” the president said.
He instructed all security agencies to work with Rev Ntim Fordjour to uncover the truth behind the two suspicious flights allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
As political tensions rise over the issue, both sides are holding firm to their narratives, while the nation awaits the outcome of investigations into one of the most controversial drug-related claims in recent times.
Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia @MBawumia for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight. pic.twitter.com/a2LNm05q6E
— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) April 9, 2025
AM/KA
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The Ntrubo community in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region has expressed their displeasure over perceived government neglect of the area and its people.
Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) they had not been offered appointments and neglected in the provision of essential services.
According to them, the Ntrubo community have remained steadfast in support of the NDC since the era of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South Gershon Gbediame, who served for 20 years without a single ministerial appointment, leaving them feeling abandoned.
Maxwell Joko, addressing the media at a press conference, said they feel marginalised due to the absence of government appointments since 1992, with no deputy ministerial appointments despite their consistent support for the NDC.
He also mentioned that the residents are also frustrated with the deplorable condition of their roads, hindering access to essential services and economic opportunities.
They are calling on the government to establish a nursing college or a modern Senior High School in their community to promote development and provide better educational opportunities.
They, however, called on the government to prioritise their needs and invest in their development.d Mexico.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has asserted that the Minority Caucus will not be intimidated by the current administration.
He emphasized that attempts to suppress the Minority through intimidation tactics will be resisted.
On April 9, 2025, NIB officials surrounded Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s residence in Spintex, Accra, aiming to detain him over allegations he made concerning two suspicious flights at Kotoka International Airport, which he suggested were linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Members of the Minority in Parliament, along with New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives, intervened, arguing that the NIB operatives lacked an arrest warrant and were not adhering to due legal procedures.
Speaking during an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, on Wednesday, April 9, Oppong Nkrumah stated, “This point needs to be made strongly, this attempts to cow the Minority into submission that when you say something we will come for you, you have lost an election so keep quiet.
“We’re in charge, we have the power, we have Richard Jakpa raiding people’s homes, and after those raids, you don’t see any prosecution. It appears there’s an entire orchestration to put some state dominance over everybody.”
Chiana-Paga doesn’t have a single tarred road – MP
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President Donald Trump, after complaining about it for years, signed an order to lift restrictions on water pressure in showers on Wednesday, saying he wanted to “take care of my beautiful hair.”
Trump’s executive order is aimed at reversing efficiency and water conservation steps taken by the last two Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
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According to a White House fact sheet, Trump will “end the Obama-Biden war on water pressure and make America’s showers great again.”
“Overregulation chokes the American economy, entrenches bureaucrats, and stifles personal freedom,” the fact sheet said.
Trump directed the Energy Department to rescind a rule begun by Obama and brought back by Biden that limited the flow from each showerhead on the market to 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of water per minute.
The order lifts water restrictions on basically any appliance that uses water, such as toilets and dishwashers.
“In my case, I like to take a nice shower, take care of my beautiful hair,” Trump said during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. He said he has to stand under the showerhead for 15 minutes under the current regulations, which he called ridiculous.
“We’re going to open it up so that people can live,” he said.
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Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has reported that his colleague, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, is in good spirits following an attempted arrest by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
On April 9, 2025, NIB officials reportedly surrounded Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s residence in Spintex, Accra, aiming to detain him over allegations he made concerning two suspicious flights at Kotoka International Airport, which he suggested were linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Members of the Minority in Parliament, along with New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives, intervened, arguing that the NIB operatives lacked an arrest warrant and were not adhering to due legal procedures.
Speaking during an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, on Wednesday, April 9, Oppong Nkrumah stated, “He’s fine, in very good spirits.”
NPP to proceed with disciplinary action against Adwoa Safo – Haruna Mohammed
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Ghana uses blockchain to curb $2B gold smuggling crisis
Ghana plans to introduce a new blockchain-based system to track gold in the country, curbing a multi-billion dollar smuggling crisis that has plagued the sector for decades.
Sammy Gyamfi, who leads the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), revealed that blockchain will introduce transparency in a sector where corrupt officials have exploited opaque structures to conduct fraud. PMMC is a government body charged with grading, valuing, buying, and selling gold and other precious minerals in Ghana.
“The current system is failing the country. With this new setup, every licensed miner will be registered in a national database, and every production batch will have a unique digital code,” Gyamfi stated, as reported by local outlet GhanaWeb.
“As the gold moves through the chain from miner to buyer to exporter, each transaction will be recorded instantly on a blockchain platform,” he added.
While the new bill has yet to receive parliamentary approval, Gyamfi revealed that the government has already kickstarted pilot projects in select communities, and they have been a success.
Ghana is among the largest gold producers on the continent. Last year, it produced 153 metric tons of the precious metal, valued at $15 billion by today’s prices. However, a substantial portion of the mining is conducted by small-scale operators, whom the government has been unable to regulate properly. This leads to poor working conditions and, ultimately, other crimes such as tax evasion and smuggling.
According to Gyamfi, Ghana loses $2 billion annually to smugglers and corrupt government officials. It’s not alone; according to one report, over $30 billion worth of gold was smuggled out of African countries in 2022.
Blockchain is among the technologies governments and the private sector are exploring to curb this vice. With its on-chain, tamperproof records, blockchain creates an immutable record of the movement of the precious metal from the mine to the consumers. Additionally, users can authenticate that their gold is genuine and sourced responsibly.
Blockchain’s ties with gold go beyond authentication. Tokenized gold has become one of the fastest-growing applications of the technology. Amid recent spikes in gold prices to hit record highs, the market cap of tokenized gold soared to $1.6 billion this week. The sector has also attracted some of the world’s biggest institutions, including Europe’s largest bank, HSBC (NASDAQ: HSBC), which issued tokenized gold for retail customers in Hong Kong last year.
The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate in the Western Region, has initiated an awareness campaign to prevent cholera outbreak within the municipality.
Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, the Municipal Health Director for Tarkwa Nsuaem, announced this when the directorate had a meeting with the District Risk Communication Team at Tarkwa.
The meeting reviewed the current cholera situation and assessed the environmental conditions of the municipality, particularly as they approached the rainy season.
She recalled that the Western Region experienced a cholera outbreak during the fourth quarter of last year, said during that same period the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality recorded 167 cases with three deaths.
“As the rains have set in, we are commencing our advocacy and sensitisation campaign to raise awareness and address potential health concerns.
“Residents must stop dumping sewage and waste into open drains and gutters because this unacceptable practice spreads cholera infection, as flies can transport the vibrio cholera bacteria from contaminated areas to food,” Mrs Morttey indicated.
The municipal health director reiterated that to prevent cholera, food sold should be properly covered, while food vendors must always ensure their foods were served hot to avoid contamination.
She encouraged the public to prioritise hand washing with soap under running water to stay safe from cholera, and “Let us work together to keep our communities clean,” advising that persons who were found engaging in practices that harmed the environment, must be reported to the requisite authorities or advised them to stop.
Josephine Owusu Yeboah, the Municipal Disease Control Officer for Tarkwa Nsuaem, explained that several activities were carried out by the directorate to eliminate the disease from the municipality.
“Unlike other districts, we have been cholera free, thanks to our partnership with the Environmental Health officials who helped us tackle the issue effectively by clearing of waste, spraying to prevent spread of the disease, and educating food vendors on proper hygiene practices” she said.
Yeboah said by working together with key stakeholders including the National Commission for Civic Education, Information Services Department, National Disaster Management Organisation, Red Cross and the media, they were able to communicate preventive measures to the various communities.
She stressed that “Despite our current success in managing the condition, the presence of cases in nearby districts and municipalities pose a risk of the disease returning to our municipality”.
Benjamin Osei Nti, the Assistant to the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, on his part stated that it’s not a good idea to dispose of waste in gutters, as the rains could carry it to other areas and cause problems for others.
He reminded residents in the municipality to store their waste in their homes and dispose it at designated waste collection points to reduce the risk of any outbreak.
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association, Accra Chapter, has announced a planned strike action for Thursday, April 10, 2025.
The protest is in direct response to what the association describes as “continued defamatory statements and publications” by the OR Foundation, an organization that has frequently criticized the secondhand clothing trade in Ghana.
According to a statement released by the association, the OR Foundation has repeatedly portrayed the industry, particularly the activities within the Kantamanto Market, negatively and misleadingly.
The association accuses the foundation of spreading “false, unbalanced, and damaging narratives” that undermine the contribution of the used clothing sector to Ghana’s economy.
“These reports have painted an inaccurate picture of our operations, ignoring the significant role our industry plays in job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of Ghanaians,” the statement read.
In protest, used clothing dealers operating in Accra, especially within the Kantamanto enclave, have called for the suspension of all trading activities.
. The association says the strike is aimed at defending the dignity of traders, protecting the reputation of Ghana, and demanding an end to what they call “unfair attacks” on the sector.
Objectives of the Strike Action:
•To demand a halt to defamatory statements from the OR Foundation
•
•To defend the dignity and livelihood of used clothing dealers in Accra
•
•To safeguard Ghana’s image both locally and internationally
•
•To call for responsible and factual reporting on the secondhand clothing industry
“We are peaceful traders, but we will not sit silently as our industry and country are unfairly attacked. The strike is a unified action to defend our space, our people, and our country’s reputation.”
