The Minister for the Interior received the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Dhakel at his office in Accra, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and exploring opportunities for collaboration between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of border security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building.

The Saudi Arabia Ambassador, H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Dhakel reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development initiatives and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

This meeting underscores the growing diplomatic ties between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, and highlights the potential for increased collaboration in various fields.

Damascus, Apr. 30, (dpa/GNA) – Twenty-two people have been killed in clashes in a town on the outskirts of Damascus, as armed groups attacked civilians and security forces, a monitoring group said on Wednesday.

“Sixteen members of the Syrian security forces were killed and six members of the Druze community were killed in the clashes,” the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Rami Abdel Rahman, told dpa.  

In the evening, the head of the Damascus Rural Security Directorate announced that the “security operations” in Sahnaya had ended. Security forces had been deployed in all parts of the city. Eyewitnesses had previously reported that the city had been sealed off by government troops.

Earlier, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said 11 people had been killed.

Second day of conflict 

Since late Tuesday, armed groups have been firing on civilian and public security vehicles on the roads, while other assailants attacked a checkpoint in the town of Sahnaya, to the south of the capital, SANA reported.

Residents told dpa that machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades had caused damage to homes and cars, and left many residents frightened for their safety.

Security forces advanced to the centre of Sahnaya amid heavy gunfire in order to reach Druze-dominated neighbourhoods in the city, one resident said.

“The Syrian security forces were using Shaheen drones to hit areas inside Sahnaya,” residents inside the town cordoned off by the security sources told dpa.

According to the SOHR, government forces, backed by the ministries of defence and interior as well as allied paramilitary units, have tightened their control over key areas inside the neighbouring town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.

At the same time, a strict security cordon was imposed on Sahnaya, with all entry and exit routes sealed off — effectively cutting the town off.

Audio recording sparked clashes

The clashes in Sahnaya came one day after violence erupted in the town of Jaramana, also near Damascus, sparked by an audio recording of a person insulting the Muslim prophet Mohammed.

At least 17 were killed in the Jaramana clashes, according to the UK-based Syrian rights organization.

The recording was attributed to a member of the Druze community, sparking clashes between members of the Druze community and other groups.

The recording’s author has not yet been determined, but the Interior Ministry is investigating. A statement from the Druze community in Jaramana said the recording was fabricated to incite sedition.

Both the Syrian Interior Ministry and the Druze community said the Druze community member accused of making the recording had not connection to it.

Since the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria’s new Islamist leadership has called for unity and promised inclusivity, but deadly violence has repeatedly broken out.

In March, clashes erupted between Syrian security forces under the country’s new authorities and gunmen loyal to al-Assad in Syria’s western coastal region, leaving hundreds dead.

Political Analyst and Syria expert, Nizar Ghanem, warned that the situation in Syria is “serious.”

“It shows that the transitional government is still unable to control the grounds,”  he said.

Many Druze were close to al-Assad

The Druze are a religious minority that today is primarily located in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan.

In their respective countries, their members value internal cohesion and loyalty to their respective states.

In Israel, many Druze volunteer in the army.

During the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, many Druze in Syria were close to the government,

Israel sees Druze as allies, launches warning operation

Meanwhile, a joint statement by the Israeli prime minister and defence minister stated that the Israeli military had conducted a “warning operation” in Syria against an “extremist group” that was preparing an attack on the Druze in Sahnaya.

Israel, which views the Druze as allies, “expects Syria to take measures to protect the Druze,” the statement read.

Injured Druze evacuated to Israel

Late on Wednesday afternoon, the Israeli army said it had evacuated three Syrian-Druze citizens for medical treatment at the Xiv Medical Center in Safed. It continues to monitor the situation.

Earlier on Wednesday, Syrian government sources confirmed to dpa that a Syrian soldier was killed in an Israeli drone strike in the early afternoon.

The Syrian Observatory reported that several people were also injured.

At least two Israeli strikes hit the outskirts of Sahnaya, said the Observatory’s director, Rami Abdel-Rahman.

The Israeli military stated that the air force targeted individuals outside Damascus who had attacked Druze.

The military had been ordered to prepare for attacks on Syrian government targets if violence against the Druze community continued.

