Red Star Belgrade are reportedly exploring the possibility of re-signing Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari in 2025.
The 26-year-old left the Serbian champions for Major League Soccer side Austin FC last summer in a deal worth €7 million, penning a contract that runs until the end of 2027.
However, Bukari has struggled to replicate his impressive European form in the United States, managing just two goals and three assists in 24 matches for the Texas-based outfit.
His relatively modest output has sparked speculation that Austin may be open to parting ways with the Ghana international, creating an opening for a potential return to Belgrade.
Bukari previously enjoyed a prolific spell at Crvena zvezda, where he registered 25 goals and 20 assists in 78 appearances across all competitions.
He initially joined the Serbian club from Belgian side Gent in July 2022 for a transfer fee of €3 million.
With Crvena zvezda reportedly keen to bolster their attack for next season, Bukari’s past success at the club makes him an attractive target as they aim to strengthen their squad for both domestic and European campaigns.
An intelligence-led operation by National Security and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has led to the arrest of six Indian nationals for engaging in illegal gold trading activities in Ghana.
Three of the suspects were apprehended in Anyinam in the Eastern Region, while the other three were arrested in Adiembra in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, spearheaded by National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul Osman, resulted in the seizure of hundreds of gold bars, large sums of Ghana cedis, and money-counting machines.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, held at the National Security Secretariat in Accra, Media Relations Officer for the Ghana GoldBod, Prince Kwame Minkah, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that all involved will face appropriate legal consequences.
According to him, the first group of foreign nationals were arrested before the April 30 deadline set by the GoldBod banning foreign participation in the local gold trade. Therefore, they will be deported rather than prosecuted.
However, the second group, arrested after the May 1 enforcement of the new directive, will face prosecution in court.
“For the latest bust, those involved will face the full rigours of the law. The confiscated items included gold bars, money-counting machines, and cash in cedis. This is a clear warning to all foreigners—local gold trading is exclusively reserved for the Ghana GoldBod,” he stated.
National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul Osman also disclosed that some Ghanaians were complicit in the scheme, aiding the foreign nationals by registering companies in their names to help them evade taxes and conceal their operations.
He assured that investigations are ongoing and that all Ghanaians found to have played a role in the illegal activities will also be prosecuted.
The Ghana GoldBod had earlier announced a ban on all foreign and unauthorized individual participation in the local gold market, effective May 1, 2025. The agency now holds exclusive authority to regulate and control artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the country.
According to the directive, any foreigner or individual wishing to trade in gold must now apply for approval to purchase or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod.
The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) has urged the government to urgently revisit and renegotiate contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), arguing that the current pricing arrangements are a major driver of financial inefficiencies in the energy sector.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, May 15, PUWU General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, expressed concern over what he described as a lack of focus on the cost implications of IPP contracts, which he says have become a significant source of revenue leakage.
“There are certain things that we are also raising about the pricing of IPPs… has the government taken the pain to renegotiate the IPP contract with them?” Nyame questioned.
He noted that while public discussions often centre around utility tariffs and fuel supply, little attention is paid to the inflated cost of electricity from IPPs, especially when compared to pricing structures in other African countries.
“These are some of the things that we are mentioning—that the pricing of the IPP is part of the leakages that they have to plug. Nobody is speaking about that. Nobody sees that IPPs should be renegotiated,” he added.
Nyame also raised concerns about the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on power pricing and called for a transition to contracts denominated in Ghana cedis to better reflect local economic conditions.
“Looking at the pricing across Africa—how much some of the IPPs are charging compared with Ghana. Also [changing] the pricing into Ghana cedi. We are not looking at that,” he said.
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The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Mumuni Zakaria, says the central bank is not using up reserves to support the cedi. He insists the recent gains are not artificial.
“If we were that heavy in terms of our support to the market, we would not be doing well with our reserves accumulation,” he said.
He described the market rally as credible and rooted in real confidence, dismissing speculation that the central bank is drawing down its buffers to defend the local currency.
“Unfortunately, if this were the case, market players who are very smart would have seen through it,” Dr. Zakaria said. “The rally would have been short-lived. They wouldn’t trust you.”
He said the central bank has actually been building reserves faster than anticipated.
“We are even accumulating reserves much, much faster than what has been expected,” he said. “And that is why the market really thinks this can be sustained.”
Dr. Zakaria stressed the quality of the reserves. “These are not debt-creating reserves,” he said.
“These are organically accumulated reserves. At the end of April, we had over $10 billion. We expect to hit $11 billion by the end of June.”
He said these figures are far above IMF targets. “The IMF program set a target of three months of import cover. We are now at 3.7 months using IMF metrics,” he said.
“If you include petroleum funds, we’re around 4.7 months. That’s quite a lot.”
He said this performance shows policy innovation.
“We have devised very strategic ways of meeting market demand while still accumulating external buffers,” he explained.
“What we are doing now places more weight on building reserves than on direct market support.”
He told Joy News that the approach has shifted. “This time is different,” Dr. Zakaria said.
He acknowledged that other factors also support the cedi’s strength.
“We’ve had a Staff Level Agreement with the IMF. That sent a strong message globally. It means things are changing.”
He pointed to disinflation. “Inflation dropped from nearly 24% to 21.2%. That’s progress,” he said.
“Fiscal consolidation is also taking shape. Public sector borrowing has slowed sharply compared to last year.”
He said the Bank of Ghana has taken deliberate steps to manage liquidity. “We’ve sterilised three times more than last year,” he said.
“So we’re keeping cedi liquidity tight while still meeting forex demand.”
He said all these efforts work together. “We are not intervening recklessly,” he said. “We’re building confidence, not burning reserves.”
He repeated the central point. “This is not smoke and mirrors,” Dr. Zakaria said. “This is real. And we intend to sustain it.”
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.
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.
Ghanaian actress and media personality Matilda Adjoa Densu, widely known as AJ Poundz, has shared a harrowing health experience that nearly cost her life.
During an interview with ZionFelix, AJ revealed that she had been unknowingly living with an umbilical hernia, a condition she only discovered by chance.
The revelation occurred when she accompanied her mother, who was receiving treatment for goiter, to the University of Ghana Medical Centre. During what was supposed to be a routine visit, a doctor and close friend noticed something unusual about her navel. Although AJ initially dismissed the concern, the doctor insisted on a closer examination.
That moment changed everything. A physical check-up confirmed that she had developed an umbilical hernia. The diagnosis came as a shock to both AJ and her husband. Medical staff advised immediate surgery and emphasized that any delay could have led to serious or even fatal consequences.
Doctors described her situation as one of sheer luck—had the surgery been postponed, the outcome could have been dire. Reflecting on the ordeal, AJ admitted that she had experienced earlier symptoms but chose to ignore them, assuming they were harmless.
She also expressed alarm at how little is known or discussed about umbilical hernias in Ghana. Her concerns deepened after learning about a woman who died from the same condition, an issue that was only identified after her passing. AJ believes this points to a broader need for public education and awareness about such silent but dangerous health threats.
AJ concluded her account with deep appreciation for the doctors and nurses at UGMC. She credited their vigilance, speed, and dedication with saving her life, saying their intervention made all the difference in her survival.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, says President John Dramani Mahama’s government prioritizes the promotion of the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in mainstream education.
Speaking at the donation of Teaching and Learning Resources to public schools by Chance for Childhood on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the AMA Conference Hall in Accra, Dr Apaak stated that, in line with the implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy in Ghana, the Ministry is intensifying its efforts to improve equitable access to quality inclusive education for learners with disabilities and other special educational needs.
“This government places a top priority on inclusion, and we aspire to build an inclusive society where everyone is valued and can thrive in a supportive environment.
“In this regard, the Ministry of Education is strongly committed to promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs in mainstream education. We firmly believe that all our children and persons with disabilities must have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in quality educational settings that best meet their needs. The recent announcement by His Excellency President Mahama regarding the free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities attests to the strong commitment we attach to inclusive education,” Dr. Apaak stated.
The Deputy Minister further noted that the Ministry acknowledges that promoting inclusive education requires strong collaboration among key stakeholders.
“For this reason, we commend Chance for Childhood for playing an active role in bridging gaps in the delivery of quality inclusive education in Ghana. Chance for Childhood’s holistic, inclusive interventions align with the Ministry’s efforts to promote inclusive education by ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, at all levels of education, have equitable access to quality education, fully participate in classroom activities, and achieve meaningful learning outcomes.
“For example, the organization’s major interventions, such as screening and assessment for learners at the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level, will ensure early detection and intervention for children with disabilities.
“Additionally, training teachers in disability inclusion, especially pre-primary teachers, will ensure that they are adequately equipped to provide differentiated and individualized learning support to children with disabilities. Furthermore, the sensitization of parents and community members will help reduce stigma and discrimination against children and people with disabilities, enabling parents to effectively support their children with disabilities,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Dr Apaak emphasized that the supply of tactile teaching and learning resources, “as we are here to witness today, is another critical intervention to ensure that our mainstream schools remain inclusive, safe, and accommodating spaces for our children with disabilities and special educational needs.”
According to him, these interventions are crucial for early childhood development, especially for children with disabilities, recognizing that the formative years are critical in laying a strong foundation for children’s educational journeys.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has firmly dismissed reports linking it to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML), stating that it has no dealings, contract, partnership, or relationship whatsoever with the company.
Describing the claims as “completely false,” the Board urged the public to treat such reports with the utmost contempt.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 15 May 2024, GoldBod emphasised its commitment to transparency and responsible governance in Ghana’s gold sector. It also warned against attempts to mislead the public through misinformation.
This clarification comes amid broader confusion surrounding the role of SML in Ghana’s extractive industries.
In a separate but related development, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has also firmly denied reports suggesting that SML has been authorised to resume or expand its revenue assurance role in the upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors.
According to a press release from the GRA’s Communication and Public Affairs Department, media publications on Wednesday, 14 May 2025—including reports in the Business and Financial Times and Graphic Online—incorrectly stated that SML had launched an expanded oversight mandate.
The GRA clarified that no such directive has been issued. It reiterated that SML’s operations in both the petroleum and solid minerals sectors remain suspended—a decision enacted in April 2024 and still in effect, pending further review.
“GRA has not instructed SML to activate or resume operations under the 2023 Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services Contract covering those sectors,” the statement read.
Both agencies, GoldBod and the GRA, reaffirmed their dedication to upholding transparency, integrity, and the protection of national interests in the management of Ghana’s natural resource revenues.
Ghana international Lawrence Agyekum has emerged as a top transfer target for French clubs Strasbourg and FC Nantes following a standout season.
