Elegant Igbo Blouse and Wrappers Mothers Can Rock to Look Good
News Hub Creator3h
Elegant Igbo blouse and wrappers mothers can rock to look good offer a perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern sophistication, making them ideal for various occasions. The graceful combination of a well-designed blouse and wrapper enhances a woman’s appearance, ensuring a dignified yet stylish look. The right choice of fabric plays a crucial role in achieving a refined appearance, as luxurious materials like lace, george, and velvet add a touch of elegance. A well-tailored blouse with intricate embroidery, beadwork, or sequins further elevates the overall appeal, creating a sophisticated ensemble.
TThe fit of the blouse determines the level of comfort and elegance, as structured designs with well-defined cuts create a flattering silhouette. Modern adaptations include off-shoulder styles, peplum cuts, and statement sleeves that add a contemporary touch while maintaining traditional beauty. The choice of wrapper fabric and draping style influences the final appearance, with richly patterned george wrappers often reserved for grand occasions. Silk and chiffon wrappers provide a lighter and more fluid option, ensuring ease of movement while maintaining elegance.
Color coordination enhances the overall look, as vibrant hues and carefully selected accessories create a striking presence. Matching headpieces such as gele or simple headscarves complement the outfit, adding an extra layer of sophistication. Jewelry choices also play a significant role, with pearl necklaces, gold earrings, and coral beads enhancing the traditional aesthetic. A well-balanced combination of fabric, design, and accessories ensures that every mother can exude confidence and grace effortlessly. The continuous evolution of Igbo fashion allows for timeless yet modern interpretations, making the blouse and wrapper combination a symbol of cultural pride and refined beauty. With the right styling choices, mothers can achieve a regal and elegant look suitable for any special occasion.
Prosecuting Ama Governor, Barker-Vormawor was politically unwise – NPP MP
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame constituency, John Darko has weighed in on the recent withdrawal of legal cases against social activist, Ama Governor and #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, arguing that their initial prosecution was unnecessary and politically unwise.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, the lawmaker, who is also a legal practitioner, stated that certain cases should never have been prosecuted in the first place, as they risked turning the accused into “martyrs.”
“As a lawyer, I believe some cases shouldn’t be prosecuted. In fact, not even as a lawyer, but as a politician, I think that when you prosecute some cases, you give these people a martyr tag. Ama Governor and these people shouldn’t have been prosecuted,” he said.
The Attorney General has formally dropped all charges against a group of individuals linked to the Democracy Hub protests, who staged the anti-galamsey march in the capital, Accra held between September 21 to September 23, 2024.
They included activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor and social media influencer Elorm Ama Governor-Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor who had joined other 50 individuals for the protest against illegal mining.
The decision, submitted to the Accra Circuit Court in January 2025, was filed under nolle prosequi and effectively dismisses the case, granting full freedom to those previously accused.
A court document, signed by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine, confirmed that the state would no longer pursue the case, bringing the matter to a close.
Although, the Suame MP acknowledged that there was initial justification for legal action, citing damage to public property, he maintained that politically, the decision to prosecute was ill-advised, adding “I thought that politically it wasn’t a smart decision to prosecute them.”
He further suggested that the government’s move to withdraw charges against Ama Governor and Barker-Vormawor was a strategic attempt to demonstrate neutrality, ensuring that the withdrawal of cases did not appear to favor only members and associates of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“I feel that the withdrawal of these cases was to show the public that we are not only withdrawing cases against NDC people. But anyways, I think it is okay that these cases have been withdrawn. Theirs didn’t really cause financial loss to the state, so it’s okay,” he remarked.
While supporting the decision to drop the charges, the Suame MP also issued a word of caution to the individuals involved.
“I hope and believe that Ama Governor and Vormawor will take this as a lesson and at least try to conduct themselves well. They are lawyers, and I hope they will make the profession proud,” he advised.
Sam George Fires NCA’s Cybersecurity Director in Surprise Move

In a sudden shake-up at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has dismissed Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Mafo as Director of Cybersecurity.
The termination, effective immediately, was communicated in a terse letter signed by Chief Director Alexander Yaw Arphul, directing Osafo-Mafo to hand over his responsibilities to the NCA’s Acting Director General.
The letter, citing paragraph 8 of Osafo-Mafo’s appointment terms, stated that he would receive three months’ salary in lieu of notice. It concluded with a brief acknowledgment of his service: “The honorable Minister extends his gratitude for your service to the nation.”
No specific reasons were provided for the abrupt dismissal, leaving industry insiders and observers speculating about the motives behind the decision. The move comes amid growing concerns over Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly as the country grapples with rising cyber threats and the need for robust digital defenses.
Osafo-Mafo’s removal raises questions about the future direction of the NCA’s cybersecurity strategy, a critical component of Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda. The NCA, which regulates the country’s communications sector, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat cybercrime and secure digital systems, making the leadership change particularly significant.
While the Minister’s office has yet to issue a detailed statement, the dismissal underscores the high-stakes nature of cybersecurity leadership in an era of increasing digital vulnerabilities. Stakeholders are now watching closely to see who will step into the role and how the NCA plans to address the challenges ahead.
For now, the abrupt nature of Osafo-Mafo’s exit leaves more questions than answers, casting a spotlight on the delicate balance between political oversight and technical expertise in Ghana’s digital governance landscape.
Send your news stories to [email protected]
Follow News Ghana on Google News
Sudan army retakes more of capital Khartoum from RSF
Sudanese army advances on Khartoum, retakes territory from paramilitary group
Sudan’s military captured a major bridge connecting the east of the capital Khartoum to the south, days after it reclaimed control of its northern part from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As the conflict in Sudan nears the two-year mark, the army has in recent weeks won back large swaths of the capital and its surrounding areas from the paramilitary group.
RSF still controls some key positions, including the central market, the presidential palace, and some of the southern and western residential districts.
It also holds parts of the central region of Kordofan, most of the western region of Darfur, and is besieging the army and its allies in the city of el-Fashir, the capital of north Darfur.
Residents and medics on Friday said the RSF attacked the famine-stricken Zamzam displacement camp, south of el-Fashir, as the group attempted to tighten its grip on the Darfur stronghold.
An estimated 11.4 million civilians have been forced from their homes since the conflict began in April 2023. Three million are refugees in neighbouring countries, while more than eight million are internally displaced.
“Sudan’s regional neighbours say they want the conflict to end,” Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall said, reporting from Sudan’s Sennar. “Peace efforts were made in Jeddah, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Geneva and elsewhere. But all have so far failed.
“Both the RSF and the army say they’re ready to talk but with caveats and conditions unacceptable to the other side. Both still believe they can achieve total victory on the battlefield.”
‘Tremendous destruction and bloodshed’
Speaking on Friday at a high-level humanitarian conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Sudan as a catastrophe on a “staggering scale and brutality”.
“It is a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention,” he told participants, stressing the need to stop the movement of arms and ammunition into the country.
“This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed,” Guterres added.
Nearly 25 million people are suffering from “acute” levels of hunger, according to UN figures, and delivering aid requires a ceasefire to be put in place.
Guterres called on world leaders to use their influence for peace and boost humanitarian aid efforts ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
“We must do more – and do more now – to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare.”
Mahama calls for reparatory justice at 38th AU Assembly
President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the significance of reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, calling it a crucial step toward restoring dignity, rights, and well-being.
Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly on Saturday, February 15, 2025, President Mahama aligned his remarks with the AU’s 2025 theme, which focuses on reparations for historical injustices.
“The 2025 AU theme of the year is, therefore, a call to galvanize efforts toward reparatory justice. It is an appeal to ensure that the dignity, rights, and well-being of Africans and their descendants are fully restored,” he stated.
President Mahama emphasized that reparations extend beyond financial compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition for past abuses.
He also highlighted the importance of historical accountability and addressing long-standing structural inequalities.
“Reparations involve not only financial compensation but also restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition for the abuse of fellow human beings. It is also about truth-telling, historical accountability, and responsibility to those who have been marginalized for centuries,” he noted.
He further stressed that the push for reparations must also encompass broader efforts, including expanding educational opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and amplifying the voices of Africans and the diaspora on the global stage.
“The call for reparation extends beyond financial redress to addressing structural inequalities, ensuring educational opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and magnifying the voices of Africa and the diaspora communities on the global stage,” he added.
Sam George Sacks NCA’s Director Of Cyber Security
The termination was communicated through a letter signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Alexander Yaw Arphul. The letter stated, “I wish to inform you that the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations has terminated your appointment as the Director of Cybersecurity of the National Communications Authority, effective immediately.”
Finding Ghana
Some 68 years ago, motivated by a passion for self-fulfillment and a believe in the ability of black people everywhere to rise, we breathed the free air of independence. Buoyed by the incomprehensible notions of self-worth we lit a torch filled with flames from the continent and the diaspora. A torch which burnt bright not just with hope and wishes but with some of the most forward-thinking projects a new country could ask for. We were Ghana.
A country on the rise. The envy of many and the bane of all who refuted the ability of black people to manage our own affairs, as we had done for more than a millennia before the sails of Portugal fluttered along our coast. In those early years we had a sense of self. An identity that was forged from our centuries long struggles to reassert our independence. An identity that was tied with our belief that failure was not an option. We knew who we were. Yet somewhere since, we have lost Ghana.
In just over six decades, we have lost that which made us the black stars of Africa which shone forth as respite and hope for all. To be Ghanaian has lost its meaning to us. Let us not kid ourselves and pretend all is as it was. For then we act as ostriches. When our young people would rather face the possibility of death as they journey to Europe, to gain second class status, than stay in our country, we must know we have lost Ghana. When politicians and chiefs who have lost their ethical and moral compass would choose wealth over our lands and rivers and the human and animal life they support, we must know we have lost Ghana. When our education system continues to train students for non-existent clerical and civil service jobs, and not to face the challenges of the 21st century, how do we deny that we have lost Ghana? If we admit what we have done, then we owe it to those whose blood was shed to build our country and to those who will one day need the pride of calling themselves Ghanaians, to find Ghana.
One person cannot find ghana. Be it a politician, academic, business magnate or priest. Ghana cannot be found by a particular religion, faith or creed. Ghana cannot be found by working class, the middle income or affluent. Ghana cannot be found in one ethnic group or tongue. Ghana can only be found by all of us, for it did take a multiplicity to build Ghana. It is our various histories and triumphs and challenges that are woven in to the complex DNA of that Ghana which set the path for others to follow. A Ghana formed and defended by blood of all who believed in our black star and what it represented.