AM/KA
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The two West African arch-rivals are preparing to face off in the 2025 Unity Cup
Ghana Football Association Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says the Black Stars’ upcoming clash with Nigeria in London will be another high-stakes encounter.
The two West African arch-rivals are preparing to face off in the 2025 Unity Cup.
The match, scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, will serve as the second semi-final of the four-nation tournament.
The competition, organised by Afro Sports and dubbed The Best in the West at the Afro Classico Contest, will bring together Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago in the United Kingdom.
“We received this proposal [Unity Cup] from Afro Sports [UK-based match agency] and then we expressed interest in it,” Twum said.
“We are not overly concerned about results. We are concerned about our team-building agenda.”
He added, “We are very much also aware that, you know, matches between Nigeria and Ghana are always difficult.”
The first semi-final on Tuesday, May 27, will feature Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz against Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors, in what is being promoted as the first-ever TriniJam match on UK soil.
The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the final on Saturday, May 31, preceded by a third-place playoff between the losing sides.
The Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has described his acquittal as vindication from a politically motivated trial.
His remarks follow the Accra High Court’s decision on Wednesday, April 9, to acquit and discharge him after more than three years of legal proceedings.
Quayson had been facing charges of forgery and perjury, with allegations that he held Canadian citizenship at the time he filed to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Quayson expressed confidence that the truth would prevail, stating that he had always believed in his innocence.
“When you are not wrong, there is nothing you should worry about. No matter where you put the person, they will bounce back. So, that was my reaction, that I know I am innocent. I didn’t come here to bother anybody. I came here to help my community and serve my people,” he said.
The Assin North legislator emphasized that he had taken the necessary steps to comply with all legal requirements ahead of the elections but believes the case was driven by political interests.
“I made sure I did the right thing, but everything seems to be playing politics. We all knew that it was politically motivated. You heard the facts from the judges,” he added.
Quayson’s trial had become a high-profile legal and political matter, drawing national attention due to its implications for parliamentary representation and citizenship laws.
His acquittal marks the end of a prolonged legal battle and a significant moment for his political career.
Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has expressed gratitude to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for visiting his residence following what he described as a politically-motivated act of harassment.
Operatives of the National Investigations Bureau on Wednesday April 9 besieged the residence of the MP but their attempt was foiled by members of the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a post shared on X, Fordjour accused the NDC government of attempting to suppress MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight responsibilities.
“Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia @MBawumia for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight,” Fordjour wrote.
Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia @MBawumia for the visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from exercising their legitimate oversight. pic.twitter.com/a2LNm05q6E
— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) April 9, 2025
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The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is set to carry out a demolition exercise today, Thursday, April 10, 2025, targeting structures illegally built on the Weija and Dansoman Ramsar sites.
This operation follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent tour of Ramsar sites and flood-prone areas in Accra, where he issued a stern warning that structures on protected lands and waterways would be removed.
Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, President Mahama also expressed concern over increasing land encroachment and its contribution to persistent flooding and property loss.
He cautioned against illegal construction on waterways and Ramsar sites, indicating the government’s resolve to take decisive action.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, is expected to lead a team of security officers to oversee the demolition exercise.
The initiative aims to clear unauthorized structures, restore natural watercourses, and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Tanzanian police arrested the leader of the country’s main opposition party on Wednesday as he finished addressing a public meeting, his party said.
Rights campaigners have accused the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of targeting opponents ahead of a national election late this year. The government denies the accusations.
Tundu Lissu, the chairman of the leading opposition party CHADEMA, has been holding rallies countrywide in recent weeks under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election” to call for reforms in the way the election will be run.
“Tundu Lissu has been arrested by the police in Mbinga district when he had just finished addressing a public meeting. Up to now, it is not known which police station he has been taken to,” CHADEMA said on its X account.
“The chairman has been arrested with other party members, and the police officers are dispersing the public using tear gas at the venue.”
A regional police commander said he was in a meeting and gave no further comment when contacted by Reuters.
Lissu survived being shot 16 times during an assassination attempt in 2017.
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Eunice Teah Dzagli, Health Promotion Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate (GARHD) says the use of mosquito nets as trap doors and window nets does not keep mosquitoes away.
She said, “if mosquito nets are exposed to the sun, it loses its efficacy within three days of installation.”
In Ghana, some residents creatively use mosquito nets as screening material for doors and windows to hoping to prevent mosquito entry and reduce the risk of malaria.
Speaking at a planning meeting on the mass distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (LLIN) in Accra on Tuesday, she said mosquito nets could last for three years when used in room without any wash but were no longer effective after 20 washes.
Madam Dzagli said the proper use of LLINs in rooms was a critical component in the fight against malaria and urged the public to use their mosquito nets properly.
Madam Evelyn Tabi, Deputy Director, Nursing Services at the GARHD, said the Greater Accra Region would from April 9th to 13th, begin a mass registration exercise to preceed the distribution of LLIN to households in all 29 districts across the region from May 2 to 6th.
She said the Greater Accra had been selected among other regions for Ghana’s malaria elimination programme and the GARHD was mandated to ensure that at least for three consecutive years, no malaria transmission would be recorded.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says sleeping under a LLIN is one of the best ways to prevent malaria, as they form a physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes.
According to the global body, when mosquitoes try to bite someone sleeping under a LLIN, they are not only blocked by the netting but also killed by the insecticide coating.
Studies show that the use of LLINs reduced malaria incidence by 50 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, a region which accounts for more than 90 per cent of global cases.
According to WHO, LLINs are much more effective than untreated mosquito nets because they are produced with netting that contains a WHO-recommended insecticide.
The insecticide effect lasts longer, and the nets can be used for up to three years or 20 washes, the global body says.
Dr Linda Baafi, Regional Malaria Focal Person, GARHD, said the mass net distribution campaign would distribute at least 90 per cent of the LLIN to households in Accra.
She said the registration would be done by Registered Assistants (RA) in person and online through a NetApp with a valid National Identification Card.
A final report of the committee is expected by June 2025
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has inaugurated a nine-member Small-Scale Mining License Review Committee to conduct a comprehensive audit of all small-scale mining licenses in Ghana.
Chaired by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, the Committee is tasked with scrutinizing licenses to ensure compliance with legal, environmental, and financial regulations.
Key areas of review include:
Due process in license acquisition
Adherence to environmental standards, particularly concerning water bodies, forest reserves, and land preservation
Full payment of permitting fees
During the inauguration, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the committee’s critical role in sanitizing the small-scale mining sector and ensuring sustainable benefits for Ghana.
“Your work will expose irregularities in the licensing regime, help restore confidence, and ensure optimum benefits from the sector,” he stated.
He also indicated his openness to reviewing the initial two-month lead time if necessary.
In his acceptance speech, Committee Chairman Sulemana Yusif assured the Minister of a rigorous and impartial review process within the set timeframe.
“We recognize the trust placed in us and will ensure transparency to boost investor confidence,” he said, calling on license holders to fully cooperate with the process.
The committee comprises experts from the following institutions:
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation
Minerals Commission
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Water Resources Commission
Forestry Commission
Office of the Attorney General
Association of Small-Scale Miners
Ghana Chamber of Mines
A final report is expected by June 2025, marking a pivotal step in Ghana’s efforts to regulate small-scale mining and combat illegal operations.
Technical Director of Vision Football Club, Annor Walker
The Technical Director of Vision Football Club, Annor Walker, has backed the team to overcome Hearts of Oak in their next match in the Ghana Premier League.
The Tema-based outfit will host the Phobians next weekend in a Week 27 fixture of the 2024/25 Ghanaian top-flight league campaign.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the game, Coach Annor Walker said Vision FC are determined to pick all three points on the matchday.
“We will beat Hearts of Oak at our home ground at Tema New Town,” the Vision FC Technical Director told the media team of the Ghana FA in a pre-match interview.
Vision FC, currently on 28 points, sits 14th in the Ghana Premier League table. The team is just two places above the relegation zone and must fight for as many points as possible in the remaining league matches to avoid relegation.
Although the game against Hearts of Oak presents a tough challenge, the team has what it takes to cruise to victory.
The upcoming match will be played on Sunday, April 13, at Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex.
Assemblyman for Padmore Electoral Area has repaired broken streetlights across the community
Charles Amos, the Assemblyman for Padmore Electoral Area, Tema Community One, has taken the initiative to repair broken streetlights across the community in a bid to improve security and reduce crime in the area.
According to Amos, the move has already helped to reduce incidents of robbery and other related crimes that usually occurred in poorly lit areas during the night, explaining that well-lit streets have made it difficult for criminals to operate under the cover of darkness.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that he decided to act after receiving several complaints from residents about the growing level of insecurity in some parts of the electoral area, particularly at night.
He further said that many of the complaints pointed to the fact that the absence of functioning streetlights was encouraging criminal activities in the area.
“I realised that many of the streetlights had stopped working for some time and this was giving robbers the chance to attack innocent people, so I decided to repair them and since then, the attacks have reduced drastically,” he stated.