The Black Stars midfielder has attracted interest from several European clubs after an impressive campaign with Belgian side Cercle Brugge.
Agyekum joined Cercle Brugge on a season-long loan from Red Bull Salzburg last summer and has since established himself as a key player.
Since his arrival, he has made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, drawing interest from clubs including Strasbourg and Nantes, who are keen to sign the Ghanaian midfielder this summer.
Meanwhile, Cercle Brugge are eager to retain Agyekum beyond his loan spell, with a purchase option clause included in the agreement.
The Belgian club is expected to exercise that clause, but interest from France could complicate negotiations.
While Agyekum’s next move remains uncertain, it is clear that his development in Belgium has caught the attention of clubs across Europe, setting the stage for a possible move to one of the continent’s top leagues.
Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa), in partnership with global aerospace leader Boeing, has officially launched two flagship programmes in Nigeria and Togo aimed at empowering young people with skills in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The two programs aim to equip African youth with relevant, future-focused skills to drive economic growth, self-employment, and innovation across the continent.
In Nigeria, 500 secondary school girls have been enrolled in the newly launched Girls STEMpreneurship Programme, which will deliver hands-on training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The program includes innovation camps designed to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and business development skills. Top teams will receive seed funding to transform their ideas into viable ventures.
Meanwhile, in Togo, 600 senior secondary students have joined the Company Program, JA Africa’s premier entrepreneurship curriculum. Participants will learn how to establish and manage startups, with a strong focus on addressing environmental challenges through sustainable business solutions.
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, received the United States Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer, at his office in Accra.
The visit formed part of Ambassador Palmer’s farewell engagements as she officially announced the end of her tenure in Ghana.
Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Hon. Muntaka Mubarak commended Ambassador Palmer for her exemplary service and contributions to the Ministry and its agencies, noting the progress achieved under her leadership in U.S.-Ghana relations.
“Ambassador Palmer has been a true partner in our shared mission to promote peace, security, and good governance. Her tenure has seen remarkable collaboration between our two countries, especially within the security sector,” the Minister stated.
Ambassador Palmer, in turn, expressed her appreciation for the productive partnership and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s continued commitment to supporting the Ministry of the Interior and the Government of Ghana.
“It has been an honour to serve in Ghana. The strength of our partnership has been deeply encouraging, and I am confident it will continue to grow stronger,” she said.
The meeting highlighted the enduring relationship between Ghana and the United States, built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Minister Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor
Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has disclosed that Ghana Water Limited has failed to pay the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for power consumed over the past seven months, resulting in an accumulated debt of approximately GH₵1 billion.
This revelation was made during a meeting with Parliament’s Energy Committee and key stakeholders in the power sector, where the Minister directed ECG to urgently recover the outstanding amount to sustain operations amid growing financial stress in the sector.
“Ghana Water hasn’t paid even GH₵1 for seven months, and it has compounded to GH₵1 billion. The power sector will not be stable if such debts continue. The private sector or ordinary citizens alone cannot shoulder this burden,” Jinapor stated.
He made these comments while responding to complaints from Ghana Water Limited about erratic electricity supply affecting water distribution.
In a related development, the Minister revealed that Karpower, one of Ghana’s key Independent Power Producers (IPPs), has issued a notice of shutdown effective May 18, citing over $400 million in unpaid government debt.
“Karpower has just sent us a letter that by the 18th, they will shut down the plant because we owe them more than $400 million. In total, we owe IPPs about $1.7 billion,” Jinapor added.
These revelations come as Ghana’s energy sector grapples with a deepening liquidity crisis, exacerbated by underreported revenues, ballooning government arrears, and delays in implementing cost-reflective tariffs.
The Minister stressed the urgency of improving revenue recovery, warning that failure to act would further destabilize power generation and supply nationwide.
Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jonathan Abdulai Salifu, has downplayed the controversy surrounding the dollar gift given by the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to pardon Gyamfi after he issued a public apology. Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News’ Point Blank on Thursday, May 15, Salifu insisted that the issue lacked merit from the outset and was unlikely to result in any significant consequences.
“To some of us, we knew the matter wasn’t going to go anywhere because there was no substance in it. Not to me alone but to many people,” he said.
Salifu defended Gyamfi’s actions, asserting that the gesture did not contravene any public service rules.
“What did he do? You can go and read the Code of Conduct that was recently launched by the president—from page one to page 63—there is no part of it which says you cannot gift somebody something small,” he stated.
He also rejected claims that the gift was lavish or inappropriate, arguing: “And apart from that, he didn’t do it in an opulent manner.”
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The Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana has urged Parliament to fast-track the passage of the reintroduced Anti-Witchcraft Bill to outlaw witchcraft accusations and attacks.
Genevieve Partington said their engagements with relevant stakeholders on the matter, including the Attorney General’s Office, offered hope that once the bill was passed, it would be assented into law.
Ms Partington made this appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra.
“I am actually quite happy that this bill, once it is passed, will be signed into law. So far, we have not gotten any pushback from the government. They say if it passes in Parliament, they will sign it,” she added.
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill aims to criminalise witchcraft accusations to protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen social cohesion.
Also, it seeks to make it illegal to accuse someone of witchcraft, establish protective measures for victims, and provide a legal pathway for justice.
Ms Partington called for the Government’s intervention in providing a conducive environment and stay for the victims at the camps, prior to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
She said they faced harsh and inhumane conditions in the camps, adding that many of the women lived without access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
Ms Partington said governments over the years had failed to ensure access to adequate food, safe housing and clean water in the camps.
She added that the state’s failure to investigate and prosecute “witch attackers” contributed to the recurrence of accusations.
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.
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.
Decongestion exercise at the Central Business District in Kumasi
A trader at the Central Business District in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, has called on God to destroy the world following an operation by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to clear hawkers and traders off pavements.
The frustrated trader, who could not bear the sight of the destruction of traders’ wares and other items during the decongestion exercise, called on the Creator of the universe to end the world.
“God, the country we live in is not of God. Destroy the world so everyone will die because of what the KMA is doing to people. They are just destroying people’s properties,” the trader is heard saying in a video posted on the social media platform X.
In the video members of the KMA Taskforce are seen confiscating some items of the traders and putting them into a big track parked nearby to transport the items.
Since assuming office, the KMA Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, also known as King Zuba, has prioritised the removal of traders operating in unauthorised areas.
Last week, KMA launched a decongestion operation targeting several parts of the Central Business District in an effort to reduce human and vehicular congestion and improve sanitation.
A statement issued by the Assembly listed the affected areas as Adum, Kejetia, Pampaso, Dr. Mensah, the Zoo enclave, Dunkirk, Roman Hill, the area around the Kejetia Market, Adehyeman, and Alarba. The KMA further warned that trading in those locations and other unsanctioned areas will no longer be tolerated.
“God should destroy the world because this our country is no good”
—A trader at Kumasi reacts to the operations of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly officials as decongestion efforts take full swing in the central business district. pic.twitter.com/lrqlub9htH
A former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s handling of the recent controversy involving the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi.
Speaking at the Entrepreneurship and National Leadership event held at Central University on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Mr Agyapong expressed his disapproval of the President’s decision not to take further disciplinary action against Gyamfi.
“Nepotism, favoritism is what is killing this country, and there is no doubt about that. Recently in the news, we heard about Nana Agradaa and Sammy Gyamfi. If I were the president, I would have sacked Sammy Gyamfi right away. I would not have waited for even a second, because the evidence was clear. I didn’t need to go and conduct any investigation. This will serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
He went on to decry what he described as growing levels of nepotism and favoritism in public service, stating that such practices are stifling national development.
According to Agyapong, the persistence of nepotism leads to unqualified individuals occupying key positions, a situation he believes must be addressed urgently.
“Young men and women complete their university education and go on ahead with their national service. Even with that one, you will have to pay to get a good company. If you didn’t know any politician, you could not do your national service at a proper place.
“All these are impeding progress, and because of nepotism, we end up employing square pegs in round holes. So, this is a canker, we need to solve or resolve,” he stated.
His comments come in the wake of a viral video that showed Gyamfi handing over an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
The video sparked public backlash, with concerns raised about a possible violation of the Foreign Exchange Act and ethical standards expected of public officials.
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious package of road infrastructure projects and socio-economic development programmes for the Upper West Region under the government’s Big Push initiative, pledging accelerated growth and improved livelihoods for residents.
Speaking at a durbar at the Wa Jubilee Park as part of his thank-you tour, President Mahama expressed gratitude for the region’s overwhelming support in the 2024 elections.
He assured constituents that their loyalty would be rewarded with tangible development, particularly in the areas of roads, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment
The Upper West Region, long hindered by poor infrastructure and limited economic opportunities, is poised for transformative change under the government’s Big Push agenda.
President Mahama announced a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga trunk road, construct new roads along the Techiman-Wenchi-Bole-Wa-Hamile corridor, resurface portions of the Sola-Fufulso road, and upgrade roads in several districts, including Wa East, Nadowli, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, and Sissala East.
“During the campaign, we travelled on a terrible road network that has become characteristic of the Upper West Region. Work will begin very soon. In a few months, you will see contractors on all these roads,” he said.
Cedi gains, lower prices show economy is stabilising – Mahama
The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced the successful removal of more than 2,000 ghost names from its payroll, a move expected to save the state over GH¢1 million.
According to the NSA’s Director-General, Felix Gyamfi, the cleanup exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and eliminate fraud within the scheme.
He disclosed that the data of service personnel will now be shared with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department for cross-verification to prevent duplication and unauthorized entries.
“If you’re already on another payroll — whether as a police officer, immigration officer, or army officer — and you’re doing national service just to meet the requirement, do not submit your allowance form this month,” Gyamfi warned. “We are now working closely with the NIB and other security agencies, and anyone who attempts to defraud the system will be arrested.”
On April 30, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced that former National Service Authority (NSA) directors implicated in the ghost names scandal will be formally charged in the first week of May 2025.
The development follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama for a full investigation into the discovery of 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll.
The anomaly was identified during a nationwide headcount of active national service personnel, according to Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The audit, commissioned by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was part of efforts to reconcile and clear outstanding service allowance arrears dating back to August 2024. The issue was first brought to light in an investigative report by The Fourth Estate in November 2024.
On March 20, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) interrogated the former Executive Director of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, over his alleged involvement in the payroll fraud. He was accompanied by his lawyer after being invited for questioning.
Former NSA Boss paid MP to kill ‘Ghost Names’ scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to the United States on a working visit next week and will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on May 21, Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement late on Wednesday.
“President Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington DC to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest,” South Africa’s presidency said.