As we attempt to find this our lost Ghana, we must be armed with the tools of one who seeks rediscovery of a lost treasure. We must have a map, one devoid of partisan changes and personal desires. One that considers first and foremost the good of Ghana. A map that critically thinks of our current changes and sets a vision of the Ghana we all desire. A national plan that takes into consideration our strengths as a nation and the challenges we are sure to overcome. For if we do not know the path to follow, we will end up in the same cyclical trap we have remained in for decades. This map must cater for the future of health care in our country, it must direct where and how our transportation system will evolve. It must show our path to energy self-sufficiency; an education system that is geared towards our national aspirations; a target for true affordable housing and a revamped agricultural sector amongst others.
Finding Ghana requires sacrifice. Not the slaughtering of sheep or cattle. Sacrifice of myopic and selfish personal gains, at the expense of the national good. We must each sacrifice our greed that breeds corruption at the altar of national growth. It is not enough to ask the average citizenry to sacrifice hard earned wealth through taxes for national growth. The leaders of our search for Ghana must make even more enormous sacrifices. They must sacrifice their personal indulgences for Ghana. As long as we continue to smile and wink at corruption. As long as we continue to celebrate and eulogize with aromatic words those who profit out of the downfall of Ghana, our quest will be I’ll-fated.In plain sight we give such persons who have sacrificed nothing for the country the best seats and we treat with utter disdain the poor citizenry who we tax to the bone.
Finding Ghana is a calling that each of us, here on these golden shores, and in the far reaches of this known world are called to. A most solemn task with repercussions that will outlive each of us. We must find Ghana. For in losing our selves we have lost her, and in losing her we have doused a most inspiring flame of African ability and excellence. We were handed a legacy, entrusted with the care of Ghana for all the world. Let us not fail. We cannot afford to fail. For Ghana we must find so we can sing once more, with heads held high, God bless our homeland Ghana.
The author is the President of the Osu Stool Council
Reparations require action, not mere acknowledgment
President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to take decisive action toward reparatory justice.
He has emphasised that addressing historical injustices requires concrete steps, not just acknowledgment.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mahama noted that the AU’s theme for 2025, ‘Justice for Africans and the People of African Descent Through Reparations,’ sets a transformative agenda for the continent.
“The Africa we want, a vision for an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent, remains our guiding principle. The transatlantic slave trade was one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Spanning approximately 400 years and forcibly displacing more than 12.5 million Africans, it is estimated that at least 2 million of our compatriots perished during the Middle Passage alone. The legacy of this brutal system, along with colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and neocolonial exploitation, has left deep and enduring scars on the fabric of our societies,” he emphasised.
Mahama stated that acknowledging these historical wrongs is not sufficient, adding that tangible action must follow.
“Addressing these challenges requires more than recognition, it demands action. The economic impact of colonialism on Africa has been profound. Historical estimates suggest that the continent lost trillions of dollars in human and material resources due to colonial exploitation.
“The forced extraction of wealth, including minerals, cash crops, and labour, deprived African nations of the capital and infrastructure needed for sustainable development. Colonial policies created an economic dependency that persists to this day,” he explained.
He referenced the Accra Reparations Conference held in November 2023, where African heads of state, scholars, and representatives from the global African diaspora came together to advance the reparations movement.
“The outcomes of this conference serve as a guiding pillar for our collective efforts moving forward. The 2025 AU theme, therefore, is a call to galvanize efforts toward reparatory justice. It is an appeal to ensure that the dignity, rights, and well-being of Africans and their descendants are fully restored,” he stated.
Mahama further clarified that reparations extend beyond financial compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition.
“It is also about truth-telling, historical accountability, and the restoration of agency to those who have been marginalized for centuries. The call for reparations, while including financial redress, goes beyond that to address structural inequalities, ensure educational and economic opportunities, reclaim cultural heritage, and amplify the voices of Africa and its diaspora communities on the global stage,” he said.
He also called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive this initiative.
“Today’s pre-launch event serves as a crucial platform for constructive consultation, dialogue, and partnership. We welcome the participation of AU Member States, regional economic communities, the global African diaspora, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and international partners in this transformative endeavour,” he said.
Mahama concluded by urging unity and commitment from African leaders and stakeholders.
JKB/EB
In the meantime, watch the story of the Ghanaian team that rode motorbikes from Accra to Dakar and back in 17 days, below:
“I used Nedu to set trap for Verydarkman” — Deeone
Controversial reality star, Deeone has made a staggering confession, revealing that he deliberately planned his appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast, using Nedu as bait to expose social media critic, Verydarkman (VDM).
This came following the public saga between Verydarkman and Deeone over the allegation of the former being sexually involved with men.
Mahama officials must serve with integrity, OSP will come for you too – Amaliba
The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has cautioned officials of the Mahama administration to refrain from engaging in corruption.
His warning comes amid the Special Prosecutor’s pursuit of officials from the Akufo-Addo administration, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, over alleged corruption cases.
On February 12, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared Ofori-Atta a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including those related to the National Cathedral project and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML). Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng also stated that the former minister was now a wanted person and must return immediately for questioning or face legal action.
Speaking in an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV, Amaliba urged officials of the Mahama administration to learn from ongoing developments and serve with integrity.
He also advised them against attacking the Special Prosecutor when investigations into their actions begin, emphasizing that no official will be shielded from accountability if found guilty of corruption.
“This is the time that his hands are [Special Prosecutor] free but we government appointees must also know that after he’s done with former executives [officials] he will be coming after us. I don’t know what time he’s going to come, but when the wrongs are committed in our administration and he comes after our people, we mustn’t start calling him names.
“The fact that he’s doing this because people voted for accountability, doesn’t mean that the accountability will not be extended to us who are in power today. And that is the question I want to give to our appointees.”
……
Bawumia’s description of Ghana Card as ‘Ghost names buster’ exposed – Braimah
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, touted the Ghana Card as a major tool in eliminating ghost names from government payrolls, including the National Service Scheme (NSS).
However, a new investigation by The Fourth Estate has revealed that despite the integration of the Ghana Card into the NSS registration system, tens of thousands of ghost names were still smuggled in.
The alleged fraudulent scheme reportedly exploited a loophole that allowed “private candidates”—graduates who missed their service in previous years—to register.
This process was manipulated by inserting fake identities and assigning them to various institutions.
“The system was supposed to prevent this kind of fraud, but those behind the scheme found a way around it,” said Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of The Fourth Estate revealed on The KeyPoints on February 15.
Documents obtained by the investigative team show that multiple ghost names were linked to the same fake student IDs and Ghana Card numbers.
“Dr Bawumia said the Ghana Card could identify Ghost Names from any digitalised system. However, the fraud was well-calculated, and we even found instances where the same name appeared over 200 times,” Braimah revealed.
The revelations have led to fresh concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana’s digital identity system in preventing payroll fraud.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr Felix Gyamfi, has described Mr Sulemana’s revelation as not wholly accurate.
“What Sulemana is showing is not factual, there is ongoing investigation to establish culpability, but it is not done yet,” Mr Gyamfi told 3news in a phone discussion.
Sam George sacks NCA’s Director of Cyber Security
I’m not seeking a ministerial position; I am fine where I am – Ricketts-Hagan
Member of Parliament of Cape Coast South, George Ricketts-Hagan
George Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament of Cape Coast South, has stated that he is not pursuing a ministerial position.
He said he will rather remain focused on making valuable contributions to governance in his role in Parliament.
In a recent interview on Agenda on TV3, Ricketts-Hagan emphasised that governance goes beyond ministerial roles, adding that not everyone is suited for frontline executive positions.
“What we have to understand is that a government is more than just its ministers; there are many other key roles,” he stated.
The Deputy Majority Leader likened the formation of a government to a football match, where the president, as the coach, can only field 11 players at a time, even if the club has 22 top players.
“The president has to determine the best starting 11 based on the formation he wants to play. Not necessarily the best players in the team, but the best fit for the strategy at that moment. As the game progresses, substitutions will be made when needed, just as government reshuffles occur over time,” he explained.
Ricketts-Hagan highlighted the important role of Parliament in governance, emphasising that it plays a vital role in shaping and implementing government policies.
“I have been around long enough to understand that governance is dynamic. Whether now or after a reshuffle, changes will always happen. For me, what matters is the capacity to serve. I am a deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, which is a critical part of the government. At the end of the day, everything, from the Ministry of Finance to other ministries, must come to Parliament for approval. Competent people are needed in the legislature to advance the executive’s agenda,” he noted.
He then reaffirmed his commitment to serving in any capacity within the Mahama-led administration.
“I am absolutely fine in any role I find myself in government. I am not looking for a ministerial position. I want to serve and support the government, and I have been fortunate to be placed in Parliament, where critical decisions are made. I am a key player there”, he added.
JKB/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Asiedu Nketiah breaks silence on the ‘uneasiness’ within the NDC and his ‘fight’ with Mahama
Let’s promote Highlife music, that’s what we have
Veteran Ghanaian Highlife musician, Amandzeba Nat Brew
Veteran Ghanaian Highlife musician, Amandzeba Nat Brew, has called for a conscious effort to promote Highlife music in the country.
In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Joseph Henry Mensah on February 14, 2025, Amandzeba noted that Highlife is one of the few genres Ghanaians can claim ownership of, however, the country is losing the great tune to foreigners due to a lack of promotion.
The “Wogbe Jeke” hitmaker emphasised,”UNESCO is about to adopt Highlife music as an intangible heritage. I was thinking that by now, 60% of the songs we hear on the airwaves must be Highlife music… Everywhere you go, you must hear Highlife music in the country, but that is not the case.
“All of us would have to put our efforts together and start thinking right. We have not been focusing right, so this is the time we have to pause and take a deep breath. We have no excuse. We can’t leave the promotion of Highlife music to chance. There has to be an intentional effort to promote it, both in Ghanaian embassies abroad. When you get to the High Commission of Ghana, you must hear Highlife music at the reception,” he stated.
He added that when Highlife music is promoted enough, musicians fond of promoting western music would have no other option than to produce Highlife songs.