According to local residents, Israeli warplanes continued to fly over the city.

Syria condemns all foreign interference

Meanwhile, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong statement rejecting all forms of foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. The statement comes in response to recent calls by groups outside Syria, which the ministry accused of being involved in violent actions and of making unlawful demands under the guise of “international protection.”

Such calls are illegitimate and aimed at undermining Syrian sovereignty, the ministry said. It emphasized that any internal challenges should be addressed strictly within the framework of national institutions and legal processes. It said it is committed to protecting all segments of its society, including the Druze community, describing them as an integral part of the national fabric.

Political Analyst and Syria expert Ghanem stressed that Israel’s interference in southern Syria shows a potential intention to control the area using the excuse of protecting minorities.

GNA

PDC

Kwabena Adu-Boahene has been fingered in another fraud scheme

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that ongoing investigations have uncovered yet another fraudulent scheme.

It has been revealed that Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has been making monthly payments of at least GH¢1.3 million into the private accounts of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director General of the National Signals Bureau.

Speaking at a press briefing on April 30, 2025, the Attorney General revealed that these payments were disguised as part of an internet provision contract with the National Signals Bureau (NSB), raising serious concerns about the misuse of public funds.

Dr Ayine further disclosed that the payments have been occurring for several months, with no clear evidence linking the transfers to any legitimate services provided by Kwabena Adu-Boahene or the NSB.

The Attorney General stated that his office is currently scrutinising the details of the contract, which appears to have been fabricated to conceal the illicit payments.

The embattled former NSB Director-General, with links to several high-profile figures, has been under investigation for various financial irregularities.

He currently faces 11 charges in connection with fraudulent schemes that have siphoned millions of cedis from state entities over the past years. These charges include conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering, and misappropriation of public funds.

Adu-Boahene’s earlier arrest was in connection with previous schemes, following multiple allegations about his role in manipulating government contracts, diverting funds intended for public projects, and using his influence to secure favourable deals with state-owned companies.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has vowed to pursue the case vigorously, promising to hold all involved parties accountable for their actions.

MA

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Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that Ghana Water Limited (GWL) paid a monthly amount of GHS1.3 million to the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu Boahen—an arrangement that became a key issue in his recent arrest.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 30, Dr. Ayine cited a contract between GWL and the erstwhile Bureau of National Communications (now the National Signals Bureau), under which GWL was to pay GHS1.3 million monthly in exchange for secure internet services.

However, according to the Attorney General, instead of directing the funds to the official account of the Bureau, Adu Boahen provided GWL with the account details of his private company—BNC Communications Bureau Limited—diverting state funds for personal gain.

“Our diligent investigation team came across yet another scheme hatched by Mr. Adu Boahene, this time involving Ghana Water Limited. This criminal enterprise involved the purported provision of secured internet services by the erstwhile Bureau of National Communications now National Signals Bureau.

“Every month GWL paid GHc1.3 million to Kwabena Adu Boahene and his company in exchange for internet services provided by the government. In fact the figure rose to GHc1.5 million every month at the close of our investigations.”

“For purposes of his payment, Kwabena Adu Boahen provided the account details of his company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, to Ghana Water, which religiously paid for the internet services,” Dr. Ayine revealed.

“In other words, every two weeks, when GHS650,000 of money from Ghana Water left the account of Ghana Water, instead of going to the National Signals Bureau account, it went to the account of a company owned by Kwabena Adu Boahen and his wife,” he further explained.

Ex-NSB Boss, Wife charged for allegedly stealing GHC49m

Attorney General, Dominic Ayine has revealed more shocking details of how Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) illegally paid GHS1.5 million monthly to a private company owned by former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu Boahene for internet services.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the Attorney General detailed how the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) was systematically defrauded through an elaborate scheme involving the National Signals Bureau (NSB) via its former director.

The scheme, which ran for an undisclosed period, saw GWCL paying premium rates for basic internet services that should have been provided at no cost between the two state-owned entities.

“This criminal enterprise involved the purported provision of secure Internet services to Ghana Water Company Limited by the erstwhile Bureau of National Communications, now National Signals Bureau,” Ayine stated.

