Reliable Water, Every Drop Empowers Her was the attention-grabbing headline for the HOPSA 2001 Year Group Project Launch, held at the Chandelier on 26th April 2025.

The event was spearheaded by the dynamic class of HOPSA 2001, the Sapphires who will be hosting and organizing next year’s 80th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Holy Child School as well as marking 25 years of completing school.

The Project will provide a sustainable water solution for over 3000 students and staff, enhancing the school’s daily water capacity by an impressive 20,000 gallons per day.

The launch was a remarkable demonstration of excellence and resilience with the provision of sustainable water at the forefront of the evening’s deliberations.

The occasion was highly patronized and studded with dignitaries including Prof. Kofi Abotsi, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu and Mr. Ibrahim Mahama.

In her opening address, the President of the 2001 Year group Mrs. Anita Nadia Attah remarked that “the Sapphires have chosen a project that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

She continued that” this vital project seeks to cure the chronic and perennial water shortages that have affected the school’s daily operations over the years by providing an additional 20,000 gallons of water per day, improving the lives of students and enhancing the school’s infrastructure”.

The Chairperson for the occasion, Professor Kofi Abotsi, a renowned lawyer and Dean of UPSA Law School remarked that the issue of water shortage was endemic to most Cape-Coast schools but especially for a girls’ school, sanitation cannot be taken for granted.

He mentioned that this project was not only for some group of people to solve but for everyone to be involved in.

He implored all guests present to be a part of this historic and commendable project.

Mrs. Charlotte Okai-Tettey an executive of the group unveiled the 80th Anniversary Patrons in the persons of:
Isabel Boaten, Nana Odom, Lawrencia Adams, Justina Laing, Juliet Ofeibea Maneaw-Kutin, Stella Afua Adu and Cynthia Lumor.
The rest are Justice Adelaide Abui Keddey, Rosemary Beryl Archer, ustice Olivia Obeng Owusu, Linah Sowah, Magdalene Ewuraesi Apenteng and Debbie France

Pledges of support were received from NUHOPSA (HOPSA parent group), HOPSA 2000, HOPSA 2006, HOPSA 1980, HOPSA 2002, HOPSA 2004, HOPSA 2003, HOPSA 1990, HOPSA 1991, HOPSA 1989, and HOPSA 1992.

The Sapphires also acknowledged and appreciated the following personalities and Groups for their support in diverse ways – Sheila Akyea, John Colin Villars, Delle Brothers, Edward Osei Boakye Trust Fund and Chris Kusi-Appiah.

Celebrated businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, a special guest of the event, in a surprise move pledged to fully support the project, stating emphatically the need to adopt a culture of maintenance to ensure the sustainability of such projects.

He pledged to have his team take up the responsibility of implementing the project entirely.

The Sapphires are committed to working with all stakeholders and still seeking Patrons and Benefactors to help carefully plan and execute the project.

This initiative, which will have a significant impact on the school’s future, also reflects the values of sustainability and community leadership that have long been part of Holy Child School’s ethos.

Following the official launch of the Sapphire’sa legacy project, a clarion call has been made to all alumni, parents, friends of Holy Child, HOPSANs, as well as Corporate Ghana, to help make the 80th Anniversary of Holy Child School next year a success.

In recent days, Ghana’s social media and news platforms have been ablaze with a troubling video: a heated, public exchange between the Honourable Minister for Health and a Head of Department (HOD) at one of our nation’s hospitals.

Captured and circulated widely, the footage paints a deeply uncomfortable picture of a nation grappling with serious healthcare failings — and leadership responding, not with composed and systemic action, but with populist drama.

As a Mental Health Practitioner and Social Worker based in the UK, I believe this incident calls for serious reflection on how Ghana addresses urgent healthcare concerns.

Beyond the immediate outrage, it forces us to confront a deeper truth: systemic problems cannot be solved by public altercations. They require structure, process, and leadership grounded in professionalism.

