Tanzanian singer and songwriter Juma ‘Jux’ Mkambala has taken to his Instagram page to celebrate his wife, Priscilla, daughter of actress, Iyabo Ojo.
In a post shared on Instagram, Juma Jux who tied the knot with Priscilla in February, said that ever since she came into his life, everything started making sense.
Media personality, Kofi Adomah has implored chiefs, kings, and queens to pour libation on his behalf for him.
Kofi Adoma made the statement when he was speaking on his Dormaa incident for the very first time.
Kofi noted that so far, 7 surgeries have been done on him aiming to get him to recover, however, he is yet to recover as he claims he is still in pain.
Yango Ride, a part of global technology company Yango Group, marked International Women’s Day by recognizing its partner drivers with gifts and a session focused on personal growth and development in the industry.
This year’s celebration centered around the theme “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.”
This initiative aimed to empower and inspire women in the ride-hailing sector by sharing insights and practical tools to help them succeed.
The gifts, including souvenirs and self-care products, were a small token of appreciation for their dedication.
Tom Ofonime, Country Manager of Yango Ride in Ghana, expressed his gratitude for the female partner’s drivers, stating,“Being a driver and helping people navigate the city is no simple task. It requires responsibility for safety and comfort, and the ability to solve problems on the spot.
“We celebrate the women who rise to this challenge every day with strength, resilience, and commitment. They inspire us all to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive future. At Yango, we believe that empowering women in this role is essential to building a more connected community.”
In her remarks, a female partner’s driver Sarah Abena shared her journey as a Yango partner driver, emphasizing the empowerment that comes with her role: “Collaborating with Yango as a partner’s driver has given me both freedom and financial independence. I want to encourage other women to pursue their goals, no matter the challenges. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a woman in this industry.”
This celebration highlights Yango’s commitment to supporting women in Ghana, following initiatives like a women’s empowerment conference, donations to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital maternity ward, and a health screening for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
About Yango Group
Yango Group is a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation, the company reshapes and enhances leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions.
The mission is to bridge the gap between world-leading innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences.
For more information, please visit www.yango.com.
Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Amoako-Mensah
The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Amoako-Mensah, has criticised the budget allocation for communications under the John Dramani Mahama-led government.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, monitored by GhanaWeb on Thursday, March 13, 2025, he questioned why government communicators had been allocated GH¢8.8 million for goods and services.
“The Office of Government Machinery, specifically government communications, has been allocated GH¢8.8 million for goods and services. Additionally, the research department at the Presidency has been allocated GH¢50 million, almost the same as the GH¢51 million allocated for the Women’s Development Bank. Can you imagine?” he remarked.
He further criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for previously accusing the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration of running a bloated government.
“Meanwhile, if you look at the 2024 Budget Statement, the total compensation for government machinery was less than GH¢400 million,” he noted.
JKB/MA
You can also catch the latest episode of #Trending GH, showcasing Ghanaians’ reactions to the government’s decision to abolish the E-Levy and COVID-19 Levy>/b>
Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi
Entrepreneurship is often hailed as the backbone of economic growth and innovation, but according to Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, the founder of Miss Agriculture Ghana and co-founder of the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana, the real secret to sustaining a thriving business lies beyond just securing funding.
Speaking at the Gastro Festival that was launched in Accra, Esther emphasized that while capital is essential to launching and scaling a business, it is mentorship that determines whether an entrepreneur succeeds or fails in the long run.
“Funding is the bloodline of entrepreneurship, but mentorship is the lifeblood without which it dies,” she stated. “Many startups receive capital, yet they struggle to navigate the complexities of business growth because they lack the right guidance and support.”
Her remarks come at a time when Ghana’s startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with increased support from financial institutions, government initiatives, and investors. However, she highlighted that mentorship remains a missing ingredient for many young entrepreneurs, especially women in agribusiness.
Bridging the Gap Through Mentorship
Through her work with Miss Agriculture Ghana and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness, Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi has championed mentorship programs that connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with industry leaders. She believes that structured mentorship networks can help businesses overcome challenges such as market access, branding, and financial management.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about access to capital; it’s about knowing how to make that capital work effectively,” she added. “Without experienced guidance, many businesses struggle with sustainability, eventually leading to failure despite having access to funding.”
To address this gap, she is calling on policymakers, business leaders, and development organizations to invest in mentorship programs as much as they invest in funding opportunities.
She urged stakeholders in the private and public sectors to create mentorship hubs where seasoned entrepreneurs can provide hands-on training and advisory support to emerging business owners.
“If we truly want to see more sustainable businesses in Ghana, we must recognize that funding alone is not enough. We need to equip entrepreneurs with knowledge, skills, and networks that will enable them to thrive beyond the startup phase.”
Her advocacy aligns with global conversations on fostering inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly for women in agribusiness.
She also mentioned the Chick4Chicks initiative, a six-week capacity-building program for women in poultry, organized annually by the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness. She announced that this year’s program is set to begin soon.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for agribusiness and innovation, Esther Twumasi’s message serves as a reminder that while financial investment may start the journey, it is mentorship that ensures long-term success.
Franklin Cudjoe made this comment in a post shared on his Facebook page on 13th March, 2025.
“The interest rates on T-bills are lower, and that too is a problem? The finance minister is trying hard to pay up the humongous debt the last government left behind , debt it never paid because it suspended debt payment from 2022 until this year 2025 because of the wicked DDEP it introduced.
What were they expecting the finance minister to use in paying the 721bn debt they left behind? His toe nails or hair he doesn’t have on his head? What type of economic reasoning is this?” Franklin Cudjoe added.
He defended that, the finance minister has removed major taxes imposed by the last government, and that means people have more disposable income.
That utility prices such as electricity and fuel could swing automatically every quarter are mostly a function of exchange rate and inflation. It was the last government that introduced the quarterly adjustment in utility prices as part of the IMF program.
According to Franklin Cudjoe, the finance minister is trying hard to reduce inflation while not piling up more debt- To expect him to reduce unemployment and reduce all prices within two months is to assume that we were living and swimming in milk and honey under the last government.
“The Finance Minister has borrowed 70billion in 2 months to pay your odious 721 billion debt. You had access to International capital markets for 6 and half years which you flocked to at will and bellowed it on fake projects without thinking of the impact on the economy.
The finance minister has no access to International markets thanks to your bad economic behaviour. He has access to only domestic market and you want him to conjure money from the Atiwa forest?
Perhaps only one person should have spoken at the press conference. Mohammed Amin Adam
But please the spokespersons should take their time and study the budget well. There are many loopholes in it the budget tha could have been discussed. These ones you focused on were poorly done.” Franklin Cudjoe concluded.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18j2L1b16t/
Franklin Cudjoe – Facebook page
Wangkang Ceramics Company Limited, a Chinese firm based in Eshiem in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, has fully complied with a directive issued by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, to cease blocking and polluting River Anankore due to its operational activities.
The company had been given a one-week ultimatum by the Minister to stop the illegal activities obstructing the flow and purity of River Anankore, a vital water body located in the Inchaban township.
Earnest Hoffman, an officer with the Water Resources Commission (WRC) at Ghana Water Company Limited, had briefed Minister Nelson on the illegal activities of the company, which were in direct violation of previously issued instructions.
In response, the Minister gave the Chinese firm a firm ultimatum to comply with his directive. The Minister insisted that the company’s operations should not interfere with the activities of Ghana Water Company Limited, particularly concerning the Anankore River.
Ghana Water Company reported the Chinese firm to the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) after the company failed to adhere to the directives from the Ghana Water Company and the Water Resources Commission (WRC).
Attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue between the water company and the Commission had been unsuccessful due to the entrenched position of the Chinese firm.
On Friday, 7th March 2025, Minister Joseph Nelson held a meeting with stakeholders and brokered an amicable settlement to the impasse that had been ongoing since the previous year.
The Minister emphasised that the production and supply of water in the Metropolis and surrounding communities should not be hindered by the activities of the Chinese firm. He subsequently instructed the company to immediately find an alternative method of waste management and to clear any obstructions from River Anankore.
These actions, he stated, would ensure that Ghana Water Company Limited could continue its operations without any disruptions.
He made it clear that the pollution of the river through the company’s activities must cease, in line with the directive. He gave the company a one-week ultimatum to rectify the situation and report back, noting that the resolution of the matter depended entirely on their compliance.
The Chinese firm later complied with the directive and reported improved activities at the site.
On Thursday, 13th March 2025, Minister Nelson followed up to assess the situation at the company’s site. He was briefed by the General Manager of the company, Chang Hong, on their operations and the steps taken to address the water company’s concerns.
The General Manager later took the Minister and his team on a tour of the company’s departments, including the exact location where the pollution and blockage of River Anankore had been occurring.
After the visit, Joseph Nelson expressed satisfaction with the compliance and assured the Chinese firm of a continued healthy working relationship.
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.