“The contract document showed that Ghana Water was to pay BNC the sum of 650,000 Ghana cedis every two weeks for secure internet services from BNC, that is the Bureau of National Communications. However, for purposes of the payment, Kwabena Adu Buahene provided the account details of his company, BNC Communication Limited, to Ghana Water, which religiously paid for the Internet services.”

The AG explained that “every two weeks, 650,000 Ghana cedis left the bank accounts of Ghana Water. Instead of going to the National Signals Bureau account, it went to the account of a company known as Bureau of National Communications, owned by Kwabena Adu Buahene and his wife.”

The Attorney General emphasized the absurdity of the arrangement as “the government agency is providing secure internet services to Ghana Water Limited, a limited liability company solely owned by the same government.”

“And Ghana Water is spending money that they do not have to pay for internet services at that cost – 1.3 million Ghana cedis every month. In fact, the figure goes to 1.5 million Ghana cedis every month at the close of our investigations.”

The press conference came hours after Adu Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, pleaded not guilty in court to 11 corruption charges involving GHS49 million in alleged fraudulent contracts.

The Attorney General’s office is expanding its investigation into the GWCL payments, with more charges expected.

He added that his office will file separate charges against Mr Adu Buahene and his accomplices next week.

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured applicants who began their passport applications before the transition to the new chip-embedded passport system that they will be attended to promptly.

According to him, applicants with incomplete applications are required to visit the new portal at passport.mfa.gov.gh and follow the instructions provided to complete their application.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ablakwa wrote, “An assurance to the 7,900 Ghanaians who paid for passports under the old arrangement before we switched to chip-embedded passports, we have them covered. You don’t have to pay twice. No Ghanaian will be disadvantaged. The about 22,100 Ghanaians who started the passport application process but did not make payments also have 90 days to complete the process.”

He confirmed that all applicants will receive the new chip-embedded passports.

A press release from the Ministry on April 30, 2025, reiterated that following the switch from biometric to chip-embedded passports on April 28, 2025, the Ministry is working expeditiously to ensure a seamless transition.

“The Ministry notes that about 30,000 old applications remain on the old system, out of which 7,900 paid applicants have incomplete applications. Applicants with incomplete applications are assured that they will not be charged again to complete the pending applications,” the statement read.

The Public is, however, advised to note the following:

i. Those who started the application under the old system are to complete all such pending applications within 90 days;

ii. Applicants whose appointments have already been booked on the old system should proceed to the Passport Application Centres for their biometrics to be captured on the appointed day; and

iii. Applicants who missed their appointments on 28th and 29th April, 2025, are advised to visit the respective Passport Application Centres for further processing of their applications.

All enquiries may be directed to the 24-Hour hotline on 0302-754-200 for clarification.

SSD/MA

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By Rebecca Som

Accra, 30 April, (GNA) – Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Executive Director of Communication Initiatives for Change (CIC), a non-profit organisation, has urged Ghanaians to consciously reduce their meat consumption as a vital step towards sustainable living.

Speaking at the commemoration of the World Earth Month at the University of Ghana, Mr Fiagbey called on the public to adopt a “eat meat once a week” culture to improve their personal health.

The event, aimed at examining how food choices, particularly red and white meat, impact health, the environment, and the climate, was on the theme: ‘’Managing Food Waste to Save the Environment – Our Earth.”

He highlighted the need to improve personal health and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases, notably diabetes and stroke.

“It has been scientifically proven that excessive meat intake places undue pressure on the kidneys,” Mr Fiagbey said, emphasising the consumption of sustainable foods like fruits and vegetables.

“Reducing meat consumption is intended to help us protect ourselves from certain non-communicable diseases, most especially diabetes, heart disease, kidney stones, obesity, and some cancers.”

He cited recent studies by the University of Cape Coast, Bielefeld University (Germany), the University of Queensland (Australia), and the Ghana Education Service, which revealed that only 27.8 per cent of Ghanaian youth consume sufficient fruits and vegetables.

“This is in contrast to South Africa at 68 per cent, Uganda at 87.8 per cent, Nigeria at 73 per cent, and Kenya at 94 per cent,” he said.

The statistics indicate a concerning trend of unhealthy eating habits among Ghanaian youth, where meat was prioritised over fruits and vegetables, Mr Fiagbey said.