The Assemblyman called on residents to play their part by protecting the lights from theft or vandalism and urged them to report any damaged streetlights to their respective unit committee members or himself, promising prompt action to ensure the lights remain functional.
“I want to encourage all residents to be responsible citizens. if you see a streetlight that is not working or has been tampered with, report it immediately. we all need to work together to keep our community safe,” he appealed.
Amos promised to continue with the initiative and expand the repairs to other parts of the electoral area where lights were still not functioning and called on other Assemblymembers and local authorities to adopt similar approaches in their respective areas to help reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents.
Some residents praised the Assemblyman’s efforts, and described the initiative as timely and commendable, especially at a time when security had become a major concern in many communities.
“He’s doing well, the streets are very important and have helped reduce robbery and attacks. I feel safe walking home after work, and I’m sure drivers can see the street well when driving at night,” Madam Naa Affortey, a nail technician, said.
Ghana on Monday April 7, 2025, joined the world in observing this year’s World Health Day, with a call on the government to invest in midwives and their care models.
Dr Frank Lule, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, speaking at a ceremony in Accra, described midwifery care as a cost-effective way to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
“Midwifery care models where midwives provide ongoing support to pregnant women and babies after birth have shown to improve survival while reducing preterm birth and unnecessary medical interventions,” he said.
Dr Lule said that World Health Day offered a chance to recognize global achievements, including a 40 per cent decline in maternal mortality and a 50 per cent reduction in infant mortality over the past two decades.
He noted that, despite global progress, Ghana’s maternal and child health indicators remain far from the target of 70 per 1,000 live births by 2030.
Dr Lule underscored the need for Ghana to invest in the health and well-being of mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents.
He explained that this year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future,” focuses on giving every child the best start in life and ensuring women and families receive adequate care and support.
Dr Lule urged Ghana to accelerate its child and maternal health efforts through high-quality antenatal care, including eight checks with skilled health workers before delivery.
“This will support healthy pregnancies, reduce risks, and aid in detecting possible pregnancy complications early,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of life-saving care before, during, and after birth, as 70 per cent of maternal deaths are linked to obstetric causes such as haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, infections, and unsafe abortions.
Dr Lule also called for investment in immediate newborn care to ensure essential support during the first month, including breastfeeding and infection prevention.
“Let us also pay attention to vulnerable babies. Complications like prematurity and low birth weights are leading causes of deaths in newborns and children under five,” he added.
Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality.
He pointed out that while there was some improvement in maternal mortality figures, with 263 deaths per 100,000 live births and 38 deaths per 1,000 live births for children, the statistics remained high.
“This is the time for us to mobilize our spirit of togetherness and strengthen our collaboration to build a seamless health sector because we are all potential patients,” Dr Akoriyea said.
World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, raises awareness about key health issues.
This year’s campaign seeks to highlight gaps in maternal and newborn survival, advocate for long-term investments in women’s health, and foster collective action to support parents and health professionals.
to upgrade infrastructure and operational efficiency
targets 6m tonnes of production by close of 2025
By Seth KRAMPAH, Awaso
Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has set an ambitious target of producing 6 million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.
To achieve this goal, the Company has invested a substantial US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery.
According to the General Manager of GBC, Mr. Alexander Gyedu in a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region, he said the Company’s production volumes have already seen a significant boost. The use of both surface mining and drill and blast methods have increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.
Mr. Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to Ofori-Poku Company Limited’s (OPCL) takeover from Bosai Group in 2022.
OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of the old and dilapidated set of equipment.
As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner, and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others. The Company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.
The Haulage department has also seen significant improvement, with OPCL adding 161 fleet of 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.
This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons of bauxite in 2024.
As GBC works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tonnes by the end of 2025, the Company remains committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. The acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the Company’s environmental footprint.
GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The Company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.
Priority for Environmental Protection
The management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, emphasizing that the Company’s operations are guided by strict adherence to ecological regulations.
Mr. Alexander Gyedu mentioned that Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) is dedicated to responsible resource management, striving to minimize its impact on the environment through conservation, reclamation measures, and sustainable mining practices.
Mr. Gyedu noted that the Company diligently complies with regulatory standards and submits it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by law.
This, he said, demonstrates the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its environmental stewardship.
Environmental experts have praised Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s efforts, noting that the mining sector has a significant impact on the environment and that responsible practices are essential to mitigating this impact.
The government has also been vocal about its commitment to protecting the environment, particularly in the mining sector.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the need for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been working closely with mining companies, including Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations.
Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s commitment to environmental protection is particularly significant given the Company’s location in the Western North Region, an area known for its rich biodiversity.
The Company’s efforts to minimise its environmental impact are also in line with the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Mr Gyedu mentioned that as the mining sector continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s economy, it is essential that companies like Ghana Bauxite Company Limited prioritizes environmental protection.
GBC’s Awaso Mine concession covers an area of 47.04 sq km. The Company’s ratified 30-year Mining Lease covers the Subri, Inchiniso, Kanayerebo, Afumba, and Boakakhirri.
GBC has been operating the Inchiniso pit since 1969, producing high-grade trihydrate bauxite annually. The Run of Mine (ROM) annually is at an average of 2.5 million metric tonnes.
Historically, Bauxite was first discovered in Ghana by the Gold Coast Geological Survey team in 1921.
In 2022, Bosai group transferred their shareholding of 80% to the current owner- Ofori – Opoku Company Limited (OPCL) a member of the IOP Group of Companies with Government of Ghana still retaining its 20% share.
Success story
In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a visionary Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80% shares of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining industry.
This acquisition transferred majority ownership of the Company to a local entity, paving the way for a new era of success.
Under IOP’s leadership, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of the major visions of Mr. Ofori Poku was to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.
True to his word, the Company has increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females. This significant increase in employment opportunities has had a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition to creating jobs, IOP has also invested heavily in acquiring new and sophisticated equipment to boost production. The Company has acquired 56 new equipment and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks. This significant investment has enabled the Company to increase its production capacity and export more bauxite ore.
The results are impressive. In 2024, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, Awaso exported a record 1.8 million metric tons of bauxite ore to China and other parts of the world. This achievement is unprecedented in the history of the Company and a testament to IOP’s vision and leadership.
The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive. With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the Company is poised for even greater success in the future.
Tensions have once again boiled over in Bawku, in the Upper East Region, resulting in the death of one person and serious injuries to two others following a violent confrontation on Wednesday afternoon.
What began as a disagreement in the town’s marketplace quickly escalated into chaos.
Reports suggest that a group linked to one of the feuding factions in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute ordered women from the opposing side to vacate the market. This sparked a scuffle that drew in police officers attempting to calm the situation.
However, what followed was far from calm. Gunshots rang out as some individuals allegedly opened fire on the police.
The officers returned fire, and in the exchange, one civilian lost their life while two others were critically injured. The aftermath of the shootout only deepened the already high tensions.
In what appears to be an act of retaliation, a group of irate youth later attacked the private residence of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, ACP Adamu Seidu, setting it ablaze.
It remains unclear if anyone was inside the house at the time it was torched.
The violence did not end there. A nearby police barracks also came under attack, with reports indicating that a police vehicle was set on fire.
Fearing further escalation, police authorities were forced to evacuate personnel from the barracks.
Security forces are currently working to restore calm in the area, but the atmosphere remains tense, with deep-rooted conflicts threatening to plunge the town further into unrest.
The minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has urged the Forestry Commission to adopt a commercial approach to reduce reliance on government subvention and enhance operational efficiency.
This directive aligns with the government’s broader reset agenda, aimed at making the Commission more self-sustaining and effective.
The minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, where he charged management and staff to realign their operations with the government’s vision.
Addressing the staff, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the Commission’s critical role in national development, stating: “Your job is so critical, it goes to the heart of what Ghana is. Without you, there is no Ghana.”
After highlighting the Commission’s strategic importance, he encouraged staff to fully embrace President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, promising rewards for hard work while cautioning against sabotage.
The minister also acknowledged key challenges facing the Commission, including illegal mining and logging, and stressed the need for the Commission to uphold the commitments made by President Mahama during the 2025 campaign.
“The government, led by President Mahama, campaigned to Reset Ghana. At the Forestry Commission, this means executing our duties with integrity, commitment, and hard work. We have brought the Resetting Ghana agenda here,” he declared.
As the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, Armah-Kofi Buah pledged to advocate in Parliament for a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to unlock funding for the Commission.
This, he noted, would bolster efforts to protect Ghana’s environment and support global climate action.
A key highlight of his address was the commercialization of some Commission activities to improve revenue generation.
“We must fast-track the formation of a commercial arm for the Forestry Commission. If 50 years ago, the Commission was seen as a charity, today, under the Reset Agenda, we must treat our work as a business,” he asserted.
He called for renewed energy and innovation within the Commission to attract competent youth and investors, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In a presentation to the minister, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown outlined key achievements chalked since in the last quarter since Buah assumed office; Seizure of 101 excavators (with six decommissioned), Confiscation of three bulldozers and six pick-ups and the Arrest of 76 individuals involved in illegal activities.