Ghana’s vegetable export revenue reached $48 million in 2024, as reported by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), marking an increase from over $26 million in 2023. This information was disclosed by Mr. Raymond Rashid Kramer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, during the Israel Embassy’s event titled “Enhancing Ghana’s Vegetable Industry through Israel Agri-Teach Innovations.” The event, organized by the Israel Embassy’s Economic and Trade Mission, facilitated discussions among stakeholders in Ghana’s vegetable production sector.
An online meeting with Israeli farmers and technology innovators was held to explore methods to enhance farming and export processes. The discussions addressed post-harvest losses, improved irrigation, climate change impacts, production yield increases, and adherence to international standards and certifications. Mr. Kramer emphasized that vegetable production offers an opportunity for export diversification and economic growth. He stated, “While we have made significant strides, capturing niche markets in the EU, UK, and other major markets, we have only scratched the surface of our potential.”
He further noted, “The potential of Ghana’s vegetable industry is immense. With our favorable climate, strategic location, and hardworking farmers, we have all the ingredients needed for success.” The collaboration aims to leverage Israel’s technological expertise alongside Ghana’s agricultural potential, fostering growth and prosperity. GEPA is prepared to support stakeholders in enhancing yields and exports, aligning with the government’s 24-hour economic policy and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mr. Roey Gilad, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, highlighted agriculture as a fundamental aspect of Israel’s partnership with Ghana. He mentioned, “We believe that Israel can offer some solutions that are relevant to some of your challenges, whether we are talking about drip irrigation or greenhouses, as part of the friendship.” The partnership aims to deliver tangible benefits to farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.
Dr. Felix Kamassah, President of the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana, expressed the intent to adopt climate-smart agriculture to enable year-round cultivation. He identified challenges such as insufficient irrigation support and climate change impacts affecting yields. Dr. Kamassah called for governmental investment in irrigation facilities and smart agriculture technologies to support farmers.
Source: Ghana Business News
Entertainment pundit, Kwame Dadzie
Entertainment pundit, Kwame Dadzie, has stated that just because the finance minister did not include the creative arts sector in the 2025 budget presentation, does not mean the government will not invest in the sector.
He made these comments while questioning how much revenue creatives even generate after receiving funds pumped into the sector.
In a discussion on Hitz FM on March 12, 2025, Kwame Dadzie emphasised that it’s not just about taking money but also giving back, as the sector is business-oriented.
“It’s not about how much we are giving to the sector but how much we are giving back. How much are we also contributing after we have received from the government? This should remind us that the industry we are in is business-oriented. It’s not just about always taking money and not giving anything back,” he said.
Kwame Dadzie also explained that the finance minister’s decision to exclude the creative arts ministry from the budget presentation could be a positive move.
According to him, this approach will allow the ministry to better implement its strategies.
“I’m saying that if this is the new approach and it’s because they want to ensure the money given to the sector will yield results, then I think there’s much work to be done by the ministry,” he added.
Why the sector wasn’t included
During the budget reading, the finance minister Ato Forson, introduced a change by omitting detailed discussions on specific sectors, including tourism and creative arts.
He explained that this shift aims to empower sector ministers to present their own comprehensive reports and plans directly to Parliament.
According to him, sector ministers are better positioned to address the unique challenges and strategies faced by their respective sectors.
While this new approach allows sector ministers to present detailed plans, the industry now awaits the upcoming presentations to understand the specific allocations and strategies for tourism and creative arts in the 2025 fiscal year.
Watch the latest episode of Talkertainment below:
JHM/EB
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
Renowned pollster and lead researcher at Global InfoAnalytics, Musa Dankwah, has urged President John Dramani Mahama not to remove the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
According to him, the IGP’s performance and leadership skills have made him the most popular security chief in recent history.
In a Facebook post, Musa Dankwah appealed to the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling on the case concerning the removal of security heads by the President upon election victory.
“The Supreme Court reserves the right to decide which cases it must expedite for quick resolution. Regarding the application for a ruling on the removal of security heads by presidents, I would have thought it should be deemed urgent due to the pending election, as a new government would require clarity on the matter before taking any action.
“The court sat on this case, which, to me, is more important than many of the cases they expedited for quick resolution. Now, we are hearing that the IGP is on the chopping board. Did the court not see this coming, or did they not think the government was going to change?” he questioned.
He further emphasised, “Justice delayed is justice denied, just as we saw in how the court handled Domelovo’s case. I don’t know the IGP’s issues, but he is the most popular IGP in recent history. If I were the President, I would not fire the IGP.”
His comment follows similar sentiments expressed by IMANI Ghana regarding the reported plans by the government to remove the IGP.
Also, watch the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:
Former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam
Former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has criticised the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, asserting that it does not promise to deliver accelerated growth in the country.
He argued that the policy lacks clarity and substance, as the 2025 budget, presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, failed to outline how the initiative would significantly impact the industrial sector.
According to Dr. Amin Adam, the budget projects a growth rate of 5% for the industrial sector between 2025 and 2027 but does not explain how the flagship 24-hour economy program would enhance this growth rate.
Addressing the press on Thursday, March 13, 2025, he said, “It must also be noted that despite the hype surrounding the 24-hour economy, the initiative that the NDC talks so much about does not promise to deliver accelerated growth because the projected industry performance is not promising.”
He added, “The budget estimates that the projected growth rate for the industry will average 5% between 2025 and 2027. If the 24-hour economy is going to work, we expect industry growth, in particular, to be higher than this.”
Dr. Amin Adam also pointed out that the 2025 economic policy and budget statement does not include any specific program for the 24-hour economy, with the finance minister indicating that it would be launched at a later date.
“We know that since the budget was presented, there is no program in the budget on the 24-hour economy. The minister himself said they would launch it soon. If it is not in the 2025 economic policy and budget statement, then it is not for 2025,” Dr. Amin Adam added.
The 24-hour economy is a policy intervention introduced by the John Mahama government to encourage businesses and companies to operate 24/7, preferably in a three-shift system of eight hours each.
The initiative aims to create an enabling environment that fosters productivity, competitiveness, and well-paying jobs.
The government has outlined plans to achieve this through measures such as modernising and mechanising agriculture, providing incentives for the private sector, promoting agro-processing and manufacturing, and transforming Ghana into an import-substitution and export-led economy.
The policy also seeks to stabilize the local currency, reduce inflation and interest rates, create more employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods across the country.
SA/MA
You can also catch the latest episode of #Trending GH, showcasing Ghanaians’ reactions to the government’s decision to abolish the E-Levy and COVID-19 Levy>/b>
Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh
Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has lamented his team’s missed chances in their 1-0 victory over Eleven Wise in the Round of 16 clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The manager acknowledged the need for his side to improve their finishing following the narrow win on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
However, he praised the team’s defensive solidity and creativity in the victory over the lower-tier side.
“Defensively, we looked very solid. Offensively, there was a lot of creativity, but what was missing was putting the ball in the back of the net. Like you saw today, look at the first half, the first 15 minutes we missed obvious opportunities,” he said at the post-match press conference.
“What do I think we need to improve from the last two games? I think it’s all about conversion. Once we work on our finishing, we’ll be fine.”
Elvis Kyei scored the only goal of the game despite Kotoko creating numerous chances.
Following the win, Asante Kotoko will face True Democracy in the quarterfinals, with the dates for the last-eight fixtures yet to be announced.
EE/MA
Also, watch the continuation of GhanaWeb TV’s interview with Ghana’s female heavyweight lifter
Zanzibar’s first Vice President Othman Masoud Othman
A diplomatic standoff unfolded at Luanda Airport on Thursday when Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, and a Tanzanian delegation were denied entry into Angola.
In addition to Zanzibar’s Vice President, other notable figures were also prevented from entering Angola, including Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama.
These individuals faced difficulties at the 4 de Fevereiro Airport, with no official explanation provided for their detention.
The group, led by ACT-Wazalendo party leader Dorothy Semu, had traveled to attend a conference focused on democracy and governance, organized in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Upon arrival, the authorities detained the delegation at the airport and confiscated their passports, including those of Othman and his security team.
The incident has raised concerns about the state of relations between Tanzania and Angola, with social media quickly reacting to the news. Zitto Kabwe, a prominent Tanzanian politician, condemned the move on Twitter, calling it a “disrespect shown by Angola to Tanzania.”
Kabwe also questioned the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about how they would respond to the diplomatic affront.
He tweeted, “A delegation from Tanzania led by party leader @SemuDorothy, including Zanzibar First Vice President @Othmasoud, is being held by Angola authorities at Luanda Airport. Their passports, including that of @Mfatanzania officials, have been confiscated.”
According to a source from Angola, Tanzanian officials were not the only ones detained at the airport.
An official letter from UNITA’s President’s Office, dated March 12, 2025, which The Citizen has reviewed, confirms that several opposition leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine had also been invited to the event.