“The president’s visit to the US provides a platform to reset the strategic relationship between the two countries,” the statement added.
Relations between South Africa and the U.S. have soured significantly since Trump returned to the White House in January.
Trump has cut all U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land reform policy and of its genocide case at the International Court of Justice against Washington’s ally Israel.
This week the Trump administration welcomed 49 white South Africans it has granted refugee status, having deemed them victims of racial discrimination.
South Africa maintains there is no evidence of persecution of white people in the country and Ramaphosa has said the U.S. government “has got the wrong end of the stick”.
The United States is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner after China.
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.
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.
Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumu
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Chairman Wontumi, has claimed that he funded the party’s congress held in Tamale in the Northern Region with GH₵1 billion in 2014.
According to the outspoken politician and businessman, he has always been selfless and remains committed to supporting the party both financially and through other means to ensure the NPP wins the 2028 elections.
Chairman Wontumi, who has declared his intention to contest for the National Chairman position of the party, made this statement during an interview on his media outlet, Wontumi TV, on Thursday, May 15. He stated that his generous contributions to the party are well documented and beyond doubt, adding that he has always supported the party without expecting any rewards.
“If Jake Obetsebi Lamptey were alive, he would have led my campaign. When I was the Bosomtwe Constituency Chairman, I supported both my constituency and the regional party. I also sent money to the national office every month because, at the time, we were in opposition.
“In 2014, I contributed funds at the national level for the Tamale Congress that elected Chairman Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong as National Chairman and General Secretary, respectively. After organizing the Ashanti Regional Congress, I donated GH₵1 billion from the remaining funds to the party. This is something I do regularly—I am a very selfless person.”
He also shared how he personally rented an office building for the regional party for 10 years and later secured a permanent office for them.
Chairman Wontumi further expressed his gratitude to the NPP for the popularity he has gained over the years through his service as Regional Chairman.
#WontumiNews : “I supported the NPP with Ghc1billion in 2014 for the Tamale Congress.I’ve always been selfless and I promise to forge unity in the party ahead of the 2028 elections” -Chairman Wontumi pic.twitter.com/Qqw3NMSznF
— Wontumi Communications (@WontumiTV) May 15, 2025
KA
Watch as Agradaa promises to share church money with Sammy Gyamfi if he’s fired
Tanzanian authorities arrested a senior opposition official as he was departing for a political conference in Belgium, his party said on Tuesday, as fears grow of an escalating crackdown ahead of an October election.
While President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who plans to seek reelection, says the government is committed to respecting human rights, a recent string of high-profile arrests has thrust her record into the spotlight.
Amani Golugwa, a senior member of Tanzania’s main opposition CHADEMA party, was arrested at Julius Nyerere International Airport in the capital Dar es Salaam on Monday, his party wrote on X.
Tanzanian police confirmed his arrest in a post on their Instagram account, writing that Golugwa “has a trend of leaving and returning to the country without following legal procedures.”
“Dar es Salaam police special zone is continuing with the investigation on the matter in collaboration with other security organs,” the post added.
A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Golugwa had been due to represent his party in Brussels at a forum organised by the International Democracy Union, a grouping of centre-right parties that CHADEMA belongs to and which also counts the British Conservatives and U.S. Republicans as members.
“The IDU strongly condemns the unlawful arrest and assault of CHADEMA’s (Golugwa),” the organisation posted on X. “Silencing opposition voices violates the core of democracy. We call for his immediate release.”
Police arrested Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA’s leader and Tanzania’s main opposition figure, last month.
Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in the last presidential poll, was subsequently charged with treason over what prosecutors said was a speech calling upon the public to rebel and disrupt the elections.
He had held several rallies in early April under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election”, where CHADEMA demanded significant changes to an electoral process they say favours the ruling party.
Days after Lissu’s arrest, the election commission disqualified CHADEMA from participating in the polls over its refusal to sign a code of conduct.
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.
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.
play videoA photo collage of Chairman Wontumi and John Mahama
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of targeting him due to personal hatred.
According to Wontumi, he has committed no offence nor served under any previous administration to warrant being “hunted” by the government.
He questioned the basis on which his bank accounts had been frozen.
Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV on May 15, 2025, he alleged that the President was attacking him on personal grounds and urged Mahama to focus on governance rather than on him.
“They know Wontumi is winning, so they want to attack me. I have never been on any board, never worked as a government official, and never served under Akufo-Addo’s administration, so why attack me?
“There is no minister who can say they have given me a job before. So why would you close Wontumi’s account? For what reason?
“Mahama, the way your government is handling me is not right. This isn’t how things should be. I believe this is personal hatred and wrongful accusation. We went for an election, and you have won, so focus on your government,” he said.
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen the accounts of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the owner of Akonta Mining.
Information available to GhanaWeb indicates that all bank accounts associated with the embattled mining firm, Akonta Mining, have been frozen by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
The FIC, as per a document sighted by GhanaWeb is acting in accordance with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020.
“Freezing of accounts – 1. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi)
2. Akonta Mining
3. Hallmark Civil Engineering Limited.
“In accordance with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), you are hereby directed to immediately freeze all accounts in relation to and in association with the above-named subjects pending further directives,” parts of a letter from the FIC to the relevant financial institutions read.
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company have been in the news recently following the revocation of the license of the firm by the Minerals Commission, acting on the orders of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
At a press conference held on Monday, April 21, 2025, lands minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described Akonta Mining Company as a criminal syndicate, allegedly undertaking criminal activities in Ghana’s forests.
AM/KA
#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028
Mali’s military government announced on Tuesday that it had dissolved all political parties, approving a recommendation publicised last month that spurred unprecedented protests in the capital, Bamako.
A statement read on state television said the decision had been validated by military leader Assimi Goita, who seized power in the West African country after coups in 2020 and 2021.
Last month, a national conference of political actors in Mali recommended naming Goita as president with a five-year mandate as well as dissolving the parties.
In protests in Bamako on May 3 and May 4, several hundred critics carried placards displaying messages calling for multi-party elections and chanted slogans such as: “Down with dictatorship, long live democracy.” The junta originally committed to holding elections in February 2022.
Ahead of another planned protest on May 9, Mali suspended political activities across the country, forcing the opposition parties to call off their gathering.
Meanwhile, three opposition politicians are feared to have been abducted in recent days, according to party officials and human rights activists, raising fears of mounting repression.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement last week that Abba Alhassane, secretary general of the Convergence for the Development of Mali (CODEM), was arrested by “masked gunmen claiming to be gendarmes” on May 8.
The group also said “unidentified men” seized El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema party, in the town of Kati outside Bamako on the same day.
On Tuesday, a member of CODEM, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told Reuters that the party had not heard from Abdoul Karim Traore, a party youth leader, for two days and feared he had been abducted too.
Mali’s security ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
A court in Thailand has issued 17 arrest warrants for people connected to the building of a skyscraper that collapsed during an earthquake in March.
The 30-storey tower, being built to house the State Audit Office, was felled when Bangkok felt tremors of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck neighbouring Myanmar.
Authorities said they had recovered 89 bodies from the rubble of the tower, while seven remain unaccounted for.
Police investigating the cause of the collapse said the warrants were issued to people involved in the design, construction and building supervision of the tower, local media reported.
Police named only one of the individuals as businessman Premchai Karnasuta, a former president of Italian-Thai Development PLC., one of Thailand’s largest construction firms.
Thai media reported on Thursday that investigators had found structural flaws in a lift shaft in the building. Thai authorities are yet to release their findings into the cause of the building’s collapse.
Footage showed high-rise buildings in Bangkok swaying and water falling from rooftop pools onto the streets below resulting from the strong tremors.
Buildings in the Thai capital emerged from the quake largely unscathed except for the State Audit Office – a tower made of blue glass and steel that was situated opposite the Chatuchak market, a popular tourist attraction.
It had been under construction for three years at a cost of more than two billion Thai baht ($59m; £45m) before it was reduced to rubble.
More than 400 workers were at the site when it collapsed, and drones, sniffer dogs, cranes, and excavators were brought in to help with the rescue effort.
The earthquake that hit Myanmar on 28 March caused the deaths of more than 3,000 people and injured more than 4,500, with tremors felt elsewhere, including in Thailand and south-west China.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, former Chief Justice of Ghana
Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, former Chief Justice of Ghana, has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the FIFA Adjudicatory Chamber for a four-year term.
The appointment was officially announced during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción, Paraguay.
In his role, Justice Anin-Yeboah will play a pivotal part in upholding ethical standards within global football.
The Adjudicatory Chamber is a key component of FIFA’s Ethics Committee, responsible for reviewing cases brought forward by the Investigatory Chamber, determining whether proceedings should continue or be closed, and imposing sanctions in accordance with FIFA’s codes and statutes.
Justice Anin-Yeboah brings a wealth of legal and administrative experience to the position. He served as the 14th Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, and his distinguished judicial career is complemented by extensive involvement in football governance, both locally and internationally.
He previously held positions within the Ghana Football Association and has served on FIFA’s judicial bodies, earning respect for his integrity and commitment to justice.
With his proven track record in both legal and sporting institutions, Justice Anin-Yeboah is well positioned to strengthen the work of the Adjudicatory Chamber and support FIFA’s mission to safeguard the integrity of the game.
The FIFA Adjudicatory Chamber consists of the following members:
Ghana is strategically positioned now to manufacture its own vaccines, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed.
He said Ghana had established the National Vaccine Institute; hence, the nation was well-placed to produce its own vaccines.
Moreover, other leading pharmaceutical companies in the country had also taken the lead in that respect.
Mr. Akandoh disclosed at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra, during a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama by Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC).
The Africa-CDC Director-General is in the country to sign a data-sharing agreement between Ghana and Africa-CDC.
Mr Akandoh said: “As we all recall during the pandemic, we have countries who looked into our eyes and told us that, look, not until they satisfy their citizens, they were not going to allow the export of vaccines into our country, and therefore I think that we must learn lessons from that to be able to prepare adequately for any future pandemic”.
“We also think that we should be able to build or scale up our primary health care services as we roll out the free primary health care.”
He said the Mahama Cares also needs some kind of collaboration for its sustainability, and it could also be an innovation that could also be emulated by other African countries.
He said the resource support from other partner donors or development partners were dwindling.
“We all know that we have been signalled that by the year 2030, we’ll be exiting Gavi, and therefore there is a need for us to find a sustainable way of financing our vaccines in this country.
This, he said, was one of the ways they could collaborate well with Africa-CDC to ensure that they had sustainable sources of funding for their vaccines, saying “and if we do, then other countries can also emulate same”.
