By Mildred Siabi-Mensah  

Takoradi, May 29, GNA – The Rural Development Network (RUDNET), a non-governmental organization based in the Western Region, has organised an education and sensitization for girls in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Region on menstrual hygiene. 

The education and sensitization is aligned with achieving and sustaining standard environmental health practices among rural girls regarding safe menstruation. 

Madam Ruth Akoto, a programme officer of RUDNET said promoting period friendly environment for girls to thrive was the main focus of the five day initiative in the Municipality.  

The five-day programme dubbed “together for a period friendly Ghana” had the main aim of ensuring that menstruation did not limit the girl child’s access to education, health or other opportunities. 

“We want to specifically educate the girl child on what menstruation is and means and how to ensure proper personal hygiene during the menstrual period and again demystify   negative taboos associated with menstruation”. 

School Children and other participants were given celebratory T-Shirts and sanitary pads to mark the day. 

Schools visited included Al-Bafahali Khariyah Islamic School, optimistic Preparatory, Agona Model School, Westsider International School, Roman Catholic MA School, Aginor  Basic School among others. 

GNA 

Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie  

File photo of Cedi and US Dollar notes

Africa Policy Lens (APL), a Policy Research and Analysis Organisation has commended Ghana’s recent macroeconomic progress but warned that the appreciation of the cedi could be short-lived if not supported by deeper structural reforms.

According to APL, while the cedi has appreciated significantly in the first half of 2025, this has largely been driven by temporary measures.

It mentioned heavy forex market interventions by the Bank of Ghana (nearly $1 billion between January and May 2025) and tough fiscal decisions such as freezing government spending and suspending payment of arrears as factors that have significantly contributed to these gains.

“These gains, while encouraging, are built on temporary pillars that require deeper reforms to become sustainable,” APL noted.

APL points out that Ghana has seen similar periods of stability before, particularly between 2017 and 2019 during the IMF Extended Credit Facility program.

During that time, the cedi was relatively stable due to improved fundamentals, disciplined fiscal policy, and external conditions such as rising oil production and commodity prices.

APL suggests that today’s policymakers can learn from that period by focusing on long-term reforms instead of relying on interventions.

“There are lessons from the past—particularly the 2017–2019 period—that show sustainable stability must be anchored in strong fundamentals, not ad hoc measures,” the organisation stated.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, it highlights potential risks if current strategies continue without adjustment while warning that the over-reliance on gold-backed interventions and deferred obligations could backfire, especially if commodity prices fall or external financing becomes more difficult.

“Over-reliance on short-term tools such as gold-backed forex support and deferred government obligations could leave the economy vulnerable to external shocks,” APL warned.

It indicated that analysts such as S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Solutions have already warned that the cedi could face renewed depreciation in the second half of 2025 if structural imbalances resurface.

“Global credit watchers are already flagging risks, and Ghana must act swiftly to insulate itself from renewed pressures,” APL emphasised.

APL calls for stronger policy action, including the completion of debt restructuring, diversification of export revenue sources, and improved fiscal management. It also emphasises the importance of transparent communication from government institutions to maintain investor confidence.

“To maintain the current momentum, reforms must be bold, and communication must be clear to avoid spooking markets,” the group stated.

In conclusion, APL states that while Ghana’s currency has shown impressive recovery, “the challenge now is to ensure these gains are not only preserved but built upon,” reiterating that “without long-term reforms, the current stability may not hold.”

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made a strong appeal to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to release New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—on self-recognisance bail.

Leading Minority MPs to EOCO to solidarise with Wontumi on Thursday, Afenyo-Markin condemned the manner of Wontumi’s arrest and criticised the bail conditions imposed by EOCO, describing them as excessive and unjustified.

“Wontumi must be freed now. He is not going to run away. He will make himself available. He should be admitted to self-recognisance bail,” he asserted. “That so-called GHS50 million bail justification is unreasonable and outrageous.”

Wontumi has been in EOCO custody since May 27 following his arrest in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving EXIMBANK. The bail conditions, which require two sureties and a total sum of GHS50 million, have triggered widespread concern among his supporters and political allies.

Afenyo-Markin also decried the approach taken by law enforcement in effecting Wontumi’s arrest, likening it to a military-style operation.

“That man was not invited. They used ‘Rambo style’ to arrest him, and you take him into custody,” he said.