Public Drama vs. Systemic Change

While the frustration that often accompanies challenges in our health sector is understandable, public confrontations between leaders are neither professional nor effective in solving systemic problems. When patient welfare is at stake — as it appears in this case — the appropriate response must be formal, structured, and designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable improvement.

Ghana’s healthcare system currently lacks robust frameworks for ensuring systemic accountability. There is no entrenched safeguarding culture, no mandatory serious incident reporting system, and no independent public health ombudsman with authority to investigate and enforce improvements. Until these gaps are addressed, political gestures, however well-meaning, will be mistaken for real reform — a dangerous misconception that ultimately erodes public trust.

A Better Way Forward: Formal Inquiry Over Public Outrage

Instead of public confrontation, a formal inquiry should have been initiated. Such an inquiry would involve not just the Ministry of Health but healthcare professionals, social workers, regulatory bodies, and where necessary, law enforcement. Crucially, the patient’s family or advocates must be part of the process to ensure that investigations are comprehensive and compassionate.

Additionally, independent risk assessments should be conducted, ensuring that lessons are learned and preventive measures are implemented to protect future patients. This is how mature healthcare systems respond: not with performance, but with professionalism.

Building a Future of Safety and Accountability

Looking to the future, I respectfully propose that Ghana establish a National Patient Safety and Safeguarding Authority — an independent body with the following mandates:

• Conduct impartial investigations into serious incidents across the healthcare sector.
• Mandate institutional learning and improvements following deaths or failures in care.
• Protect whistle-blowers and foster a culture of internal reporting.
• Ensure families are treated with dignity and actively involved in all inquiries.
• Publish transparent annual reports to Parliament and the public.
• Embed safeguarding leadership training at every level of healthcare management.

This authority would be crucial in creating a system where safeguarding is a fundamental priority rather than an afterthought.

From Public Outrage to Public Systems

What Ghana needs is not more anger or public shaming, but a cultural shift in how we govern healthcare:

• From blame to learning.
• From outrage to accountability.
• From public performance to sustainable, systemic reform.

True leadership in healthcare is not about emotional displays or political points scored on camera. It is about building sustainable systems that protect all citizens, regardless of political winds.

Real care does not perform for the cameras. It builds lasting institutions.

Ghana deserves a healthcare system built on transparency, justice, and genuine protection for its people. The dead deserve dignity. The living deserve a system they can trust — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Christian Aboagye is a Mental Health Practitioner and Social Worker based in the United Kingdom.

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.

Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has signalled a turnaround in the Bank’s financial outlook, stating that the BoG does not expect to declare a loss this year.

Speaking during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, Dr. Asiama revealed that the Bank is undertaking a comprehensive update of its legal framework to better align with modern economic demands.

He noted that this initiative is being supported by the Bretton Woods institutions.

Dr Asiama also highlighted the strong technical and policy backing Ghana continues to receive from international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In 2022, the Bank of Ghana posted a record loss of over GH¢60 billion, primarily driven by the domestic debt restructuring program under the IMF-supported economic recovery plan.

The losses raised concerns over the Bank’s financial independence and long-term stability.

Dr Asiama’s remarks were made during an engagement between Ghana’s delegation — led by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and members of the Ghana Heritage Club, a network of Ghanaian professionals working within the IMF and World Bank.

MA

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National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has refuted allegations of a confrontation with the Campaign Manager for the NPP’s 2024 general election, Frederick Opare-Ansah.

According to a viral media report, the alleged confrontation led to Opare-Ansah slapping Nana B. However, Nana B has categorically denied these claims.

The report suggested that Opare-Ansah allegedly slapped Nana B for allowing former Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong to address attendees during the ongoing “Thank You Tour.”

On his social media page on April 27, 2025, Nana B emphasised that the party is focused on rebuilding and uniting its members through the ongoing “Thank You Tour” rather than engaging in conflicts.