Brown also highlighted the success of the Tree4Life initiative and assured the Minister of the Commission’s full cooperation with the Ministry to fulfill its mandate.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth & Sports has disclosed that sports minister Kofi Adams will soon brief the media about the Black Stars’ budget for their recent World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
This announcement comes amid public concern over the delay in revealing the expenses for these matches.
President John Mahama had previously promised that the budgets for national teams would be made public.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Norgbey reassured the public that there was no reason to worry.
“The sports minister is prepping to brief the media very soon on the Black Stars budget for the Chad and Madagascar games. I am not sure there should be any cause for alarm.”
Ghana secured convincing wins over Chad and Madagascar in March, a much-needed boost after struggling in recent years.
The Black Stars’ 5-0 win over Chad and 3-0 victory against Madagascar have placed them at the top of Group I with 15 points, three points clear of Comoros.
Ghana will return to action in June 2025 for their next World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Before that, they will participate in the 2025 Unity Cup in May, facing Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed disappointment and disbelief over the conduct of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), following a dramatic attempt to arrest the Assin South MP at his Spintex residence in Accra.
In a interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he revealed that he once personally trusted Charles Alhassan Kipo with a significant and sensitive role in government and would never have expected him to authorise or be associated with such an incident.
“Him, personally, he was my senior. We worked with him. In fact, we gave him a very sensitive job, one way in government. And so there are some things that I would not have expected that they would do,” Mr. Nitiwul said, troubled by the turn of events.
“But be as it may, it was really true when I got there that the NIB had actually sent people to the place.”
The Bimbilla recounted receiving a distressing call about the unfolding situation.
“I got a call from one of my colleagues that the ranking member of the Defence and Interior’s house has been surrounded by people suspected to be from the NIB, ostensibly to arrest him. A lot of police officers. I counted over 15 of them,” he narrated.
Alarmed, he decided to personally assess the situation, partly due to his past experience as Defence Minister and his working relationship with some of the officers involved.
“When I got there, I didn’t believe that was the case. But I just thought I should go there and find out. Also, being the immediate past Defence Minister, I thought that I could be one of the people who could calm situations down if there’s a need. Truly, when I went, I knew a lot of the principal people who were there. I’ve worked with some of them.”
Mr. Nitiwul described the scene as intense and unsettling. He questioned the operatives on the legitimacy of their actions, particularly whether they had a warrant to arrest the MP.
“The first question I asked was, ‘What do they have? Did they have a warrant? They said no.”
More shockingly, he said the NIB official leading the operation claimed his seniority alone justified the arrest.
“The gentleman who led the operation actually said that he’s a senior person. That alone is enough for him—his face is a warrant in itself.”
Mr. Nitiwul said this rationale was immediately challenged by legal minds present.
“We had a lot of lawyers there who clearly disagreed and told them that you cannot say just because you’re a senior person within the NIB, your face alone is a warrant to arrest a Member of Parliament, or any other citizen for that matter. They all have rights.”
He also raised concerns about the conduct and presentation of the operatives, noting that many were masked.
“Some of the NIB officials, those who were not police officers, covered their faces. For whatever reason, I cannot tell why they did that.”
While police officers were also present at the scene, Mr. Nitiwul emphasized that a lawful arrest requires clear legal justification.
“If the police come to say that we believe that we have reasonable suspicion, and based on that, we are arresting you, that’s a different matter. But we just asked them a simple question: Do you have an arrest warrant to arrest him? They said no.”
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Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty, they had not been offered appointments
The Ntrubo community in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region has expressed their displeasure over perceived government neglect of the area and its people.
Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) they had not been offered appointments and neglected in the provision of essential services.
According to them, the Ntrubo community have remained steadfast in support of the NDC since the era of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South Gershon Gbediame, who served for 20 years without a single ministerial appointment, leaving them feeling abandoned.
Maxwell Joko, addressing the media at a press conference, said they feel marginalised due to the absence of government appointments since 1992, with no deputy ministerial appointments despite their consistent support for the NDC.
He also mentioned that the residents are also frustrated with the deplorable condition of their roads, hindering access to essential services and economic opportunities.
They are calling on the government to establish a nursing college or a modern Senior High School in their community to promote development and provide better educational opportunities.
They, however, called on the government to prioritise their needs and invest in their development.
Petr Pavel (in Kente dress) and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (next to his R)
President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, have commissioned the Kpone Hospital, located in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The commissioning ceremony, held on April 9, 2025, was attended by key dignitaries including the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo; Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea; and the Member of Parliament for the area, Joseph Akuerteh, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Akandoh described the commissioning as a “milestone achievement in our collective efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare for every Ghanaian.”
“The Kpone Municipal Hospital represents more than brick and mortar. It symbolizes our vision of health-led development,” he said.
“We are committed to completing and operationalizing all hospital projects across the country. We do not believe in cutting ribbons for show or abandoning projects started by previous governments for political gains.”
He also announced the introduction of a free primary healthcare initiative aimed at eliminating financial barriers to basic healthcare access.
The newly commissioned hospital is equipped with an Outpatient Department, including a Public Health Wing, a Surgical Suite, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 40-bed inpatient block, a Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray Unit, and other essential facilities. It also features modern medical equipment, a one-year maintenance plan, and a staff training component.
The project was executed by VAMED Health Projects CZ s.r.o., an international leader in health infrastructure development.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, hailed the event as a bold step toward achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goal on universal health coverage.
“This development moves us closer to our goal of ensuring that no Ghanaian, regardless of location, is denied access to healthcare,” she said. “It reflects the reset agenda of this government under the able leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.”
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, highlighted the facility’s potential impact on local communities.
“For too long, patients have had to travel long distances in search of care. This facility will bridge that gap and bring healthcare closer to the people,” he said.
In a heartfelt speech, President Petr Pavel reflected on his first visit to Ghana two decades ago.
“If someone had told me then that I’d return 20 years later to open a hospital funded by my country, I’d have thought they had drunk too much,” he joked. “But here we are. I can think of nothing more universally good than opening a hospital. It is my hope that this facility will serve not just the people of Kpone, but anyone who walks through its doors in need.”
The Kpone Hospital is one of twelve modern medical facilities being constructed under an initiative that began during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The project was financed with €71.5 million secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., backed by an €8.6 million export credit guarantee from EGAP—the Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation of the Czech Republic.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has inspected the site earmarked for the construction of the proposed Bolgatanga Airport in the Upper East Region.
Located at Anateem, a community near Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality, the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) equipment had moved to the site, clearing the vast land of about 2,000 metres long as the runway, at the time of the visit.
The residents had released over 7,000 acres of land for the construction of the airport in the early 1980s, but governments over the years failed to construct the project to facilitate easy travel to the nation’s capital.
After years of failed attempts, Alagumgube Group, an Association of sons and daughters of the Region living within and outside the country, has taken up the initiative to start the project by self-funding the clearing of the land.
The GACL’s inspection of the site follows President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to construct the airport during his “Thank you” visit to the Region.
Yvonne Afriyie Nana Opare, Managing Director (MD), GACL, who led the technical team from the Company to the site, said the inspection was in line with a directive from President Mahama through the transport minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The Manager said the inspection was part of preparations for the construction of the airport, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
She said all necessary requirements would be established to begin the process of construction, and she thanked Alagumgube Group for clearing the land at their own cost and creating a path for a runway of 2,000 metres.
“We thank them that they have started this. This shows a lot of seriousness for this project, and the President also attaches a lot of seriousness to it. As the months go along, you will see some visible signs of us having started this project,” the MD said.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Regional Minister, called for an all-hands-on-deck approach towards the project, devoid of politics, “If this airport is constructed, it will benefit everybody irrespective of political affiliations”.
He said nine Districts out of the 15 Municipalities and Districts had gold deposits, and that apart from ordinary residents, the airport would help the mining companies in the Region to easily transport their products.
“Apart from that, we have about eight border Districts to Togo and Burkina Faso. This means that international business would boom with the construction of the airport, and this airport will supersede all other airports in this country,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the cost of fuel to operate the DRIP equipment released by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) was handled by the Alagumgube Group, and expressed gratitude to them for working to ensure the airport was constructed.
Naba Napariyong Kosom Asaga Yelzoya II, the Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, and spokesperson for the Regional House of Chiefs, noted that for the over 30 years that the land was released for the project, residents never farmed or made any investments on it.
“You can imagine how much we have lost,” he said, and urged the Mahama-led-government not to disappoint the Region this time.
The Okada Riders Association has expressed strong opposition to a new law restricting individuals under the age of 25 from operating commercial motorcycles in Ghana.
In a fiery interview on GHOne TV, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, issued a sharp warning to the government, calling for the immediate reversal of the policy or risk facing legal and political backlash.
“We knew these things would happen once the 13-member committee failed to involve us. They seem to have lost their logical reasoning in bringing out this legislation,” Akpanaba stated, accusing the government of sidelining key stakeholders during the drafting process.
The law, which seeks to regulate commercial motorcycle operations, has been met with frustration by riders, many of whom view the age restriction as unfair and illogical.
Akpanaba questioned the rationale behind the decision, especially considering that young adults in the same age bracket are already entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as voting.