The letter, addressed to Angola’s Director of Migration and Foreign Services, included a request for border visas for the following individuals: Sharif Ssenyonjo Najja and Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) from Uganda; Cirino Hiteng Ofuho and Edwin Watenya Sifuna from Kenya; Oleksandr Omelchuk and Andriy Marasin from Ukraine; and Merera Gudina Jefi from Ethiopia. These individuals, too, were denied entry into Angola. Tanzanian officials were however not included in the list.
The invitation mentioned that these individuals would be entering Angola on March 13, 2025, via the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. However, Zanzibar’s Vice President and other
The Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident. However, sources suggest that the Tanzanian government is seeking immediate clarification from Angola on the reasons for the denial of entry.
As of now, Angolan authorities have not clarified the reasons behind the detention of these invited guests.
Renowned Ghanaian journalist Kofi Adomah Nwanwani publicly addressed his eye injury for the first time during a press conference held today, March 14, 2025, at the Berekum Palace.
The event was graced by numerous chiefs, queen mothers, and regents from across Ghana.
Kofi Adomah while speaking recounted the harrowing incident that led to his injury.
Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has slammed Ken Ofori-Atta for his ‘wicked, evil ways’ and for being the ‘worst finance minister’ in Ghanaian history.
Anamoah angrily descended on Ofori-Atta after news emerged that the former Finance Minister was suing some police officers who led a raid on his residence during the time the Office of the Special Prosecutor was trying to apprehend him.
Reacting to the news, Nana Aba Anamoah said Ghanaians are supposed to sue Ofori-Atta for the hardships he visited upon us.
She said his ‘evil’ and ‘wicked’ ways put millions of Ghanaians into suffering and poverty. She described him as the ‘worst finance minister’ our country had ever seen.
Anamoah wrote: “By the same token, we should be suing he, Ken Ofori-Atta for his wicked, evil ways that caused many to suffer for so long until he was FINALLY removed. The worst finance minister this country has ever known,”
By the same token, we should be suing he, Ken Ofori-Atta for his wicked, evil ways that caused many to suffer for so long until he was FINALLY removed.
The worst finance minister this country has ever known. pic.twitter.com/ha1hXi7MPK
— nana aba (@thenanaaba) March 12, 2025
Lawyers for the former Finance Minister filed a writ at the Accra High Court after some national security operatives stormed his residence in Cantonments last month in search of Ofori-Atta.
The former Minister at the time was out of the country and was being sought after by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in relation to some scandals during his time in office.
Ofori-Atta alleges the officers breached his right to privacy and terrorized his family and domestic staff. He is seeking unspecified damages and a declaration that the acts taken against him were unlawful.
Henrietta Opokua Amissah
Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School is set to host the 65th Speech and Prize-Giving Day and Homecoming from March 14 to 16 at Saltpond in the Central Region.
This year’s speech and prize-giving day is being hosted by the 2000-year group, and over 5,000 old girls and students of Mfantsiman Girls are expected to attend the programme.
Under the theme, “Leveraging New Media Technology to Optimise Girl Child Education,” the event will emphasise the importance of harnessing technology to address the unique challenges faced by girls in accessing quality education, particularly in marginalised communities. Leveraging new media technology creates an inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning environments that empower girls to reach their full potential.
The theme will also serve as a call to action, encouraging students, educators, and stakeholders to explore innovative ways to integrate technology into girl-child education, ultimately driving positive change and promoting a brighter future for all.
In an exclusive interview, the President of Mfantsiman Old Girls’ Association (MOGA), Henrietta Opokua Amissah, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming 65th Speech and Prize-Giving Day, saying, “I am excited about this significant event and commend the millennium year group, MOGA 2000, for their meticulous planning and dedication to ensuring a memorable and successful celebration.”
According to Mrs. Amissah, the 65th Speech and Prize-Giving Day and Homecoming celebration will feature exciting activities, including a career guidance and counselling session to inspire and empower students, a candlelight procession, and a fitness session to promote physical wellness among the students and attendees.
The key highlight of the event will be a grand durbar to be attended by dignitaries, old students, and current students of Mfantsiman Girls, and the presentation of awards to deserving students who have excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and school examinations, recognising their outstanding academic achievements. The climax of the celebration will be a thanksgiving service and an inter-house fundraising competition to raise funds for ongoing school projects.
Some dignitaries set to grace the occasion include the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Gender, Children & Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey and Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto as the Guests of Honour, Beatrice Dadson, Esq. as the Chairperson, and Petra Aba Asamoah, General Manager, Oduma Solutions Limited, as the Guest Speaker.
Old girls who completed school in 2001 will also be in attendance for the baton-taking ceremony to host the 66th Speech and Prize-Giving Day next year.
A Daily Guide Report
A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a blogger, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for “criminal defamation” of the reputation of gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
The magistrate ordered the Nigeria Police Force together with other law enforcement agencies to arrest VeryDarkMan and produce him in court to answer to the criminal allegations levelled against him.
An angry social media user has descended on the owner of the Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN), Dr Kwaku Oteng, over the recent humiliating firings of some big names from his company.
According to the netizen, Dr Kwaku Oteng should stop firing his workers like ‘dogs’!
The attack comes after veteran Ghanaian media personality, Ohemaa Woyeje, was attacked by alleged ‘thugs’ hired by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angel FM, Vincent Opare, during her attempt to go to work on Wednesday.
The alleged thugs stopped Ohemaa Woyeje from accessing the Angel FM premises, apparently delivering the news to her that she had been fired by preventing her from showing up to work.
Meanwhile, Ohemaa Woyeje vehemently denied any claim of being fired.
Following the incident, she reported the case to the police.
In light of Ohemaa Woyeje’s public firing, a content creator took Dr Kwaku Oteng on for his habit of having his workers fired in an unceremonious fashion.
He pointed to Captain Smart and Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah as others who recently faced the same fate as Ohemaa Woyeje.
Watch video below…
The General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed, has strongly criticised the Gold Board established by the John Mahama government, calling it “a complete waste of resources.”
During an interview on Peace FM with Nana Yaw Kesseh, he labeled the Gold Board as “absolutely a scam.”
“Existing bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Forestry Commission are already responsible for managing natural resources and combating galamsey (illegal mining),” he argued.
Atik Mohammed questioned the necessity of the Gold Board, emphasising that allocating significant funds to it is unjustifiable, given that existing ministries already handle similar responsibilities.
“The Gold Board is a duplication of efforts, and the funds allocated to it could be better utilized elsewhere,” he stated.
His criticism raises important questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of Ghana’s institutions in managing natural resources.
MRA/MA
Member of Parliament for Ofoase- Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has criticized the government for failing to allocate sufficient funds for its planned infrastructure project, “The Big Push.”
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, March 13, 2025, he expressed concerns over the budgetary shortfall for the project.
“Infrastructure investments are known to be key if you want to open up and grow the economy, creating more jobs. Unfortunately, however, the government has failed to make the necessary budget allocations to give meaning to even its own planned infrastructure program.
“Their planned infrastructure program is The Big Push—a $10 billion initiative. If you prorate it over four years, that’s about GH¢2.5 billion or $2.5 billion per annum. You would expect that if the government is serious about its own Big Push, it would allocate $2.5 billion in the first budget. They have all the goodwill and credibility. Yet, if you examine the fiscal tables, it’s only $800 million, which is less than $1 billion,”* he stated.
According to him, without the necessary financial commitments, the program might not achieve its intended objectives.
“The Big Push itself needs a push, or nothing meaningful will happen in their infrastructure program. Infrastructure investments are key to opening up and growing the economy while creating more jobs. Unfortunately, the government has failed to make the necessary budget allocations to give meaning to even its own planned infrastructure program.
“Their planned infrastructure program, The Big Push, is $10 billion. If you prorate it over four years, that’s about GH¢2.5 billion or $2.5 billion per annum. You would expect that if the government were serious about its own Big Push, it would allocate $2.5 billion in its first budget. They have all the goodwill and credibility. Yet, if you look at the fiscal tables, it’s only $800 million, which is less than $1 billion,”* he reiterated.
Presenting the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament on Tuesday, March 13, 2025, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that the government had allocated GH¢13.85 billion to The Big Push program.
The program is designed to drive economic transformation by funding large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.
JKB/MA
Also, watch the latest Twi News on GhanaWeb TV below:
Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has revealed that Ghana could save approximately US$400 million annually by establishing a gas processing plant.
This follows his disclosure that the country requires about US$800 million this year to procure liquid fuels for powering its thermal plants.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Jinapor stated, “This year alone, we require about $800 million to procure liquid fuels. If we had established a gas processing plant, we could save $400 million of that amount annually.”
He further explained that a gas processing plant would make fuel more affordable and readily accessible.
Jinapor also highlighted the broader economic benefits, including the strengthening of the local currency.
“It provides a cheaper alternative source of fuel, which can be passed on to consumers. Additionally, we are diversifying our energy mix and incorporating renewable energy,” the energy minister stated.
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, recently announced the government’s plan to construct a new gas processing facility to supplement the existing Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, as rising power demands continue to exert pressure on the current infrastructure.