“My attention has been drawn to online fabrications and media reports suggesting a confrontation between Hon. Opare-Ansah and myself. I categorically state that these claims are baseless and entirely false. There’s no truth to any alleged altercation, including claims of physical confrontation to the extent of Hon. Opare-Ansah slapping me,” Nana B stated.

He further described Opare-Ansah as a respected individual known for his gentle nature, adding that such behaviour would be out of character for him.

“As a matter of fact, our focus remains on constructive efforts to strengthen our party. We are currently engaged in a thank-you tour across the country aimed at uniting the NPP, energising its grassroots, and making preparations for our upcoming ‘SAVE THE JUDICIARY’ demonstration, scheduled to take place in Accra on May 5, 2025,” Nana B added.

The alleged confrontation reportedly occurred during the NPP’s “Thank You Tour” at Takoradi Technical University. However, Nana B has firmly denied the claims, urging the public to disregard the reports.

AM/SEA

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Asante Kotoko bounced back to winning ways under interim coach Karim Zito after going four games without a victory, while their main title challengers GoldStars and Nations suffered defeat. 

3Sports takes a look at the weekend’s talking points.

Zito’s Kotoko off to a flyer

A new interim coach, and a new beginning. Kotoko needed a reset after parting ways with former coach Prosper Ogum.

The Porcupine Warriors were winless in their last four games prior to their meeting with Aduana.

Fans were expectant of a result and a strong performance.

Kwame Opoku’s strike in the first half was the difference in the end.

Zito has been tasked with winning the donestic double – league and FA Cup.

After this start, which leaves Kotoko six points behind league leaders GoldStars, who lost to Vision, Kotoko will be looking to make up lost grounds.

Hearts of Oak awarded 3 points

At least Hearts of Oak fans were liberated from seeing a listless performance from their team this weekend.

Journalists would also feel the same respite from evading a needless back-and-forth with Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara.

Nsoatreman’s decision to withdraw from the league means any team scheduled to face them automatically gets three points and goals.

Hearts of Oak got the points to move up to 45 in the standings and to sixth.

GoldStars fail to see at Vision

It is now two defeats in the last five games for GoldStars.

At the business end of the season, everything is accepted but inconsistency.

GoldStars struggled against Vision, who were looking for a first win in four games.

Edward Agyemang and Edmond Asante inflicted the defeat on title chasing GoldStars.

GoldStars, having played a game more than closest rivals Nations FC and Kotoko, are still on top of the league with a six-point lead.

Nations fail to capitalise on Goldstars’ slip-up

The opportunity afforded itself.

Nations were expected to get a result from Berekum, not necessarily a win, to keep their momentum going.

Nations will feel hard done by the result and will give up any of their previous five succesive wins to beat Berekum Chelsea.

Nations lost for the first time since March 19, after previously going six games without a defeat.

Nations are now five points behind GoldStars in second, albeit playing a game less.

Accra Lions ease relegation pressure

It’s a ding-dong battle between Accra Lions and Karela as both sides strive to maintain their Ghana Premier League status.

Accra Lions, after 29 games, have amassed 32 points,  same as Karela, who have played a game more.

Two more relegation slots need to be filled after Nsoatre’s exit was confirmed.

Legon Cities seem to have given up on their Premier League hopes, with Accra Lions and Karela battling hard to avoid the drop.

While Karela lost to Dreams, Lions picked up a massive win against Bechem United.

 Calm has been restored at the Tamale Teaching Hospi­tal (TTH) following days of disruption caused by an industrial action by the Doctors’ Associa­tion of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).

The doctors withdrew their ser­vices on April 23, 2025, in protest against perceived disrespect, poor working conditions, and logistical challenges, following a confronta­tion between a senior doctor and the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, during his visit to the hospital’s Emergency Unit on April 22, 2025.

