By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA 

Accra, March 27, GNA – Ghana has selected the United States and China as vendors for its first nuclear power plants, though no formal contract has been signed. 

The U.S.-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, in partnership with Japanese firms, will construct Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), while China National Nuclear Corporation will build a Large Reactor (LR).  

This was disclosed by Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a media engagement in Accra Wednesday. 

He said LR will have a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, while the SMRs will comprise 12 modules, each generating 77 megawatts, totaling 924 megawatts. 

Dr. Yamoah said the LR would follow a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) financial model with local equity participation, and the SMRs would be financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).  

Ghana has signed a framework agreement with the vendors, and experts are gathering environmental and oceanic data to determine the plant’s location. 

Mr. Archibold Buah-Kwofi, Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, underscored the need for stable and affordable electricity for national development, noting that Ghana’s energy mix relied heavily on fossil fuels and hydro, with renewables contributing just one per cent.  

“We need to fast-track the adoption of nuclear power to secure our energy future,” he said, highlighting the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and skilled manpower. 

Nuclear power is expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and enhance energy security.  

The government plans to integrate one gigawatt of nuclear power into the grid by 2034.  

The plant will support industrialisation, compensate for declining hydro sources, lower tariffs for industries, enable desalination, and create jobs. 

The vendor selection followed a thorough process, starting with 16 responses to the government’s call.  

A technical team, guided by the Energy Ministry, shortlisted five before choosing the final two.  

Ghana’s nuclear ambition, disrupted by a coup in the 1960s, was revived in 2006 with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) support.  

It is among several African nations pursuing nuclear energy to tackle power challenges and drive economic growth. 

GNA 

KAS 

Ce lundi soir, l’équipe du Maroc U20 a signé une nouvelle victoire face au Ghana U20 en s’imposant sur le score de (4-1) lors d’un match amical disputé au Complexe Mohammed VI. Ce succès fait suite à une première rencontre gagnée (1-0) jeudi soir dernier contre la même sélection ghanéenne. L’attaquant du Montpellier Hérault Sport Club, Othmane Maamma, était titulaire.

Retour à Grammont et place au prochain match de championnat face à l’AJ Auxerre.

A new book detailing the legal framework and practice of notaries public in Ghana has been launched at Wesley Towers in Accra.

The event took place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, drawing prominent legal professionals, academics, and key stakeholders.

The book, titled Notaries Public Practice in Ghana: The Law, Cases, and Materials and authored by legal practitioner and researcher Daniel Yaw Abaidoo, is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth examination of notarial practice within Ghana’s legal framework.

It aims to enhance understanding among legal professionals, notaries public, judges, court officials, law students, and the general public on the functions, regulations, and significance of the notarial profession in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Abaidoo shared that his inspiration for writing the book was driven by his deep interest in the subject of notarial practice, his desire to understand its role in the Ghanaian judicial system, and the need to provide a reference guide for legal practitioners.

According to him, the book provides clear guidance on the legal regime governing notarial practice, detailing the laws, regulations, and ethical considerations that guide notaries public in Ghana.

It also serves as an essential resource for judges, magistrates, commissioners for oaths, conveyancers, and administrators of the law.

“We have in our hands today, a treatise on the subject of notaries public practice with the Ghanaian jurisprudential flavour, contextualising and expounding on the relevant distinct Ghanaian laws, regulations and requirements, which impact on notary public practice within our jurisdiction,” he stated.

Mr Abaidoo expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who wrote the book’s foreword.

He lauded her for her commitment to legal education and her invaluable support in the publication process.

Represented at the event by Justice Richard Apietu, Chief Justice Torkornoo praised the book as a much-needed addition to Ghana’s legal literature.

The Chief Justice noted that while legal scholarship in Ghana has expanded over the years, no dedicated book on notarial practice had been published until now.

“What is noticeable in the landscape of legal scholarship is the absence of a book contextualised and dedicated to the practice of the notary in Ghana. The absence of a book on notarial practice in the Ghanaian legal system landscape is a lacuna that has been crying to be filled. And I am delighted that the author has labored to fill this vacuum,” she stated.

She described the book as an invaluable resource that would enhance the administration of justice, strengthen notarial services, and align Ghanaian practice with global standards.