He noted that the carbon footprint associated with producing one pound of meat posed a significant environmental threat.

“Consequently, CIC’s ‘Meatless Monday’ initiative focuses on environmental preservation and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the Earth,” he said.

“The Meatless Monday encourages the consumption of more sustainable foods, reduces food waste by promoting longer food preservation, and fosters a culture of composting food waste.”

Meatless Monday is a global campaign that encourages individuals to improve their health by abstaining from meat one day each week.

Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, Environmental Chemist, shared insights on the broader interventions and strategies to adopt to make use of wasted food.

She emphasised on converting food waste into compost, repurposed as animal feed, or even processed into biogas, offering a sustainable solution to reducing waste.

“You can have a farm or a backyard where excess food goes into. You can dig a hole create your own composite and set up your own farm,” she said.

GNA

ABD

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has called for sustained and meaningful collaboration among regulatory and government agencies to ensure the successful delivery of Ghana’s ambitious Petroleum Hub project.

Speaking at the corporation’s first-ever Inter-Agency Dialogue on April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn said the hub’s realisation depends not on isolated efforts but on coordinated action across both public and private institutions.

“We are here because we recognise that the success of Ghana’s petroleum hub vision is interlinked—not with one agency, one ministry, or one entity—but with the harmonised efforts of many institutions,” Dr Aubynn said in his keynote address.

The summit, themed “Building the Energy Hub of Choice: Unlocking Synergies for a Globally Competitive Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub”, brought together sector ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, and industry leaders to explore how improved coordination can enhance investor confidence and eliminate bottlenecks.

According to Dr Aubynn, fragmented efforts have already cost the country valuable investment opportunities. He said duplication, delayed approvals, and inconsistent communication contribute to perceptions of bureaucracy that deter potential investors. He urged all institutions involved in the hub project to adopt a culture of timely and transparent inter-agency coordination.

“Too often, our efforts have been siloed. We’ve had good intentions but fragmented actions. The result? Delays in policy execution, missed investment opportunities, and a general perception of bureaucracy that deters the very partners we are trying to attract,” he stated.

He added that the PHDC’s vision for the hub goes beyond physical infrastructure, aiming to position Ghana as the heartbeat of West Africa’s energy transformation through job creation, innovation, and industrialisation.

“We envision a hub that becomes the beating heart of energy transformation in West Africa—a hub that creates jobs, drives innovation, builds local capacity, and strengthens Ghana’s economic sovereignty,” Dr Aubynn said.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon Richard Gyan-Mensah, also addressed the forum, highlighting Ghana’s geographic advantage and petroleum assets as key to becoming a regional energy leader. He acknowledged the Petroleum Hub project as central to government policy and urged stakeholders to break down institutional silos for faster and more effective results.

Similarly, Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described the project as a cornerstone of Ghana’s trade strategy, stressing that it has the potential to position the country as a regional trading powerhouse.

The panel discussion featured CEOs from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, all of whom pledged their commitment to streamlining licensing and permitting processes for the hub.

The event ended with a collective pledge from participating agencies to improve coordination and execution, with PHDC Deputy CEOs Halimatu Sadia Abdulai Abu and Onasis Rosely delivering the opening and closing remarks respectively.

By Agnes Ansah  

Accra, April 30, GNA-The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all the traditional authorities involved in resolving the Bawku conflict.  

A resolution passed at the GBA’s 2025 mid-year conference on Saturday in Accra called for support for the revered traditional leaders considering how the conflict impacted negatively on lives and property, and on national cohesion.   

The resolution was signed by Mrs Efua Ghartey, National President, GBA, and Mr Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the National Secretary of the Association.  

 “The GBA noting with deep concern the conflict in Bawku, and recognising its devastating impact on lives, property, and national cohesion, hereby calls for strong and unwavering support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all traditional authorities engaged in the mediation process…,” portions of the resolution read. 

While calling for support, the GBA urged all parties to cooperate fully and respect the outcomes of mediation aimed at restoring peace.  

The Bawku conflict has spanned ages and resulted in the death of hundreds of people, with others fleeing the area to seek shelter and better lives elsewhere.  