Read also

Minority walks out of Parliament over Wontumi’s continued detention

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group at the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Tah was elected by the Bank’s Board of Governors, comprising Finance and Economy Ministers or Central Bank Governors of the Bank Group’s 81 regional and non-regional member countries. The board is the highest decision-making authority for the Bank Group.

The results were announced by Niale Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development for Côte d’Ivoire, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bank Group.

The winning candidate is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes.

A Mauritanian national, Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. He served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for 10 years from 2015, where he led a full transformation that quadrupled the Bank’s balance sheet, secured a AAA rating, and positioned it among the top-rated development banks focused on Africa.

A former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Mauritania, Tah has held senior roles in multilateral institutions and has led crisis response, financial reform, and innovative resource mobilization for Africa, including the establishment of BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital program for African MDBs.

The Board of Governors Steering Committee received and approved a total of five candidates by the closing date of 31 January 2025. The list of candidates was officially announced on 21 February 2025.

The other candidates in the election were:

Amadou Hott (Senegal)

Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)

Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad)

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)

Tah will assume office on 1 September 2025, for a five-year term, following the end of the second mandate of current President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

The African Development Bank’s past heads since its inception in 1964 are:

Mamoun Beheiry (Sudan), 1964-1970

Abdelwahab Labidi (Tunisia), 1970-1976

Kwame Donkor Fordwor (Ghana), 1976-1980

Willa Mung’Omba (Zambia), 1980-1985

Babacar N’diaye (Senegal), 1985-1995

Omar Kabbaj (Morocco), 1995-2005

Donald Kaberuka (Rwanda), 2005-2015

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), 2015-2025.

The election of a new president comes at a crucial time in the Bank Group’s six decades of existence. Africa has remained resilient despite climate shocks, economic disruption, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, but needs to move faster or risk falling behind on delivering on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, summed up in the Bank Group’s High 5’s.

The 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group are taking place from May 26 to 30 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”

The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Its shareholder countries include 54 African countries or regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries or non-regional member countries.

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.

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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.

Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) logo

The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has fiercely rejected allegations made by the New Voter Forum about mismanagement and political capture of Ghana’s port systems, calling the claims “reckless,” “misinformed,” and “dangerously misleading.”

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Thursday, TAGG described the New Voter Forum’s May 27 press conference as a political stunt filled with baseless accusations aimed at discrediting the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which has become central to Ghana’s port digitisation efforts.

According to TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng, ICUMS was not imposed on Ghanaians in secrecy or haste.

Rather, it was developed through comprehensive consultations involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), freight forwarders, clearing agents, and other stakeholders.

The group challenged the legitimacy of the New Voter Forum, questioning its absence during stakeholder engagements and its sudden attempt to speak on behalf of traders.

TAGG acknowledged that while ICUMS may not be perfect, the system has brought numerous benefits, including:

Faster clearing times at the ports;

A unified digital system that reduces corruption by minimising human contact.

Real-time valuation tools to prevent overcharging and under-invoicing;

Increased government revenue to support national development;

A centralised data warehouse for transparency and reporting.

TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng emphasised that “real traders—those who actually work at the ports—can testify that clearing goods is now more predictable and far less prone to backdoor dealings.”

Responding to complaints of system failures, TAGG clarified that occasional downtimes are common in all large IT systems, including banks and telecoms, and do not indicate systemic failure.

They praised Ghana Link and the GRA for their quick response to technical challenges.

TAGG also dismissed suggestions that ICUMS is a political rent-seeking scheme, urging the New Voter Forum to provide evidence to anti-corruption agencies if they have any.

The group noted that ICUMS has received international recognition, including praise from the World Customs Organisation and interest from other African countries seeking to modernise their trade systems.

The advocacy group warned Ghanaians not to let partisan politics derail progress. “If ICUMS were dismantled today, it would be traders and small business owners who suffer the most,” the statement cautioned.

TAGG called on media outlets to verify technical claims with experts and avoid spreading misinformation. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the GRA, Ghana Link, and other agencies to create a fair, digital, and efficient trading environment.

TAGG concluded by inviting the New Voter Forum to visit the ports, engage directly with traders, and observe how the system operates rather than relying on “shallow political commentary.”

“This is a time for building, not breaking,” Amoateng said. “ICUMS represents Ghana’s future in trade, and it must be protected—not politicised.”