“When those called to do the work itself and release that we have to go to the global cultural table with our product. Most of the guys we find in the musical space would one day wake up and do Highlife music because it is one of the best heritage our ancestors left us,” he retorted.
Meanwhile, watch as Asiedu Nketiah breaks silence on the ‘uneasiness’ within the NDC and his ‘fight’ with Mahama
JHM/EB
Watch the moment Second Deputy Speaker paused proceedings to extend Val’s Day message to his wife
Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako
A usual parliamentary session took an unexpected romantic turn when the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrews Asiamah Amoako took a moment to publicly express his love for his wife, Mrs. Grace Owusu Ansah Asiamah, in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Before inviting members of the House to contribute to the ongoing discussion on February 14, 2025, the Deputy Speaker paused the session to share a heartfelt message.
“Honorable members, before I invite those who wish to contribute, let me take this opportunity to extend my love to my dear wife, Mrs. Grace Owusu Ansah Asiamah,” he said.
“My dear, I love you, and I wish you a Happy Valentine’s and Chocolate Day,” he added, causing smiles, laughter, and cheers from both sides of the chamber.
As the session resumed, several MPs seized the opportunity to share their various Valentine’s Day wishes with their loved ones.
Watch the video below;
RAD/EB
Also, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017
Thaddeus Sory criticizes Kissi Agyebeng, Parliament over Ken Ofori-Atta’s case
Private legal practitioner Thaddeus Sory has strongly criticized both the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng and Parliament for their handling of the raid involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, raided Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments while he was out of the country. His wife and other family members were present at the time.
Approximately 12 individuals—five in military uniforms, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes—carried out the operation. Ofori-Atta has been in the U.S. on medical grounds since the beginning of 2025, after notifying both the former and current Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare and Julius Debrah.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng later claimed the raid was staged and declared Ofori-Atta wanted in connection with corruption-related offenses.
In an opinion piece, Sory questioned the fairness of Kissi Agyebeng’s decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive and label the security officials who raided his residence as rogues.
Sory referenced biblical accounts, noting that even Adam was allowed to explain himself before facing consequences.
The private legal practitioner accused Agyebeng of grandstanding and wasting valuable time and resources without yielding concrete results.
“Why apologise when you were not responsible for the entry? Did the Minister accuse you? Or was this fear? Or an attempt to court his friendship while publicly pretending to be searching for him? You announced to the world that you were “looking for” the former Minister. Why? If you are looking for him, then find him. That is your job. We don’t need updates—we need results. Enough with the complaints. First, the courts are not cooperating. Now, the Minister has “run away.” So, what should we do?
“If I were the Minister, I would ignore you. The man has stated that he is seeking medical attention. His lawyers have offered assistance—so give them the opportunity. Whatever information they provide, take it. If you need more, ask. If they do not cooperate, request that their client produces the necessary documents.
“If he refuses, execute the appropriate search and arrest warrants. If you believe you have enough evidence to prosecute him, then proceed. The law allows for trials in absentia. That is what we expect—not storytelling. Instead, you have wasted valuable time and public resources on grandstanding and unnecessary announcements. You have, in effect, caused financial loss to the Republic by spending work hours beating the “gong gong” instead of doing the job.”
He urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness and due process, ensuring that every individual under investigation is given the opportunity to respond before any conclusions are drawn.
Mr Sory also raised concerns about Parliament’s involvement in the matter, arguing that it was unnecessary.
He questioned why lawmakers felt the need to apologize to Ofori-Atta in this case while failing to extend similar courtesies to others who have faced questionable treatment by security agencies.
Read below the opinion piece by Thaddeus Sory
Thaddeus Sory: Mea Culpa for Doing Nothing
Our laws uphold two cardinal principles of justice—so fundamental are these rules that they are regarded as “natural.” One of these, which is the subject of my reflection today, is the principle that no person should be judged without the opportunity to be heard.
Every individual must be given the chance to explain their actions before judgment, even if their explanation appears unjustifiable or outright foolish. This right is inherent, regardless of who the person is or claims to be.
Some argue that, apart from God’s direct instruction to Adam not to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, the second rule God established—by example—was the principle of hearing before condemnation.
When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, both God and Adam knew that the inevitable had occurred. Yet, instead of instantly casting them out, God first sought Adam out, engaged him, and asked for an explanation. Being all-powerful, God could have wiped them off the face of the earth without discussion—but He did not.
This principle was echoed in the New Testament when Nicodemus, in response to those who sought the immediate condemnation of Jesus, wisely asked: “Doth our law judge any man before it hear him and know what he doeth?”
Recently, reports emerged that certain individuals entered the residence of the former Finance Minister. The Special Prosecutor (SP) appeared to know who they were. He was certain, at least, that they were not armed robbers or thieves.
The SP acknowledged that these were state officials, just like himself, carrying out their duties—yet he never sought an explanation for their actions. Instead, he branded their entry into the Minister’s home as “roguish.”
But who made the SP the judge of their official duties? What authority does he have to determine whether other state officials are acting lawfully or unlawfully? Do they require his approval before executing their mandates?
Disagreeing with an action is one thing. Declaring it wrongful—or even criminal—without knowing the full facts is another. The SP did not know whether these officials were executing a warrant. He did not verify whether it was a search warrant or an arrest warrant. If I were among those officials, I would demand an apology.
And then came the needless, hypocritical apology: “Please, Mr. Minister, I did not do it ooo. Those people are just thugs. They acted wrongly. I WILL NEVER DO SUCH A THING.”
Why apologise when you were not responsible for the entry? Did the Minister accuse you? Or was this fear? Or an attempt to court his friendship while publicly pretending to be searching for him?
You announced to the world that you were “looking for” the former Minister. Why? If you are looking for him, then find him. That is your job. We don’t need updates—we need results. Enough with the complaints. First, the courts are not cooperating. Now, the Minister has “run away.” So, what should we do?
If I were the Minister, I would ignore you. The man has stated that he is seeking medical attention. His lawyers have offered assistance—so give them the opportunity. Whatever information they provide, take it. If you need more, ask. If they do not cooperate, request that their client produces the necessary documents. If he refuses, execute the appropriate search and arrest warrants.
If you believe you have enough evidence to prosecute him, then proceed. The law allows for trials in absentia. That is what we expect—not storytelling. Instead, you have wasted valuable time and public resources on grandstanding and unnecessary announcements. You have, in effect, caused financial loss to the Republic by spending work hours beating the “gong gong” instead of doing the job.
And what of the officials you condemned without facts? They were there to execute an arrest warrant. Not a search. They were there based on a formal report. They acted within their statutory mandate. Did you cross- check that before your public pronouncements? They did not need to explain themselves to you. Let them do their work.
These same officials have intercepted containers of counterfeit money and gold, working tirelessly for Ghana’s benefit. Yet, they do not stand on rooftops touting their achievements. They do not moan about obstacles or frustration. They remain focused. They let the public judge their work. Learn from them. Do not be the chick that lays an egg and clucks all day for attention. Be the elephant that delivers a calf in silence.
And then there’s Parliament. Why did you apologise? Did you enter the Minister’s house? Did you send those men? Did they ask for your approval? So why apologise? If Parliament felt it necessary to intervene, the logical step was to ask for an explanation—not to offer an unsolicited apology. And why only this case? Did Parliament apologise to the Emirati woman who was abducted? Or to Bongo Ideas? If not, then do so now. They are human beings too.
Is the ex-Minister a Member of Parliament? Does he have immunity from searches and arrests? If not, why should investigating him attract parliamentary scrutiny?
I have fought for many individuals victimized by security officials. I have spent nights at the Police Headquarters with politicians picked up at odd hours. I have been there to demand reasons for their arrests. Some were never even charged. There were even no reasonable grounds to pick them up. Worse still, no need to detain them.
Many times when I am at one or other office of security officials who are dealing with my clients, I have the media pushing me for a voice note on the matter. I never yield. Let the security men do their work. The rule is Audi alteram partem. That is our law. Even the Almighty God applied it. So ye saints, you cannot be false to the rule.
……
UCC students educated on sexual harassment and reporting
By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, Feb 15, GNA – The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy, and Documentation (CEGRAD) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Perfector of Sentiments (POS), has organised a sensitization programme to educate students on sexual harassment.
The sensitization will also empower the students on the importance of boldly reporting such incidents.
The event that was sponsored by Amplify Change, an NGO, also featured a roundtable panel where Ms. Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, a communication specialist and gender advocate, highlighted the urgent need for students to report cases of sexual harassment without fear.
She emphasised that society often condoned such behaviour, and the stigma associated with it made it difficult for sufferers to speak out, fearing it would bring disgrace to the victim and their families.
However, that mind-set must change, as “everyone has control over their own body, and so no one should feel powerless against harassment,” she stated.
Ms. Adjabeng explained that many victims hesitate to report due to concerns about exposing themselves or disappointing their families.
She encouraged students to prioritise their well-being, as reporting sexual harassment would not only help protect their mental health, but also ensure a safer learning environment for all.
Adding to the discussion, Professor Kojo Okyere, Head of Department of Religion and Human Values at UCC, pointed out that some individuals misused religious teachings to justify or downplay sexual harassment.
He urged students to challenge such misinterpretations and stand firm against any form of abuse.
Mr Vanboven Swanzy Essien, a legal practitioner, highlighted that sexual harassment manifested in both verbal and non-verbal forms.
He was concerned that society often downplayed behaviours that could have severe consequences on victims and perpetrators alike.
“Many of our everyday actions are actually forms of sexual harassment, whether verbal or non-verbal.
“Wolf-whistling, sexist slurs, misogynistic and transphobic remarks are all unacceptable and can land individuals in serious trouble,” he explained.
Mr Essien also stressed that men, too, experienced sexual harassment but were often reluctant to report due to societal discrimination, and encouraged them to come forward to report and never remain silent.
He cautioned against retaliation, explaining that if a perpetrator attempted to intimidate or harm a victim after they reported harassment, the victim had the right to report the retaliation as well.
Professor Eunice Fay Amissah, Director of CEGRAD, urged students to report any form of harassment to them, assuring them of full institutional support.
She reaffirmed the university’s strict policy against inappropriate relationships between staff and students, stating that any reports of misconduct would be taken seriously.
“Our committee is ready to support all students, so no one should feel alone or afraid to report any form of victimization,” she reassured.
Mr Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of POS Foundation, shared some achievements of his organisation, which had been actively involved in human rights and gender advocacy, particularly in the area of criminal justice.