Measures, including the deployment of security agencies, imposition of curfews and peace talks, have been employed to salvage the situation but to no avail.  

However, on April 15, the Asantehene officially announced crucial mediation sessions, which commenced on April 28 and expected to end on May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. 

The GBA commended the urgent and genuine mediation efforts in the conflict, emphasising the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity. 

It committed to using its voice and platform to advocate a peaceful resolution and support any constitutional and legal measures necessary to secure lasting peace in Bawku. 

The GBA also touched on pertinent issues in the country, including the suspension of the Chief Justice, Ablekuma North parliamentary elections impasse and illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey. 

On the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the GBA called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the suspension, describing the action as unconstitutional and lacking a legal basis under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. 

On Ablekuma North, the Bar Association called on the Electoral Commission, the 2024 Election Security Task Force, particularly the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant authorities to take immediate and necessary steps to complete collation process and declare the results of the parliamentary elections to uphold the democratic rights of the constituents.  

It urged the Judiciary to expedite the hearing of galamsey-related cases and ensure that offenders were held accountable in accordance with the law, considering the grave threat it posed to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health. 

GNA  

ABD 

play videoManaging Director of EDC Investment Ltd., Paul Kofi Mante

The Managing Director of EDC Investment Ltd., Paul Kofi Mante, has bemoaned the state of pensions in Ghana currently.

According to him, only about 10% of Ghanaians have pension schemes.

According to him, a lot of Ghanaians who are enrolled on SSNIT earn below GH¢5,000 as a monthly pension.

He noted that workers must make sure to invest in their future in order to improve their quality of life even after retirement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Business and Financial Times – Ecobank The Money Summit, he said, “About over 90% of people who are on pension at the moment are getting less than 5,000 cedis a month. But my biggest worry is the fact that we should average about 2 million people who are more than 60.

“But the number of people who are on the SSNIT pension at the moment is less than 300,000. So the question we need to ask is, what happens to that? About 1.7 million other people are not on the SSNIT pension,” he added.

The Money Summit was under the theme, “Optimising Investment and Pensions Management: Strategies for Sustainable Retirement Income and Economic Growth”.

According to Mante, several factors prevent people from investing, including low salaries.

He, however, noted that despite these challenges, it is important to invest in a wealthier future.

“And one of the reasons why it’s important to invest is that you want to invest towards old age. And in the session, we talked about the number of reasons, like low monthly payment, monthly pension payment in several developing countries, including Ghana.

“We discuss things like longer life expectancy. People are living longer than before. So, the retirement age is 60. So you can easily retire at 60 and live to 90, or live till 85. That will be 85 years without a regular monthly income. And the fact that children should be seen as a responsibility rather than a retirement plan,” he noted.

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SSD/MA

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By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, April 30,GNA- Dr. Koku Awoonor Williams, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health, has emphasised the critical role of digital innovation in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in Ghana’s underserved and rural communities.

The consultant highlighted how technology-driven solutions, including telemedicine, electronic medical records, and mobile health services, are bridging gaps in access to quality care.

He made these remarks at a high-level health conference held at the University of Ghana on the theme, “Advancing evidence-based innovations in strengthening health systems in Africa.”

The conference was a platform for knowledge exchange, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary partnerships to accelerate health system innovations across Africa.

Dr. Williams stressed that Ghana, like many sub-Saharan l nations, faced significant health system challenges, including workforce shortages, infrastructural limitations, and financial barriers.

However, the consultant noted that digital innovations were proving transformative in overcoming the obstacles.

“Electronic Medical Records (EMR) have improved data-driven decision-making and continuity of care at all health facility levels.

Telemedicine and mobile health services provide specialist care and health information to patients in hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for long-distance travel.”

“Additionally, integrated digital systems track disease patterns, enabling proactive responses to emerging health threats,” he said.

The consultant also underscored advancements in emergency healthcare, where digital platforms now enable real-time coordination between ambulance services and hospitals.

“GPS tracking and digital dispatch systems ensure faster response times, while interoperable systems allow emergency teams to access patient records during crises,” he said.

Professor Ayaga Agula Bawah, Director of the Regional Institute of Population Studies, said innovation affords health experts the opportunity to explore better ways of healthcare delivery.