“This is a welcome addition to the evolving and growing number of treatises on legal practice and procedural practice informed by Ghanaian jurisprudence. It is the first of its kind by an author within our jurisdiction, contextualised on Ghana jurisprudence, and informed by the standards and requirements of global notarial practice.

“The book is an answer to dispel any confused conceptions on the work of the notary in our jurisdiction. It will help to dispel doubts, and to inform and educate the legal fraternity of the broad scope of the practices of the notary,” the Chief Justice said.

The Founding Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, reviewed the book.

He underscored the book’s significance in enhancing legal education, guiding notaries, and upholding professional standards.

Following the review, Justice Richard Apietu officially unveiled the book, and an auction was held. The first copy was sold for GH₵20,000, with other copies going for GH₵10,000, GH₵5,000, and GH₵3,000.

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 drive to accelerate development in the Volta Region took center stage in a high-level meeting in Accra, where the Volta Council of State representative, Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, engaged in strategic discussions with a delegation of top regional leaders.

The delegation, led by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, included the Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, and the Acting Volta Regional General Secretary, Bright Kwashie Ege.

Their visit was both a formal congratulatory gesture on Mr Atokple’s election and an opportunity to align on a shared vision to transform the Volta Region into an economic hub.

With a focus on practical and strategic solutions, the discussions revolved around positioning Volta as an attractive destination for investors. The leaders explored targeted ways to boost infrastructure, improve education and healthcare facilities, and leverage the region’s rich tourism potential to stimulate economic growth.

Mr Atokple underscored the urgency of these interventions, emphasizing that the Volta Region must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps to unlock investment opportunities.

“We must aggressively market Volta as an investment-friendly region,” he stressed. “Our location, resources, and human capital give us a competitive edge, but we need deliberate efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”

The meeting also highlighted the pressing need for infrastructural improvements, particularly in road networks, energy supply, and digital connectivity. The leaders agreed that modern infrastructure is critical in attracting investors and ensuring that businesses can operate efficiently in the region.

Additionally, the discussions focused on strengthening educational institutions and healthcare services to equip the next generation with the skills needed for economic transformation while ensuring a healthier population.

Mr James Gunu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to these development goals, stating that the Regional Coordinating Council will work closely with the Council of State representative to drive initiatives that will bring tangible benefits to the people.

“We are determined to move beyond promises and take real action,” he assured. “With the right partnerships and leadership, Volta will see a new wave of progress.”

Another major highlight of the meeting was the potential of Volta’s tourism sector. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites, the region holds immense potential to become a leading tourism destination in Ghana.

The leaders discussed strategies to promote Volta’s unique attractions and develop the necessary infrastructure to make the region a tourism powerhouse.

Mr Mawutor Agbavitor and Mr Bright Kwashie Ege pledged their support in advancing policies that will enhance tourism investment and create sustainable jobs for the youth.

As the meeting concluded, Atokple reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to championing policies at the national level that would bring real change to Volta. He called on all stakeholders—government, private sector, traditional leaders, and the people—to join hands in realizing the Volta Rising Agenda.

“The future of our region depends on the choices we make today,” he declared. “We must work collectively to build a Volta that is self-sustaining, prosperous, and a beacon of economic success in Ghana.”

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.

In a ceremony held at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, 71 inmates graduated from a tertiary education programme, with three inmates earning first-class honors.

The programme, a collaborative effort between the Ghana Prisons Service, the University of Cape Coast, and Plan Volta Ghana, aims to provide inmates with academic qualifications and skills to contribute positively to society upon release.

Deputy Minister of the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, emphasizing the significance of education in transforming lives.

Hon. Terlabi noted that the programme’s success reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation initiatives that go beyond incarceration.

The Director-General of Prisons, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie Esq. encouraged inmates to take advantage of various training programs, including vocational skills, to enhance their rehabilitation.

She also announced plans to develop strategies for reintegrating inmates into society after serving their sentences.

This initiative demonstrates efforts to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration, recognising that education and skill development are crucial in reducing recidivism and promoting positive change.

The graduates’ achievement serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring others to pursue education and personal growth.

Everything seems normal in Israel until you hear the sirens.

The sirens are so deafening that they compel a stranger to wonder what’s going on.

I’ve long wanted to visit Israel—not just for its religious significance but also because of something about the people I’ve seen in movies. The spy, based on true events, remains my favourite movie ever.