He revealed that the Foundation was launching educational campaigns across the five public universities in Ghana; UCC, the University of Ghana, KNUST, the University of Education, Winneba, and UDS to further raise awareness on sexual harassment.
He emphasised the need for rigorous sensitisation for many people to recognise when being harassed.
“Many people do not realise when they are experiencing harassment, that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to educate students.
“Your body belongs to you, and no one has the right to violate it,” he indicated, adding that any unsolicited, unwarranted, or unwelcome act should be reported to ensure perpetrators faced the consequences of their actions.
GNA
Shatta Wale’s love life is entirely his business – Sammy Flex
Sammy Flex (L) and Shatta Wale (R)
Shatta Wale’s ‘love life’ has always been a subject of discussion among fans and critics, with many questioning his ability to stay with one partner.
However, according to his manager, Sammy Flex, the musician owes no one an explanation for his personal choices.
Sammy Flex explained that while Shatta Wale is a romantic man, he chooses to keep certain aspects of his love life private.
“With what we do, especially in my position, there are things I consider private for Shatta. His relationships, children, and home life are his matters. I don’t even have to ask him about them,” Sammy Flex stated in an interview on Joy Prime monitored by MyNewsGh.
He also addressed the backlash Shatta usually receives whenever he showcases affection for his partner online.
“If I post something about Shatta Wale and his woman or his child, I will see negative comments. But I know where they are coming from—the other side that is not in support of Shatta. It’s just like NDC and NPP; no matter what one side does, the other will criticise it,” he explained.
Sammy Flex dismissed claims that Shatta Wale constantly moves from one woman to another, saying, “To the public, they will ask, ‘Why is Shatta now with this lady? Why is he not with the other one?’ But to him, it’s his personal life, and he doesn’t owe anyone explanations.”
Sammy Flex believes that as an artiste, Shatta understands the extent of his love life to put out there, ensuring that it doesn’t take away from his brand.
“That’s why he won’t be posting all the lovey-dovey things he does in private. If he did, it might annoy some people or take away from his brand,” he concluded.
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
Osafo-Maafo sacked as NCA’s Director of Cyber Security
Director of Cyber Security at the NCA, Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo’s appointment has been terminated
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has terminated the appointment of the Director of Cyber Security at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo.
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the Chief Director, Alexander Yaw Arphul, Osafo-Maafo was instructed to hand over his duties to the Acting Director General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko.
“I wish to inform you that the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations has terminated your appointment as the Director of Cyber Security of the National Communications Authority effective immediately,” part of the letter read.
It further stated that Osafo-Maafo will be given three months’ salary in lieu of notice, as stated in paragraph 8 of his appointment letter.
Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo was the head of the Cyber Security Division of the National Communications Authority from August 2017 to February 2025.
This information was extracted from his LinkedIn page, which states that he has been with the organization for the past 7 years and 7 months.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama, in January this year, appointed Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko to lead the National Communications Authority (NCA).
Prior to his appointment, he was the Director of Engineering at the Authority.
He is expected to bring his experience to help better the Authority, as he has been working with the Authority all these years.
SA/AE
Read the letter below:
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
NPP never mismanaged Ghana’s economy – Stephen Amoah
Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah
The former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah, has dismissed claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) mismanaged Ghana’s economy.
Speaking on GHOne TV’s Hard Talk show, he maintained that the country faced an economic crisis, not mismanagement, despite widespread speculations and assumptions that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration was responsible for economic mismanagement.
Dr. Amoah challenged the narrative that the Akufo-Addo administration had run the economy into distress, citing economic indicators from 2016 and beyond to support his stance.
Dr. Amoah maintained that Ghana’s economic struggles were due to global economic disruptions rather than the NPP’s policies.
“Who told you we mismanaged the economy?” he asked. “We took over an economy in 2016 growing at 10.4%, with industry at 2.7% and inflation at 15.5%. The economy we inherited was growing almost twice as fast when we were leaving power. But we have a country where, when the indicators are bad, we have issues, but when they are good, it doesn’t matter.”
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
UN chief sounds alarm on DR Congo fighting
The intensifying conflict in eastern DRC has provoked fears of a regional war
UN chief Antonio Guterres says the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) “territorial integrity” must be preserved after M23 fighters attacked the eastern provincial capital of Bukavu.
Addressing an African Union (AU) summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, Guterres said a “regional escalation must be avoided at all costs”.
The 55-nation body is meeting as Rwanda-backed M23 fighters claim to have taken control of Kavumu airport serving Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province, in eastern DRC.
“The fighting that is raging in South Kivu – as a result of the continuation of the M23 offensive – threatens to push the entire region over the precipice,” Guterres told leaders at the summit, without mentioning Rwanda.
Local media said explosions went off in Bukavu on Saturday morning, with casualties reported.
With the spectre of a regional conflagration rising in eastern DRC – and international bodies increasingly sounding the alarm – the AU has been criticised for its timid approach and observers have demanded more decisive action.
Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi, reporting from Kenya’s capital Nairobi, spoke to M23 commanders who said they are in the process of “securing” Bukavu.
Army officers in Kavumu airport fled without a fight after seeing a bloody raid conducted by the armed group in Goma, said Soi. “Now M23 has the control of both South Kivu and North Kivu, which have vast mineral resources.”
M23 now has control of Lake Kivu, as well, which is of strategic importance for the transfer of supplies between the two areas.
Assault ‘will not go unanswered’
Rwanda denies giving military support to M23 but has accused hardline Hutu groups in DR Congo of threatening its security. A report by UN experts said last year Kigali maintained about 4,000 soldiers in the DRC and had de facto control of the rebel group.
Outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said on Friday “the ceasefire must be observed,” adding there is a “general mobilisation” among African nations to stop the clashes. Neither Rwandan President Paul Kagame nor his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi attended Friday’s AU meeting.
Tshisekedi, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, urged nations to “blacklist” Rwanda, condemning Kigali’s “expansionist ambitions”.
The European Union said on Saturday it is “urgently” considering all options in response to the widening rebel assault.
“Alarmed by news of Rwandan backed M23 forces seizing Kavumu airport and entering Bukavu, ignoring international appeals for ceasefire,” European Commission spokesperson Anouar el-Anouni wrote on X.
“The EU urgently considers all the means at its disposal. The ongoing violation of the DRC’s territorial integrity will not go unanswered.”
The statement follows an appeal from the European Parliament earlier this week urging the EU to suspend a minerals deal with Rwanda in response to Kigali’s involvement in the offensive.
Legislators in Strasbourg on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a non-binding resolution that also called for the bloc’s 27-member states to freeze all direct budget support as well as military and security assistance to Rwanda.
Mahama officials must serve with integrity, OSP will come for you too
The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has cautioned officials of the Mahama administration to refrain from engaging in corruption.
His warning comes amid the Special Prosecutor’s pursuit of officials from the Akufo-Addo administration, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, over alleged corruption cases.
On February 12, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared Ofori-Atta a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including those related to the National Cathedral project and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML). Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng also stated that the former minister was now a wanted person and must return immediately for questioning or face legal action.
Speaking in an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV, Amaliba urged officials of the Mahama administration to learn from ongoing developments and serve with integrity.
He also advised them against attacking the Special Prosecutor when investigations into their actions begin, emphasizing that no official will be shielded from accountability if found guilty of corruption.
“This is the time that his hands are [Special Prosecutor] free but we government appointees must also know that after he’s done with former executives [officials] he will be coming after us. I don’t know what time he’s going to come, but when the wrongs are committed in our administration and he comes after our people, we mustn’t start calling him names.
“The fact that he’s doing this because people voted for accountability, doesn’t mean that the accountability will not be extended to us who are in power today. And that is the question I want to give to our appointees.”
Sammy Gyamfi denies spending GHS173,940 on office furniture
……
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
NDC vows to arrest Ken Ofori-Atta upon arrival in Ghana
The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to effect the arrest of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta upon his return to Ghana on March 25, 2025.
This follows the New Patriotic Party’s announcement that Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to return to the country on that date based on a medical report from the Mayo Clinic.
Speaking on Starr News, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, stated that the party will hold all corrupt officials accountable.
“We will arrest Ken Ofori-Atta, and we will do it in a ‘rumble-style’ at the airport. The same group of people who have suffocated their own party and left their members hungry are responsible for this. These individuals are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be happy in their own country. Such people cannot regroup within a month and pretend to be clean,” he said.
“A number of MPs who are making noise in Parliament are on record as being involved in serious corruption and stealing state funds. They have stolen public money, and we have yet to speak about it, but now they are pretending to be clean? They are not. Some of them think they have friends within the NDC who will cover for them. I’ve told them to go and consult with their gods,” he stated
Mustapha Gbande added that, “The game is just beginning, and they shouldn’t rush things. As for holding them accountable, some might run, but those who run will never escape. For those who stay, the law will test them, and nothing will stop that. We have the mandate from the people of Ghana to hold those who have stolen state funds accountable, and that will happen. If they want, they can take all the media stations to the NPP headquarters and hold press conferences every day, but we will deal with them.”
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Revealed – Akufo-Addo gov’t actively plotted to remove the Dormaahene as judge
The lead Convener of the FixTheCountry and Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has revealed the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government actively plotted to remove the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II as a judge.
According to Oliver Vormawor, the former Akufo-Addo Bawumia government with elements in the Judicial Council, actively tried to remove the Dormaahene as a judge.
African Fashion Designs for Programs
African fashion designs showcase a perfect blend of cultural heritage, creativity, and modern trends, making them a significant part of the global fashion industry. The use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and intricate details gives African clothing a unique identity that reflects both tradition and contemporary style. Designers continuously explore innovative ways to modernize traditional attire while maintaining its cultural significance. Well-tailored outfits ensure a flawless fit, allowing individuals to embrace their heritage while expressing personal style.
Ankara fabric remains one of the most popular choices for African fashion, offering endless possibilities for creative designs. The versatility of Ankara allows it to be transformed into stylish dresses, suits, jumpsuits, and accessories that cater to various occasions. The incorporation of modern cuts, asymmetrical designs, and embroidery enhances the appeal of African outfits, making them suitable for both formal and casual wear. Dashiki patterns have also gained widespread recognition, with their bold prints being used in tops, jackets, and even streetwear fashion.