Eyewitnesses reported that an attempt by Dr Valentine Akwulp­wa, the doctor in charge at the emergency ward, to highlight crit­ical challenges facing the hospital turned confrontational, leaving many staff members feeling insult­ed and demoralised.

This prompted the strike action that paralysed services at the Northern Region’s premier referral facility.

The situation sparked wide­spread concern, as patients were left stranded without access to critical healthcare services.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Overlord of Dagbon, His Majesty Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, intervened by dispatching a high-powered delegation led by Zangbalin Lana Yakubu to engage hospital management, health workers, and regional stakeholders.

Additionally, the Parliamenta­ry Select Committee on Health visited Tamale to interact with members of DATTH and assess the situation.

Following these interventions, and in consultation with the National Executive Council of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), emergency services at TTH were restored at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, as a sign of goodwill towards patients.

Subsequently, the Minister of Health expressed regret over the unfortunate incident and reaf­firmed his respect for healthcare professionals.

He assured the doctors of his commitment to working with leadership to create a safe working environment and to address the hospital’s pressing logistical needs.

The Minister also personal­ly apologised to Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, the doctor involved in the initial confrontation.

In a demonstration of good faith, the Minister earlier donated critical medical supplies, includ­ing emergency drugs, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear, to strengthen the hospital’s capacity.

Following an emergency meet­ing held on April 26, 2025, the Doctors’ Association called off the suspension of services and resumed work immediately.

The Association, however, outlined key resolutions, including a commitment to the full resump­tion of services at the hospi­tal, collaboration with hospital management and the Ministry of Health to ensure the availability of logistics and a safe working environment, and continued engagement with His Majesty the Yaa-Naa to address systemic challenges.

They also called on media houses to exercise fairness and circumspection in reporting on health-related issues.

The Association further cautioned that failure to meet logistical demands in the short to medium term could compel it to reconsider its stance.

They pledged to strengthen collaboration with other hospital staff to ensure continuous im­provement in healthcare delivery.

Dr Salifu Alhassan Tia, Acting Chief Executive Officer of TTH, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders whose interven­tions contributed to the resolution of the impasse.

“This has been a difficult mo­ment, but the collaboration shown by our traditional leaders, the Min­istry of Health, and our dedicated staff demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together. We are committed to restoring and even improving healthcare delivery at TTH,” he said.

Normalcy has since returned to the hospital, with full operations resumed across all departments. However, residents and stakehold­ers continue to call for systemic reforms to prevent similar disrup­tions in the future.

FROM GEOFFREY BUTA, TAMALE

A devastating fire tore through a textile shop at Lapaz Market in Accra on Sunday, 27 April, resulting in one person being hospitalised.

The blaze, which erupted on the upper floor of a building, destroyed bedding materials and merchandise valued at millions of cedis.

A young woman, believed to be the shop owner, reportedly collapsed in distress upon witnessing the destruction and was swiftly transported to the Lapaz Community Hospital for medical attention.

Firefighters from the Abelenkpe branch of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly, successfully containing the inferno and preventing it from spreading to adjacent shops.

According to the victim’s mother, who co-owns the business, she was situated on the ground floor when her grandchild alerted her to the fire.

Speaking to Channel One TV, ADO I Emmanuel Akwetey, Operations Officer at the Abelenkpe GNFS, stated that the cause of the blaze remains unclear.

“We tried our best to ensure the fire doesn’t extend to adjoining shops. Our men are still in there conducting investigations, so at the appropriate time, the owner will be invited to our station for the report,” he explained.

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.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama has highlighted the strong technical and policy support received from Ghana’s international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr Asiama disclosed that the Bank is currently working on a new legal framework aligned with modern economic realities and supported by the Bretton Woods institutions.

He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana does not expect to declare a loss this year, signalling improved financial management and institutional stability.

Read Also: Bank of Ghana records GH¢10.5 billion loss in 2023

Dr Asiama said this when the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson led Ghana’s delegation to the IMF/Spring Meetings to meet with the Ghana Heritage Club at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC.