Mr Akandoh said Dr Kaseya’s visit to Ghana and the objectives of the Africa-CDC aligned very well with one of the priorities of the President by putting in place a robust mechanism to have a robust healthcare system to be able to respond promptly to pandemics and to ensure that we have health security in this country.
He said that as a country, they had collaborated so well with Africa-CDC and that they had enjoyed some support from Africa-CDC for some time now.
Highlighting that, Mr Akandoh said Ghana had enjoyed about $2.4 million to strengthen its primary healthcare system.
He said they were at the moment training or had trained about 400 epidemiologists through the Africa-CDC’s assistance.
He said they raised not less than $400,000 to train such people.
He said the Africa-CDC had also assisted Ghana to raise not less than $1.6 million for the procurement and delivery of coaching and IT equipment as a country.
Mr Akandoh said that by the grace of God, Ghana was playing a vital role in terms of health in Africa.
He said the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana was currently serving as the sub-regional centre for training epidemiologists.
Mr Akandoh said the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) was also at the maturity level for what was playing a vital role in promoting continental health security.
He said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was one of the strongest health financing schemes within the sub-region, declaring that “other countries are also learning from us”.
“We are leading by example, not only the National Health Insurance Scheme, but at the moment, as you all know, it is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s priority area to roll out what we call the Free Primary Healthcare, which we believe that that will catalyze or be a catalyst to arriving at the Universal Health Coverage on time,” the Minister said.
He also mentioned the Mahama Cares (Ghana Medical Trust Fund), which was set-up by the Government as part of efforts to relieve the financial burden of sufferers of chronic diseases (Non-communicable Diseases).
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC), lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s visionary leadership in transforming Ghana’s health sector.
“I’m so impressed, so impressed by President Mahama. This is why I told him I would come to visit you in Ghana, and I want you, the media to say that someone who came from the African Union, someone who is the leader of health in Africa, is impressed by what Ghana is doing,” Dr Kaseya said.
He underscored the African Union and the Africa-CDC’s commitment to support Ghana and to share the good news and experiences.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Last Tuesday, 6th May, the Supreme Court of Ghana in a 3-2 majority dismissed an application by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, a member of parliament who invited the court to halt the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice as effected by the president of the republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
The decision followed the unanimous ruling of the court dismissing the objection of the lawyer for the applicant against Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie from presiding over the injunction application. In an interview after the proceedings, the lawyer asserted that in the constitutional history of the country there has not been any instance of a Chief Justice presiding over proceedings when the matter concerns the Chief Justice. Thus, as an Acting Chief Justice and a direct beneficiary of the issue at hand, he is not supposed to preside over the proceedings. The process for the removal of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Getrude Torkornoo was initiated on 25th March where an official communique from the office of Ghana’s president stated that three petitions from different persons have been received by the president seeking for the removal of the chief justice, her Ladyship Getrude Torkornoo.
The communique also stated that the president has upon receiving the petitions, forwarded them to the Council of State to commence the consultation process mandated by article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. By the communique, a lot of issues was raised concerning the constitutionality of the process as initiated by the president. Two separate writs by Ghanaian citizens Vincent Ekow Assafuah and Ebenezer Osei-Owusu were issued on 27th of March invoking the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, arguing that the process as initiated by the President of Ghana is in clear violation of the constitution, specifically article 146. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame representing his client Vincent Ekow Assafuah argued that there ought to be a notification to the Chief Justice before processes under 146 can be triggered as this is in consonance with all rules of natural justice and constitutionalism. In addition, the chief justice issued a communication requesting the president and eminent members of the council of state to forward the petitions against her to her and be allowed at least seven days after receipt to respond to same. She argued,
It is the most fundamental percept of the common law and our constitutional dispensation ingrained into the justice delivery process, that no consideration that affects the rights of a defendant can be made unless the defendant has been given notice of the contents of a charge, and an opportunity to respond to them.
Thus, her response together with the evidence in the petition should be obtained before the procedure under article 146(6) can be triggered. Pursuant to the combined reading of clauses (6) and (7) of article 146, the president is required to appoint a committee acting in consultation with the Council of State to determine the merits when a petition is for the removal of the Chief Justice. Thus, the constitution is silent on obtaining the preliminary response of the Chief Justice and determining a prima facie case before the setup of a committee.
The logical gap of a determination of a prima facie case was presented before the court in the case of Frank Agyei Twum vs. Attorney General & Akwetey [2005-2006] where the plaintiff prayed for reliefs inter alia that the court should construe article 146 (6) concurrently with article 146(3) and 146(4) which requires the establishment of a prima facie case prior to the setting up of a Committee to investigate complaints in a petition against a Justice of the Superior Court because the Chief Justice is first and foremost a Judge of the Superior Court.
Upholding the plaintiff’s averments, the court through Date-Bah JSC (as he was then) declared,
In my view, the objective purpose and spirit of the 1992 Constitution require that a Chief Justice be given the benefit of a prior determination as to whether there is a prima facie case established against him or her, before the President may establish a committee to consider a petition for his or her removal. A comparative examination of the relevant provisions dealing with petitions for the removal of other Superior Court Justices (in articles 146(3) and 146(4)) reveals an omission in the plain language of article 146(6) relating to the impeachment process of the Chief Justice which, in my view, could not have been intended by the framers of the Constitution.
The question that stirred public reactions, including the two suits, was whether or not the president has a mandate to first obtain the Chief Justice’s preliminary response before the determination of a prima facie case.
In response to the Chief Justice’s letter the president gave the Chief Justice 10 days to give her preliminary response to the petition before the establishment of a prima facie case.
Following the establishment of a prima facie case, the president on 29th of April established a 5-member committee in compliance with article 146(6) to inquire into the merits of the petitions. Consequently, the president suspended the Chief Justice pursuant to article 146(10) from office pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings. It is noteworthy to quote the provision in article 146(1) which deals with the conditions of a removal of a justice of a superior court.
Article 146(1) – A Justice of the Superior Court or a Chairman of the Regional Tribunal shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour or incompetence or on ground of inability to perform the functions of his office arising from infirmity of body or mind.
While the suspension of the Chief Justice has raised many public concerns including a #SaveTheJudiciaryDemonstration, literally the president is following the constitutional requirements under article 146. Ghana lies in wait for both the court’s reasoning in upholding the suspension of the Chief Justice (which is set to be out on 21st May) and for the outcome of the findings of the committee set up to investigate the petitions against the Chief Justice.
Opinions expressed in JURIST Dispatches are solely those of our correspondents in the field and do not necessarily reflect the views of JURIST’s editors, staff, donors or the University of Pittsburgh.
King Promise won the 2025 TGMA Artiste of the Year award
Fresh off a career-defining win, King Promise isn’t just basking in the moment — he’s already on the move, eyes firmly fixed on the future.
In a candid interview with Graphic Showbiz, the celebrated artist spoke passionately about his journey, his vision for Ghanaian music, and the lessons that have shaped his rise.
“Even before the awards on Saturday, I had been out there working. I just got back home from a tour. I’ve been to Washington, Boston, New York, and other places to keep the work going. I won’t relax, and it won’t stop,” he shared.
True to his word, the Terminator hitmaker has been grinding behind the scenes, even as fans and the industry celebrate his success. But for King Promise, this is only the beginning of a much bigger mission.
“My team and I will keep pushing Ghanaian music to the furthest corners of the world,” he added, a bold statement backed by his track record and growing international presence.
The award, which many see as long overdue, is more than just a plaque for King Promise. It’s a symbol of persistence, proof that resilience pays off — and a message to every dreamer watching from afar.
“This is a big win for me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Any young person who has a dream should use me as an example of resilience,” he said.
Reflecting on his earlier struggles, he recounted a humbling experience that only fueled his drive:
“In my first year, I had seven nominations and left the venue with nothing at the end of the night. While some people laughed at me, I just worked harder — and today, I am the chosen one.”
Catherine Afeku is a former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts
The former Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, Catherine Afeku, has officially declared her intention to contest for the position of National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking in an interview with Original FM on May 15, 2025, the staunch member of the NPP stated that she is currently awaiting the official opening of nominations to formally pick up nomination forms to enter the race.
“It is very true that I am contesting. The nominations are not officially open yet – So, this is just to make my intentions known. Some elders in the party (NPP) reached out to me to contest as an executive of the party back in 2008 but I wanted to be patient. So, I pleaded with them to take their time as I was inexperienced,” she said.
Catherine Afeku, who previously served as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts under the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government, is the latest prominent figure within the NPP to declare her intention to contest for the national executive position.
Her announcement follows a similar declaration by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who recently announced his intention to run for the position of National Chairman of the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He explained that after deep spiritual reflection and engagement with God, he received divine confirmation to pursue the party’s national leadership role.
He further stated that once nominations are opened, he will formally submit his application to contest.
“I have sought guidance from God, asking for His support when the time comes for me to pick up nomination forms. I want the opportunity to serve the NPP and help secure victory in the 2028 elections. When the right time comes, I will pick up the forms and contest accordingly,” he said.
Watch the video below:
MAG/VPO
Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers
Richmond Rockson, Head of Communications at the Energy Ministry
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has assured Ghanaians that the country is not on the brink of a power crisis, despite growing concerns over rapidly depleting fuel reserves.
The reassurance comes amid heightened public anxiety about potential power outages and questions surrounding the sustainability of Ghana’s energy supply.
These concerns were sparked by recent comments from Energy Minister John Jinapor, who revealed that the country requires GH₵1 billion to procure emergency liquid fuel for power generation to address current challenges.
However, speaking with Starr News, the Head of Communications at the Energy Ministry, Richmond Rockson, offered clarification, stating that the government has already secured 450,000 barrels of Light Cycle Oil, which is scheduled to arrive on May 16, 2025, to help avert any potential blackouts.
“Procurement has already been made for 450,000 barrels of Light Cycle Oil, and we expect to receive even more. So, there’s no need for panic—measures have indeed been put in place,” Rockson said.
He clarified that the minister’s comments were meant to highlight systemic inefficiencies in the power sector.
“It’s true that we’re facing serious challenges, including a debt of about $3 billion. Additionally, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) experiences under-recovery each month, amounting to approximately GH₵2 billion. When projected annually, this figure rises to nearly GH₵30 billion.”
“The core issue being discussed is inefficiency within the system. One major challenge is that the fuel component is not factored into the tariff structure. As a result, the government must continually intervene financially to maintain power supply—a model that is clearly unsustainable,” he explained.
Rockson added that the Ministry of Finance has made the necessary financial provisions for fuel procurement to ensure Ghanaians are not left in darkness.