At a press conference on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Jubilee House, John Jinapor revealed that, following a recent cabinet meeting, the government had received approval to proceed with plans for the construction of a second gas processing plant.
“Cabinet has approved that, in partnership with the Finance Ministry, we take immediate steps to construct a second gas processing plant,” John Jinapor stated.
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Media personality Kofi Adoma Nwanwani has broken his silence on a recent incident that left him with a severe eye injury, revealing that he decided to share his story now out of fear that it may soon be too late.
Speaking at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, March 2025, to clarify the details of the tragic event that occurred in December 2024 and to provide an update on his recovery, Kofi Adoma addressed the growing speculation and concerns surrounding the incident.
The incident took place while Kofi Adoma was covering the Dormaa Kwafie festival in the Bono Region.
He was accidentally shot in the face with a musket, resulting in severe damage to his eyes and necessitating multiple surgeries.
Reflecting on the ordeal, he expressed gratitude for being given a second chance at life, acknowledging how close he came to tragedy, moved by the realisation that the gathering could have easily been for his funeral.
“When I looked at the number of people gathered here, all I could think was that this could have been my funeral. I recently heard about a similar incident in Nungua where the victim did not survive. All I can say is that God loves me,” he added.
He noted that he had to break silence urgently before his future becomes uncertain.
“As I speak to you, my head aches so badly. I have decided to speak before whatever is meant to happen, happens. At least, if I am able to speak before what is meant to occur does, I would have shared my truth already. The narratives I’ve heard about the incident were disheartening,” he said.
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the Mahama-led government for its GHS2.7 billion budget allocation for the Office of Government Machinery (OGM) in 2025.
They highlighted the significant increase in expenditure compared to the previous administration’s budget.
“During the NPP era, the Office of Government Machinery had a budget for compensation of GHS326 million, and that included the development authorities, a national secretariat, and a couple of other agencies, MASLOC, SIGA, and the others,” Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East stated.
She expressed concerns over the drastic rise in the budget allocation, noting that the current compensation under OGM is GHS2.7 billion.
Abena Asare emphasised that this increase is particularly concerning given that some agencies have been removed from the OGM’s purview.
“But here we are in 2025 when you look at the expenditure numbers, the compensation under OGM is GHS2.7 billion. From GHS326 million of a perceived overblown government to a lean government of GHS2.7 billion where they have also taken away some of these agencies,” she said.
Tano North MP Dr. Gideon Boako also strongly criticised President John Dramani Mahama for allocating GHS70 million to the research department and GHS79 million to government communications at the Jubilee House.
“President Mahama is allocating GHS50 million for goods and services for the research department and CAPEX GHS20 million. Office of government machinery—maybe a head and office assistants sitting in one office—GHS70 million,” he said.
Boako further pointed out the allocation for government communication, led by Felix Ofosu Kwakye and deputized by Shamima Muslim, noting that the budget for goods and services in this department alone stands at GHS8.8 million.
“Again, we have government communication headed by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, deputized by Shamima Muslim. Let’s say they have two or three research assistants helping them scroll through social media to see what is happening and respond—they are getting a goods and services budget of GHS8.8 million.
“Maybe they will use some to buy internet data to go online and respond to what the Minority is saying, and they are getting GHS70 million, making it GHS78.8 million,” Boako stated.
He argued that these allocations surpass the budgets of three or four ministries combined under the previous Akufo-Addo administration and contradict Mahama’s promise of a lean government.
“This is higher than about three or four ministries put together under President Akufo-Addo. This is not the lean government Ghanaians voted for,” Boako said.
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Reopening bond market is poorly timed – Minority warns Ato Forson
President John Dramani Mahama has boldly sent a stern warning to CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
According to John Mahama, if the CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) do not match the pace of the reset agenda they will be sacked.
He boldly declared that the era of impunity, mediocrity, and financial recklessness by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) ends today and his CEOs are going to be assessed based on their performance.
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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that 50 out of 150 Ghanaians currently in detention in the United States have received final deportation orders and are expected to return to Ghana by mid-year.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that three Ghanaians have already been processed for deportation and are scheduled to leave the US on commercial flights between March 19 and April 1, 2025.
“Updates from the Washington mission indicate as follows: Currently, there are 150 Ghanaians in detention across various centres in the US who are awaiting deportation for crimes such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry,” he stated.
He further explained that out of the 150 detainees, 50 individuals have received final deportation orders and will be deported by mid-year, while the remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.
The Minister also highlighted efforts by the Ghanaian government to intervene in some cases, noting that one Ghanaian detainee was granted release on medical grounds following diplomatic representations.
“Representations have been made to US authorities on behalf of one Ghanaian on grounds of ill health, and he has been released to seek medical care,” Mr Ablakwa disclosed.
Additionally, ten Ghanaians have undergone interviews by the Ghanaian Embassy to verify their nationality and ensure they have received fair hearings.
The Foreign Minister assured Parliament that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation and engaging US authorities to ensure that the rights of affected Ghanaians are protected throughout the deportation process.
Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have refuted claims that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government borrowed more than previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administrations.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Minority Caucus stated that data shows a significant portion of Ghana’s total debt was accumulated during the eight years of NDC governance preceding the Akufo-Addo administration.
MP for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, reading a statement on behalf of the caucus, asserted that the country’s debt stock increased by over 261% during the eight years of the NDC government, led by President John Dramani Mahama and the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.
In contrast, he stated that during the eight years of the Akufo-Addo government, Ghana’s debt stock increased by only 68%.
“The discourse surrounding Ghana’s debt profile from 2009 to 2024 is both multifaceted and pivotal. Following the attainment of the HIPC completion and external debt relief, Ghana witnessed a remarkable decline in its public debt-to-GDP ratio. However, the public debt, which stood at $8.07 billion in 2008, surged to $29.2 billion by 2016, marking a more than threefold increase. Cumulatively, this represents a growth rate of approximately 261.83% in the total public debt stock. This means that, on average, the NDC government added 32.75% to Ghana’s debt stock annually between 2009 and 2016,” he stated.
“Contrary to public perception, the public debt, which stood at $29.2 billion in 2016, increased to $52.3 billion by the end of 2023 and further reduced to $49.3 billion following the debt restructuring program. This marks a little over one-and-a-half times increase in the overall public debt stock under the NPP, representing an increase of approximately 68.83%,” he explained.
Dr. Boako further argued that, unlike the trend between 2009 and 2016, the NPP government has added an average of 8.6% to Ghana’s debt stock each year between 2017 and the present a significantly lower rate compared to the 32.75% annual increase recorded under the NDC.
“This significantly lower rate compared to the NDC administration suggests superior economic management by the NPP, even amidst global economic challenges. The NDC, in eight years, increased Ghana’s public debt stock by 261.83%, while the NPP under President Akufo-Addo increased it by 68.83%,” he concluded.
BAI/MA
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Ghana’s economic trajectory remains strong, with continued efforts toward industrial expansion, trade diversification, and digital transformation.
The Mahama administration enters office at a pivotal time when Ghana is poised to capitalize on global economic shifts, leverage strategic partnerships with China, and deepen its engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The previous administration laid a strong foundation, securing debt relief, strengthening macroeconomic stability, and advancing key infrastructure projects. Ghana’s progress under the IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF) has led to macroeconomic improvements, providing a better fiscal space for strategic investments.
With China’s evolving commitments under FOCAC 9, Ghana now has the opportunity to expand its economy through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), skills development, and industrial investments.
Addressing the Ghana-China Trade Imbalance
A major challenge in Ghana-China economic relations has been the persistent trade imbalance. Ghana’s exports to China—mainly raw materials such as crude oil, cocoa, and gold—remain significantly lower than its imports from China, which consist of manufactured goods, machinery, electronics, and textiles.
Key Trade Data
In 2023, Ghana’s exports to China were valued at approximately $3.8 billion, while imports from China reached $8 billion.
This created a trade deficit of over $4 billion, meaning Ghana buys far more from China than it sells.
Proposed Solutions to Balance Trade
1. Increase Value-Added Exports to China:
Ghana must move away from exporting raw materials and focus on processed and semi-processed goods such as:
– Processed cocoa products (e.g., chocolate, cocoa butter)
– Refined gold and jewelry
– Manufactured timber products
China’s Green Lanes Initiative, launched during FOCAC 8, offers duty-free access for African agricultural exports. Ghana should negotiate expanded access for value-added goods rather than just raw materials.
2. Leverage AfCFTA to Develop Regional Supply Chains:
– Ghana should position itself as a key manufacturing hub in West Africa under AfCFTA.
– Ghana-based Chinese factories should be encouraged to source raw materials locally instead of importing from China.
This would create jobs and reduce import dependency.
3. Encourage More Chinese FDI in Ghana’s Industrial Sector:
– Chinese firms should be incentivized to produce goods in Ghana, rather than export finished products from China.
– Joint ventures with Chinese manufacturers can help establish local factories, reducing imports.