This was a purposeful and forward-looking engagement with Ghanaian professionals embedded within the IMF and World Bank systems, a statement issued by the Finance Minister after the meeting on Friday, April 26, said.

The President of the Heritage Club, Kofi Tsikata, welcomed the delegation and shared that approximately 350 Ghanaian staff are currently working within the IMF and World Bank in Washington. Globally, that number exceeds 700—underscoring the growing influence and presence of Ghanaian professionals in global economic institutions.

Dr. Forson emphasized Ghana’s strong and cooperative relationship with both the IMF and the World Bank.

He noted the recent increase in the World Bank’s Development Policy Operation (DPO) facility to over $400 million as a mark of confidence in Ghana’s reform efforts.

More importantly, he stressed that the focus should not be solely on the amount of borrowing, but on how the borrowed funds are used. There is now a clear shift toward borrowing for impactful investments rather than non-productive expenditures such as capacity building or consultancy contracts with limited national benefit.

His message was one of financial discipline, strategic planning, and accountability—prioritizing projects that yield tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people.

Also present at the meeting were Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Seth Emmanuel Terkper, and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson.

The meeting with the Ghana Heritage Club underscored the important role of the Ghanaian diaspora in global development institutions and reinforced the call for deeper collaboration between homegrown policy leadership and international expertise. It was not only a moment of reflection but also a strategic conversation about the future of Ghana’s development.

The country has been able to reduce deaths caused by malaria by over 97% between 2014 and 2024.

In addition to this, outpatient department cases have also seen a three per cent decline, while hospital admissions due to malaria have fallen by 17%.

At an event to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the country’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023 to 2028) aimed to reduce deaths caused by malaria by 51%.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, at the event, the minister stated that under the plan, there was also a target of 36% drop in under-five malaria case fatality rate in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, emphasising that there was also a plan to ensure a steady roll-out of malaria vaccine with over 70% coverage for the first dose.

“We will continue to expand effective interventions such as indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets distribution, seasonal malaria chemo prevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy, case management, malaria vaccines, and other new interventions,” he said.

He, therefore, called on all to sustain the momentum by inspiring action in every home, school, and district to help eradicate malaria.

“Let us ensure that every Ghanaian, young or old, understands that malaria elimination begins with us.

“Together, with commitment, knowledge, and collective action, we can, and we will make history,” he added.
Commemoration

The day is commemorated on April 25 each year to raise awareness of the global effort to control and ultimately eradicate malaria.

The day highlights the need for sustained investment and political commitment in malaria prevention and control efforts.

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

It is a grass-roots campaign aimed at reinvigorating efforts at all levels — from global policy to community action — to accelerate progress toward elimination.

The Holy Child R/C Basic School, Tema West, won this year’s malaria quiz, grabbing tablets, and projectors, among other prizes.
Efforts

The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said the improvements were the result of dedicated efforts by “our health workers, policy makers, partners and the communities who continue to engage and respond”.

“Our investment in data-driven planning, targeted interventions and community mobilisation is clearly yielding results,” he said.

Giving updates on the progress made so far, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign was successfully implemented across 28 districts.

“Through collaborative effort and strong field coordination, the GHS had achieved an impressive coverage rate of 53%,” he stated.
Model communities

In addition to that, the GHS Director of Public Health said there had been the successful distribution of over 19 million insecticide-treated nets during the recent mass campaign.

In the 21 districts earmarked for elimination, he said they had recorded a notable reduction in malaria positivity rates from 20.9% to 16%.

These districts, he said, were becoming models of what was possible when leadership, community ownership, and smart interventions align.

“The Government of Ghana demonstrated its continued commitment to malaria elimination by directly supporting the implementation in two of these districts.”

“This is a testament to the power of partnership and national ownership in driving progress towards a malaria-free Ghana,” he said.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Ghana is on track to issue its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) License by June 30, 2025 to affirm that its forest products are from legal sources.