For an enemy to infiltrate the corridors of power and become a deputy defence minister is beyond imagination. That movie alone endeared me to Israeli security intelligence.

Beyond that, you may hate them for the atrocities committed against Palestinians—not because the Palestinians are necessarily right, but simply because lives are being lost. Over 50,000 deaths are not just a number to be glossed over. Children, women, journalists—anyone—can become victims of circumstance.

On the other hand, palm branches don’t rattle without the wind.

According to Israel, their latest attacks are driven by anger over October 7, 2023, “terror” by Hamas.

“We will not rest until every one of the hostages is released,” said Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, at the Cybertech Conference held in Tel Aviv.

At every opportunity, each Israeli speaker on that stage called for the release of their citizens held in captivity.

According to the United Nations, 70% of those killed are children and women.

Living thousands of miles away in Ghana, perspectives tend to be skewed by one’s religious beliefs.
Muslim for Hamas
Christian for Israel.
This conclusion is flawed by every stretch of imagination.

Reading comments on my social media posts about my visit to Israel, I found that every comment from Islamic names condemned me for accepting the trip, which was sponsored by the Israeli government. What amazed me most was that some Christians agreed with the Muslim critics. That revealed how nuanced the issue truly is.

The Gaza Strip and Kibbutz Be’eri are occupied by human beings, first and foremost, before their identity.

Israelis cannot pretend to be holier than Christ in this war, nor is it justifiable for a Muslim to leave his territory, murder over 500 people at the Nova Festival, enter Kibbutz Be’eri, and destabilize the community.

History can only guide us to make the right decisions. Dwelling on the past to justify any war crime veers into absurdly.

No matter how you see it, the first rule of survival is self-defense. But where do we draw the limit?

Hamas should release the hostages, and Israel should cease its attacks.

These wars do not only affect citizens directly; they send shivers down the spine of any visitor, even if they are your allies.

Three of us—from Ghana, South Korea, and Nigeria—were picked up from the airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday at 7:20am.

Three minutes into our drive, my admiration for the beautiful city of Tel Aviv was violently interrupted.

The driver asked us to hop out of the car and stand about 20 meters away.

While we waited, the sirens blared through the sky. I tried filming a bit.

Boom! A deafening explosion shook my eardrums.

“What just happened?” I asked.

“It was a rocket attack,” Shima, the driver, responded.

“It’s all over now (after 5 minutes). We can get back in the van,” he added.

I was sitting right beside him in the front seat.

My endless questions possibly made him question why he had agreed to pick us up from the airport.

The hotel, located in the heart of Tel Aviv—much like the luxury apartments at Danquah Roundabout in Osu and Airport in Accra—helped – ease my fears.

It was 10 a.m. in Israel and 8 a.m. in Ghana. I quickly found comfort in that cosy bed as I drifted off to sleep.

I was in Israel for the Cybertech Global Tel Aviv conference, but my itinerary was packed with tours.

I’ll save the tours for another piece.

We returned from Kibbutz Be’eri, a two-hour drive back to Tel Aviv, for a private dinner with an incredible culinary artist.

Then came the terrifying sound of the sirens again.

“Guys, we have a maximum of two minutes to rush to the underground shelter,” said Navah, our coordinator, relaying instructions from our host.

It was another attack.

I knew about the Iron Dome, but my curiosity made me ask, “Where did the rocket strike?”

“It was neutralized in the air,” Navah responded.

“Where did it come from?”

“It could be from Yemen, Gaza, or any of our attackers,” she said.

Our field trip to the Israel National Cyber Directorate in Be’er Sheva gave me insight into the level of investment in cybersecurity aimed at safeguarding Israel from attacks.

Drones on 24-hour surveillance along the borders further strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.

But what becomes of Hamas? Who speaks for them?
I’m not oblivious to what happens, at least based on media reports.

The U.S. and other powerful nations strongly back Israel.
The UN is helpless. At best, they file reports based on information from Hamas. Their plea to Israel to allow access to extend essential support has fallen on deaf ears.

Violations of ceasefire agreements should come with sanctions—but who will enforce them? That’s the bigger question.

On that evening, while taking shelter underground, one thought ran through my mind:

What if this rocket lands on this roof? What if this building collapses?

If a U.S. citizen dies because of this war, it would change its course. We all know how the U.S. would react.

But what about me, or my Kenyan and Nigerian colleagues? How would our respective countries respond?