Sidi Ould Tah elected new president of AfDB

Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the new president-elect of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) following a vote by the governors of the bank on Thursday, May, 29, 2025 during the bank’s 2025 Annual General Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Tah’s election makes him the 9th president of the bank and was officially announced by Niale Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development for Côte d’Ivoire, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bank Group.

The winning candidates is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes.

Tah a Mauritanian economist brings over 35 years of experience in African and international development finance.

He served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015, where he spearheaded a major transformation, quadrupling the bank’s balance sheet and earning it a AAA credit rating.

He also served as Mauritanian’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and has held influential sector reform, and resource mobilisation, notably overseeing the launch of BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital program to support African multilateral development banks.

The Board of Governors Steering Committee received and approved a total of five candidates by the closing date of 31 January 2025. The list of candidates was officially announced on 21 February 2025.

Sidi Ould Tah will assume office on 1 September 2025, for a five-year term, following the end of the second mandate of current President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

The other candidates in the election were:

Amadou Hott (Senegal)

Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)

Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad)

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)

Sidi Ould Tah elected ninth president of the African Development Bank Group.

More details to follow. #AfDBAM2025 pic.twitter.com/REK8YlTWEI

— African Development Bank Group (@AfDB_Group) May 29, 2025

SP/MA

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The Ghanaian economy is not only stabilizing, but it is also opening up for quality investment, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama has said.

He says that as confidence returns to our macroeconomic environment, we are seeing a clear window to reposition Ghana as a preferred investment destination in West Africa.

Explaining why this is so, he said, first, there is policy stability.

Ghana’s economic strategy is anchored on monetary discipline, fiscal prudence, and structural reform.

“This is not just about meeting IMF programme conditions; it’s about restoring credibility, rebuilding buffers, and laying the foundation for resilient, inclusive growth,” he said.

The consistency of our recent policy moves from inflation targeting to FX market reform reflects this deeper shift, he added.

Second, he stated, the real sector fundamentals are strong.

“We recorded 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, and we are on track for 4.0% growth in 2025, even in a globally uncertain environment. Recovery in private sector credit, improving consumer demand, and expanding export earnings — particularly from gold, cocoa, and services — all point to a more diversified and opportunity-rich economic base,” he said ruing a Private Investor Roundtable at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings on Wednesday, May 28.

Third, he said, Ghana’s financial sector is stable and improving. Capital Adequacy Ratios have strengthened, reaching 15.8% in April 2025 even without regulatory relief.

“Liquidity levels are improving, and though non-performing loans remain elevated (23.6%), the effective provisioning of losses and BoG’s close supervisory role are helping restore resilience. We are also investing in digital finance, payments interoperability, and fintech innovation — not only to boost financial inclusion but to enhance systemic efficiency,” Dr Asiama said.

Dr Asiama also stated that beyond the numbers, what truly makes Ghana stand out is its readiness to partner with private capital.

“We are developing opportunities across several key sectors: Green energy and sustainable infrastructure aligned with Ghana’s climate transition goals; Digital innovation and fintech, building on the success of platforms showcased at the recent 3i Africa Summit; Light manufacturing, logistics, and agribusiness, with potential linkages to regional value chains under the AfCFTA framework,” he said.

He added “Investors are not just looking for returns — they are looking for stability, governance, and strategic alignment. Ghana offers all three — and we are building the institutions to keep it that way.”

File photo of Ghanaian cedi notes

Africa Policy Lens (APL), a Policy Research and Analysis Organisation has commended Ghana’s recent macroeconomic progress but warned that the appreciation of the cedi could be short-lived if not supported by deeper structural reforms.

According to APL, while the cedi has appreciated significantly in the first half of 2025, this has largely been driven by temporary measures.

It mentioned heavy forex market interventions by the Bank of Ghana (nearly $1 billion between January and May 2025) and tough fiscal decisions such as freezing government spending and suspending payment of arrears as factors that have significantly contributed to these gains.

“These gains, while encouraging, are built on temporary pillars that require deeper reforms to become sustainable,” APL noted.

APL points out that Ghana has seen similar periods of stability before, particularly between 2017 and 2019 during the IMF Extended Credit Facility program.

During that time, the cedi was relatively stable due to improved fundamentals, disciplined fiscal policy, and external conditions such as rising oil production and commodity prices.