“So, innovation allows us to be able to explore new ideas and new ways of doing things, and then to be able to see how those new ways can improve the system. And so, within the health sector, innovation is very critical to implementation and health development,” he said.

He added that the adoption of digital innovation in health systems would help in finding and addressing important gaps or needs within the existing healthcare system.
GNA

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Seven Justices of the Court of Appeal for consideration and appointment to the Supreme Court of Ghana.

The nominations, made in accordance with Article 144 (2) of the 1992 Constitution, are subject to approval by Parliament.

The nominees are:

1. Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei

2. Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh

3Justice Senyo Dzamefe

4Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo

5. Justice Philip Bright Mensah

6. Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo

7. Justice Hafisata Amaleboba

KNUST TEWU-GH declares indefinite strike over governing council dispute

…..

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CEO of Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn

The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) achieved a significant milestone in its mission to attract investment to Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project by successfully hosting its first inter-agency dialogue on April 30, 2025, in Accra.

The summit, themed “Building the Energy Hub of Choice: Unlocking Synergies for a Globally Competitive Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub,” convened ministers, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders to share expertise and knowledge on streamlining processes for licensing and permitting investments in the Petroleum Hub.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, articulated how the Petroleum Hub aligns with the government’s ambitious energy sector goals.

He emphasized Ghana’s strategic positioning amid a global energy transition, underscoring the need to establish the country as a key hub for the storage, refining, and distribution of petrochemical products.

“Ghana’s geographic advantage, existing infrastructure, political stability, and emerging petroleum assets create a unique opportunity,” Gyan-Mensah stated.

“The vision for the Petroleum Hub is bold: to create a fully integrated petroleum and petrochemical hub that meets Ghana’s domestic energy demands while serving as a major export node for West Africa and beyond.”

He described the project as transformative for Ghana’s energy sector and urged government agencies to collaborate closely with the PHDC.

“The theme of this dialogue – ‘Strengthening Collaboration for a Globally Competitive Petroleum Industry’ – is not just fitting; it is critical. Misalignment among agencies, overlapping mandates, and delayed approvals have hindered progress. This dialogue aims to bridge that gap,” he added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the PHDC, Dr Toni Aubynn, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in securing the $60 billion needed for the project. He urged stakeholders to work cohesively, avoid siloed efforts, and ensure a seamless, investor-friendly process.

“The success of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub vision hinges on the harmonized efforts of multiple institutions, both public and private,” Dr. Aubynn said. “Siloed actions have led to delays, missed opportunities, and perceptions of bureaucracy that deter investors. This dialogue is our chance to change that narrative and move forward together.”

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, positioned the Petroleum Hub as central to the government’s trade agenda.

“This dialogue marks a significant step toward positioning Ghana as a cornerstone for trade and energy in Africa and beyond,” she said. “By aligning national ambitions with global market realities, we can transform Ghana into a trading powerhouse.”

The panel discussion at the event featured the CEOs of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), who affirmed their steadfast commitment to streamlining and expediting the processes for issuing licenses and permits.

The opening and closing remarks were delivered by Halimatu Sadia Abdulai Abu, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, and Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, respectively.

The event concluded with a collective pledge from all participants to diligently execute their roles in advancing the Petroleum Hub project.

SA

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Former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, have denied all charges in a high-profile corruption case involving GHS 49 million (approximately $7 million) in alleged fraudulent contracts.

The couple, alongside businesswoman Mildred Donkor and Advantage Solutions Limited, faced an 11-count indictment including stealing, money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, and wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

During today’s hearing at the High Court, the charges were read, and the accused maintained their innocence.

• Counts 1-3 (Stealing): Adu Boahene pleaded “Not guilty” to three separate counts of stealing public funds.
• Count 4 (Conspiracy to Steal): Both Adu Boahene and his wife denied collaborating to misappropriate state money.
• Counts 5-6 (Fraud & Financial Loss): The ex-NSB boss rejected accusations of defrauding the state and causing financial loss through a phantom cybersecurity deal with Israeli firm ISC Holdings Limited.
• Count 7 (Using Public Office for Profit): Adu Boahene declared, “Not guilty.”
• Count 8 (Aiding Corruption): His wife also pleaded “Not guilty” to collaborating in the alleged scheme.
• Count 9 (Obtaining Property by False Pretences): Adu Boahene again denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2023, Adu Boahene siphoned GHS 49 million from NSB coffers under the guise of purchasing nonexistent cyber defence software. Investigations revealed no such systems were ever delivered to Ghana’s security agencies.