Senator wear has become a staple in African menswear, providing a polished and sophisticated look for various events. The clean lines and structured design of these outfits offer a modern yet culturally inspired alternative to Western-style suits. Kaftans and boubous, known for their flowing and elegant designs, provide a comfortable yet stylish option for both men and women. The addition of embellishments such as beadwork, lace, and embroidery elevates the overall aesthetic, making these outfits stand out effortlessly.
Casual African fashion has also evolved, incorporating joggers, hoodies, and T-shirts infused with traditional prints to create a fusion of heritage and contemporary style. The continuous evolution of African fashion ensures that cultural identity remains at the forefront while embracing modern influences. This dynamic approach keeps African fashion relevant, versatile, and globally recognized.
‘Vals Nite with the Stars’ in Kumasi shines bright with stellar performances
The atmosphere of Kumasi was set ablaze on Valentine’s night as Luv FM and Nhyira Fm, in collaboration with Musically Yours, put together an unforgettable evening of music and romance dubbed “Vals Nite with the Stars.”
The event, held at Ridge Condos, Nhyieso, showcased some of the finest talents in the Ghanaian music scene, with electrifying performances from Ofori Amponsah, Ypee, Efya, and Sarkodie.

As love filled the air, the audience was treated to a variety of music, each artist bringing their unique flair to the stage.
The night started with Ofori Amponsah, renowned for his legendary highlife melodies, captivating the crowd with classic “old school” hits that had everyone singing along.

Ypee energised the audience with his infectious “Asakaa” rhythm and engaging stage presence, ensuring that everyone was entertained and sang along with the fast-paced lyrics.
The night truly sparkled with the performances of Efya and Sarkodie.

Efya, known for her powerful vocals, stagecraft and energy, delivered a stunning set that left the crowd in true awe and got everyone on their feet.

Sarkodie, the rap maestro, brought his signature energy and lyrical prowess to the stage, culminating in an explosive performance that had fans cheering and dancing their hearts out throughout.

In an exclusive interview with the stars, they expressed their excitement and gratitude for being part of such a memorable event.

“I love what I do and I love the energy on stage. I feel really good about my performance. Thank you Kumasi, I love you,” said Efya, reflecting the sentiment that resonated throughout the evening.
The patrons also shared their thoughts on the show, highlighting the celebration that filled the venue.

“I am so happy. I can’t even contain my joy. I am glad I didn’t miss this and I feel sorry for people who did,” remarked one enthusiastic fan.
“I want to say thank you to the organisers. We want to see more of this in Kumasi,” another fan said.

With a blend of romantic ambience and exceptional performances, “Vals Nite with the Stars” proved to be a resounding success, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the artists who graced the stage.
As the night came to a close, there was a palpable sense of joy and connection. The passionate energy and exceptional talent on display at Ridge Condos set a high bar for future events by Luv Fm and Nhyira Fm, ensuring that this Valentine’s celebration will be remembered for years to come.
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.
‘Free my son, remove the juju from his wrist and neck’ – 2Baba’s mum pleads with new girlfriend
(L) 2Baba and his new found love, Natasha Osawaru (R)
Amidst recent developments of 2Baba publicly declaring his love and proposing to his new girlfriend shortly after announcing his divorce from Annie, reports have stated that the musician has been absent from his home in Lagos, Nigeria for some time.
Reports from his family have established that 2Baba has been missing from his Lagos residence and is currently staying with his new girlfriend at an undisclosed location in another state.
The sudden and consistent display of 2Baba’s new relationship with Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of Nigeria’s Edo State House of Assembly, including his proposal to marry her, has since left many puzzled.
Reports have also stated that Natasha pressured 2Baba into announcing his divorce from Annie publicly, allegedly threatening to abort their child if he did not comply.
Currently, 2Baba is said to be under the strong influence of his new girlfriend, who appears unwilling to let go.
This has left many speculating about whether he is truly in the right state of mind.
In the midst of these developments, 2Baba’s mother, Madam Rose Idibia, has taken to social media to appeal to Natasha.
She has bluntly stated that Natasha has placed ‘juju’ (black charm) on her son.
According to her, Natasha has placed some charms on 2Baba’s neck and wrist causing him to make some irresponsible decisions.
“My son is going through the divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses. I know my son very well. This is not him. Please, Natasha, remove the beads you placed on his hand and neck and free him,” she said in a video that has been circulating on social media.
Madam Idibia has called on all mothers to help plead with Natasha to release her son.
“I am calling on all mothers to help me beg her to free my son,” she added.
2Baba’s announcement of the end of marriage to Annie
On January 26, 2025, 2Baba took to his Instagram stories to state that he and Annie have been separated for some time and have now officially filed for divorce.
He wrote, “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long… Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while now, and we’ve currently filed for divorce.”
2Baba further explained that he will release a formal statement soon, not because it is anyone’s business but because he wants to clear the air about his actions.
“I will grant a press release soon to share my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed, my people. I love you all,” he added.
The couple’s 12-year marriage has been in the public eye, particularly with claims of infidelity involving 2Baba.
2Baba’s extra-marital relationships
It will be recalled that Annie recently disclosed that she met 2Baba when she was a teenager, adding that he has been the only man she has ever been with.
However, she said even after their marriage, 2Baba fathered children with two other women.
Annie, in an emotional moment during the second season of the Young, Famous and African Netflix series, disclosed that after their marriage, her first child with 2Baba was his fifth.
2Baba has three children with Pero Adeniyi, his baby mama in the United States, and two children with another woman, Sumbo Ajaba.
Annie disclosed how she discovered 2Baba was still visiting his other baby mamas, especially Pero, and still having affairs with them.
The couple’s issues escalated when 2Baba openly stated that men, including himself, are “wired” to sleep with multiple women, even if they are married.
Annie in rehab
In the midst of all these, Annie’s mental health reportedly deteriorated.
Things escalated when she became a target of mockery on social media, with some netizens criticising her for staying in a marriage where 2Baba had destroyed her with toxicity.
Reports by popular Nigerian investigative journalist, Stella Dimoko Korkus, on Monday, January 27, 2025, disclosed that Annie has been admitted to rehab.
She also disclosed that insider information states that media personality Toke Makinwa and singer Tiwa Savage are reportedly taking care of Annie during this difficult time.
In a post that has since gone viral, Stella disclosed that Annie is in an extremely bad state.
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
EB
COCOBOD’s Operations Pose Significant Fiscal Threat to Ghana – World Bank
A latest World Bank report on Ghana’s Public Finance Review has identified that the operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is posing large risks to the country.
This observation from the World Bank says the state-owned institution overseeing the country’s cocoa industry has been grappling with increasing financial losses and operation inefficiencies which is a threat to the government’s fiscal consolidation agenda.
Already the government of President John Dramani Mahama has announced his priority of fiscal consolidation. His aim is to reduce public spending, minimize waste, stay within budget, and drastically reduce debt accumulation while increasing revenue mobilization to create fiscal space for economic transformation.
However, the World Bank contends that what it describes as the “quasi operations” of COCOBOD is a threat to this aim of the government. The report indicates that some operational expenditures of COCOBOD such as spending on cocoa roads, fertilizers, pesticides, and others are major challenges requiring drastic attention.
For instance, outstanding cocoa road contracts entered by COCOBOD as of the end of 2024 hit GHC21 billion equivalent to US$1.3 billion.
“The Board is a state-owned company solely responsible for Ghana’s cocoa industry, controlling the purchase, marketing, and export of all cocoa beans produced in the country. It has accumulated large losses due to high rollover cost of outstanding cocoa bills, high operational costs, and elevated quasi-fiscal operations (for example, fertilizer provision and rural roads development),” portions of the report cited Accra Street Journal read.
“It also poses large fiscal risks,” the report further emphasized.
Many analysts confirm that the high debts accumulated by COCOBOD coupled with its inefficient spending continue to drain the board’s resources which compel the government sometimes to intervene to keep it afloat.
To restore profitability and ensure long-term financial sustainability, the World Bank is welcoming COCOBOD’s turnaround strategy that focuses on expenditure consolidation.
One of the key measures under consideration is rationalizing cocoa roads by reducing the scope of such projects to minimize fiscal exposure. Additionally, the Board plans to phase out fertilizer input subsidies gradually, easing financial strain while encouraging more sustainable farming practices.
COCOBOD’s Operations Posing Significant Fiscal Threat to Ghana – World Bank
Another critical reform involves reviewing the producer price review mechanism to align producer prices with global market conditions, ensuring long-term stability and competitiveness for the industry.
To complement these expenditure control efforts, COCOBOD is also focusing on enhancing fiscal discipline by implementing stricter financial controls and improving operational efficiency to cut wasteful spending. These measures aim to prevent further financial mismanagement and promote accountability within the Board.
COCOBOD is one of the largest foreign exchange earners for the country but without bold and effective interventions, the continued financial struggles could further strain public finances, making it even more challenging for the government to meet its broader economic and developmental goals.
Meanwhile, newly appointed acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, has said enhancing cocoa production through large-scale farming is a top priority for his administration.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Why Special Prosecutor quoted Daddy Lumba’s ‘Ankwanoma’ in his speech
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng
In an emotional turn of events following his speech that officially declared former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng sought to explain the daunting nature of his task in a ‘special’ way.
During a question-and-answer session with journalists, while sharing his observations about the looming ‘doom’ following his declaration, Kissi Agyabeng invoked the lyrics of Daddy Lumba’s popular song ‘Ankwanoma’.
He quoted the line: “Ankwanoma me me kra b) af)re o. Mey3 nea metumi bea. Memr3 so a na me k)”, which translates to:
“I’m a lonely bird. I have sacrificed my soul to do my best. I’ll do what I can, and when my time is up, I will go.”
Kissi Agyabeng further expressed that although there are difficult times ahead, he will remain committed to his oath and endure the hardships required to fulfill his duties.
“There is doom looming ahead of us, where a murderer will soon walk into court seeking an injunction. Should I feel frustrated and resign? I took an oath when I was sworn in. And in my life, when I commit to something, I do it,” he added.
He emphasised that his main goal in accepting this ‘high-stakes responsibility’ is to change the narrative around corruption before he leaves office.
“My aim is that when my tenure ends, the conversation around corruption will shift like a paradigm,” he said.