Sectors for priority investment:
– Automobile assembly and spare parts production
– Pharmaceutical manufacturing
– Textile and garment industry
4. Target Chinese Companies for Agro-Processing Investment:
– China’s growing middle class presents an opportunity for Ghana’s processed foods.
– Ghana should attract Chinese agribusinesses to invest in local processing plants for export-oriented industries like cashews, palm oil, and fresh fruit juices.
This will increase agricultural exports and reduce the trade imbalance.
5. Trade Negotiations: Reducing Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers:
– Ghana should engage in high-level discussions with Chinese trade officials to:
– Reduce import tariffs on Ghanaian goods.
Address non-tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures that limit Ghanaian agricultural exports.
Simplify export procedures to increase the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses in the Chinese market.
This will enhance market access for Ghanaian products and improve trade relations.
6. Bilateral Agreement on Trade Rebalancing Measures
Ghana should negotiate a bilateral framework with China focused on:
– Increasing Ghanaian exports to China
– Encouraging Chinese industries to manufacture in Ghana
Facilitating Ghanaian companies’ access to China’s e-commerce platforms like JD.com and Alibaba.
If properly implemented, these measures could reduce Ghana’s trade deficit with China by at least 30% within the next five years.
Economic Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Ghana’s GDP is projected to grow at 5.6% in 2025, driven by:
– Increased industrial production
– Expansion of regional trade through AfCFTA
– Sustained foreign direct investment (FDI)
1. Industrialization and Manufacturing Expansion
Ghana’s industrial sector remains a key driver of economic transformation. Strategic partnerships with China’s leading corporations will enhance local production capacity, technology transfer, and export diversification.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturing
Ghana’s lithium reserves, valued at over $10 billion, present a major advantage in the EV supply chain.
A PPP approach will allow Ghana to partner with China’s BYD Auto and CATL to establish battery manufacturing and EV assembly plants.
Estimated investment: $1.5 billion over five years.
Projected job creation: 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Heavy Industry and Manufacturing
Ghana’s existing Tema Steel Works Ltd. could be expanded through a joint venture with Baowu Steel Group.
Expected investment: $800 million
Job creation: 6,000 jobs in steel production and downstream industries
2. Infrastructure Development through PPPs
Ghana should prioritize equity-based partnerships over debt financing for infrastructure projects.
Key Focus Areas:
– Expansion of Tema and Takoradi Ports
– Railway infrastructure linking mining regions to export hubs
– Urban transportation systems in Accra and Kumasi
– Renewable energy projects
Projected Economic Impact:
– $5 billion in infrastructure investments by 2027
– 50,000 jobs created in construction and logistics
3. Digital Economy and AI
– Huawei: Expansion of 5G infrastructure.
– JD.com & Alipay: Digital payment integration for Ghana’s fintech sector.
– DeepSeek AI: Collaboration on AI-driven industrial automation.
Projected Economic Impact:
– $500 million investment in digital infrastructure by 2027
– 20,000 jobs in tech and digital services
4. Strengthening Bilateral Coordination:
– Establish a China Desk at the Presidency for strategic oversight of Ghana-China engagements.
– Organize a high-level trade delegation to China to secure industrial and export agreements.
Strategic Path Forward
Ghana’s economic engagement with China must be strategic, balanced, and focused on long-term benefits.
Key Priorities:
– Public-Private Partnerships for industrial expansion.
– Skills transfer and job creation through local manufacturing.
– Trade diversification under AfCFTA to balance Ghana-China trade.
– Renewable energy investments to support industrialization.
– Bilateral trade rebalancing framework to close the deficit gap.
If executed effectively, Ghana can reduce its trade imbalance with China, expand its industrial base, and establish itself as a leading economic hub in West Africa.
Ghanaian actress, Vicky Zugah
Ghanaian actress, Vicky Zugah, has recounted how she lost potential suitors due to an unfortunate incident from her childhood.
In a video shared on social media on March 13, 2025, Vicky Zugah revealed that she had an accident during her childhood, which left a scar on her eyebrow.
She explained that, because of the scar, people she thought were potential suitors refused to marry her.
“When I was 9, there was a chair that we had to pull on top of another chair… So, my mother asked me to buy okro and I was in a rush to pick a bowl so I slipped and my eyebrow hit the edge of the table and I got injured.
“Since I started leaving my eyebrow like that, I have had a lot of problems with people. I have lost suitors because of this mark. I have had people look at me in a certain way anytime I walk into a room. I have even had people call me names because of this mark,” she said.
Vicky Zugah also mentioned how, on the other hand, some people admire her eyebrow.
She then urged individuals to embrace their appearance and be proud of how they look, regardless of the criticisms.
“I have also had lovers because of the mark. People try to imitate it. In all things, there is good and bad… This generation is so used to fake, and masking stuff that we have forgotten that natural things exist. Now when you see a fair lady the next thing people think about is she is bleaching,” she added.
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Fort Amsterdam, the only fort visible from the highway in Abandze, Central Region, has played a significant role in Ghana’s history, contributing to the country’s culture, customs, and traditions.
During the era when Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, was rich in gold, the British built the fort as a hub for their gold trade, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
However, this vision was short-lived. After 33 years of successful business transactions along the Mankessim-Cape Coast Highway, the Dutch attacked and overpowered the British, seizing control of the fort.
The Dutch drove the British out of Ghana, destroyed their businesses, and took over the fort for their own interests. What was once a warehouse for gold was transformed into a slave dungeon, where innocent lives were subjected to inhumane conditions for over 200 years.
People were maltreated, lives were lost, and properties were destroyed as the Dutch imposed their rule. The suffering continued until the fort was eventually traded back to the British after years of brutal oppression under Dutch control.
From ‘Cormantine’ to Fort Amsterdam
The fort, originally built by the British in 1611, was first named “Fort Cormantine” or “Cormantin Fort.” However, in 1665, after capturing it from the British, the Dutch renamed it “Fort Amsterdam” after the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Under Dutch rule, the fort became a key trading post for gold, ivory, and slaves, playing a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade. It was one of many forts and castles built by European powers along the West African coast during the colonial era.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu, tour guide Joseph Kofi Kakraba revealed that Fort Amsterdam was not originally built as a slave dungeon and had only one exit when first constructed by the British.
“The fort had no dungeon and only one exit. It is the biggest fort built by the British in 1611 for trade, not slavery,” he stated.
He also highlighted important historical facts about the fort and encouraged tourists and residents to visit, learn more about its history, and pass down this knowledge to future generations.
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VA/
President John Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s president
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a caution to heads of state agencies to match the pace of reset or step aside if they fail to produce their performance reviews in 2026.
He noted that the era of impunity, mediocrity and financial recklessness should end to collectively create the route of economic recovery for the betterment of the country.
“”If you’re not matching the pace of the reset agenda, you might be asked to step aside as I expect something completely different from you in terms of executing your duties,” he said.
Speaking at a meeting with SOE CEOs, organised by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), on March 13, 2025, President Mahama stressed that his government will no longer tolerate financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within state enterprises.
The president pointed to the 2023 State Ownership Report, which highlighted widespread inefficiencies among state entities, with some performing at their worst levels since the beginning of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Mahama stated that loss making SOEs will not be tolerated and would ensure that state-owned enterprises run efficiently and insist on reforming, merging, privatising loss-making ones or shut them down.
He stated that the government would negotiate and enforce performance contracts with heads of entities, conduct regular in-depth assessment of SOE’s finances for transparency and exposing mismanagement, issue binding directives, implement compliance mechanisms, and intervene directly in under-performing entities.
He emphasised that SOEs, such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Ghana Grid Company, the Ghana Water Company, the Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation must play stronger roles in driving economic development.
“Our SOEs must drive industrialisation, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities.
“They must deliver real value, particularly in energy, transport, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance,” he said.
To enhance accountability, Mahama announced reforms granting SIGA greater powers to enforce performance contracts with SOE leadership, conduct financial assessments to ensure transparency, issue binding directives to struggling entities, commission independent audits to track financial efficiency, and impose consequences for poor performance.
He warned against complacency, stating that financial recklessness and poor management would not be excused.
He directed all SOE CEOs to submit audited financial statements by April 30.
VA/AE
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Alfred Duncan with former coach of the Black Stars Avram Grant
Former Black Stars midfielder Alfred Duncan has revealed the reason behind the abrupt and premature end of his international career.
Amid Duncan’s consistent exclusion from the Black Stars squad, his then-club Fiorentina released a statement in May 2022 on his behalf, announcing his decision to retire from the national team.
In the statement, Duncan expressed his disappointment with the treatment he received over the years from the Ghana Football Association.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Duncan explained how repeated snubs by various Black Stars coaches at the peak of his career led him to step away from the team.
“With the national team, it’s kind of complicated. It was my decision to quit because I wasn’t getting the respect I felt I deserved. As a player, when I reach the peak of my career, I expect more respect, but I wasn’t receiving enough. So, I thought it was best to part ways and allow those they believe are right for the team to get the chance to play,” he said.