APL suggests that today’s policymakers can learn from that period by focusing on long-term reforms instead of relying on interventions.

“There are lessons from the past—particularly the 2017–2019 period—that show sustainable stability must be anchored in strong fundamentals, not ad hoc measures,” the organisation stated.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, it highlights potential risks if current strategies continue without adjustment while warning that the over-reliance on gold-backed interventions and deferred obligations could backfire, especially if commodity prices fall or external financing becomes more difficult.

“Over-reliance on short-term tools such as gold-backed forex support and deferred government obligations could leave the economy vulnerable to external shocks,” APL warned.

It indicated that analysts such as S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Solutions have already warned that the cedi could face renewed depreciation in the second half of 2025 if structural imbalances resurface.

“Global credit watchers are already flagging risks, and Ghana must act swiftly to insulate itself from renewed pressures,” APL emphasised.

APL calls for stronger policy action, including the completion of debt restructuring, diversification of export revenue sources, and improved fiscal management. It also emphasises the importance of transparent communication from government institutions to maintain investor confidence.

“To maintain the current momentum, reforms must be bold, and communication must be clear to avoid spooking markets,” the group stated.

In conclusion, APL states that while Ghana’s currency has shown impressive recovery, “the challenge now is to ensure these gains are not only preserved but built upon,” reiterating that “without long-term reforms, the current stability may not hold.”

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti received a heroic welcome at KIA after receiving the global nursing award

Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, has returned to Ghana after winning the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award of $250,000.

A viral video capturing her return to Ghana shows an emotional and heartwarming scene as colleagues and family gathered to cheer and welcome her at the Kotoka International Airport on Thursday May 29, 2025.

The crowd erupted in song and dance, waving Ghanaian flags.

Naomi Oyoe, who serves as Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle Bu, received the award during a grand ceremony held in Dubai on May 26,2025.

She was recognised for her transformative work in cancer care, which has made a measurable impact not only in Ghana but across the African continent.

Chosen from among 100,000 nominees representing 199 countries, she stood out as one of ten finalists honoured at the event, each of whom was presented with a plaque of participation.

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is designed to spotlight extraordinary nurses who demonstrate innovation, compassion, and leadership in healthcare delivery.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

“My passion for oncology nursing was born out of a desire to bridge this gap and deliver compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most. This award affirms that dream and empowers me to do even more. It is more than recognition. It is a catalyst for lasting change. I am committed to using it to amplify the voice of African nurses, expand access to cancer care, and build a legacy of leadership and excellence in oncology nursing across our continent. This award, as said, is not mine alone”, she noted.

Watch the video below:

WATCH: How Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Ghana’s oncology nurse and winner of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, was welcomed home today!

Honoured with a $250,000 prize for excellence in cancer care, Naomi received a hero’s welcome at KIA. Channel One News’ Manuel Ayamah… pic.twitter.com/GDhgskV1e8

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) May 29, 2025

JKB/MA

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GHANAIAN international model and philanthropist, Victoria Michaels has raised fresh concerns about the lingering exploitation in Ghana’s modelling industry, despite efforts at reform.

While strides have been made to empower models, exploitation remains a persistent issue due to a lack of regulations, professionalism and guidance for emerging talents.

In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, on Monday, May 26, the European Union Goodwill Ambassador stressed that although the industry was intended to be a platform for empowerment, the reality for many young models was far from ideal.

To her, the absence of clear structures leaves aspiring models vulnerable to manipulation, as many enter the field without contracts or the know-how to navigate its complexities.

“It’s a mixed reality. There are spaces of empowerment, but exploitation still exists, often due to a lack of regulation and professionalism. Many young talents enter the industry without proper guidance or contracts. That’s why mentorship is key. I see it as part of my responsibility to raise awareness and create platforms that protect and prepare them,” she said.

When asked whether Ghana’s fashion industry was ready for the global stage or was still leaning heavily on Western templates, she acknowledged the creative progress but admitted that deeper institutional challenges remained. (Read EDITOR’S LENS: Stop party politics in creative space post-elections)

“Ghana’s fashion industry has made tremendous strides, and there’s undeniable creativity and cultural richness here. However, while we are ready in spirit and talent, we still face structural and institutional challenges that hold us back from full global competitiveness,” she noted.