“Why must someone who voted for John Mahama at 18 now be told by the same administration to wait until 25 before they can work legally as Okada riders?” he asked.
The association has not ruled out taking drastic steps if the government fails to reconsider. Akpanaba made it clear that the riders are prepared to explore all avenues of protest — including legal action and electoral consequences.
“If not, we will demonstrate, we will take them to court, we will curse them — not spiritually, but when it comes to the next election,” he declared.
He further condemned what he described as a disregard for the intelligence and contributions of Okada riders, insisting that their arguments are based on data and experience — not emotion.
“They shouldn’t insult our intelligence. We didn’t come here wearing coats and ties — we came with logic and scientific research. So if they want respect, they should respect us too,” he added.
LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in modern sports, has made history once again – this time in the toy aisle.
Mattel has announced the release of a new Barbie in Mr James’ likeness, making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll.
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” said Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie. She said the doll celebrates “LeBron as a role model,” his ability as an icon to transcend culture and set a “positive example for the next generation.”
The doll features the Los Angeles Lakers basketball player in his pre-game fashion and reflects his height – it’s an inch taller than the standard Ken doll.
In reality, the athlete is 6ft 9in tall.
The new doll comes as the company is facing financial uncertainty amid President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China, where just under 40% of Mattel’s production is based.
Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on goods from China would increase to 125%. He accused Beijing of a “lack of respect” after it retaliated and said it would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.
In the same announcement, Trump announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs and authorised a universal “lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations continued with roughly 60 countries.
Mattel has said it may have to increase prices and possibly implement changes to its supply chain. Consumer and business groups in the US have warned that the tariffs may disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices.
The new Ken doll doesn’t show the athlete in his basketball uniform. Instead, he’s dressed in a varsity jacket adorned with “LJ” on the front.
It includes an Ohio patch and a crown patch on one sleeve and the number 23 – his basketball jersey number – on the other. On the back, “LeBron” is boldly printed along with the phrase, “Just a kid from Akron” – the Ohio city where he was born.
Under the jacket, the doll wears a shirt that reads “We Are Family,” a nod to the star’s foundation. The doll includes accessories like a basketball, headphones and sneakers.
In a promotional video released by Mattel, Mr James reacted to see the doll for the first time. “Oh, he dope!” he says as he’s given the figurine. “That’s so cool!”
As he toyed with the doll’s accessories, he joked the LeBron Ken doll “might have to do a little lifting, legs are looking skinny”.
The move is a significant moment for the 65-year-old Barbie brand, which has made a push in recent years to diversify its dolls and reflect a broader range of careers, body types and backgrounds.
Though Barbie has previously honoured athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Megan Rapinoe, Mr James is the first male sports figure – and the first male figure not from the entertainment industry – to join the lineup.
Even with four NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a scoring record to his name, Mr James says his new title of “Kenbassador” hits differently—because it’s about more than basketball.
“It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.”
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 Finance, Dr. Ato Forson [M] in a meeting with senior officials of the ministry
The Ministry of Finance has established a dedicated Compliance Desk within the Ministry to monitor and enforce adherence to the newly upgraded Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2025.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed this during a meeting with the World Bank Africa team, led by Vice President Ousmane Diagana.
The meeting followed the successful National Economic Dialogue, which was held with strong support from the World Bank.
In his remarks, the Minister underscored the need to tackle fiscal indiscipline, particularly among covered entities that have been awarding contracts without obtaining the legally required commencement certificates.
Dr. Forson noted that these practices have led to serious inefficiencies and budgetary shortfalls. To address these challenges, the amendment to the PFM Act now authorises the Ministry of Finance to issue commencement authorisations, marking a significant shift in fiscal oversight.
The Minister explained that the Compliance Desk will not only enforce adherence but will also be accompanied by a Compliance League Table to assess and publicly rank institutions.
He warned that those who consistently refuse to comply will face sanctions.
Dr. Forson also pointed out that the Ministry remains committed to meeting all agreed prior actions and to ensuring efficiency and impact in every programme it undertakes.
Vice President Diagana congratulated the Minister on his recent nomination and praised Ghana’s ongoing fiscal reforms.
He described the country as a beacon of stability and progress in the region, while reaffirming the World Bank’s strong partnership with Ghana.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has publicly condemned the actions of police officers involved in the shooting of some youth in Bawku earlier today.
In a statement released on April 9, 2025, Ayariga distanced himself from any involvement in the operations of law enforcement officers in the area.
He clarified that he had never instructed any police officer to either permit or prevent individuals from accessing markets or purchasing goods, stating that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies—not elected representatives.
“I totally condemn the actions of the police in shooting some youth in Bawku today,” Ayariga stated. “I have never had any discussion with the police directing them to allow anyone to attend any market or purchase anything from anyone. Such matters are not my responsibility.”
The MP emphasized that operational decisions made by law enforcement should not be attributed to him, underscoring the separation between political officeholders and police authority.
Ayariga also called on law enforcement officers to work closely with traditional leadership in the area, particularly Zugran Abubakari Abugrago Azoka II, the overlord of Kusaug, to help maintain peace and order.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has disclosed that the government has rolled out measures to enhance the quality of telecommunications services across Ghana.
The Ningo-Prampram MP stated that his ministry has taken note of complaints from Ghanaians regarding the quality of service delivered by various telecommunications companies.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Sam George said:
“I have noted several complaints about the quality of service from almost all the network providers in the country.”
According to him, the government has approved technology neutrality for MTN Ghana and has authorised the National Communications Authority (NCA) to offer additional spectrum to both MTN and Telecel Ghana.
He explained that this is to equip telecom providers with the necessary tools to enhance their service delivery, warning that sanctions would be applied should they fail to provide Ghanaians with quality services.
He announced that the NCA will closely monitor improvements and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
“I have taken a decisive policy decision to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana. I have also directed the NCA to offer additional spectrum to Telecel Ghana,” he stated.
“This will provide operators with more resources to improve their service offerings and the quality of services,” he explained.
“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin rigorous enforcement of quality of service standards. Failure by network operators to improve service quality will result in stiff fines.”
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primaries next year, various stakeholders, party stalwarts, and youth groups are beginning to declare their support for potential flagbearer candidates.
In a surprising turn of events, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah—former Deputy Director of the Danquah Institute and ex-Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security—has publicly endorsed the candidature of Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the party’s next presidential candidate. He made this endorsement through a series of posts on his social media platforms.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s declaration has sent ripples through the political landscape, particularly because of his deep connections to the party’s inner circles and his prominent role as a communicator during the Akufo-Addo administration. As a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and a respected royal from the Akyem Abuakwa State, his support is expected to galvanize many young professionals behind the #Ken2028 movement.
The endorsement by Dr. Boakye-Danquah, coupled with similar act by Kwasi Kwarteng, former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, further reinforce the growing perception that Kennedy Agyapong resonates more strongly with the youth and base of the NPP, largely due to his charismatic and relatable personality.
This development also lends weight to ongoing speculation that President Akufo-Addo may not be backing his former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as was previously rumored—especially following recent contentious discussions among Minority MPs at Rock City Hotel in Kwahu.
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Prof Adei [L], Ayikoi Otoo, Baffour Awuah and Janet Nabla
The 10-day deadline for President-elect John Dramani Mahama to decide on the tenure of Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, expired on April 7, 2025.
This followed the submission of three petitions requesting her removal.
On March 28, 2025, the Chief Justice herself formally wrote to the President, a request that was acknowledged in a letter signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, the president’s secretary.
In accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the Presidency confirmed that the petitions were forwarded to the Council of State for advice.
With the deadline now lapsed, reports indicate that the president has received a formal response from the Chief Justice, enabling the Council of State to proceed with providing its recommendations on the matter.
Key Figures Opposing Removal
Prof. Stephen Adei
A respected academic, renowned economist, and former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei has emerged as one of the most prominent voices warning against the removal of the Chief Justice.
He has expressed concerns about the potential implications, emphasizing the need for stability within the judiciary. He cautioned that any politically motivated removal could undermine Ghana’s democratic foundations and set a troubling precedent for future governments.
Nii Ayikoi Otoo
A former Solicitor-General, Minister for Justice, and Deputy Attorney General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo has also expressed concern.
He has warned that removing the Chief Justice could damage the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary.
He emphasized the necessity of respecting due process and criticized any actions based on unverified political pressure rather than credible evidence.
Janet Nabla
Janet Nabla, the Flagbearer of the People’s National Party (PNP) has stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence and avoiding actions that could be seen as politically motivated.
In a statement dated March 27, she condemned the decision to involve the Council of State in reviewing the petitions, describing it as “unprecedented” and a clear “betrayal of women.”
Janet Nabla contended that previous administrations upheld the independence of the judiciary and worked collaboratively with the Chief Justice—a standard they argue the current government has failed to meet.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, a respected lawyer has joined others in urging caution.
He highlighted the need for careful consideration and consultation before making any decision that could affect the judiciary.
The legal practitioner warned that removing the Chief Justice without just cause could have long-lasting consequences for the judiciary’s credibility and Ghana’s democratic stability.