This milestone will make Ghana the first country in Africa and the second in the world to achieve this feat, the Min­ister of Lands and Forestry, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has disclosed.

The Minister made this announcement during a courtesy call on him on Thurs­day by the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Irchad Razaaly.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring bilateral coop­eration between Ghana and the EU and explore further collaboration areas.

Regarding the implementation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), a legally binding trade agreement between the EU and timber producing countries, ratified by Parliament in 2009, the Minister noted that Ghana had made substantial progress in strengthening forest governance systems.

“All is set for the issuance of Ghana’s first FLEGT License. The only outstanding task is the ratification of a second batch of Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs), which we expect Parliament to address after the Easter break,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the Minister empha­sized key areas for strengthened cooper­ation, including investments in logistics, capacity building, and technology to aid the deployment of the Wood Tracking System (WTS) and the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS).

He also urged the EU for assistance in developing large-scale commercial plan­tations and the Tree for Life Reforesta­tion Initiative.

Additionally, the Minister emphasized other areas that require assistance, such as logistical support in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, land reclamation, restoration of polluted water bodies, and technical aid to modernise the timber industry.

He also highlighted the need for climate financing to promote sustainable forest management.

The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its long­standing partnership with the European Union (EU), particularly in sustainable forest governance.

Mr Buah acknowledged the Union’s critical role in Ghana’s external trade, describing the EU as one of Ghana’s most significant trading partners, which accounted for approximately 14 per cent of trade volumes in 2022.

The minister expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support to Ghana’s natural resources and environ­mental sector and looked forward to a stronger and more fruitful partnership in the years ahead.

The EU published the FLEGT in 2003 with wide-range measures for member states to tackle illegal logging in the world’s forest, and to ensure that no illegal timber or timber products can be sold in the EU.

Illegal logging involves harvesting, processing, transporting, buying or selling timber in breach of national and international laws.

With the buzz of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) officially on, headline partner Telecel Ghana is connecting fans more deeply to their favourite artistes with a rewarding lineup of promotions and interactive experiences.

This year, music lovers have a new, unique opportunity to turn the love for their favourite nominees into voting power with the exclusive TGMA Data Bundles – special and customised bundles named after each nominee in three coveted categories: Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year and Afrobeats Song of the Year.

By simply purchasing the data bundle named after their favourite nominees in the selected category via the short code 1767 or 700, fans will be casting a direct vote for that artiste in the race for TGMA glory, with the climax awards night set for Saturday, 10^th May 2025.

“This year’s TGMA experience is all about giving the fans a stronger voice. We’ve made it possible for fans to turn their everyday data purchases into powerful votes for their favourite.

“Plus, they can let their preferred winners know how much they support their craft directly while also winning great rewards in our interactive games,” said Aneth Muga, Acting Director of Consumer Business at Telecel Ghana.

With the launch of TGMA Special Shout Outs, fans can now upload 5 –10 second video shout-outs via the Telecel Play App, which will be shared directly to the artistes themselves.

For only GH¢5, fans get the chance to send a personal message and receive 100 free Telecel-to-Telecel call minutes valid for three days.

Additionally, Telecel gives every customer a chance to win with the new Shake, Spin and Win feature on the Telecel Play App.

From now until the final awards night, users can shake and spin their way to amazing rewards including smartphones, household appliances, food and cinema vouchers, among other prizes.

With 33 competitive categories up for grabs, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the voices, sounds and creative talents that have defined Ghanaian music from January to December 2024.

Moreover, in a bid to promote music-driven social impact, Telecel Ghana will continue to sponsor the Music for Good Award category, a special recognition to reward and amplify the positive social change made by musicians beyond their craft.

The winner will receive a plaque and a cash prize of 20,000 Ghana cedis, designated to support their impact project.