According to her, the industry’s journey towards originality and authenticity is gradually taking shape, even though the pressure for international validation continues to cast a shadow.

“There is also a lingering influence of Western aesthetics, often due to the desire for international validation. But I believe we’re at a turning point where originality, heritage and storytelling are becoming central to how we define Ghanaian fashion. Like I always say, we are not where we want to be,” she said.

Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama

Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have sued Bright Simons over what they describe as defamatory statements made in a recent article.

The article, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”, was published on Simons’ personal website on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

The article discusses Ghana’s management of the Damang gold mine and includes claims that E&P, described as “a powerful operator owned by the brother of Ghana’s President”, suffered financially following a temporary shutdown of operations by Gold Fields.

Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, also raised concerns about E&P’s alleged influence on the Minerals Commission, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and political interference.

Ibrahim Mahama, in his application, sought damages of GH¢10 million, among other reliefs.

Below are the full claims in Ibrahim Mahama and his company:

a. A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant, which have been particularised in paragraphs 14(a) and (b) of the statement of claim, are defamatory of the Plaintiffs;

b. An order directed at the Defendant to publish, on the same platforms that he published the defamatory words, as well as a full page of the Daily Graphic newspaper, on six consecutive occasions over a 3-month period, an unqualified retraction and an apology to the Plaintiffs;

c. An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, assigns, and servants from further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiffs;

d. General damages of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) for defamation;

e. Costs, including legal fees; and

f. Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit.

Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has ordered Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, to file his defence in the defamation suit filed against him by business mogul Ibrahim Mahama.

Court documents sighted by GhanaWeb showed that the IMANI Africa vice president had been commanded to file his defence within 8 days of service.

The court said that if Bright Simons fails to enter his defence within the stipulated time, it will give its judgment on the matter without hearing from him.

“AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this Writ by the above-named Plaintiff: IBRAHIM MAHAMA & ENGINEERS & PLANNERS COMPANY LTD.

“YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you: BRIGHT SIMONS.

“AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you,” parts of the court document, which was issued by the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on May 28, 2025, read.

See the court document below:

BAI/MA

Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama

Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have sued Bright Simons over what they describe as defamatory statements made in a recent article.

The article, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”, was published on Simons’ personal website on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

The article discusses Ghana’s management of the Damang gold mine and includes claims that E&P, described as “a powerful operator owned by the brother of Ghana’s President”, suffered financially following a temporary shutdown of operations by Gold Fields.

Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, also raised concerns about E&P’s alleged influence on the Minerals Commission, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and political interference.

Ibrahim Mahama, in his application, sought damages of GH¢10 million, among other reliefs.

Below are the full claims in Ibrahim Mahama and his company:

a. A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant, which have been particularised in paragraphs 14(a) and (b) of the statement of claim, are defamatory of the Plaintiffs;

b. An order directed at the Defendant to publish, on the same platforms that he published the defamatory words, as well as a full page of the Daily Graphic newspaper, on six consecutive occasions over a 3-month period, an unqualified retraction and an apology to the Plaintiffs;

c. An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, assigns, and servants from further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiffs;

d. General damages of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) for defamation;

e. Costs, including legal fees; and

f. Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit.

Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has ordered Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, to file his defence in the defamation suit filed against him by business mogul Ibrahim Mahama.

Court documents sighted by GhanaWeb showed that the IMANI Africa vice president had been commanded to file his defence within 8 days of service.

The court said that if Bright Simons fails to enter his defence within the stipulated time, it will give its judgment on the matter without hearing from him.

“AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this Writ by the above-named Plaintiff: IBRAHIM MAHAMA & ENGINEERS & PLANNERS COMPANY LTD.

“YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you: BRIGHT SIMONS.

“AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you,” parts of the court document, which was issued by the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on May 28, 2025, read.

See the court document below:

BAI/MA

Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, received the Ambassador of Qatar to Ghana, H.E. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Mesallam, at his office in Accra.

The courtesy call was aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

In their discussions, Honorable Muntaka expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional security.

He highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives in securing the nation’s borders and outlined opportunities for Qatari support to the Ghana Prisons Service, particularly in the development of industrial hubs to promote inmate rehabilitation and skills training.

Both officials emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to advance mutual interests and improve the well-being of their respective citizens.

The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Ghana and Qatar.