He urged the Council of State to consider the long-term implications for the legal system’s integrity.
Raphinha’s journey from Porto Alegre to Barcelona’s dressing room is a story of resilience, discipline, and continuous self-improvement. His transformation into a top-level performer is not just about talent. It’s about mindset, sacrifice, and an unwavering desire to succeed.
Raphinha was raised in the relentless, grinding poverty seen across the sprawling shanty towns that litter the landscape in and around the neighbourhood of Restinga in the city of Porto Alegre.
In a neighbourhood where violence and drug trafficking are often a way of life, Raphael Dias Belloli knew from an early age that football was not just a way out – it was the only way out.
He struggled initially playing for an elite club like Barcelona.
Coach Xavi saw him more as a squad member than an undisputed starter and even when he started to be a regular in the line-up, he rarely played full games.
Barcelona’s inability to buy without selling first due to financial issues put him firmly in the frame as the club’s biggest playing asset and the player most likely to be sold, especially while Barcelona were trying to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams last summer.
Focus was also elsewhere with the precocious and outrageously talented Lamine Yamal the centre of everyone’s attention and effectively undroppable.
In two seasons at the club, Raphinha was used off the bench 11 times and started just 42 games out of a possible 76.
The message coming out of Barcelona was simple. “We don’t want to lose you, but we think you ought to go,” seemed to be the gist of it.
Raphinha had other ideas, although it was a close-run thing.
“There were several moments, not just one [when I considered leaving],” he admitted.
“There was a lot of self-doubt. I have a nasty habit of criticising myself heavily, so to speak, so that pressure made me think about leaving.”
The dismissal of manager Xavi in May and subsequent appointment of Hansi Flick changed everything.
The German coach gave Raphinha a bigger role and allowed him to play with confidence. He is now a player reborn.
Flick focused his work on the importance of making smarter decisions, knowing when to dribble, when to pass, and the more direct style suited him too.
These days he loses the ball less and is more efficient and composed in front of goal.
Nobody should argue his right to be considered one of the top players in the world.
On the way out of the Emirates Stadium, someone asked Kylian Mbappé whether Real Madrid could still do this. “Course we can,” he replied, three words and then he was gone. In front of him, Vinícius Júnior left in silence. Rodrygo passed by unnoticed again. Luka Modric didn’t talk, nor did Fede Valverde. Lucas Vázquez and Raúl Asencio did, then Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham.
“We weren’t good,” Vázquez said. Courtois said: “We forgot to play well.” Asencio said: “It’s not what we expected,” but it wasn’t unexpected either, which is why it was the description Bellingham didn’t use which said it best.
Asked whether he was shocked, Bellingham said: “I don’t know if ‘shocked’ is the right word.”
No one who has watched them all year could have truly been shocked by this, except that they’re Real Madrid, stupid, and somehow Real Madrid always seem to find a way. “There is nothing we can draw from external excuses or anything like that; we have to look at ourselves,” Bellingham said. “These are similar sets of themes to when we have dropped points all season. It’s happened again tonight on a larger scale.”
Courtois wondered whether he might have put an extra man in the wall, but that was such a tiny failing alongside those of the team that it felt slightly absurd. By the end of the 3-0 defeat, it wasn’t even that Madrid were bad exactly, a catalogue of identifiable errors, a long list of mistakes and men to blame, although there are always some of those; it was more that they just, well, weren’t. The goals had been superb and Bellingham spoke of how well Arsenal had played, which they had, but Madrid had been, well, nothing really: a void, 11 empty grey shirts.
They had fallen away mentally and physically after going behind, Ancelotti said, and if everyone could agree with that it was harder to agree with his claim that for an hour they had played well. Until the goals, there had been a familiar passivity; after the first of them, there was no reaction, no resistance, no anything. Instead of being shaken into action, they were overwhelmed. “We were nowhere near it, that’s the fact: they could have had way more, we’re lucky to get away with three,” Bellingham said.
Get away with it is a recurring theme, and they still could, but Madrid looked and ended up like what they are: the 11th team in the league phase playing the third.
That league finish flattered them, too: Lille beat them, Stuttgart, Liverpool and Milan outplayed them. They opened the European season with a comeback against Dortmund and would end up needing so many of them that it came to irritate fans as much as it excited them. They got to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid that would have put them out in the days of the away-goals rule but saw them through in a shootout, with that Júlian Alvarez penalty ruled out. They have faced more shots than any other team, almost three times as many as Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Real Madrid have been out of sorts most of the season. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian
Madrid arrived in London with a treble still on but also having conceded 11 in a week. Arsenal made it three 90-minute defeats in a row: beaten 2-1 by Valencia on Saturday, three days earlier in the Copa del Rey they drew 4-4 with Real Sociedad after extra time having been 4-3 down on the whistle. Nor is it just a recent thing, although they have dropped 13 points since the start of February. This was their fifth Champions League defeat and they have lost five more in La Liga. They were also defeated in the Super Cup final by Barcelona. That night they conceded five; in the league against Barcelona they let in four.
“It is a bit the problem we have had all year; it’s been difficult to find a compact block,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday night. They ran 12km less than Arsenal. Which on the face of it may not sound like much, but think of it like this: that’s 10 lengths of the pitch less than their opponents each. Valverde, who has covered more distance than any Real Madrid player, has 14 footballers ahead of him in the Champions League this season. “We lacked football,” Ancelotti said. Football, personality, structure, sacrifice, solidarity. When it came to it, they even lacked the star quality that’s supposed to come as standard.
Ancelotti had felt this wasn’t right from the beginning. On the first day of the season, when Madrid drew at Mallorca, he said they lacked balance, attitude and commitment, that his players had not understood that pressing was not about “one player, or two or three”. Mbappé’s arrival excited everyone but brought other issues and momentarily eclipsed the significance of Toni Kroos’s departure. Perhaps those calling them the new galácticos forgot how the first galácticos finished up.
Fitting it all together wasn’t easy, in terms of personality or play. Faultlines opened up in the dressing room, a manager not so readily heard now. Injuries hurt too, of course, Dani Carvajal’s especially. So did the squad planning. Ancelotti had called Kroos “irreplaceable” and he wasn’t replaced, no midfielder there to do what he did and no solution found. A glance at the benches on Tuesday tells a story too, a lack of strength in depth. After defeat by Milan in the autumn, the coach admitted he was worried. “We’re lacking something,” he said. Something? Madrid lacked almost everything.
Ancelotti moved players and structures. There wasn’t a clear identity but his team tended to wait deeper. “Madrid’s fans are used to rock’n’roll football, not lots of touches,” he said by way of justification, although there wasn’t much rock to it really; instead, it was passive, the threat not always as significant as it might have been, the vulnerabilities not always hidden. And yet over time, of which there still seemed to be plenty, he appeared to have found some sort of formula in 4-4-2.
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Dani Ceballos momentarily became unexpectedly significant, the only thing even slightly like Kroos, and then got injured again. Mbappé became Mbappé. Vinícius Júnior stopped being Vinícius Júnior. Rodrygo, always the likeliest attacker to be sacrificed for balance, had made a case to be included which was matched only by the case he subsequently made not to be. “It’s a different formation this year but you want the good players on the pitch,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday night but, watching the second half, you might not have spotted them out there.
Rodrygo was anonymous against Arsenal. Photograph: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
And while the lack of a reaction surprised – the failure to do something as time slipped away – the underlying flaws did not. Here, Madrid were exposed more clearly than before – they were playing a better team, after all – but they had been there even when the results were good. “I am confused: I hear people saying we’re playing badly, but we’re league leaders,” Ancelotti insisted not long ago, but he knew better, the feeling lingered that an accident was en route, and they are not leaders any more.
When they beat Manchester City in February, the one genuinely impressive tie to stick in supporters’ minds, a moment to make them think that when it mattered Madrid would be Madrid again, Ancelotti said: “The season starts here.” It didn’t; instead, it went back to the way it had been. When they had lost against Milan on a November night when they hadn’t shown up, a bit like for the Ballon d’Or the previous month, he had admitted: “The reality is what was seen on the pitch,” and that never entirely went away, despite the wins. In week 10, when they won in Vigo, one headline said: “Celta played, Madrid won.” It could have been cut out, kept and used many more times. Until now, their season catching up with them in London. Marca’s cover on Wednesday said: “Humiliated.”
“But,” it added underneath, “for Real Madrid nothing is impossible.” There is still a second leg, a second chance. And so it all builds towards another comeback, another of those nights that defy logic just when it has finally been applied, another lifeline to hold on to for Madrid. “If there is a team in the world that can turn this around it is us,” Vázquez insisted. “If we score one or two early, the third comes on its own,” Courtois reasoned. “We have very little chance but we are going to try,” Ancelotti said.
“We are going to need something unbelievably special, something crazy,” Bellingham said. “But history has proven that it is in not in the character of this club to give up and just roll over. We will need our fans and we have to give them something to grasp on to. We are going to have to show a much better reaction than tonight if we are going to make anything happen. It’s going to take something special to turn it around but special things happen in football and if there is one place where it can, it’s at ours.”