Fourteen journalists from around the world gathered in the belly of the earth in a shelter.

“This is our daily ordeal,” Navah said while scrolling through pictures from her husband.
Her husband had taken their two children to the shelter in their home. The little one was wrapped in a towel.
The baby bath was halted abruptly for safety at the sound of the sirens.

Thursday, March 27, is my last day in Israel. As exciting as the experience was, I’m anxiously waiting to check in at the airport at 11:30 p.m.

Just when I thought I wouldn’t have to hide in a shelter before my final exit, the siren blared. We were at the Tel Aviv Spark Innovation Summit at 1:10 p.m. when we had to rush into the shelter at the Habima Theatre.

This was a conference with hundreds of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and countries.
This time, some of my fellow journalists saw and captured the rocket. It was intercepted and neutralized by the Iron Dome.

In the shelter, I saw mothers with babies less than a month old. I saw adults. Women. And everyone—no matter how difficult their lives seemed—terrified of dying in a rocket attack.
This is Israel. I can only imagine what Gaza is enduring. Say no to war.
Ghana’s diplomatic policy remains; friend to all, enemy to none. Say no to hate. Love!

The Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has been served with an injunction application seeking to stop the President from proceeding with the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Earlier, Ghanaian citizen Ebenezer Osei-Owusu filed a writ at the Supreme Court, invoking its original jurisdiction under the 1992 Constitution to declare the President’s actions unconstitutional.

This follows a similar application by Old Tafo MP, Vincent Ekow Assafuah.

With the Attorney-General, the government’s chief legal advisor, now formally served, the President’s consultation with the Council of State must pause until the injunction is determined on April 2, 2025.

Proceeding despite the injunction could lead to a contempt charge, which itself could be grounds for the President’s removal under Article 69 of the Constitution.

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 Accra West region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has successfully recovered 3.3GWh of power, worth GH¢7,411,462.00, as a result of addressing various illegalities.

This recovery occurred during a three-month pilot revenue protection exercise conducted from September to December 2024. During the exercise, 374 customers were apprehended for illegal connections.

Mr. Emmanuel Ankrah, Acting General Manager of ECG Accra West, stated at a media engagement that a special task force had been set up to audit meters and electrical connections, aiming to reduce commercial losses and recover lost revenue.

He warned that customers involved in illegalities would face disconnection, surcharges, and police prosecution.

“Customers are advised to desist from conniving with self-styled employees of ECG, or electricians who interfere with our meter installations and illegally connect customers to the grid,” he said.

Mr. Ankrah said that such illegal actions deprived the ECG of essential revenue, which in turn adversely impacted the quality of services delivered to customers.

“To all who have done illegal connections, we will identify you and recover the value of all the power you have used for free, with penalty,” he cautioned.

Dr. Mark Owusu Ansah, Accra West Revenue Protection Manager, emphasized the severity of illegal connections and reiterated the task force’s commitment to tackling the issue.

“We regard people who engage in illegalities as thieves who steal power from us,” he said.

Since October 2024, 56 cases have been sent for prosecution, with 46 resolved and 10 still ongoing.

The identified illegalities include direct service connections, meter bypasses, meter tampering, and unauthorized connections.

The Accra West ECG region comprises eight operational districts: Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korle-bu, and Nsawam.

Source: GNA

A joint operation by National Security has led to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian in connection with the disappearance of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) containers at the Tema Port.

The arrest came after investigators traced cables, suspected to be part of the missing shipment, to an aluminum smelting facility owned by the Chinese nationals at Shai Hills.

Acting on intelligence, security operatives raided the facility, apprehending the suspects as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the case.

This development is the latest in the investigation into the ECG container scandal, where over 1,300 containers filled with electrical cables and other essential equipment have gone missing.

The Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, earlier announced that the government will launch a criminal investigation into the incident.

He emphasised the need for a forensic probe to uncover how the containers were removed from the port and where they ended up.

“We will launch a criminal investigation into this matter, a forensic one. We ought to determine where and how those containers were taken out of the port and where they ended up. National security, the ports, clearing companies, ECG itself, and all those in the value chain will come under the radar.

“I’m sure that once we launch that criminal investigation, we’ll get to the bottom of it, and the culprits will be brought to book,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister, in an interview with TV3 on Thursday, March 27, revealed that authorities have recovered 40 of the missing ECG containers at a terminal in Kpone.