Ato Forson appointed Returning Officer for AfDB presidential elections

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has made a passionate appeal to the government of President John Dramani Mahama to consider upgrading the long-standing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a full-fledged regional airport for the Upper East Region, describing the move as the most cost-effective, technically feasible, and economically viable option available.

At a press conference held in Paga, the youth group expressed appreciation for President Mahama’s recent directive to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to pursue a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of a regional airport in the Upper East Region.

However, PAYOM in a statement sigend by its Public Relations Officer, Desmond Ayambire Abire, noted with concern that current discourse and actions surrounding the project appear to sideline the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, despite its historical significance and existing infrastructure.

Concerns Over One-Sided Approach

According to PAYOM, recent media commentaries and the actions of key public officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the GACL and the Upper East Regional Minister, suggest a bias toward a new site at Anateem—some 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border. They decried the lack of a comprehensive assessment of the existing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, stating that this undermines transparency and fairness in such a significant public investment.

“Radio stations and social media platforms have been dominated by a one-sided campaign, with no indication that officials have even visited the Paga/Navrongo site. This gives the impression that decisions have already been made without stakeholder consultation,” the group stated.

They questioned why proximity to Burkina Faso is being cited as justification for the Anateem site when Paga itself lies directly on the Ghana-Burkina border, making it even more strategic from a regional trade and security standpoint.

Historic Significance and Technical Feasibility

Constructed in 1939 and completed in 1940 by the colonial administration, the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip was originally built for military purposes and has served Ghana for over eight decades.
PAYOM cited previous feasibility studies, including one under the late Hon. Joseph Kofi Addah as Aviation Minister, which confirmed the site’s technical and financial viability for conversion into a domestic airport.

“With government now seeking private sector participation, upgrading an existing airstrip offers far greater value to investors than developing a new airport from scratch,” the group argued, stressing that the foundational infrastructure already in place at Paga/Navrongo will reduce capital expenditure significantly.

Strategic and Economic Benefits

PAYOM outlined several compelling reasons why upgrading the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip is the most strategic choice for the region:

1. Proximity to Burkina Faso and Cross-Border Trade
   As a key border town, Paga is well-positioned to facilitate trade between Ghana and Sahelian countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. A regional airport there would strengthen Ghana’s trade links and consolidate its role as a regional economic hub.
2. Boost to Tourism and Investment
   The area is home to major tourist attractions such as the Paga Crocodile Pond and the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, drawing visitors globally. An airport would enhance accessibility, increase tourist arrivals, and attract diaspora investment.
3. Enhanced Security and Emergency Response
   In light of ongoing insecurity in the Sahel, PAYOM argued that an upgraded airstrip at Paga would enable faster deployment of security forces and improve national emergency preparedness.
4. Academic and Cultural Integration

A regional airport in Paga would also encourage educational and cultural exchanges between Ghana and its Francophone neighbours, deepening regional integration.

5. Traditional and Community Support

PAYOM noted that in June 2020, ten paramount chiefs from the Kassena-Nankana area presented a petition to then-President Nana Akufo-Addo calling for the airstrip’s upgrade. The movement described it as a snub that recent discussions have failed to acknowledge the traditional leaders’ advocacy.

Call to Action

PAYOM is urging the GACL to conduct a comparative assessment of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip alongside the proposed Anateem site. The group pledged its full cooperation to facilitate a site visit, stating that only an objective evaluation can guarantee that the final decision is technically sound and economically prudent.

They also appealed to private investors to consider the substantial cost-saving potential of upgrading an existing facility rather than building a new one. “We urge the government under President Mahama to give the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip the attention it deserves. It is not just a historical site, but a strategic national asset. Let us invest where it makes the most sense,” the group said.

A Call for Fairness and Transparency

PAYOM concluded by reiterating that their advocacy is not based on parochial interests, but on a desire for fair, data-driven, and inclusive decision-making. “We have kept quiet for far too long, believing that fairness would prevail. But the latest actions suggest a ‘win-loss’ approach rather than mutual benefit. Ghanaians deserve clarity and justification for public investment choices,” they stated.

The Paga Youth Movement, together with the Kassena-Nankana community, affirmed their commitment to supporting government, traditional authorities, private investors, and the media in making the vision of an airport in the Upper East Region a reality—one that maximises impact by building on existing assets.

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