His wife, a director of Advantage Solutions Limited, linked to the transactions, is accused of aiding in laundering the funds.

Mildred Donkor, their former bank officer, faces charges for facilitating suspicious financial transfers.

BNC was created by Adu-Boahene and his wife while he was still the NSB boss, and the company was used for the transaction of the security system purchased from the Israeli firm ISC Holdings Limited.

While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was transferred to ISC Holdings, no further payments were made to the company.

Instead, subsequent funds were diverted for personal use, including investments and transfers to unknown parties.

The court documents alleged that Adu-Boahene, his wife and Mildred “Therefore ran an elaborate criminal enterprise using A4 (Advantage Solutions Limited) as a holding company through which the stolen funds were funnelled and laundered for their own benefit”.

The documents added that as the holding company for several subsidiary companies, including the Private BNC, A4 received a substantial portion of the stolen funds which were then invested by its shareholders and directors in the business activities of the subsidiaries, including investments in treasury bills, real estate, the manufacturing of fertiliser and rental of luxury cars to VIP customers.

Mr Adu Boahene was arrested on Thursday, March 20th, at the Kotoko International Airport upon his return from abroad by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in relation to the scandal, but was later granted bail.

Meanwhile, Mr Adu Boahene and his wife have filed a defamation lawsuit against the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, for defamation over statements made during a press conference held on March 24, 2025, over the matter.

In the suit, the plaintiffs alleged that Dr Ayine’s public remarks falsely portrayed them as criminals and fraudsters who had embezzled state funds and engaged in money laundering.

They added that these accusations have severely damaged their reputations and caused distress, public ridicule, and emotional harm, particularly affecting their children, who have reportedly faced taunts in school.

The statement of claim lists several grievances, including:

Publicly branding the plaintiffs as criminals before any court ruling.
Disseminating false allegations about the plaintiffs’ travel history and financial dealings.
Violating national security laws by exposing sensitive matters.
Using media theatrics to determine their guilt and suggest custodial sentences prematurely.
The plaintiffs argue that these actions were driven by malice and an abuse of authority, designed to cause maximum reputational harm.

They are therefore seeking the following reliefs:

Exemplary and punitive damages against the Defendant for publishing and/or broadcasting highly offensive, defamatory material of and concerning the Plaintiffs in his press conference dated the 24th day of March 2025.
ii. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from further publishing and/or broadcasting or causing to be published and/or broadcast the said or similar words defamatory of the Plaintiff.

iii. Costs, including lawyer’s professional fees.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has called on all relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project.

Addressing representatives from various agencies at the inaugural PHDC Inter-Agency Dialogue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn urged stakeholders to collaborate effectively to eliminate bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies that deter potential investors.

“We are here because we recognize that the success of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub vision is interconnected, not with one agency, one ministry, or one entity alone, but with the harmonised efforts of many institutions, both public and private,” he stated.

“Each of us in this room represents a cog in the wheel of national progress. And when that wheel turns smoothly, through collaboration, shared information, clear mandates, and mutual respect, our nation moves forward,” Dr Aubynn emphasised.

He continued, “Too often, however, our efforts have been siloed. We’ve had good intentions but fragmented actions. The result? Delays in policy execution, missed investment opportunities, and a general perception of bureaucracy that deters the very partners we are trying to attract.”

Dr Aubynn stressed that for progress to be made, inter-agency coordination must become a culture, not an afterthought.

“We must streamline processes, align timelines, reduce duplication, and ensure that our communications are consistent and timely. Investors are watching. Citizens are watching. And they are looking to us for leadership, not just in vision, but in execution,” he said.

He reaffirmed PHDC’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that not only attracts but also retains investment in the Petroleum Hub.

According to Dr Aubynn, the hub will generate numerous job opportunities, contributing significantly to the growth and resilience of the local economy.

SA/MA