Nonetheless, the Venezia midfielder emphasised that his playing time was less important than the success of the national team.
By stepping aside, he believed he was creating opportunities for players better suited to help the team achieve its goals.
“The most important thing was for the country to reach the heights it deserved, not about who had to play or who had to be on the bench. Since I wasn’t getting enough playing time, I thought it was best to step aside for the right players to play,” he added.
Duncan’s last call-up came during Ghana’s qualification campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he featured in Ghana’s 2-0 win over South Africa in November 2019.
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At least 14 South African troops have been killed in the fighting in DR Congo
Southern African leaders have announced they will pull their troops out of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where they have been helping the government fight rebel forces.
The troops were sent two years ago to support the Congolese army fight the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, which has seized control of large parts of mineral-rich eastern DR Congo this year.
At least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania were killed when the M23 captured the region’s biggest city, Goma, in January.
Thousands of people have been killed during the fighting and hundreds of thousands left without shelter after fleeing their homes.
The decision to start a “phased withdrawal” from DR Congo was made during a virtual summit of the 16-member Southern African Development Community (Sadc) in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, on Thursday.
The Sadc leaders said that even though the troops would be withdrawn from DR Congo, the bloc would continue to “support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace”.
No reason was given.
Sadc called for a diplomatic and political solution to the conflict.
Previous efforts to bring peace to DR Congo have not been successful.
This was Sadc’s third emergency summit on DR Congo in recent months.
It is unclear how many Sadc troops are in DR Congo, but 5,000 troops were due to be sent.
South Africa, which leads the mission, was to deploy 2,900 troops and the rest shared between Malawi and Tanzania.
Sophia Momodu, the first baby mama of music star Davido, has criticized a Snapchat user who labeled her daughter insecure.
Sophia shared humorous Snapchat videos with her daughter, prompting a fan to question her reluctance to smile and laugh freely.
Sophia Momodu, the first mother of music artist Davido’s child, has expressed her discontent towards a Snapchat user who labeled her daughter as insecure.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has criticised the previous administration for allocating only GH¢4 million to Ghana’s free dialysis programme, describing the amount as woefully inadequate to cater to patients across the country.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps on Thursday, March 13, the Health Minister disclosed that out of the GH¢4 million allocation, only GH¢2 million came directly from government coffers, while the remaining GH¢2 million was sourced from corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Akandoh, who previously served as the Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, expressed deep concerns over Ghana’s lack of a sustainable funding mechanism for dialysis treatment.
He stated that GH¢4 million is far from sufficient to finance dialysis treatment across the country, considering the high cost of dialysis sessions, medical consumables, and patient care.
“I was a ranking member on the Health Committee of Parliament and there were no sustainable sources of funding for the dialysis. It never happened. We even suggested to make provision for dialysis and they allocated GH¢2 million. And they had to go and take an additional GH¢2 million from corporate social responsibility and I can tell you, GH¢4 million cannot take care of dialysis in the whole country.
“So there needs to be a sustainable and a reliable source of funding. Look, if we decide to put all manner of diseases on the National Health Insurance Scheme, it will collapse. You have no idea about how it costs to treat heart disease or chronic disease and surgeries.”
Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) proposed 24-hour economy policy, arguing that it does not guarantee accelerated economic growth.
According to him, the 2025 budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson failed to outline how the initiative would significantly impact Ghana’s industrial sector.
Addressing the press on March 13 in response to the budget, Dr. Amin Adam questioned the feasibility of the policy, stating that without substantial growth in the industrial sector, the initiative would struggle to succeed.
“It must also be noted that despite the hype about the 24-hour economy, the initiative that the NDC talks so much about does not promise to deliver accelerated growth in the economy because industry performance, as projected by them, is not promising.
“The budget estimates that the projected growth rate for the industry averages 5% between 2025 and 2027—it is in the budget. And if the 24-hour economy is going to work, we expect growth in the industry in particular to be higher than this.”
Dr. Amin Adam also criticized the absence of a clear implementation plan for the policy in the 2025 budget.
“We know that since the budget was presented, there is no programme in the budget on the 24-hour economy. The minister himself said they will launch it soon. If it is not in the 2025 economic policy and budget statement, then it is not for 2025.
“It means no money is devoted to it. So, Ghanaians will have to wait until 2026 if we are lucky to have any hope of seeing how these campaign slogans translate into jobs.”
Drawing a comparison with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) swift rollout of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy after the 2016 elections, Dr. Amin Adam questioned the NDC’s commitment to implementing its flagship policy.
“The NDC, as you know, campaigned on the 24-hour economy, and yet they are in no hurry to deliver on it. The NPP campaigned in 2016 on Free Senior High School, and it was delivered in Akufo-Addo’s first budget in 2017.”
Iyabo Ojo is celebrating her daughter Priscilla as she turns 24.
The actress shared photos of her newlywed daughter and prayed for her in the caption.
She also called her by her new name, Hadiza, which she got after marrying Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, a Muslim man.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, has taken a swipe at social media influencer and National Democratic Congress (NDC) sympathizer, Kaly Jay for fruitlessly defending the government spending a whooping ghc2.7billion on government machinery.
In an initial post on his X page, Ntim Fordjour wrote, “NPP ‘large’ government spends Ghc327 million on office of government machinery and yet it was deemed as ‘wasteful’ so yaanom decided to try a ‘lean’ government.
Ghanaian music sensation King Paluta has opened up about his journey in the industry and the attempts by some individuals to discredit his craft.
According to him, the negative publicity surrounding his work is simply part of the industry.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s Afternoon Show, King Paluta stated that he and his team always had a strong intuition about a song’s success, even before its release.
Hence, he was surprised when some industry players initially claimed that his 2024 song Apiki was a flop.
“I knew Aseda was going to be a hit; we just knew Makoma was going to be a hit. We get the feeling before we release it. So when we dropped Apiki and some people were saying the song was a flop, we were like, ‘Do you even know what you’re listening to?’” he said.
Despite the criticisms, King Paluta remained unfazed, acknowledging that such claims were part of the industry.
He emphasised that as long as no one was directly harmed by the stories put out about him, he was unbothered.
“It’s all part of the agenda, this is Ghana. Anytime someone new rises, people want them to win, but not more than themselves.
“I understand that side of the hustle, and I’m cool with any publicity I get, whether good or bad. As long as it’s not really affecting anyone, I’m cool,” he stated.
ID/MA
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The group says the NDC has failed to acknowledge their efforts or even extend a word of appreciation
Members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Taskforce, who were deployed for election security during the 2024 elections, have expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as neglect by the party leadership.
According to the taskforce, despite the life-threatening risks they took to secure votes for the party in the region against what they claim was a well-coordinated security apparatus of the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) the NDC has failed to acknowledge their efforts or even extend a word of appreciation.
Frustrated by the lack of recognition, the group held a press conference in Kumasi, calling on the ruling government to reward their loyalty.
Commander of the Ashanti NDC Security Taskforce, Maxwell Hope, addressed the media, saying:
“We want to extend our greetings to President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Before the 2024 elections, every active party member, from the polling stations to the national level including campaign teams was aware of the crucial role we played. Even President Mahama himself knows this. So why has the party leadership failed to recognize our efforts after the elections?”
Maxwell further disclosed that leading up to the elections, the party’s security leadership instructed them to help secure 29% of the vote share in the Ashanti Region. They claim their vigilance at polling stations and collation centres exceeded expectations, preventing election rigging strategies by the NPP.
“We overworked ourselves to surpass the 29% target. Yet, not even a simple ‘thank you’ has been extended to us. Is that fair?” he questioned.
He emphasized that the party had promised them employment opportunities within the national security apparatus if they successfully delivered their mandate.
“Gbevlo Lartey led that promise, and we are waiting to hear from him soon. If nothing is done, we will be forced to take action,” Maxwell warned.
Neglected Party Leaders and Appointments
He also criticized the exclusion of key NDC figures who supported the party’s security efforts in the region, including former Deputy Minister for Works and Housing Samuel Yaw Adusei, Samuel Sarpong, and Joseph Yamin, from government appointments.
“Those who sponsored our activities have been sidelined, and we have not been given jobs. How do you expect us to survive until the next election? Who do we turn to for help when the need arises?” he lamented.
Alhaji Tanko Bashir, the Ashanti Regional Security Taskforce Coordinator for the NDC, accused some of the newly appointed officials of recruiting party opponents instead of loyal members who worked to secure victory.
“When the party leadership met us, they emphasized that the NDC could only win the 2024 election with a 29% vote share in Ashanti. At that time, these appointees were nowhere to be found. Our taskforce members, across all 47 constituencies in the region, used personal funds to begin operations until national support arrived. We received backing from figures like Samuel Sarpong, Yaw Adusei, Kenneth Adjei, Gbevlo Lartey, and Joseph Yamin. But what has the party done for them?” he questioned.