“In the interim, the government remains committed to delivering an efficient and stable power supply. But the long-term solution lies in addressing structural inefficiencies—particularly under-recovery and the sector’s growing debt. These issues must be resolved to build a truly sustainable and reliable energy future.”
Former Nsoatreman FC General Manager, Eric Alagidede, has attributed Ghana’s quarter-final exit at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to head coach Desmond Ofei’s preference for foreign-based players.
The Black Satellites were eliminated by hosts Egypt on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, extending Ghana’s absence from the U-20 World Cup since 2015.
Ofei named a 24-man squad for the tournament, with over half of the players based abroad – a decision Alagidede believes cost the team.
“You [Ofei] are the head coach and preferred foreign-based players, and you were allowed to get them, so when you don’t qualify, you obviously have to take the blame,” Alagidede told Asempa FM.
“Ghana has never had a squad dominated by foreign-based players for an Afcon competition. So if you send 14 foreign-based players, what are you telling us?” he added.
The defeat in Egypt marked another setback for the Black Satellites, who have struggled to replicate their past successes on the continental stage.
A Public Opinion Survey conducted by the Office of the President between October and December 2024 showed that social media is the dominant source of information for Ghanaians on government activities and services.
The Survey showed that the National Identification Authority was the most popular Office of Government Machinery (OGM) with Ghana-Card issuance being frequently accessed service by the public.
Speaking at an Information Dissemination Session on the 2024 Public Opinion Survey Report in Accra, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President, said by the third quarter of this year, a Performance Ranking Index of all institutions under the Office of Government Machinery would be published.
She, therefore, urged the OGM agencies to improve their visibility by leveraging digital tools and other social media platforms to sensitise the public about their activities.
Nana Oye urged the OGM institutions to ensure functional websites with regular updates and publication of their annual reports, including financial and operational data to improve perception of transparency and trust among the citizens.
She entreated them to be proactive with the provision of information about their services through public engagements such as townhall meetings and public outreach campaigns.
It was imperative to invest in staff training to improve customer service, professionalism and responsiveness to the citizens, Madam Bampoe Addo stated.
The research underscored the need for targeted interventions to address gaps in awareness, transparency, visibility and service delivery.
Madam Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, expressed the conviction that effective implementation of the research recommendations would build public trust, enhance operational efficiency and align services with the needs of Ghanaians.
The websites of the various OGM Agencies must be user-friendly and interactive, with a mechanism for feedback from the public, she noted.
Dr Evans Aggrey-Darko, the Head of the Civil Service, entreated management of the various OGM institutions to leverage technology to minimise human interface that often bred corruption.
He underscored the need for OGM institutions to utilise internal auditors efficiently to prevent financial infractions.
Some institutions that constitute the Office of Government Machinery are the State Protocol, Council of State, State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), National Population Commission, Ghana Aids Commission, and Millennium Development Authority.
Others are the Zongo Development Fund, Micro and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), National Centre for Early Warning Secretariat, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Information Services Department.
The OGM Agencies are the operating arm of the Presidency that support the Executive branch of government to implement policy interventions for improved service delivery and enhance living standards.
The research saw more than 1,000 responses from respondents across the 16 regions.
It used focus group discussions and interviews, as well as online platforms for respondents to answer the questionnaires.
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.
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.
Over 700 residents of Prampram receive free health screening at Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Healthfest & Rural Ultrasound scan on Mother’s Day
The Telecel Ghana Foundation marked Mother’s Day 2025 with a community health outreach in Prampram, Greater Accra region.
It delivered life-saving healthcare interventions through its flagship Healthfest and Rural Ultrasound Scan initiatives.
Held at the Prampram Polyclinic on Friday, 9th May, the initiative directly impacted over 1,000 individuals, providing free ultrasound scans for 314 pregnant women, health screenings for 423 community members, and NHIS registration for 300 people.
As part of Healthfest, beneficiaries were screened for blood pressure, blood glucose, hepatitis B, typhoid, and malaria. Attendees also received free medical consultations, treatments, and access to a full team of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on-site to provide immediate care.
“Our Connected Health pillar is about bringing quality healthcare to the doorstep of underserved communities,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability & External Communications.
“This Mother’s Day, we’re not just celebrating women, we’re supporting their wellbeing with actionable care and compassion.”
The Rural Ultrasound Scan initiative addressed a critical gap in maternal healthcare access. For many expectant mothers in rural Ghana, routine scans remain a luxury, often leading to undiagnosed complications and preventable risks.
By offering these services at no cost, the Foundation ensures early detection of potential complications while empowering women with knowledge about their pregnancies. In addition, mothers received welcome packages containing essential baby care items, a thoughtful gesture aimed at easing their motherhood journey.
“I heard about the event from my mother and decided to come,” said Humphrey, a young attendee. “I’ve now been screened and diagnosed, and I’m finally registering for NHIS. It’s been a blessing.”
Another beneficiary, Rebecca Nyame, travelled from Tema Community 25 for antenatal care and returned upon hearing about the event.
“I expected a simple scan, but I received so much more. From medical checks to baby items, Telecel Ghana Foundation made me feel seen.
In partnership with the Ghana Health Service, the event also featured antenatal education sessions focused on maternal nutrition, prenatal care, and self-care practices, reinforcing the Foundation’s holistic approach to maternal health.
These Mother’s Day interventions reflect Telecel Ghana Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating equitable access to healthcare, one community at a time.
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.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
In line with Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended, and Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has re-nominated four Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs).
The nominations are pending approval by their respective Assemblies.
The nominees are:
Ignatius Godfred Dordoe – Shai Osudoku District Assembly
Rudolph Collingwood-Williams – Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly
Michael Mensah – Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly
Alfred Nii Anyetei – La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly
This was disclosed in a press release dated May 15, 2025, and signed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim.
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Watch as Agradaa promises to share church money with Sammy Gyamfi if he’s fired
Garfield, Puss in Boots, Aristocats’ Toulouse – cultural icons, maybe, ginger most certainly.
And now scientists across two continents have uncovered the DNA mystery that has given our furry friends, particularly males, their notable colour.
They discovered that ginger cats are missing a section of their genetic code, which means the cells responsible for their skin, eye and fur tone produce lighter colours.
The breakthrough has delighted the scientists and the thousands of cat lovers who originally crowdfunded the research.
The scientists hope that solving the puzzle could also help shed light on whether orange coloured cats are at increased risk of certain health conditions.
It has been known for decades that it is genetics that gives orange tabby cats their distinctive colouring, but exactly where in the genetic code has evaded scientists till now.
Two teams of scientists at Kyushu University in Japan and Stanford University in the US have now revealed the mystery in simultaneous papers published on Thursday.
What the teams found was that in the cells responsible for giving a cat its skin, hair follicles and eyes their colour – melanocytes – one gene, ARHGAP36, was much more active.
Genes are made up of pieces of DNA which give instructions to a cat’s cells, like other living creatures, on how to function.
By comparing the DNA from dozens of cats with and without orange fur, they found that those with ginger colouring had a section of DNA code missing within the ARHGAP36 gene.
Without this DNA, the activity of the ARHGAP36 is not suppressed, i.e. it is more active. The scientists believe that the gene instructs those melanocytes to produce lighter pigment.
Ginger cats mostly male
For decades, scientists have observed that cats with completely ginger colouring are far more likely to be male. This tallies with the fact that the gene is carried on the X chromosome.
Chromosomes are larger sections of DNA, and male cats, like other mammals, have an X and a Y chromosome, which carry different numbers of genes.
As it is a gene only on the X chromosome, in this case controlling the pigment production, then one missing piece of DNA is enough to turn a cat fully ginger.
In comparison, female cats have two X chromosomes, so the DNA needs to be missing in both chromosomes to increase lighter pigment production to the same extent – it means a mixed colouring is more likely.
“These ginger and black patches form because, early in development, one X chromosome in each cell is randomly switched off,” explains Prof Hiroyuki Sasaki, geneticist at Kyushu University.
“As cells divide, this creates areas with different active coat colour genes, resulting in distinct patches.”
Calico and tortoiseshell cats with mixed colourings are more likely to be female
Although couched in science, the study originally started off as a passion project for Professor Sasaki.
He had retired from his university post, but as a cat lover said he wanted to continue working to uncover the orange cat gene in the hope it could “contribute to the overcoming of cat diseases”.
He and his team raised 10.6m yen (£55,109) via crowdfunding for the research from thousands of fellow cat lovers across Japan and the world.
One contributor wrote: “We are siblings in the first and third grades of elementary school. We donated with our pocket money. Use it for research on calico cats.”
Professor Sasaki compared the genes of calico cats to those without, using local cats and an international genome database
The ARHGAP36 gene is also active in many other areas of the body, including the brain and hormonal glands, and is considered important for development.
The researchers think it is possible that the DNA mutation in the gene could cause other changes in these parts of the body linked to health conditions or temperament.
The ARHGAP36 gene is found in humans and has been linked to skin cancer and hair loss.
“Many cat owners swear by the idea that different coat colours and patterns are linked with different personalities,” said Prof Sasaki.
“There’s no scientific evidence for this yet, but it’s an intriguing idea and one I’d love to explore further.”
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.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Ghanaian cedi has experienced a significant appreciation against the US dollar in recent months. According to Bloomberg, the cedi has appreciated nearly 16% against the US dollar since the start of April 2025. This marks a remarkable turnaround from its previous status as one of the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.
Factors Contributing to the Appreciation
Increased Gold and Cocoa Exports
Ghana has benefited significantly from the surge in gold prices on the international market. The price of gold rose from around US$2,000 to approximately US$3,400 per ounce by May 2025. This increase in gold prices has led to higher export revenues, with an estimated US$11.6 billion in gold export revenues in 2024, up from US$7.6 billion in 2023. Additionally, cocoa prices have remained elevated, contributing to the overall increase in foreign exchange earnings.
The formalisation of the small-scale gold mining sector has also led to a notable rise in export volumes, further boosting foreign exchange earnings and supporting currency stability.
Policy Interventions by the Bank of Ghana
The Bank of Ghana has played a crucial role in supporting the cedi through targeted interventions. In April 2025, the central bank injected US$490 million into the foreign exchange market, helping ease demand pressures and meet forex needs. This move led to a 5.3% month-on-month appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar, bringing its year-to-date gain to 7.44%.
3. Temporary Suspension of External Debt Servicing
Ghana’s ongoing Debt Restructuring Programme has temporarily suspended external debt servicing. Since the last payment in January 2025, the government has paused foreign currency-denominated debt repayments, with the next scheduled payment due in July 2025. This break has reduced the demand for forex typically required to meet debt obligations, thereby alleviating downward pressure on the cedi in the interim.