“I am a lonely bird. I have sacrificed my soul to do my best. When my time is up, I will go” – SP Kissi Agyabeng, Circa 2023 pic.twitter.com/nfeOXwEHTr
— roland walker👣 (@rowalkerghana) February 12, 2025
Daddy Lumba’s ‘Ankwanoma’; a classic and relatable hit that many have adopted over the years
In 2022, popular music streaming platform Boomplay listed Daddy Lumba’s ‘Ankwanoma’ as one of the songs that Ghanaians cannot stop listening to.
Released on February 12, 1990, ‘Ankwanoma’ has remained a timeless highlife classic still widely cherished in Ghana today.
Numerous contemporary musicians have created their own versions of the song, incorporating elements of the ‘Ankwanoma’ lyrics into their tracks.
An example is highlife singer Fameye’s ‘Not God’, which features a sample of the song in its hook.
Also, the famous phrase “Ankwanoma me me kra b) af)re o. Mey3 nea metumi bea. Memr3 so a na me k)” is frequently used to express resilience in the face of challenges.
It best describes the idea of doing one’s best despite numerous threats and uncertainties, acknowledging that eventually, one will leave when their time is up.
Background
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng, during a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, revealed that Ken Ofori-Atta, who served for over seven years under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, had fled the country after ignoring an invitation to respond to questions regarding several ongoing investigations.
Kissi Agyabeng disclosed that Ofori-Atta is a suspect in multiple criminal investigations, including corruption-related activities linked to the construction of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office is also seeking to question Ofori-Atta regarding the termination of a contract with the Electricity Company of Ghana and the purchase of ambulances by the Ministry of Health, among other matters.
How showbiz personalities embraced the news
In response to the Special Prosecutor’s announcement, several showbiz personalities, including Kwame Dzokoto, Baba Sadiq, A Plus, and others, have shared their opinions.
While some have expressed excitement about the news and teased the embattled former finance minister, others have commented on his possible whereabouts and his silence regarding the situation.
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
EB
Sammy Gyamfi refutes claims of office renovations at PMMC
Acting Managing Director of PMMC, Sammy Gyamfi
The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, has refuted claims that he spent GH₵173,940 on office renovations, labelling the allegations “totally false.”
He dismissed the accusations, attributing them to some “hirelings” of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), whom he described as still reeling from their electoral defeat.
“The claim by some hirelings of the NPP, who are still nursing their wounds after suffering the most embarrassing electoral defeat in the history of Ghana, that I have changed the chair, desk, fridge, and design of my office at PMMC at a cost of GH₵173,940 is totally false,” he stated.
He added, “I have made no changes to my office since assuming the role of Acting Managing Director of PMMC on January 20, 2025. All the items in my office, including the chair, desk, fridge, etc., were already there before I took office. Not even the A4 sheets or pens on my desk have been changed. This can easily be verified by any reasonable person.”
This statement was made in a post shared on X on February 15, 2025.
Sammy Gyamfi further urged the public to be cautious of what he referred to as parading of “fake news” from the NPP, advising them to verify claims before accepting them as truth.
“The general public is humbly urged to be vigilant against fake news from the desperate NPP. Please double-check claims made by their communicators and social media surrogates, so you don’t fall victim to their deliberate disinformation,” he cautioned.
See post below:
The claim by some hirelings of the New Patriotic Party, who are still nursing their wounds after suffering the most embarrassing electoral defeat in the history of Ghana, that I have changed the chair, desk, fridge and design of my office at the PMMC at a cost of GHS173,940 is…
— Sammy Gyamfi (@SammyGyamfi_) February 15, 2025
RAD/EB
In the meantime, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017 below:
I have no regrets about implementation of E-Levy – Dr Amoah
Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah
Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah, has defended the introduction of the electronic transfer levy (E-Levy).
According to him, he has no regrets about its implementation, despite significant public opposition.
Speaking on GHOne TV Hard Talk with Serwaa Amihere, he emphasized that the country depends on structured taxation for revenue; pointing out that Ghana’s economy operates on a deficit, making tax adjustments necessary.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, was met with strong opposition from sections of the public, who argued that it added to the financial burden of Ghanaians.
However, the government defended the tax measure as crucial for generating revenue to support national development.
While some analysts believe the E-Levy has not generated the expected revenue, the former Deputy finance minister maintains that tax adjustments are necessary to address the country’s fiscal challenges.
“Personally, I don’t regret about E-Levy. We are running what I describe as a negative effective tax rate economy. Ghana has generally been run on deficit. So, tax is calibrated in nature based on our fiscal space. The money we receive is not enough, hence the adjustment of taxes,” he said.
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Evangelical Presby Church Ghana supports fire victims at Saboba EP SHS
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana, owners of Presbyterian schools in the country, has extended relief support to fire victims at Saboba EP Senior High School in the Northern Region.
On January 22, a devastating fire engulfed the girls’ dormitory, destroying valuable property and tragically claiming the life of a first-year student. The affected students lost all their belongings, except for the uniforms they were wearing at the time of the incident.
The disaster left students and school management in distress, prompting urgent appeals for assistance. The girls, now vulnerable, were left without essential items such as underwear, cover cloths, mattresses, mosquito nets, and exercise books.
Despite efforts by teachers, school management, and benevolent individuals to support the victims, challenges persist. The students are currently being housed in overcrowded classrooms, which are inadequate for their needs. The lack of space to hang mosquito nets has also raised health concerns.
On Wednesday, February 12, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana, led by the Moderator of the General Assembly, stepped in with much-needed relief items. The delegation donated mattresses, sanitary pads, underwear, exercise books, sachet water, and hand sanitizers to support the affected students.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, the General Moderator expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured the school of the church’s continued commitment to its rehabilitation and recovery.
“The school was founded by the church and we are grateful and concerned about the life and development of the school. With the fire disaster that resulted in the loss of life of one of the students, we are grateful and touched and we send our condolences.
“With our Mission, we were touched by the tragedy and we still want to assure you that we will be with you in the process of the reconstruction of the dormitory, whatever it is, we are concerned.”
The headmaster of the school, Mr Prosper Kofi Tedoku could not hide his joy expressing profound gratitude, noting that the assistance had come at a critical time.
“On behalf of the board of governance of the school, management, teachers and students of this institution, we express our sincere appreciation to EP church Ghana for coming to our aid with these wonderful items. It is indeed a surprise to us and I must say it has come at the right time.
“We are grateful. We still want to appeal to the general public for more support, we still have the dormitory block to reconstruct and we are appealing to you to come to our aid”
Also present was the Saboba District Director of Education, Mr. Hayford Awuah, who commended the church for its generosity and reiterated the need for additional support to aid the school’s recovery.
“On behalf of the management of Saboba district directorate, I’m overwhelmed and short of saliva because we didn’t expect this. This is a surprise and what we want to tell the EP church is that they should continue whatever good plans they have for the school, we are behind them. We also want to appeal for more support to enable us to construct the dormitory block for our girls.”
The students expressed deep gratitude for the church’s support, appreciating the much-needed relief during this challenging time.
One of the students said, “We say a very big thank you to the Moderator and the EP church Ghana for this kind donation, we are grateful and forever remember them.”
“We express our sincere thanks to the EP church Ghana and the Moderator for this wonderful support to us. This will go a long way to at least help us get mattresses to sleep on. We lost everything and this donation has come at the right time,” another student also stated.
The school continues to seek additional support to rebuild the dormitory and restore a sense of normalcy for the students.
Vitus Azeem slams Ayine over case withdrawals, calls justification unfair
……
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Here are the 16 taxes ‘killing’ businesses in Ghana
Many economies of the world rely on taxes; however, the imposition of taxes on businesses can either make or break a country, depending on whether they are favorable for businesses or become scarecrows that drive them away.
In Ghana, several businesses have long complained that the compounding taxes introduced by the government are having dire consequences on their operations.
Despite these complaints, nothing has been done about it, and businesses have to deal with the burden.
Both foreign and local investors who cannot bear the high taxation have moved their businesses out of Ghana to neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo, among others.
Out of the 16 taxes paid, the most talked-about one is the COVID Levy. Ghanaians and businesses started paying the COVID Levy after the country was hit by the pandemic in 2020.
Post-COVID, five years down the line, Ghanaians are still paying this tax, and many say it has outlived its purpose.
Another tax that the business community has labeled a nuisance is the Container Fumigation Tax.
The reason is that all costs and checks have been done at the point of loading; therefore, it is unnecessary for them to pay such a tax at the port.
The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, while speaking on GhanaWeb’s Ernestina Serwaa Asante, listed the 16 taxes paid by businesses in the country.
Below are the 16 taxes businesses are dealing with in Ghana:
Import taxes
Import VAT
ECOWAS Levy
Network Charge, Network Charge VAT, Network Charge COVID-19 Health
Ghana Shippers Authority SNF Fee
Import NHIL, Network Charge NHIL
GHS Disinfection Fee
MoTI – 1D1F Fee
Special Import Levy
Ghana Export – Import Bank Levy
Ghana Education Trust Fund Import
Network Charge GETFund Levy
Inspection Fee
African Union Import Levy
COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy
Container Fumigation Fees at the port
SA/AE
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Elevate Your Style with Luxury Designs
In today’s world, fashion is not just about following trends; it’s about expressing one’s personal style with sophistication and confidence. One of the most impactful ways to elevate your style is by incorporating luxury designs into your wardrobe. Luxury fashion represents the perfect blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, resulting in timeless pieces that not only look stunning but also last for generations. Whether you’re dressing for a special occasion or adding statement pieces to your everyday wear, luxury designs have the power to transform your style and make a bold statement.
Luxury designs are known for their attention to detail, impeccable tailoring, and use of the finest fabrics, ensuring that each garment or accessory exudes elegance. From couture dresses to designer handbags and shoes, luxury pieces are crafted to perfection, often by renowned designers with years of expertise. These designs offer more than just aesthetics—they embody a sense of craftsmanship that is hard to replicate, making them investment pieces that can be cherished for years.
Incorporating luxury into your wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to constantly dress in extravagant clothing. Small touches of luxury, such as a designer scarf, a high-end pair of sunglasses, or a leather handbag, can instantly elevate your look and add sophistication to even the simplest outfit. These items bring a sense of refinement and elevate your overall style by adding subtle elegance without being overpowering.
Luxury fashion also encourages individuality. With unique, well-crafted pieces, you can develop a style that is distinctly your own. From tailored suits to flowing gowns, luxury clothing is designed to flatter your shape and enhance your natural features, allowing you to feel confident and empowered.