Raphinha delivered a standout performance as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund in a commanding Champions League display
The winger equaled an incredible record previously set by Lionel Messi, highlighting his growing influence on the European stage
The Brazilian’s brilliance helped seal a dominant victory and moved him closer to more historic milestones
Raphinha equalled a record held by Lionel Messi as Barcelona put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
Barca’s front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal all scored as they thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg at home.
Raphinha equaled an incredible record previously set by Lionel Messi, highlighting his growing influence on the European stage. Photo by Tim Clayton/Alex Caparros. Source: Getty Images
Ex-Leeds winger Raphinha opened the scoring when he got a touch on Pau Cubarsi’s flick a matter of inches before it crossed the line. Barcelona squandered a host of chances in the first half and Dortmund went into the break only trailing by one goal.
But their former striker, Lewandowski, came back to haunt them yet again with a header three minutes after the restart, courtesy of a Raphinha assist after a superb cross from Yamal. Then came the only goal which Raphinha wasn’t involved with.
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Fermin Lopez – the big selection call by manager Hansi Flick – played a one-two with Yamal and set up the Polish marksman to score his 40th goal of the season and 29th in 28 games against Dortmund since leaving them for Bayern Munich in 2014.
Yamal got on the scoresheet in the closing stages when the front three combined once more. Raphinha provided the assist, meaning that the Brazilian already has 19 direct goal involvements in this season’s Champions League (50 in all competitions).
That moves him level with Barca legend Messi, who also hit 19 goal involvements in the 2011-12 campaign. Raphinha is also top of the Champions League goalscoring charts with 12 after just 11 games, memorably scoring a hat-trick against Bayern in October.
Lewandowski is closely behind him on 11, meaning that the pair are the first Barcelona team-mates to hit double figures in a Champions League season since Messi and Neymar did in 2014-15 (10 each). Barca went on to win the treble that season, just as Flick’s side can this term.
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“Today we played as a team,” Lewandowski told Movistar post-match. “It doesn’t matter who scores.. Me, Rapha, Lamine… We all score for Barcelona and that’s what matters.”
Raphinha, meanwhile, added:
“I can’t say we’re in the semi finals. There’s still another game left. It’s always difficult. The next match will be very different. In front of their fans they will be a different team with a lot of quality.”
Flick and Lewandowski shared that sentiment, with the Pole saying:
“It doesn’t matter if we scored four goals today. We have to play at the same level or better in Germany. We have to be ready.”
Boss Flick reiterated:
“Never, we can never think we have already qualified. You never know what can happen. Football is a crazy sport. We have to play exactly like we did today in Dortmund. They’re a very good team, but we trust ourselves.”
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Minister for Employment, Jobs, and Labour Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reducing youth unemployment by creating job opportunities both locally and internationally.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, April 9, Pelpuo stressed the importance of equipping young Ghanaians to find employment regardless of location.
“This term is to reflect the promises we made to the youth, to get them to understand that it’s possible to get them jobs,” he said, adding, “If it’s not in Ghana, it can be somewhere else. So, we’re creating that circumstance of job creation. I’m building confidence in them to know that they can work both in Ghana and outside Ghana.”
Pelpuo also mentioned ongoing engagements with other ministries and agencies to ensure job availability for young people.
“I’m linking up with various ministries and agencies to make sure that if jobs are available in their places, they should be up for young people,” he said.
As part of international efforts, the minister said discussions are ongoing with foreign governments interested in Ghanaian labour.
“I’m also having discussions with governments who are outside Ghana, who are interested in migrating labour from Ghana, creating a condition of labour transfer to them.”
To support this agenda, Pelpuo recently launched the “Ghana World Abroad” programme, aimed at facilitating employment for Ghanaian youth overseas while easing local unemployment pressures.
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Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has criticised what he describes as inconsistencies in the government’s handling of the ‘suspicious flights’ allegations, saying the contradictory responses only served to heighten the controversy.
The issue began when Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, alleged that certain flights landing at the Kotoka International Airport were transporting drugs and large sums of money.
President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed national security agencies to work with Rev Fordjour to investigate the claims.
However, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, later contradicted the President’s directive, dismissing the allegations as baseless and insisting that no illegal activity was detected on the flights.
Appearing on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, April 9, Oppong Nkrumah questioned the conflicting messages from government officials.
“Contrary to what the president said, his minister for government communications is the one who came in… rubbishing all of this, saying that an investigation literally was not necessary,” the former Information Minister stated.
He added that the minister had already deemed the concerns “bogus” and suggested there may be an attempt to scapegoat Rev Fordjour.
Nkrumah maintained that the government’s shifting position raises broader concerns about transparency and internal coherence in addressing such sensitive national security issues.
Meanwhile, members of the Minority in Parliament earlier intervened to block an attempt by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest Rev Fordjour in connection with the allegations.
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A police vehicle and the private residence of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, Adamu Seidu, has been set ablaze by outraged youth of Bawku in retaliation to the killing of a civilian in the area Wednesday morning.
The youth, mainly from the Kusasi faction attempted to prevent the Mamprusi faction from accessing their market centre prompting the intervention of the police.
The police in attempts to disperse the youth shot and killed one person and injured two others.
This angered the youth who went and burnt down the private residence of the divisional police commander situated at Manga and also burnt down a police vehicle around the township.
This incident has escalated tension in the area causing residents to run for shelter.
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US shares have rocketed after US President Donald Trump said he would suspend steep tariffs on goods from most countries, and instead impose a 10% import tax rate.
The White House said it was backing off on higher levies for trade partners that had agreed to negotiate, although Trump said he would raise tariffs on goods from China even further, to at least 125% “effective immediately”.
The S&P 500 soared 9.5% in the biggest one-day rally since 2008, following days of turmoil sparked by the tariffs.
Trump’s decision came less than 24 hours after the latest round of tariffs had come into force, hitting key trade partners, such as Vietnam, which saw its imports facing a new levy of 46%.
The duties, which the president had announced last week, were higher and more far-reaching than many on Wall Street had anticipated.
In the aftermath of the announcement, the S&P plunged more than 10% and many analysts warned of the rising risk of economic recession in the US and globally.
By Wednesday, the fears had hit the bond market, where investors started dumping US government debt.
“Although President Donald Trump was able to resist the stock market sell-off, once the bond market began to weaken too, it was only a matter of time before he folded,” said Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist for Capital Economics.
He said he expected Trump to return to the plan for a 10% universal tariff that he called for in his presidential campaign last year, though warned that it would take time for for the US and China to work out a deal.
“It is difficult to see either side backing down in the next few days,” he said. “But we suspect that talks will eventually happen, although a full rollback of all the additional tariffs applied since Inauguration Day appear unlikely.”
The Dow ended the day up more than 7.8% and the Nasdaq skyrocketed more than 12%.
Companies such as Nike, which makes roughly half its footwear in Vietnam, jumped 11%, while Apple soared roughly 15%.
Despite the gains on Wednesday, the leading indexes in the US remained lower than they were before Trump’s announcement, with the S&P 500 off about 3% and down more than 8% for the year.
The levies on goods from China, America’s third largest supplier of imports, remain an economic challenge.
The country sent more than $400bn in goods to the US last year and was the source of an estimated 60% of footwear imports and roughly 36% of clothing imports in January, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
Before Trump’s announcement, the National Retail Federation had warned that shipments handled by US ports in May were likely to be 20% lower than a year earlier due to the tariffs.
In appearances after his decision on Wednesday, Trump said that he hoped to strike a deal with China, and was also considering granting exemptions to tariffs for individual companies, a shift from earlier comments.
“I saw last night where people were getting a little queasy,” he said, acknowledging the concerns, though he has signalled he remains committed to duties on key strategic sectors, such as cars, steel and aluminium, and is eyeing other industries such as pharmaceuticals and lumber.
His decision to offer a respite from the so-called reciprocal duties followed rising political pressure in Washington and from other influential figures that had backed him during last year’s presidential campaign, including Tesla boss Elon Musk, billionaire Bill Ackman and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
But the abrupt climbdown still caught many off-guard.
Almost at the same time as Trump posted his move on social media, Goldman Sachs issued a report predicting a recession in the US economy triggered by the steep duties.
Two hours later, the bank said it was reverting to its earlier forecast, which, even assuming lower tariffs than the president had announced last week, expected minimal growth this year and put the odds of a recession at 45%.
Mr Ackman, who had earlier called for a 90-day tariff pause, praised the president on social media: “Thank you on behalf of all Americans,” he said.
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Nikyema Billa Alamzy, the Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) attempted arrest of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South.
Speaking in an interview on Citi FM‘s Eyewitness Newson Wednesday, April 9, Alamzy emphasised that no individual, including Fordjour, is above investigations.
Addressing the Minority’s reaction to the incident, Alamzy remarked, “They shouldn’t be crying more than they are supposed to.”
He referenced past instances where prominent figures, such as John Jinapor and Attorney General Dominic Ayine, faced similar situations. “What was his crime? His crime was that he came out with legal opinion,” Alamzy said of Ayine’s case.
Alamzy questioned the special treatment being demanded for Fordjour, stating, “The question is, who is Honourable Ntim? We were all in this country when they subjected the current president, and he made himself available for investigations. So if the whole president or former president can be investigated, then who is Honourable Ntim?”