Weakening US Dollar
The recent depreciation of the US dollar, driven by investor uncertainty over newly imposed reciprocal tariffs and fears of a potential recession, has eased global demand for the currency. For Ghana, this shift has reduced external exchange rate pressures, contributing to the cedi’s relative stability and recent appreciation.
Renewed Confidence in the Ghanaian Economy
The appreciation of the cedi is also attributed to renewed confidence in the Ghanaian economy, driven by prudent and credible fiscal and monetary policies implemented by the government and the Bank of Ghana. These policies have received international validation through S&P Global Ratings’ recent upgrade of Ghana’s foreign-currency sovereign credit rating from Selective Default (SD) to CCC+.
Implications of the Cedi’s Appreciation
1. Reduced Imported Inflation
The appreciation of the cedi has helped ease imported inflation in Ghana’s highly import-dependent economy by lowering the cost of foreign goods and reducing pressure on foreign exchange demand. This has contributed to price stability and supported the Bank of Ghana’s disinflation efforts, as reflected in the decline in inflation from 23.8% in December 2024 to 21.2% in April 2025.
2. Improved External Debt Management
The recent appreciation of the cedi has helped ease the cost of servicing external debt by making repayments cheaper in local currency terms. This development supports improved debt sustainability and reduces fiscal pressure on the economy.
Strengthening Foreign Reserves and Investor Confidence
The appreciation of the cedi reduces the need for the Bank of Ghana to intervene frequently in the foreign exchange market by selling large volumes of foreign reserves to stabilise the currency. This easing of intervention pressure supports the accumulation and preservation of foreign reserves. Moreover, a stable and strengthening currency enhances investor confidence, encouraging capital inflows that can stimulate economic growth and reinforce macroeconomic stability.
4. Increased Lending to the Real Sector
A stronger cedi reduces speculative demand for foreign currency, easing pressure on the forex market and improving liquidity within the financial sector. With reduced “panic-buying” and currency volatility, financial institutions are better positioned to extend credit. Additionally, the ongoing decline in government treasury bill (T-bill) rates is reducing the attractiveness of lending to the public sector. This shift is likely to incentivise banks to channel more funds toward the productive, real sectors of the economy – supporting investment, job creation, and overall economic growth.
Challenges and Recommendations
Reduced Competitiveness of Ghanaian Exports
While a stronger cedi offers macroeconomic benefits, it may also reduce the competitiveness of Ghanaian goods both domestically and internationally. The recent imposition of a 10% U.S. tariff on Ghanaian exports, combined with the cedi’s appreciation, makes Ghanaian products relatively more expensive abroad, posing a risk to export revenues.
Policy Recommendations
To ensure that the recent appreciation of the cedi is sustained and not short-lived, the government should maintain prudent fiscal management and reduce the fiscal deficit through disciplined spending and enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation. A credible commitment to macroeconomic stability builds investor confidence and supports a stronger currency.
The government should also encourage the retention and reinvestment of foreign profits to further support the cedi’s performance.
In conclusion, the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar is a result of a combination of factors including increased gold and cocoa exports, policy interventions by the Bank of Ghana, temporary suspension of external debt servicing, and a weakening US dollar. While this appreciation brings several benefits such as reduced imported inflation and improved external debt management, it also presents challenges such as reduced competitiveness of Ghanaian exports. Careful policy actions will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of this positive trend and to maximise its benefits for the Ghanaian economy.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South Constituency in the Northern Region, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed his commitment to championing more development in his constituency
He said the development of the constituency was dear to his heart and would work assiduously to ensure that it was achieved.
Mr Iddrisu made the statement here as part of his thank you tour on Tuesday.
Some of the communities he toured included, Tua, Bagliga, Kootingli Kpanvo and Banvim.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, who is also the Minister of Education, stated that government would not turn its back against the people of Kootingli.
He indicated that their continued voting for him and NDC as a party would not be taken for granted, stressing that, “The NDC government is a listening government and we will do everything possible to get your developmental problems solve, one after the other.”
Moreover, the MP stated that government was aware of the water challenges in the area and was putting things in place to ensure that the water problems was solved once and for all.
Mr Iddrisu added that every community would get it share of the national cake, hence the need for them to exercise patience for the government which had been in power for barely five months.
He again assured them that given development to the communities was one of his priority and he would continue to support them with the development they needed.
When former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Flick arrived at Barcelona, he found a number of players were performing well below expectations.
Experienced stars like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong were low in confidence, simply because of the lack of trust they felt they had from their previous coach, Xavi.
Raphinha would rarely play more than 60 minutes before being replaced, while Lewandowski was made to play with his back to goal in a style alien to him.
In addition, none of the three felt particularly welcome at the club with De Jong rightly convinced that Barcelona wanted to sell him to help alleviate their financial plight.
One of the first things Flick did was to tell the three of them how important they were to his plans. This season Lewandowski is top scorer with 25 goals, while Raphinha has a league tally of 18.
Flick also sensed an established culture where the club’s irrepressible youth was not at the heart of the team, and not given the prominence they believed they merited.
Youngsters had been given their debuts because of financial constraints – and Xavi deserves praise for working under such restrictions – but they wanted more. They wanted to take over the team.
Flick’s approach allowed the likes of Gavi, Yamal, Alejandro Balde (21), and Marc Casado (also 21) to do just that. He helped them find their voices, even going as far as allowing them to pick the dressing-room music.
That trust was repaid a hundred times over and reflected on the pitch with a youthful and carefree – some might even say naive – style of play.
He also always remained very close to those who didn’t play regularly, stressing that with the inevitable injuries all clubs have to face, their time would come.
Flick has asked the club for very little so far, paying money for just Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in the summer and adding no-one in the winter transfer window.
The 60-year-old German also strongly believes no-one knows their fitness better than the players themselves. So, any plans to rest the likes of Yamal or Raphinha are not taken without asking them – again building the trust and his popularity among the team.
He also never allows himself to be influenced by the very powerful and demanding Barcelona media, and has remained honest to his players – an approach severely tested when they lost four games and collected just five points out of a possible 21 before the Christmas break.
So, characteristic of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a number of names have come up as possible contenders for the party’s Flagbearer for the 2028 Elections. Indeed, the race for the NPP flagbearer begun the very moment former Vice President and 2024 Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, graciously conceded defeat, within 12 hours of the 2024 election.
Dr Bawumia’s unprecedented early concession earned him and the nation’s democracy deserved respect, but it also marked the beginning of an unavoidable question: who leads the NPP to the 2028 elections? The answer to this question is an open secret and ought not be asked ordinarily, but in a democratic situation, particularly in the NPP, where internal contests have been historically fierce, the question linger.
Former Vice President, Dr Bawumia, gave the strongest hint that he would contest again, and through his subsequent engagements, most notably the recent thank you tour, he has emphatically confirmed he would run.
Dr Bawumia’s declaration of intent, surely, has also been inspired by overwhelming support and encouragement he continues to receive from various stakeholders of the party.
Former contender, Kennedy Agyapong, has also declared that he will contest for the flagbearer again, and so has former education minister, Yaw Osei Adutwum, who announced his intention in a Facebook post and later deleted the post.
Former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko will most likely join others like former General Secretary, Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, whose recent comments on radio indicate he may run again.
With all these names, the big questions on the minds of many Ghanaians, particularly, NPP members who will select a Flagbearer are: what does each presidential aspirant bring on board? What is their track record in public service and the impact they have made? Does each of them possess the requisite integrity, respect and track record in public service to win the respect and support of Ghanaians?
Thankfully, almost all of them have been in public service before and their public service records are easily verifiable to ascertain their impacts.
Dr Bawumia In Pole Position
In terms of scrutinising their public service records and making comparative analysis between them, I believe it is not an exercise which should be reinvented. It has already been done, and Dr Bawumia stands in pole position.
The NPP’s 2024 Flagbearership race was largely decided on integrity, hard work and commitment to both party and government, public service impact, originality of ideas, among others. Dr Bawumia emerged the best, when party members considered all these factors in 2024, and I believe, strongly, that he is still ahead of the rest, in ticking the boxes, as far as these factors are concerned.
As undoubtedly the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s history, Dr Bawumia, any day, presents to the NPP, the best option to lead the party back to government, no matter how long it takes. It makes both common, historical and political sense for the NPP to continue to present Dr. Bawumia, just as the party did with President Kuffuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, and just as the NDC did with Prof. John Evans Atta Mills and John Mahama.
Eventhough Prof. Mills was not as impactful a Vice President as Bawumia was, the NDC, nonetheless, had faith in him, and presented him three times, until he was elected President. The reason the NDC did that was simple: Mills was the most experienced NDC member in terms of public service at the highest level, having been Vice to President Rawlings for 4 years.
For Bawumia to have been a running mate twice, Vice President for 8 years, and Presidential Candidate once, he is undoubtedly the most experienced and most marketed NPP member to continue to lead the party. And in terms of his track record in public service, a man who initiated and spearheaded over 20 impactful public service as Vice President, surely deserves to be supported by his party until he becomes President to do more for mother Ghana.
All the names being presented as contenders have had opportunities in public service, but their records and impacts cannot compare with the exemplary vision Dr Bawumia demonstrates, which continue to earn admiration in the NPP and even beyond. It is interesting that just four months into the administration of the NDC, a number of Bawumia visions implemented by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, have become the focus of Ghanaians, as they are still being implemented by the new government.
Dr Bawumia’s impact as Vice President, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo is unmatched, and it is the reason he is widely appreciated by the rank and file of the NPP. A man who has championed championed the implementation of impactful policies such as:
1. Bank of Ghana Gold Purchase Program
2. Issuance of the Ghana Card.
3. Issuance of a Ghana Card number to new born babies
4. Zipline Medical Drone Delivery – largest in the world
4. National Digital Address System
5. National E-Pharmacy Platform
6. Gold for Oil
7. Paperless Port System
8. Digitization of the renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Membership.
9. Universal QR code for easy payments. First in Africa.
10. E-Gates and also no more filling of landing and departure forms at Kotoka Airport
11. Mobile Money Interoperability – number one in Africa
12. Ghana is the only country in Africa to have a 100% access to financial inclusion
13. Increased the proportion of Ghanaians with Tax Identification Numbers from 4% to 85%
14. Zongo Development fund.
15. Motor insurance database.
16. Ghana.Gov Platform
17. Citizens App Data Interoperability System – the only one in Africa
18. Individualized Credit scoring – MyCreditscore
19. Networking of medical records in all teaching, regional and district hospitals
20. Agenda 111 hospitals.
21. Electric Buses for Public Transport
22. Tap and Go payment system for public transport
A number of these policies, surely, will need the brain behind it to successfully implement it for the country, and Dr Bawumia, for what he has demonstrated, deserve a chance to lead a future NPP government.