He confirmed that an Indian national has been arrested in connection with the case, noting that the suspect claims to have legally acquired the containers last year.

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.

Richard Nii Armah Quaye, founder of Bills Micro Credit Ltd.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims that it has frozen the bank accounts of businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye, founder of Bills Micro Credit Ltd.

The GRA’s denial follows reports alleging that the Authority had taken enforcement action against Quaye and imposed a personal income tax assessment of GH₵30 million on him.

In a statement issued on Thursday, March 27, the GRA clarified that no such enforcement action, including freezing his bank accounts, has been taken.

However, it confirmed that an income tax assessment has been issued against him.

“In the case of Mr. Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the GRA has not commenced any enforcement action against him, including freezing his bank accounts. The Authority has issued an assessment on him relating to his income taxes,” the statement read in part.

The GRA advised the public to ignore reports claiming that Quaye’s accounts had been frozen.

“The GRA, therefore, requests the general public to disregard publications on social media and other platforms stating that Mr. Quaye’s bank accounts have been frozen by the Authority. We also urge all eligible taxpayers to voluntarily disclose incomes earned and pay the taxes due to the GRA to avoid penalties, interest charges, and other sanctions,” the statement said.

The statement further emphasized that the GRA determines taxpayers’ incomes in accordance with standard procedures.

“The GRA engages all taxpayers to assess their incomes earned and follows a standard procedure in communicating with them. These processes include writing to request taxpayers to voluntarily declare their income, raising assessments when they fail to declare their income by the due date, and following due processes to request payment of the tax due,” the statement explained.

Assuring the public of its dedication to equitable and open tax administration, the GRA promotes voluntary compliance to avert fines and other legal repercussions..

KA

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Paris, Mar. 27, (dpa/GNA) – French prosecutors requested on Thursday a seven-year prison sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who is facing charges of accepting illegal campaign funding from the regime of now-deceased Libyan ruler Moamer Gaddafi.

The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office also asked the Paris court to fine Sarkozy €300,000 ($324,000).

Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, rejects the charges, which also include embezzling public funds and bribery.

Prosecutors allege that millions in illicit cash were funnelled into Sarkozy’s successful 2007 presidential election campaign in exchange for political favours, including lucrative deals with French companies.

Additionally, in exchange for the alleged payments, efforts would be made to restore Libya’s standing on the global stage, as the country was ostracised at the time.

Gaddafi was received with military honours at the Élysée Palace in December 2007.

The prosecutors dismissed the defence’s claim that the accusations against Sarkozy were merely an act of revenge for his role in leading the international coalition that helped overthrow the Gaddafi regime in 2011.

The case heavily relies on testimony from French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who alleged that in late 2006 or early 2007, he delivered several suitcases – prepared by the Libyan regime – containing millions of euros to the French Interior Ministry, then led by Sarkozy.

The trial runs until April 8, with no set date for the verdict.

Sarkozy’s co-defendants, former ministers Claude Guéant, Éric Woerth and Brice Hortefeux, face charges of aiding and abetting.

Prosecutors have requested six years in prison and a €100,000 fine for Guéant, three years in prison and a €150,000 fine for Hortefeux and one year in prison with a €3,750 fine for Woerth.

The 70-year-old former president has previously been convicted in two separate trials.

GNA

PDC

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, says he has taken legal action against the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo to ensure adherence to constitutional procedures.

Assafuah has filed a case with the Supreme Court, challenging the process initiated by President John Dramani Mahama to consult the Council of State regarding petitions for the Chief Justice’s removal.

Speaking on the matter in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Thursday, Assafuah emphasised the importance of following due process, stating that the Constitution requires the President to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before establishing a prima facie case and consulting the Council of State.

He argued that the failure to inform the Chief Justice of the petitions violates constitutional provisions and undermines her rights.

Assafuah described the current process as a “procedural impropriety” and called for its annulment by the Supreme Court.

He stressed that the right procedure must be followed to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and protect the security of tenure for the Chief Justice.

“I am in court to make sure that the right procedure is followed. As we speak I think that it is a procedural impropriety and same should be declared. Before you trigger that process of consulting, you should have formed a prima facie.”

Read also…

Chief Justice writes to Mahama, demands petitions seeking her removal

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Daniel Kaku Blog of Thursday, 27 March 2025

Source: Kaku Daniel