Ultimately, luxury designs offer the opportunity to elevate your style with refined elegance and grace. Whether you invest in an iconic piece from a well-known designer or add subtle luxury accents to your everyday outfits, incorporating high-end fashion will not only enhance your wardrobe but also reflect your taste, sophistication, and appreciation for quality.
Marketers forced me out of Nollywood — Actress Biodun Okeowo
Nigerian actress Biodun Okeowo has accused Nollywood marketers of damaging her acting career.
Okeowo made the allegation on Friday in a post shared on her Instagram story.
DAILY POST reports that Biodun, who recently married her US-based partner, Adeniyi Olabiyi, in July 2024, has been absent from the screen for years.
The Battle Over Last-Minute Government Appointments
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has added his voice to Ghana’s heated debate over last-minute government appointments, arguing that legislation alone cannot end the cycle of rushed recruitments by outgoing administrations.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on February 15, 2025, Awuni stressed that the country’s two dominant political parties—alternating in power for decades—must prioritize ethical governance over partisan tactics. “A law isn’t enough. These parties must act in good faith to stop traumatizing young people and their families with abrupt job offers that vanish when governments change,” he said, highlighting the human toll of the practice.
Awuni’s stance aligns with private lawyer Martin Kpebu, who earlier on the same program dismissed the idea that laws alone could fix systemic opportunism. “Legislation won’t work without a mindset shift. People will always find loopholes,” Kpebu argued, emphasizing the cultural roots of the issue. Their skepticism contrasts sharply with Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, who insists a legal ban on major appointments three months before elections is the “surest solution” to curb abuses.
The debate has gained urgency following the government’s controversial decision to revoke appointments made by former President Akufo-Addo’s administration after December 7, 2024. In a February 10 circular, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah ordered state institutions to annul these recruitments, calling them incompatible with “good governance.” The directive, which demanded compliance reports by February 17, has sparked backlash. Richard Ahiagbah, Communications Director for the opposition New Patriotic Party, has urged affected individuals to sue, claiming the move violates Article 66(1) of Ghana’s Constitution. He argues Akufo-Addo’s authority remained valid until his successor’s January 7 inauguration, rendering the appointments lawful.
Critics, however, see the revocation as a symptom of a deeper problem: a recurring pattern where outgoing governments exploit their final days to secure political favors, while incoming administrations retaliate by undoing those decisions. Awuni and Kpebu warn that without a cultural reckoning, legal reforms risk becoming tools for selective enforcement. “Why do parties wait until their final hours to hire en masse? It’s about power, not public service,” Awuni remarked.
The standoff underscores a global challenge in democracies: Can laws outpace bad faith, or must societal values evolve first? Ghana’s experience suggests both are needed. While Tameklo’s proposed law could set clearer boundaries, its success hinges on parties committing to transparency rather than gaming the system. For now, the cycle continues—a tug-of-war between legal technicalities and the unspoken rules of political survival.
As citizens await resolution, the question lingers: Will Ghana’s leaders choose lasting reform, or will the trauma of last-minute appointments remain a rite of passage for generations to come?
NDC supporters must desist from illegal activities — Cadre
By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Feb. 15, GNA – Mr. Camillus Maalneriba-Tia Sakzeesi, a National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Cadre, has condemned recent violent activities involving party supporters around the country, indicating that they must desist from such illegal practices.
Mr. Sakzeeki, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said it was worrying to watch on television and hear in the news the illegal activities some NDC supporters were engaging in after the party won the 2024 elections.
He said the supporters must recognise that the election was not won with only their votes, but rather it was the anger of Ghanaians that gave the NDC the victory, christening the win as “rebellious ballots.”
He encouraged supporters who have evidence of wrongdoing to report to the relevant state security agencies instead of taking the law into their hands, as doing so meant using an illegal way to correct an illegality.
“We need to be grateful to the entire Ghanaians rather than the support base of the NDC. I think from the way we have started, we are pushing people to regret ever voting for the party. The NDC is not safe. What is happening now? If we don’t take care, we could be losing the 2028 elections ahead of time.”
Touching on appointments, he commended President John Dramani Mahama for the excellent appointments he has made so far, stating, however, that supporters must understand that it was impossible for all the about eight million supporters of the party to get appointments or a share of the national kitty.
Mr. Sakzeeki urged the supporters to follow the steps of the cadres who selflessly worked for the party without looking for personal gains, indicating that they pride themselves in the fact that they gave birth to the fourth republic, which has lasted for many years.
“Yes, we disrupted the democratic system in 1981, but with people who managed to calm the whole situation and reintroduced the most successful constitutional governance that has survived for over 30 years. Forget about those who want to gather wealth for themselves,” he added.
He called for change in the way some supporters want to grab wealth for themselves, stressing that “there must be a change and the party must not encourage it, the party must stamp its feet. What about the other Ghanaians who are not NDC members but they voted for the party?”
He called on the NDC party faithful to work for the government’s success, noting that if the economy was well run, all Ghanaians could benefit from the good policies that would turn it around.
“Not all of us can get to the national kitty, but we can help the government to succeed through good governance and policies that can improve the economy so that the benefit can trickle down to those who go to the market to buy things to make food for the family instead of personal benefits,” Mr. Sakzeeki emphasised.
GNA
Victor Selormey was in prison with an oxygen tank; ‘sick’ Ofori-Atta must also face questioning – Jantuah
Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah [L] and former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta
Presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has urged the state, through the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), not to allow former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to use ill health as an excuse to delay his return to Ghana for questioning by the OSP.
It has emerged that the former finance minister is currently seeking medical treatment in the United States after being declared a suspect by the OSP in four high-profile corruption investigations. These include cases related to the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two other matters.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning. He warned that failure to comply would result in steps being taken to compel his return.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has confirmed that Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana after completing his medical treatment abroad. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, February 13, Afenyo-Markin stated that he had been in touch with the former minister, who assured him of his willingness to cooperate with any investigations upon his return.
However, commenting on the issue in an interview on Onua FM, Nana Yaa Jantuah insisted that Ofori-Atta must not be allowed to use his ill health as an excuse to delay the process, as other politicians who were equally unwell were prosecuted and jailed under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“I believe we have an extradition treaty with the US, so Ken Ofori-Atta can be brought back to Ghana because we have hospitals here that can take care of him. I remember Victor Selormey, a deputy finance minister under the Rawlings regime, was holding an oxygen tank in Nsawam Prison. I witnessed this—he was not feeling well at all. Throughout his court sessions, he was sick, yet he was not granted any consideration due to his ill health. Eventually, he died.”
“I was at the Cardio Unit when lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata was brought there suffering from an asthma attack. When a recommendation was made for his release due to his ill health, instead, that same night, he was sent back to prison. So, if Ken has to answer questions, he must do so. I know of someone who was not sick but was locked up in the BNI cells in 2017. It is someone’s health condition, so I won’t mention the name, but this person was detained without any access to medical care. So, wherever Ken is, he should return and answer the questions,” Nana Yaa Jantuah, a former Director of Public Relations and External Affairs at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), stated.
Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Victor Selormey, was in prison with an oxygen tank. Ken Ofori-Atta must also come Forward and face questioning. – Nana Yaa Jantuah (Presidential Staffer) #OnuaFM #YɛnNsɛmpa pic.twitter.com/40itjK16td
— Onua FM (@onua951fm) February 14, 2025
KA
“I am not a lesbian” – Diana Asamoah denies allegations
“I am not a lesbian” – Diana Asamoah denies allegations
News Hub Creator16min
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician Diana Asamoah has strongly refuted allegations of lesbianism made against her by a social media user. Reporting from the GhanaWeb, she dismissed the claims as baseless and urged those spreading such rumors to stop tarnishing her reputation.
According to Asamoah, she believes she is being targeted because of her outspoken nature and commitment to speaking the truth. “Because I speak the truth, someone would sit somewhere and crop my picture onto someone else’s just to tarnish my image. Whoever is doing such a thing should keep the evidence well because they will have to prove themselves when called upon,” she stated.
Expressing confidence in her faith, she added, “God didn’t call me to embarrass me. Any evil thing you people are planning against me will not work because I serve a living God.”
Beyond addressing the allegations, Diana Asamoah also took the opportunity to caution individuals involved in practices she believes contradict Christian values. She warned pastors engaging in questionable activities, including occultism, urging them to refrain from such actions.
Her response has sparked discussions on social media, with many of her supporters rallying behind her, while others continue to question the origins of the allegations.
As a veteran in the gospel music industry, Diana Asamoah has built a strong reputation for her faith-based teachings and music. Whether this controversy will affect her career remains to be seen, but one thing is clear; she remains resolute in her beliefs and will not be swayed by public speculation.
Source: GhanaWeb
Watch video
Vitus Azeem slams Ayine over case withdrawals, calls justification unfair
Anti-corruption crusader Vitus Azeem has expressed strong disapproval of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine’s decision to discontinue certain high-profile cases involving individuals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Azeem described the reasons provided by the Attorney General as “unfair” and called for greater accountability in handling such cases.
Dr. Ayine had explained that his decision to discontinue the cases stemmed from a potential conflict of interest, as he had previously served as the legal representative for some of the individuals involved.
However, Azeem argued that this justification was insufficient, emphasizing that the Attorney General’s office is an institution, not an individual, and that Dr. Ayine could have recused himself to allow other prosecutors to handle the cases.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Azeem stated, “I don’t agree with the justification given for two cases. I think that was wrong because the Attorney General’s office is an office and not an individual. The Attorney General is the head, and as an Attorney General, he can recuse himself from any case if there is a possible conflict of interest. That is why there are a lot of solicitors in the office. So, he could have just allowed the case to continue by his workers.”
Azeem further criticized the decision, stating, “It is even more serious that just because you defended them, now that you are the AG, you will not continue. I think that is not fair.”
His response follows the decision of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to discontinue criminal charges against several individuals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
These individuals include Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ofosu Ampofu, Dr. Stephen Opuni, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, among others.
IFRC supports training on Cholera Response
By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Fijai (WR), Feb. 15, GNA – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, (IFRC) has supported some 80 volunteers to undergo a Cholera response training to help in education, awareness and ending the epidemic in affected Regions.
The training would help them with skills to attend to community needs particularly as the rains approached.