Tanko further reiterated that Gbevlo Lartey had personally assured them of job placements within the national security structure if they met the party’s target.
“This promise motivated us to go the extra mile, ensuring our members underwent the necessary training to safeguard President Mahama’s votes. But now, I ask: if you release your sheep to graze and only a few return, will you let the remaining ones go out the next day?” he asked the NDC leadership.
A Final Warning to the NDC Leadership
Tanko emphasized that they had no choice but to speak out, as they feared that their contributions would go unrecognized if they remained silent.
“Ideally, we wouldn’t have held this press conference, but if we do not take our destiny into our own hands, no one will fight for us. Our government has been in office for nearly four months now. If we don’t demand our due recognition, four years will pass, and we will be forgotten,” he argued.
While acknowledging that they could not force the government to provide them with jobs, Tanko stressed that they were simply reminding the party of their contributions to its electoral victory.
“We know our father, President John Dramani Mahama, and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, are listening leaders. Although our expectations may seem late, we trust the government and the party to correct these mistakes in the interest of unity ahead of the 2028 elections.”
However, he warned that if their concerns were not addressed, they would take matters into their own hands, which could have serious consequences for the NDC in the Ashanti Region.
You can also catch the latest episode of #Trending GH, showcasing Ghanaians’ reactions to the government’s decision to abolish the E-Levy and COVID-19 Levy>/b>
Beneficiaries of the borehole in Asempa Akura, one of 26 communities where CBG has constructed and donated boreholes
Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) has launched a project to provide boreholes in various underserved areas across the country.
This initiative forms part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right for health, education, and economic development. However, many communities in Ghana still rely on unsafe water sources, which pose health risks and hinder potential growth and prosperity.
CBG, therefore, engaged with some communities to identify their needs and implement sustainable solutions as part of the broader CSR strategy.
Twenty-six (26) boreholes have been constructed in communities across the Lambussie, Sissala East, Wa West, Techiman South, and the Oti Region, providing clean water to underserved areas and improving public health.
The communities include Nchumuru, Asempa Akura, Odeefo, Borae, Banda, Tanosim Ahyiayemu, Buligine, Karni Nyanbul, Kpare-Dakpoo, Gyirgan, Kadiligo, Zumara, Duu East, Wellembelle-Bidieboi, Kunchugu, Hakyagagand, Samoa-Lung and Balawa among others.
This borehole initiative represents a significant step in CBG’s commitment to enhancing the living conditions of those in need and promoting a more sustainable and equitable world.
Community leaders and members expressed their gratitude for CBG’s intervention, highlighting that reliable access to water will greatly improve their daily lives.
“Water is life. With access to clean water, our children will be healthier, and we will be able to focus more on education and business,” stated a community chief during the handing-over ceremony.
The boreholes were strategically installed in the neediest communities, ensuring that thousands would benefit from reliable access to clean water.
Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana, Daniel Wilson Addo, expressed satisfaction with the bank’s ability to address a basic human right.
He emphasised, “Access to clean water is not merely a convenience; it is vital for health. Unfortunately, many still face the challenges and dangers of unsafe water sources. This initiative reflects our commitment to changing that narrative. I urge you all to take ownership of this critical resource and train local community members on its maintenance to create long-term positive impacts.”
A Business Desk Report
A piece of sad news from Kenya confirms the death of one Mr Sammy Methu Kiragu who reportedly ended it all inside his office.
Detectives have since launched a probe after the Sedgwick Insurance brokers Managing Director, was found dead inside his office.
Kiragu is said to have jumped from the seventh floor at the 4th Avenue Towers on Fourth Ngong Avenue in Nairobi.
A GROUP of 250 individuals from the diaspora have arrived in Ghana to explore the country, reconnect with their heritage and immerse themselves in the Ghanaian culture and history.
The visit, organised by Afro Nyanka Tours in collaboration with Sankofa-Soul, is part of an effort to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and the African continent beyond traditional tourism.
Inspired by the Year of Return initiative, the 13-day tour which ends on Friday, March 14 will offer the visitors cultural experience through music, festivals, historical site visits, and cultural exchanges.
The group from the United States of America will explore the Greater Accra Region, where they will experience the city’s vibrant culture and historical landmarks.
They will also visit Eastern Region and finally end their tour in the Central Region, which is home to some of the most significant sites of the transatlantic slave trade.
Speaking about the visit, CEO of Afro-Nyanka Tours, Christopher Atogsiba Atanga, pointed out that the experience went beyond a typical vacation, offering a deep immersion into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“We are not just taking them to tourist sites; we are immersing them in Ghana’s rich cultural experiences. Our goal is to help them understand Ghanaian history, African history, and their own roots”, he said.
For many of the participants, the journey was deeply personal and emotional.
One of the visitors, Jude Michelle, whose ancestry traces back to Dahomey, kingdom found in present-day Benin, described the experience as a pilgrimage rather than a vacation.
“I am here to come closer to my people, bring back my ancestors, and let them know that I am here. This is not just a trip—it is a homecoming.”
Recognising the country’s historical significance as the main exit point for captives during the transatlantic slave trade, Michelle sees the country as the natural entry point for reconnection and healing.
Stephen Amoah is the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso
The Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, has strongly defended his colleague, the former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, in response to claims that the former government never implemented the Betting Tax.
Addressing the subject on JoyNews, Amoah stated that Amin, like any human, is bound to make mistakes and had no intention of deliberately misleading the public.
He emphasised that while his colleague, Amin, is not perfect, his error should not be something for which he should be crucified by the general public, adding that it is not in the nature of the former minister to tell lies.
“If what my minister said contradicts research put into the public domain, which I have no reason to doubt, we should also take it from the angle that he is a human being and can make a mistake. People shouldn’t take it like he wants to intentionally deceive people. Amin is not that type, just get close to him. I’m not saying he is perfect,” he said.
Amoah also shared his disapproval of the criticisms chastising Ghanaians for dwelling on negativities and trivialities instead on rather focusing on the positive achievements of the former minister.
He indicated that Amin’s accomplishments, such as reviving the economy, securing funds from the IMF, and managing the challenges left by his predecessor, Ken Ofori-Atta, should be the central focus.
He argued that these achievements deserve praise, rather than focusing on his mistakes.
“Surprisingly, why can’t we also applaud him for leading the team that continued Ken Ofori-Atta’s work for us to have one of the swiftest, fastest and most accuracy with which he was able to hold this economy, ensure the fiscal space was properly curtailed, consolidated and met almost all the indicative targets to get approval and get billions of dollars because we could stock to the agreement we had with the IMF and be very disciplined. That one we will not talk about it,” he shared his frustration.
Amoah maintained his defense, reiterating that the blunder made by the former minister was not an issue that should have even been discussed, nor something for which he should have been crucified.
“… It could have been a mistake and so if someone does something 98% correct and 2% mistake, does it mean the person has to be crucified because we live in Ghana? I’m not saying people shouldn’t talk about it but please even if it’s a mistake, he is a human being. Who doesn’t make mistakes?” he concluded.
His support comes in the wake of public backlash against Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the former Minister of Finance after he claimed that the NPP never implemented nor collected the controversial Betting Tax.
Amin Adam made this statement to counter the government’s announcement of the abolishment of certain nuisance taxes, questioning how a tax that was never implemented could be canceled.
However, his claim backfired when the youth presented receipts of bet slips showing that their bet wins were, indeed, taxed at 10% by the government.
MAG/AE
Also, watch the latest Twi News on GhanaWeb TV below:
You can also catch the latest episode of #Trending GH, showcasing Ghanaians’ reactions to the government’s decision to abolish the E-Levy and COVID-19 Levy>/b>
Media personality Ohemaa Woyeje (L) and CEO of Angel FM, Vicent Opare (R)
Media personality Ohemaa Woyeje has confirmed rumours circulating on social media regarding an incident where she was reportedly attacked by a group of men, under the authority of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angel FM, Vicent Opare.
In an interview with GhanaWeb journalist Joseph Henry Mensah on March 13, 2025, Ohemaa Woyeje detailed the events, noting that the CEO, Vicent Opare, sent the men to prevent her from entering the media house.
“What you saw is the truth. I went live to document the situation and have evidence of what happened. I had received no prior notification that I should not report to work. When I arrived at the premises, I was met by a masked vigilante who prevented me from entering the building. They told me they were acting on the orders of our CEO, Vicent Opare,” she explained.
Ohemaa Woyeje further described how her colleagues, including Saddick Adams, helped her gain access to the office building through the back entrance after her credentials were removed from the system.
“With the support of Saddick Adams, who had finished his morning show and came to inquire about what was going on, the men proved they were acting under the CEO’s instructions. It turned into an hour-long scuffle between us. Afterward, Saddick Adams guided me through the back door so I could start working,” she stated.
She added, “I then called the police to file a complaint. They arrived and arrested some individuals, though others managed to escape. The police have been trying to reach the CEO, but he has not been answering their calls.”