From now till the TGMAs Awards Night, whether you are voting for your top artiste, sending them a heartfelt shout-out or participating in the Shake, Spin and Win games, Telecel is making it more rewarding to participate this TGMA season.

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.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama has highlighted the strong technical and policy support received from Ghana’s international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr Asiama disclosed that the Bank is currently working on a new legal framework aligned with modern economic realities and supported by the Bretton Woods institutions.

He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana does not expect to declare a loss this year, signalling improved financial management and institutional stability.

Read Also: Bank of Ghana records GH¢10.5 billion loss in 2023

Dr Asiama said this when the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson led Ghana’s delegation to the IMF/Spring Meetings to meet with the Ghana Heritage Club at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC.

This was a purposeful and forward-looking engagement with Ghanaian professionals embedded within the IMF and World Bank systems, a statement issued by the Finance Minister after the meeting on Friday, April 26, said.

The President of the Heritage Club, Kofi Tsikata, welcomed the delegation and shared that approximately 350 Ghanaian staff are currently working within the IMF and World Bank in Washington. Globally, that number exceeds 700—underscoring the growing influence and presence of Ghanaian professionals in global economic institutions.

Dr. Forson emphasized Ghana’s strong and cooperative relationship with both the IMF and the World Bank.

He noted the recent increase in the World Bank’s Development Policy Operation (DPO) facility to over $400 million as a mark of confidence in Ghana’s reform efforts.

More importantly, he stressed that the focus should not be solely on the amount of borrowing, but on how the borrowed funds are used. There is now a clear shift toward borrowing for impactful investments rather than non-productive expenditures such as capacity building or consultancy contracts with limited national benefit.

His message was one of financial discipline, strategic planning, and accountability—prioritizing projects that yield tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people.

Also present at the meeting were Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Seth Emmanuel Terkper, and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson.

The meeting with the Ghana Heritage Club underscored the important role of the Ghanaian diaspora in global development institutions and reinforced the call for deeper collaboration between homegrown policy leadership and international expertise. It was not only a moment of reflection but also a strategic conversation about the future of Ghana’s development.

Some of the Ayalolo buses

Ghana’s much-heralded Aayalolo Bus System, officially known as the Quality Bus System (QBS), appears to be drifting from its original purpose under the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) project.

Once envisioned as a modern, efficient urban transport system, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) initiative is now facing serious setbacks, with operations along key routes gradually resembling ordinary commercial buses, popularly known as “trotro.”

The system now operates Bus Slow Transit (BST).

Launched in 2016 with an estimated project cost of $95 million and funding from the World Bank, the BRT was designed to offer fast and reliable transit services using dedicated lanes for quick movement between major locations in Accra and surrounding towns.

The initial plan covered routes between Accra and Amasaman, Ofankor, Adentan, Tema, and Kasoa.

However, current observations suggest a steady decline in standards, especially along the Accra–Amasaman route.

Commuters have raised concerns about the conduct of Aayalolo drivers, who now stop indiscriminately to pick up passengers along the roadside, contrary to the original plan, which mandated designated stops only.

Instead of operating with the discipline expected of a BRT system, the buses now frequently compete with regular commercial vehicles, significantly delaying travel time.

Passengers report that drivers often stop even when buses are filled, creating inconvenience and defeating the system’s efficiency goals.

For instance, a bus departing from Amasaman or Pokuase is supposed to make its first stop at Achimota Overhead.

However, drivers now pick up passengers at various points along the Accra–Nsawam highway, blurring the line between BRT and regular transport services.

In an attempt to get clarity on the status of the BRT service, Classfmonline.com contacted the Aayalolo customer care centre at 0531088043.

A representative who answered the call around noon said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) was out for lunch and would return by 1:00 p.m.

However, subsequent attempts to reach the office around 2:00 p.m. went unanswered.

As the situation continues to raise public concern, it remains to be seen whether GAPTE and relevant transport authorities will take steps to restore the Aayalolo system to its intended function as a true Bus Rapid Transit service.