This follows the minority foiling the NIB’s attempt to arrest the MP at his residence in Accra on Wednesday, April 9.
They criticised the government for the move and noted that they were not intimidated by such acctions.
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Raphinha was quick to reveal he apologised to Pau Cubarsi after Barcelona’s win over Dortmund in the Champions League.
Cubarsi thought he’d scored the opening goal after flicking home a header from Inigo Martinez, but Raphinha just got a touch before it crossed the line.
Barca then had to endure a nervous wait for an offside check before the goal was eventually given, leaving Raphinha a relieved man.
“I was worried about the play leading to the first goal, that I might be offside. The good thing is that it was valid,” he told the media.
“I touched the ball before the line and apologized to Cubarsí, and he told me it was fine, that it would count as an assist. I thought the ball could have gone out; it’s a quick decision.”
Raphinha went on to play a starring role alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski and spoke about this Barcelona team-mates.
“I love playing with high-level players. We know each other very well, and that’s important. We’re putting up spectacular numbers, and I hope we continue to do so,” he added.
“I’m not going to admit we’re in the semifinals. There’s another game, and playing there is always difficult. They’re a team with a lot of quality. We got a good result and we have to continue like this, and we have to play a good game next week.”
Barcelona’s four-goal win puts Hansi Flick’s side in pole position in the tie ahead of the return next week in Germany.
Nikyema Billa Alamzy, Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has drawn attention to the pressing infrastructure challenges in his constituency, emphasising the absence of a single tarred road.
Speaking on Citi FM‘s Eyewitness Newson Wednesday April 9, Alamzy described Chiana-Paga as a vast and unique constituency that shares borders with multiple districts and even an international boundary with Burkina Faso.
“My constituency, we have a lot to lobby for. I am running a constituency that is so unique, so large,” Alamzy stated.
He highlighted the borders Chiana-Paga shares with Sisala East, Builsa North, Navrongo Central, Bolga Central, Bongo, and Burkina Faso, underscoring the strategic importance of the area.
Despite this, he lamented, “I cannot boast or we cannot boast of a single tarred road in the whole constituency.”
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Minister for Employment, Jobs, and Labour Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, has disclosed that the previous Akufo-Addo administration employed approximately 12,000 people into the public sector shortly after losing the 2024 general elections.
He revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding these recruitments, particularly amid claims of unfair dismissals.
The committee’s mandate includes examining the timing, processes, and motivations behind the appointments made during the transition period. The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify whether due process was followed and whether the move was politically motivated.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Mr. Pelpuo stated:
“The President has set up a committee to investigate all the people who are complaining of being sacked unfairly. I’m a co-chairman of that committee. We’re working very hard to get them a response.
In that space of time, after they lost the 2024 elections, they [Akufo-Addo administration] employed 12,000 people within a week or two in all sectors. We’re now investigating it, and our results will come out soon.”
Pelpuo reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in public sector employment, noting that the findings of the committee will guide any necessary actions.
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The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, adjourned proceedings in the suit filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the ongoing process for the potential removal of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The MP is requesting that the court declares the consultation process with the Council of State by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the removal of the Chief Justice as unconstitutional.
The court had set April 9 to commence hearing the case, but it was adjourned after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, reportedly failed to appear.
According to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, who is lead counsel for Assafuah, Dr Ayine gave the excuse that state attorneys were attending a conference.
Dame criticised the Attorney General’s absence, arguing that he should have appeared in court or delegated the matter to his deputy, given that neither of them is a state attorney.
“It is quite odd for him to say that state attorneys are at a conference, and for that matter, all the cases in the country should be adjourned. He (Dr Ayine) is not a state attorney. He could have come to court for a matter as important as the removal of the Chief Justice,” Dame said.
Details of the case:
In the application filed through his legal team, Dame and Partners Unlimited, Assafuah argues that based on a proper interpretation of the 1992 Constitution by the apex court, the Chief Justice must be furnished with copies of the petitions submitted to the president for her removal before any consultation with the Council of State can occur.
Assafuah maintains that Article 146 of the constitution mandates the president to notify the Chief Justice of the petition seeking her removal and to obtain her response before initiating the consultation process with the Council of State.
He is, therefore, asking the court to declare that President Mahama’s failure to comply with this constitutional requirement, and his decision to forward the petitions to the Council of State for further action, is null, void, and of no effect.
The MP made this known on his social media platforms, sharing a copy of the writ filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
His suit follows the president’s announcement, made through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that three petitions demanding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be referred to the Council of State for consultation.
Assafuah’s reliefs before the court:
(i) A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), 23, 57(3) and 296 of the Constitution, the President is mandated to notify the Chief Justice about a petition for her removal and obtain her comments and responses before referring the petition to the Council of State or commencing the consultation process.
(ii) A declaration that failure by the President to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before triggering the consultation process constitutes a violation of Article 146(6), and infringes on the constitutional protection of the Chief Justice’s security of tenure, as stipulated in Article 146(1).
(iii) A declaration that such failure amounts to unjustified interference with the independence of the judiciary, in breach of Articles 127(1) and (2).
(iv) A declaration that the failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her response constitutes a violation of the right to a fair hearing, under Articles 23 and 296, and renders the consultation process initiated by the President null, void, and of no effect.
(v) Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem appropriate.
BAI/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has charged old students of various senior high schools to support the government’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative to improve the quality of education in the country.
He spoke during the unveiling of a refurbished chemistry laboratory for students at the Accra Girls Senior High School by the 1984/1985 year group.
Delivering his keynote speech at the event, he reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing quality education through the STEM initiative, citing it as a very necessary tool to compete in the 21st century.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s government is prioritising STEM education. We also know that the government alone cannot do it, so we want to call on other old boys and girls to emulate this shining example by the AGOSA 1984/1985 women’s group to do the same in their various alma maters.
“Together, we can produce the labour force that is required to be competitive in the 21st century,” he said.
Dr. Apaak further urged teachers in the various schools to maintain their unwavering commitment to teaching the students even in the absence of requisite teaching and learning materials.
Raphinha equalled Lionel Messi’s club record for goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund to take command of their quarter-final tie.
The Brazilian forward scored and assisted twice to reach 19 goal involvements in the competition this term, the same as Messi achieved in the 2011-12 campaign.
Raphinha’s 12th European goal of the season gave Barcelona a deserved first-half lead, before Robert Lewandowski struck twice after the break and Lamine Yamal added a fourth to put the Spanish side on course for the semi-finals.
The hosts ran riot in the early stages and could have scored three times inside the opening seven minutes, with Yamal and Lewandowski forcing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into smart saves.
Barca’s pressure told in the 25th minute, although the goal was a touch fortuitous.
Fermin Lopez’s free-kick – awarded when Karim Adeyemi pulled the hair of Jules Kounde – found Inigo Martinez at the far post, who headed the ball across the six-yard box.
Pau Cubarsi poked the ball towards the far corner past the dive of Kobel, with Champions League top scorer Raphinha just about staying onside for a sliding finish on the line.
Dortmund grew into the game as the half progressed, with Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy going close as the break approached.
Lewandowski, though, doubled Barca’s lead three minutes after the restart from a yard out, converting Raphinha’s header across the face of goal following Yamal’s cross to the far post.
Dortmund began to struggle as mistakes on the ball gifted the La Liga leaders several more chances. Fermin hit the outside of the post with a fizzing low strike from 16 yards out, before blazing over a rebound a minute later.
Lewandowski put the first leg beyond doubt with his 99th goal for the club, finishing off a lightning counter-attack in the 66th minute with a ruthless first-time strike under Kobel.
Raphinha matched Messi’s record by sliding the ball across for Yamal to finish in the 77th minute following another ruthless break.
Barcelona will travel to Germany for the second leg on Tuesday, 15 April.
Much-feared forward line fire Barca to commanding lead
In some ways the scoreline does not tell the full story of a quite remarkable game.
Barcelona could and should have been out of sight in the first half, such was the ease in which they cut through Dortmund’s backline.
Raphinha and Yamal caused the German side endless problems on the flanks, although the latter wasn’t quite at his lethal best.
The 17-year-old – who became the youngest ever player to make 20 starts in the Champions League – forced Kobel into a comfortable save, before lashing wide from a tight angle when he could have set up Lewandowski for a tap-in moments later.
Hansi Flick’s side produced 10 shots on target on the night and dominated possession, but despite repeatedly playing themselves into trouble, Dortmund should have scored themselves.
Guirassy – who has scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season – was caught out by Barcelona’s high defensive line on several occasions, and when he did stay onside, the frontman was thwarted by a string of blocks.
Barcelona showed little sign of switching off and defended heroically to maintain their four-goal buffer, with substitute Ronald Araujo producing a fine double block in the final minutes.
Dortmund thought they had a goal back when Maximilian Beier slotted home Giovanni Reyna’s 89th-minute cut-back, but once again the offside flag went up.
The visitors never gave up, but in the end it was a night for Raphinha and Barcelona’s much-feared forward line.
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Reverend John Ntim Fordjour
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