Surely, there are no presidential aspirants in NPP, who can match Dr Bawumia’s record which the party’s members who vote, appreciate. It is not about promises; it is about what you have done before in public service.
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has appointed a nine-member planning committee to organize its landmark Golden Jubilee Awards ceremony, scheduled for December 2024 or January 2025.
The prestigious event will honor Ghana’s top athletes and celebrate five decades of recognizing sporting excellence.
Chaired by Hon. Dickson Kyere Duah, the committee comprises seasoned sports journalists, event organizers, and media experts, including Maurice Quansah, Veronica Commey, and Sammy Heywood Okine. SWAG General Secretary Charles Osei Asibey emphasized their mandate to deliver “the most spectacular and memorable” edition yet.
Two additional committees will oversee journalist awards and athlete nominations, maintaining SWAG’s tradition as Ghana’s premier sports recognition platform. The Golden Jubilee Awards aim to elevate the event’s stature while honoring the nation’s sporting legacy.
Citi News has gathered that operatives from the national security apparatus stormed the residence of former GIHOC Distilleries Managing Director, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, at around 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in an attempt to recover state vehicles reportedly in his possession.
Mr. Jumah, a former appointee under ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was not present at the time of the operation.
Sources indicate that Mr. Jumah is currently under investigation for alleged financial impropriety during his tenure, including the questionable acquisition of state vehicles and mismanagement of company assets.
A letter dated August 1, 2019, from the Board of Directors of GIHOC approved Mr. Jumah’s purchase of a Genesis G90 saloon car (registration number GE 86 22-19), in accordance with his Conditions of Service as Managing Director.
The vehicle, originally valued at over $100,000, was sold to him at just 5% of its value—GHS 4,943.11—as confirmed in a letter signed by the company’s Secretary and Head of Administration, Apea Twumasi-Ankrah.
The 2018 model vehicle, with a 3,300cc engine and chassis number KMHG34JXJU039991, had a mileage of 38,971 km and a seating capacity of five. A technical inspection assessed key components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, and electrical systems to be in “good” condition, with no history of prior maintenance.
An independent valuation conducted by the State Transport Corporation placed the car’s value at GHS 98,862.00. The appraisal was completed by Daniel K. Orhin, with certification number 0014073.
Mr. Jumah is also being investigated for allegedly retaining two additional official vehicles—including an Audi valued at over $60,000—without formal approval from the Board.
Reports suggest that he later directed security personnel to return the vehicles, noting that one had been in the possession of his son. As of now, one of the vehicles has been successfully retrieved and transported back to Accra.
Further allegations include claims that Mr. Jumah inflated the staff numbers at GIHOC, placing financial pressure on the company. He is also accused of selling company properties in Tema valued at over $700,000 without proper authorization.
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Bobby The Blogger Blog of Thursday, 15 May 2025
Source: Bobby Amoah
Event : Changing the narrative, building a better tomorrow for Widows and orphans
Widows Connect Africa is a charitable organization seeking to make a meaningful impact in the life of vulnerable widows and their children across the African continent.
The NGO mobilize resources to help eradicate the economic and social challenges faced by numerous widows and their vulnerable children in Africa.
HEROES OF THE REGION CONFERENCE celebrates philanthropic individuals in the Public and Private sectors who willingly join this course of Widows Connect Africa to change lives and shape destiny of vulnerable people ,especially widows and orphans in their Region,State or province.
The event, endorsed and to be Graced by Nana Kwaku Gyan Brokuo(Ofuman Paramount Chief),Pene Yeboah ||(Chiraa Hemaa & Dormaa Bankum Hemaa), ACFOII REV.
NAOMI OFORI-ADUBEA SARPONG(Bono East Regional Fire Service Commander),Most Rev Dominic Yeboah Nyarko( Bishop Catholic Diocese of Techiman), Ohenini Adazoa(Broadcast Journalist), and Surv.
Benard Kofi Boateng(Regional Lands Surveyor,Lands Commission-Bono East) would be historic and inspiring.
This is a night to celebrate the true change makers, empathy, impact, and transformation in the Bono East Region.
It is a meritorious gathering of changemakers and visionaries who have selflessly impacted lives and contributed to the betterment of the Bono East Region.
Kindly Join Us in Celebrating Excellence at the Heroes of the Region Conference 2025 – Bono East Edition.
Date: Friday, 30th May, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: Techiman
This event shall be hosted in the remaining 15 regions in Ghana.
So, characteristic of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a number of names have come up as possible contenders for the party’s Flagbearer for the 2028 Elections. Indeed, the race for the NPP flagbearer begun the very moment former Vice President and 2024 Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, graciously conceded defeat, within 12 hours of the 2024 election.
Dr Bawumia’s unprecedented early concession earned him and the nation’s democracy deserved respect, but it also marked the beginning of an unavoidable question: who leads the NPP to the 2028 elections? The answer to this question is an open secret and ought not be asked ordinarily, but in a democratic situation, particularly in the NPP, where internal contests have been historically fierce, the question linger.
Former Vice President, Dr Bawumia, gave the strongest hint that he would contest again, and through his subsequent engagements, most notably the recent thank you tour, he has emphatically confirmed he would run.
Dr Bawumia’s declaration of intent, surely, has also been inspired by overwhelming support and encouragement he continues to receive from various stakeholders of the party.
Former contender, Kennedy Agyapong, has also declared that he will contest for the flagbearer again, and so has former education minister, Yaw Osei Adutwum, who announced his intention in a Facebook post and later deleted the post.
Former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko will most likely join others like former General Secretary, Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, whose recent comments on radio indicate he may run again.
With all these names, the big questions on the minds of many Ghanaians, particularly, NPP members who will select a Flagbearer are: what does each presidential aspirant bring on board? What is their track record in public service and the impact they have made? Does each of them possess the requisite integrity, respect and track record in public service to win the respect and support of Ghanaians?
Thankfully, almost all of them have been in public service before and their public service records are easily verifiable to ascertain their impacts.
Dr Bawumia In Pole Position
In terms of scrutinising their public service records and making comparative analysis between them, I believe it is not an exercise which should be reinvented. It has already been done, and Dr Bawumia stands in pole position.
The NPP’s 2024 Flagbearership race was largely decided on integrity, hard work and commitment to both party and government, public service impact, originality of ideas, among others. Dr Bawumia emerged the best, when party members considered all these factors in 2024, and I believe, strongly, that he is still ahead of the rest, in ticking the boxes, as far as these factors are concerned.
As undoubtedly the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s history, Dr Bawumia, any day, presents to the NPP, the best option to lead the party back to government, no matter how long it takes. It makes both common, historical and political sense for the NPP to continue to present Dr. Bawumia, just as the party did with President Kuffuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, and just as the NDC did with Prof. John Evans Atta Mills and John Mahama.
Eventhough Prof. Mills was not as impactful a Vice President as Bawumia was, the NDC, nonetheless, had faith in him, and presented him three times, until he was elected President. The reason the NDC did that was simple: Mills was the most experienced NDC member in terms of public service at the highest level, having been Vice to President Rawlings for 4 years.
For Bawumia to have been a running mate twice, Vice President for 8 years, and Presidential Candidate once, he is undoubtedly the most experienced and most marketed NPP member to continue to lead the party. And in terms of his track record in public service, a man who initiated and spearheaded over 20 impactful public service as Vice President, surely deserves to be supported by his party until he becomes President to do more for mother Ghana.
All the names being presented as contenders have had opportunities in public service, but their records and impacts cannot compare with the exemplary vision Dr Bawumia demonstrates, which continue to earn admiration in the NPP and even beyond. It is interesting that just four months into the administration of the NDC, a number of Bawumia visions implemented by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, have become the focus of Ghanaians, as they are still being implemented by the new government.
Dr Bawumia’s impact as Vice President, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo is unmatched, and it is the reason he is widely appreciated by the rank and file of the NPP. A man who has championed championed the implementation of impactful policies such as:
1. Bank of Ghana Gold Purchase Program
2. Issuance of the Ghana Card.
3. Issuance of a Ghana Card number to new born babies
4. Zipline Medical Drone Delivery – largest in the world
4. National Digital Address System
5. National E-Pharmacy Platform
6. Gold for Oil
7. Paperless Port System
8. Digitization of the renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Membership.
9. Universal QR code for easy payments. First in Africa.
10. E-Gates and also no more filling of landing and departure forms at Kotoka Airport
11. Mobile Money Interoperability – number one in Africa
12. Ghana is the only country in Africa to have a 100% access to financial inclusion
13. Increased the proportion of Ghanaians with Tax Identification Numbers from 4% to 85%
14. Zongo Development fund.
15. Motor insurance database.
16. Ghana.Gov Platform
17. Citizens App Data Interoperability System – the only one in Africa
18. Individualized Credit scoring – MyCreditscore
19. Networking of medical records in all Teaching, regional and district hospitals
20. Agenda 111 hospitals.
21. Electric Buses for Public Transport
22. Tap and Go payment system for public transport
A number of these policies, surely, will need the brain behind it to successfully implement it for the country, and Dr Bawumia, for what he has demonstrated, deserve a chance to lead a future NPP government.
Surely, there are no presidential aspirants in NPP, who can match Dr Bawumia’s record.which the party’s members who vote, appreciate. It is not about promises; it is about what you have done before in public service.
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), in collaboration with STAR Ghana Foundation, has commenced a series of stakeholder engagements with market women in Kumasi and women in agriculture in the Northern Region. These engagements aim to explore the challenges informal sector workers—particularly market traders and peasant farmers—face in accessing credit and social insurance services.
The initiative, part of the second phase of the ‘Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID II)’ Project, is operating under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Financial Accessibility and Social Protection for Informal Sector Traders and Farmers in Ghana.”
These regional dialogues are designed to inform national policy discussions aimed at creating inclusive, practical solutions for some of the country’s most economically active, yet underserved, populations.
To meet the goals of the project, CSJ is conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment to gather firsthand accounts from informal workers—primarily market traders and peasant farmers—on the financial and social protection barriers they encounter.
The findings will feed into the design of a ‘Policy Action Platform (PAP)’ that will bring together key stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and grassroots representatives, to co-create and commit to sustainable, context-appropriate solutions.