When asked if there was any personal feud between her and Vicent Opare, Ohemaa Woyeje disclosed that the CEO felt threatened by her experience and success.
“The guy is not comfortable working with me. He feels I am too experienced. He is a new person and doesn’t know anything about the media. He is naive and of course, Kwaku Oteng asked me to guide him to do the work,” she stated.
Ohemaa Woyeje also clarified rumours that Vicent Opare was acting on the orders of the founder of Angel Group of Companies, Dr. Kwaku Oteng.
“I called the founder of the company, Kwaku Oteng and he was shocked to hear the news. So, he asked me not to go and that he was calling the CEO to find out why he did that. When he called him, he said the guy had refused to pick up his calls that was how I decided to deal with the issue myself.
“Kwaku Oteng didn’t do this and he has no hands in it. I have to clarify this. He is a good man and has advised the CEO against frustrating my contract but the guy just took the law into his own hands,” she clarified.
Also, watch the latest Twi News on GhanaWeb TV below:
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Dr. Amin Adam claimed that the betting tax was never implemented by the NPP
The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operations (GASBO) has refuted claims by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam that the betting tax was never implemented.
Dr. Kobby Boateng, President of GASBO, revealed that the association paid approximately GH¢58 million in betting taxes in 2023, with contributions nearly tripling to GH¢158 million in 2024.
Speaking on Kessben TV, Dr. Boateng clarified that the Gaming Commission collected the taxes, contrary to the former minister’s assertions.
He said, “In 2023, we paid approximately GH¢58 million. The implementation of the tax began in August, which slowed payments. By 2024, our contributions nearly tripled, reaching GH¢158 million.”
Dr. Boateng also noted that the National Lottery Authority (NLA) successfully lobbied for an exemption from the tax, though he declined to elaborate on the reasons.
“The NLA successfully lobbied for an exemption from the tax for reasons I don’t want to discuss. But the betting tax, as implemented by the Gaming Commission, was duly collected,” Dr. Boateng added.
The 10% withholding tax on betting was introduced by the Akufo-Addo-led government to curb gambling rates and generate additional revenue.
However, the move faced significant backlash from Ghanaian bettors, who criticized the government for being insensitive to their concerns.
SA/MA
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Alfred Duncan was a player of the Black Stars
Former Black Stars midfielder Alfred Duncan has opened up about the abrupt end to his international career, calling it the best decision he has ever made.
In May 2022, Duncan announced his retirement from the national team after being consistently snubbed by the Black Stars.
However, according to Duncan, his exclusion ultimately brought something positive into his life.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Duncan shared that retiring from the national team has given him the valuable opportunity to spend more time with his family, something he rarely had the chance to do during his days with the Black Stars.
“During the international break, I’m able to spend more time with my family. For me, that was one of the best decisions I ever made because I was spending less time with them. Making that decision helped me a lot to be able to spend more time with them,” he said.
He further revealed that some new Black Stars managers have tried to persuade him to reconsider his decision and return to the team. However, he is not willing to sacrifice the quality time he now enjoys with his family.
“In the past few years, the two new coaches who came in both reached out to me and wanted to work with me. But it was difficult to change my mind, so I decided to stick with my initial decision not to return to the national team so I could spend more time with my family,” he added.
Meanwhile, watch the continuation of GhanaWeb TV’s interview with Ghana’s female heavyweight lifter
Also, watch the latest Twi News on GhanaWeb TV below:
FKA/MA
As elsewhere in Africa and the world, artificial intelligence (AI) poses a major challenge to Tanzania’s media professionals, who are still weighing up the pros and cons.
And a new study, backed by the UN cultural organisation (Unesco), paints a picture of an industry that is still very much on the fence in the face of a lack of AI awareness and literacy, questions about its potential impact on job security, and ethical implications.
There is a consensus that AI and related technologies are already part of their operations. Yet, much of the debate in Tanzanian newsrooms revolves around its capacity to scale up rates of misinformation, disinformation and outright fake news.
“The power of AI is mental. It’s making fake stuff look real and real stuff look fake, turning lies into the truth and the truth into lies,” says William Shao, a seasoned Tanzanian journalist.
“The more AI steps up, the more we need to wise up and be careful, otherwise instead of sorting us out, it’ll end up doing us in,” he adds.
The study, which was launched in Dar es Salaam on February 27, highlights the extent to which the evolving AI will impact Tanzania’s media space, although it is still a highly confusing subject for practitioners in general.
The final report, The State of Artificial Intelligence for Media Development in Tanzania, was prepared by local firm Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) in collaboration with Unesco’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
Most of the 350 journalists, editors and support staff interviewed from traditional and digital media platforms spoke of the need for more AI training and proper policy guidelines for the responsible use of AI in newsrooms.
The study found that up to 95 percent of the respondents were keen to learn more about AI as a journalism tool, but lacked access to structured training programmes.
Less than a quarter (22 percent) of newsroom managers had formally raised the issue of introducing AI policies to their staff.
Nearly three quarters (73 percent) of respondents recognised AI as a real game-changer in local journalism practices, but 40 percent were more worried about its potential to misinform and disinform, especially by spreading damaging political propaganda.
Eight in every ten (84 percent) of those interviewed said AI skills should be a priority in the curriculum of local journalism schools and colleges.
Newsroom efficiency
The report makes a strong case for AI as a tool for improving newsroom efficiency, rather than replacing human intelligence, and recommends that media houses and companies “proactively” integrate AI tools while addressing their concerns about misinformation and bias.
For example, it highlights how AI has already proven useful in automating routine content preparation tasks and improving research and fact-checking within vast data streams.
At the same time, the study recommends that media companies take extra care to ensure that AI does not negatively impact on the originality of content creation, job security and audience trust in what they produce.
While acknowledging the growing demand for AI and digital journalism training among Tanzanian journalists, the report points out that the lack of structured training programmes tailored to local journalistic needs is proving to be a major problem.
“Most of the existing digital courses are Western-centric and fail to address challenges unique to Tanzania, such as access to local datasets, Swahili-language AI tools, and AI-driven fact-checking specific to regional misinformation trends. This creates a disconnect between global AI advancements and their practical applicability in Tanzanian journalism,” it says.
Slow mindset shift
Furthermore, the study asserts that – beyond issues such as cost, skills and access to AI tools – the slow adoption of AI in Tanzanian newsrooms is also due to a “deeper challenge that exists in the mindset shift required for AI adoption.”
“Tanzanian journalists tend to view AI as a competitor rather than a tool, leading to hesitation in integrating it into their workflow,” it says. “While free courses and access to AI tools are major incentives, trust in AI systems and clarity on its role in journalism remain key concerns.”
It underscores how AI-generated content such as deep fakes, synthetic media and automated news articles can be “exploited for political propaganda, clickbait, or agenda-driven narratives,” while generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini can “unintentionally produce misleading or biased content, reinforcing echo chambers and misinformation cycles.”
“There are also fears that AI-driven automation could replace traditional journalistic roles, particularly in content generation, editing and research. Lack of transparency in AI systems is an additional concern, indicating distrust in their contribution to editorial decision-making processes and potential biases embedded in AI-generated content.”
The report comes two years after a government committee tasked with assessing the financial status of media houses and economic welfare of individual journalists recommended that AI integration guidelines be prepared for the sector in tandem with a regulatory framework.
However, no government-led action has yet been taken to put the proposal into practice, leaving the ball in the court of media professionals themselves.
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, has revealed that his fear of financial responsibilities delayed his decision to marry.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of PCH Hangouts at the ICGC The New Wine Temple, East Legon, Mr McKorley widely known as McDan shared his personal struggles and the impact financial pressures had on his life choices.
“I couldn’t marry early because I was afraid of chop money,” he admitted. “I grew up in an environment where you could see a man physically abusing a woman because of chop money, and you could see a woman verbally abusing a man because of chop money. So, the institution of marriage was scary for me.”
McDan further recounted how his relentless pursuit of success affected his relationships, revealing that an ex-girlfriend, Dorothy, left him because he could not make enough time for her.
“She left me in the book because I couldn’t make enough time. I was always the first to work and the last to leave. Anytime I visited, we’d be having a conversation, and I’d be sleeping,” he recalled.
He also reflected on a defining moment in his journey, explaining how the hunger for success and mounting responsibilities pushed him to work even harder.
“When I made my first million dollars, I was driving a Fiat Ritmo. I had a million dollars in my account, but the car I drove would short diesel every two kilometres. But still, I didn’t see that I had enough,” he said.
McDan’s story was part of the “Big Dreams” session, themed “From Vision to Reality: Turning Business Ideas into Action,” aimed at inspiring young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams despite financial hardships and societal pressures.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region extends its deepest appreciation to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, a true statesman and promise-keeper, for once again demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the people of the Volta Region. His dedication to fulfilling his campaign and manifesto promises is evident in his decisive action to allocate substantial funding to support victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage and the devastating tidal waves that struck the Ketu South Constituency.