“These engagements are vital in amplifying the voices of women in the informal economy, many of whom have historically been excluded from the financial and social protection systems,” said a CSJ spokesperson. “Our goal is to ensure that inclusive policies are not just discussed in boardrooms, but are shaped by the lived realities of those who need them most.”
The series of regional and national dialogue platforms, to be rolled out in the coming months, are expected to catalyse high-impact reforms that can improve access to microcredit, expand social insurance coverage, and reduce economic vulnerabilities in Ghana’s informal sector.
Although Ghana’s informal sector constitutes a significant portion of the nation’s workforce, with approximately 89% of the employed population engaged in informal employment, women are disproportionately represented.
Available data show that while women comprise 92% of employed women in the informal sector, they often face challenges in accessing financial services.
A recent study highlighted that 65.3% of the labor force operates within the informal sector, yet there is a notable lack of accessibility, quality, and usage of financial services and products among these workers. In terms of social protection, enrollment of informal sector workers in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) remains low, constituting just over one-third of total enrollees annually.
These figures point to the pressing need for initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and social insurance coverage for Ghana’s informal sector, particularly for women who are predominantly represented in this segment.
The CSJ-led AVID II project is being delivered with the strong support of partners like the STAR Ghana Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and local community stakeholders, whose shared commitment continues to advance social justice and economic equity across Ghana.
By working directly with those most affected, the AVID II Project seeks to close the inclusion gap and strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s informal workforce—one engagement at a time.
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.
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.
Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey says the exercise will begin May 20
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced a city-wide decongestion exercise set to begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
The operation will target the Central Business District (CBD) and other busy areas, including Okaishie, the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle), and Kaneshie.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the City Hall.
Members of the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC), including the Accra Central Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Ebenezer Nketiah, were present at the press conference.
According to an official post on X, Allotey said the exercise is aimed at restoring order, improving urban mobility, and ensuring public safety.
“The time for dialogue and delay is over. Our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving, and not for petty trading,” he indicated.
According to him, the decongestion exercise will begin at Okaishie and continue through Circle to Kaneshie.
He noted that traders have increasingly occupied not only pavements, but also portions of roads, obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Michael Allotey stressed that the exercise is not a punitive measure, but a necessary step to maintain the functionality and dignity of the city.
“We are not targeting anyone. This is not an act of aggression. It is about keeping the city clean and orderly,” he added.
He also indicated that prior consultations had been held with market leaders, transport unions, and security agencies.
Allotey disclosed that available spaces exist in designated markets for those who will be affected, while urging traders to cooperate with their leaders to facilitate relocation.
“When we met the leaders, they told us there is space in the markets. So, I urge all those affected to go back to their leaders and be relocated before Tuesday,” he said.
In addition to the decongestion exercise, Allotey announced plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model, supported by a dedicated clean-up and security taskforce.
This, he explained, will help improve sanitation and ensure safety, particularly for businesses operating at night.
Also speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, expressed strong support for the initiative.
He described the current situation as a serious challenge that must be addressed urgently.
“We are going to take the bull by the horns, and this will start on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The streets of Accra are not meant for selling, and we will not tolerate resistance from any quarters,” he stressed.
He issued a final warning to individuals who have erected unauthorised structures such as containers and kiosks, stating that these would also be removed during the exercise.
“Our final warning goes to those with illegal structures. They will all be cleared. The exercise would be done with force if needed,” he stated.
Both officials called on the general public, particularly traders and transport operators, to cooperate fully with the taskforce to ensure the success of the decongestion operation.
The GIA president emphasised the need for Ghana’s insurance industry to embrace innovation
The President of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), Seth Kobla Aklasi, has called on insurance industry players to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the GIA’s 3rd annual International Educational Seminar in Accra, Aklasi stated, “AI-enabled tools can process claims in real time, especially in the medium to short term. Additionally, AI can assess accidents in real time and credit accounts instantly.”
He emphasised the need for Ghana’s insurance industry to embrace innovation and keep pace with global trends and international best practices.
The three-day seminar, held from May 14 to May 16, 2025, is themed; “Innovating Together – Building a Resilient Insurance Future.”
It is designed to help industry players benchmark global standards and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s overall economic development.
The event has drawn together some of Ghana’s most skilled and experienced insurers and reinsurers, along with experts in related fields such as marketing, corporate communications, economics, corporate management, and information technology.
The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Bernard Ohemeng-Baah, also reaffirmed the National Insurance Commission’s (NIC) commitment to supporting industry players.
According to him, the NIC will continue to provide an enabling environment through active listening, collaboration, and leadership with key stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that this approach will drive innovation and improve industry efficiency.
Sponsored by WAICA Re, the seminar offers capacity-building opportunities for insurance practitioners and serves as a valuable platform for networking.
Five experts from Ghana, along with Mulenga Mutati, President of the Zambia Insurance Association, will serve as speakers.
The Kumasi High Court has sentenced Dominic Afriyie, 36, also known as “GH,” to 120 years’ imprisonment with hard labour and life imprisonment for his involvement in a violent robbery and murder in Atasemanso in 2021.
Presided over by His Lordship Mr. Abdul Razak, ESQ, the court delivered the verdict on Thursday, May 15, after a full trial where a seven-member jury found Afriyie guilty on two counts of robbery and one count of murder.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command revealed that on November 20, 2021, Afriyie forcefully entered the home of Michael Dela Agbo Klu, a 43-year-old pharmacist and building contractor, at gunpoint. During the robbery, Afriyie stole two mobile phones, an ASUS Zenbook laptop, and GH₵1,500 in cash before fatally shooting Mr. Klu.
Following the incident, police received intelligence about a planned robbery in the area. On December 31, 2021, at about 2:20 a.m., Afriyie and three others were arrested in a Toyota Corolla bearing registration AS 5970-20. A search of the vehicle uncovered two pistols and two single-barrel shotguns.
Investigations confirmed Afriyie acted alone in the robbery and murder of Mr. Klu. Despite pleading not guilty at trial, the evidence led to his conviction.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Region, commended the court’s ruling, emphasizing the police’s dedication to protecting communities.
“This conviction underscores our commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” DSP Ahianyo said.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the Accra Metropolitan Area, prompting swift action to prevent the spread of the virus while assuring the public that there is no cause for panic.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated materials. Symptoms often include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue.
In a press release issued on Thursday, May 15, the GHS stated that it is working closely with the Ministry of Health to implement containment measures, including contact tracing, community surveillance, and heightened public awareness campaigns.
“Upon confirmation of these two cases, the Ghana Health Service has immediately initiated contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who may have come into contact with the confirmed cases. These contacts will be monitored for symptoms and provided with appropriate care and guidance,” the statement noted.
The health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.
They also stressed the importance of avoiding close contact with anyone showing signs of the illness, particularly visible rashes.
“The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service wish to reassure the general public that there is no cause for widespread alarm. Ghana’s public health system remains vigilant, and established protocols for the detection, management, and control of infectious diseases are being rigorously followed,” the GHS stated.
To boost public education, health officials are ramping up awareness campaigns across the country to ensure people are informed about how the disease spreads and how to protect themselves.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, signed the release, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
“We have the capacity and the expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak,” he assured.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has announced the re-nomination of four Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) by President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended.
The nominees are expected to be vetted and approved by their respective Assemblies:
Ignatius Godfred Dordoe – Shai Osudoku District Assembly
Rudolph Collingwoode-Williams – Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly
Michael Mensah – Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly
Alfredos Nii Anyetei – La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly
This was made known in a press release dated May 15, 2025 and signed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim.
The transport sector in Ghana has been a male-dominated space, with women facing systemic barriers to entry and growth.
As one of Africa’s leading mobility platforms, Bolt is driving transformative change by creating opportunities where flexibility, safety, and equity intersect.
One of such key drivers is Wendy Kotei, an Accra based Marketing Executive who entered the transport business with ride hailing up, Bolt.
On a daily basis, Wendy takes control of the wheel, her family livelihoods, and futures while setting new standards for equality and equity in Ghana’s mobility sector.
She expressed how the journey has been fulfilling and very rewarding, explaining how the initiative has benefited her so far.
“I lost my job some time ago when many corporate organisations wanted to downsize as a result of the covid-19. It was biting hard and a lady friend introduced me to the bolt business, and so far, I can say it’s been rewarding”.
“It’s economically good because I’m able to make some money to take care of the household on a daily basis”, she explained.
“I can tell you, it’s better than staying idle and waiting for any government work”, she said.
“Women in ride-hailing seem to prioritise safety during their journey making it more appealing for all to ride”, she intimated. Wendy assures that it is safe to ride with a woman when embarking on a journey.
She therefore advised young ladies in need for employment to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector to gain some income.
“I will advise young ladies who have vehicles to start considering this space because it really pays well and I can tell you, although you may not get the big cash you’re looking for but certainly you can earn enough to take care of yourself and be comfortable”, she said.
“Next time you want to order a ride on your bolt app, check if the rider is a female and give some compliments to empower more of such females into the mobility business”, she added.
The suspect, Dominic Afriyie will serve a 120 year jail term for murder
For his role in a brutal robbery and murder in Atasemanso in 2021, Dominic Afriyie, 36, better known as “GH,” has been sentenced by the Kumasi High Court to 120 years imprisonment with hard labour and life imprisonment.
Afriyie was found guilty on two counts of robbery and one count of murder by a seven-member jury following a lengthy trial, which was presided over by His Lordship Abdul Razak, ESQ. The court handed down the decision on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
On November 20, 2021, Afriyie forcibly entered the home of Michael Dela Agbo Klu, a 43-year-old building contractor and pharmacist, at gunpoint, according to the Ashanti Regional Police Command. Before shooting Mr. Klu to death, Afriyie took two cell phones, an ASUS Zenbook laptop, and GH₵1,500 in cash during the robbery.
Police were notified of a planned robbery in the vicinity after the incident. Afriyie and three other people were taken into custody in a Toyota Corolla with the license plate AS 5970-20 on December 31, 2021, at approximately 2:20 a.m.
Two pistols and two single-barrel shotguns were found during a check of the car.
Investigations revealed that Afriyie was the only person involved in Mr. Klu’s robbery and murder. The evidence resulted in his conviction even though he entered a not guilty plea during the trial.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Godwin Ahianyo, the Ashanti Region’s Head of Public Affairs of the Police Service praised the court’s decision and emphasised the police’s commitment to community safety.
“This conviction underscores our commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” DSP Ahianyo is quoted as saying in a report by citinewsroom.com.
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Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari (L)
Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Palmer, in turn, expressed her appreciation for the productive partnership and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s continued commitment to supporting the Ministry of the Interior and the Government of Ghana.