Mr. Faith Dube, the IFRC Cholera Surge Representative told the Ghana News Agency that it had become critical to arrest the tide through community approach noting, “we are leveraging on our volunteers for the epidemic control.”
He said the project which would last only three months would also establish Oral Hydration Points in communities mostly noted for the disease as first aid, “we are also procuring chlorine and other handing washing facilities in the communities “.
Mr. Benjamin Acquah, the Western Regional Manager for the Red Cross said seven districts’ volunteers were undergoing the four-day training.
He noted that there would be other programmes like clean up, public engagement and the use of radio and community information centres to increase education.
Mr. Frank Ofosu-Asante, Regional Chair of the Red Cross said fishing communities have well been targeted as critical hot spot for the epidemic control.
Dr. Edward Donkor, the National Vice President of Red Cross bemoaned deaths associated with Cholera and encouraged all communities to keep cleaner surrounding to avoid spread of the disease.
The volunteers were schooled on understanding Cholera and prevention, cholera stigma, detection, basic ORT -refresher among others
GNA
Otumfuo commences processes to end Chieftaincy dispute in Bawku
The King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, is said to have commenced processes to end the chieftaincy conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
Otumfuo met the leadership of the Mamprusis at his Palace in Kumasi on Friday, February 14, 2025.
This meeting, according to the mouthpiece of the Ashanti Kingdom, Opemsuo FM, was preceded by a meeting with the Defence and Interior Ministers of Ghana.
Appointments Committee resumes deputy minister vetting Feb 24
Parliament’s Appointment Committee is set to commence the second phase of vetting for President John Dramani Mahama’s deputy ministerial nominees from Monday, February 24, to Thursday, February 27, 2025.
This follows the initial round of vetting sessions held early on in January 2025, which saw several sectorial ministers as well as regional ministerial nominees undergo rigorous scrutiny by the committee.
The upcoming sessions are expected to focus on the remaining nominees, whose names were submitted by President Mahama aimed at strengthening his administration’s governance and policy implementation.
The vetting process is a constitutional requirement to ensure that nominees are qualified, competent, and fit to hold public office.
The committee, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, will assess the nominees’ expertise, experience, and vision for their respective ministries.
Key areas of focus during the vetting are expected to include their plans for addressing pressing national issues.
On day one, the committee is scheduled to vet Deputy Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; Yussif Issaka Jajah, Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah; Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, and Ernest Brogya Genfi for the Ministry of Defence.
Violence, seven years without sexual relations – Charlotte Oduro replies Apostle Oduro’s divorce petition
Rev. Charlotte Oduro and Apostle Solomon Oduro
Following the amended divorce petition filed by Apostle Solomon Oduro before the Kwabenya Circuit Court in April 2024, detailing the reasons for their split, reports have indicated that his embattled wife, Rev. Charlotte Oduro, has responded to the petition.
It would be recalled that in his petition, Apostle Oduro claimed that his wife no longer found him attractive, ceased to relate to him as a wife, cater to the house and repeatedly failed to involve him in important decisions.
He also cited disrespect, emotional and physical abuse and alleged that throughout their 16 years of marriage, they only engaged in sexual relations 12 times, among others.
But in response to all these, Rev. Charlotte Oduro has acknowledged some of the claims made by her former husband, while refuting others.
Rev. Charlotte Oduro denied the claim that she failed to contribute to household expenses.
She clarified that she contributed to the church ministry during her pregnancy and times of ill health without any payment.
She also stated that the proceeds from the petitioner’s church were used to pay the household bills.
Also, she said she provided clothing for the children and paid the utility bills.
She also refuted Apostle Oduro’s claim that his distress and anxiety were caused by her behaviour.
According to Rev. Oduro, it was the petitioner who often acted violently towards her, making her fear for her life.
She further stated that he was the one who refused to communicate, disrespected her, and mistreated her.
Regarding the petitioner’s claim that she refused to eat meals prepared by a chef, Rev. Oduro clarified that there was no chef in their home.
Instead, a church member was brought into their home without her permission.
However, she neither confirmed nor denied the claim that she cooked from their master bedroom.
Charlotte Oduro also stated that Apostle Oduro would need to provide evidence during court proceedings to support his allegations of an extramarital affair.
She then acknowledged the petitioner’s claim that he had opened a business for her, but she pointed out that the business was forced to close due to his refusal to stock the shop.
She explained, “I was unable to keep the shop open because the petitioner refused to assist in stocking up merchandise. I had to rely on gifts from loved ones through my occasional preaching and ministry engagements, but they were insufficient to support the business.”
She also clarified that the money used to sell oils, communion, clothes, and other items in the church came from her personal funds, not from the child’s naming ceremony.
“Although the sale of drinks and communion in the church was meant to support the petitioner’s ministry, it was never funded nor supported by him at any point, so I was not required to account for it,” she said.
Regarding their sexual relationship, Rev. Charlotte Oduro stated that she could not recall the exact number of times they engaged in sexual relations.
However, she emphasised that they have not shared a bed for the past seven years of their 16-year marriage.
“We haven’t slept in the same room for two years, and we haven’t had sexual relations for about seven years,” she confirmed.
Demands from the respondent:
Rev. Charlotte Oduro is demanding full custody of the children.
Reasonable access for Apostle Solomon Oduro to the children.
GH¢10,000 monthly for the upkeep of the children.
A lump sum of GH¢1 million to be paid by the petitioner.
A half share of the eight-bedroom matrimonial home in Kwabenya or a four-bedroom apartment of her choice in Achimota, Haatso, or West Legon.
Watch the video below:
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
JHM/EB
NDC vows to arrest Ken Ofori-Atta upon arrival in Ghana
Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande
The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to effect the arrest of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta upon his return to Ghana on March 25, 2025.
This follows the New Patriotic Party’s announcement that Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to return to the country on that date based on a medical report from the Mayo Clinic.
Speaking on Starr News, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, stated that the party will hold all corrupt officials accountable.
“We will arrest Ken Ofori-Atta, and we will do it in a ‘rumble-style’ at the airport. The same group of people who have suffocated their own party and left their members hungry are responsible for this. These individuals are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be happy in their own country. Such people cannot regroup within a month and pretend to be clean,” he said.
“A number of MPs who are making noise in Parliament are on record as being involved in serious corruption and stealing state funds. They have stolen public money, and we have yet to speak about it, but now they are pretending to be clean? They are not. Some of them think they have friends within the NDC who will cover for them. I’ve told them to go and consult with their gods,” he stated
Mustapha Gbande added that, “The game is just beginning, and they shouldn’t rush things. As for holding them accountable, some might run, but those who run will never escape. For those who stay, the law will test them, and nothing will stop that. We have the mandate from the people of Ghana to hold those who have stolen state funds accountable, and that will happen. If they want, they can take all the media stations to the NPP headquarters and hold press conferences every day, but we will deal with them.”
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Ofori-Atta isn’t above the law, he should be brought to book – Stephen Amoah
Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta
Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah, has stated that the former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is not above the law and should be held accountable.
Speaking on GHOne TV’s Hard Talk with Serwaa Amihere on February 14, Dr. Amoah dismissed claims that Ofori-Atta is a fugitive, clarifying the definition of the term while insisting that legal processes must take their course.
This was following the actions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declaring the former minister, Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive and wanted.
The former deputy finance minister further reiterated that the actions of the OSP were unacceptable and unethical.
“A fugitive is someone who is running away from captivity. I don’t think Ken Ofori-Atta is in captivity. Ofori-Atta is not above the law. He should be brought to book”, Dr Amoah stated.
Dr. Amoah has also defended the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), stating that he has no regrets about its implementation, despite significant public opposition.
He emphasized that the country depends on structured taxation for revenue; pointing out that Ghana’s economy operates on a deficit, making tax adjustments necessary.
“Personally, I don’t regret about E-Levy. We are running what I describe as a negative effective tax rate economy. Ghana has generally been run on deficit. So, tax is calibrated in nature based on our fiscal space. The money we receive is not enough, hence the adjustment of taxes,” he said.
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Kudjoe Fianoo lists achievements as GHALCA boss
Former President of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), Kudjoe Fianoo
Former President of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), Kudjoe Fianoo, has highlighted his significant contributions to the development of sports in the country, particularly through the organisation of training sessions.
Kudjoe Fianoo explained that his administration organised training programs for coaches, sports administrators, and other key stakeholders to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles effectively.
He also emphasised the establishment of a well-furnished secretariat to ensure the smooth operation of GHALCA’s activities.
“Before our tenure, there were limited initiatives focused on equipping managers and administrators. We changed that. With support from Betway, we organized training sessions for coaches, administrators, and medical teams. Additionally, in collaboration with the University of Professional Studies, we introduced certificate courses for club administrators,” Fianoo said during an interview with Citi Sports.
“Prior to our leadership, GHALCA didn’t have a proper secretariat. We’ve now established one, complete with a conference room and other facilities to support our operations. While there’s always room for improvement, the progress we’ve made is commendable,” he added.
Fianoo has officially handed over the presidency of GHALCA to John Ansah.
SB/EB
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Paramilitary forces raid Sudan’s largest refugee camp
Fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have torched swathes of the country’s largest refugee camp, firing indiscriminately at civilians, according to open-source data and an eyewitness account.
At least seven people have been killed and 40 injured in the attacks which began on Tuesday, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which operates one of the last remaining healthcare facilities in Zamzam camp, which hosts nearly half a million displaced people suffering from famine. Approximately 50% of Zamzam’s central market was burned in the attacks, according to a new Yale HRL report.
Once a refuge for civilians fleeing violence in North Darfur’s capital city of al-Fasher and neighboring towns, Zamzam has been under fire since December 1, according to Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) which monitors the conflict, and MSF. Indiscriminate artillery fire has killed and injured dozens of residents since, the medical relief group says.
The RSF and its rival, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), have been locked in a brutal civil war since April of 2023. Since then, the RSF has been campaigning to capture al-Fasher —the last remaining SAF stronghold in the region — 15km north of Zamzam. However, this is the first time that RSF fighters appear to have entered the camp.
CNN reviewed eyewitness testimony, open-source data and spoke with humanitarian groups operating locally to illuminate the RSF’s back-to-back assaults on Zamzam.
‘I saw people fleeing, and I was among them’
On Tuesday, RSF fighters approached the camp from the east before entering the central market, according to an eyewitness who spoke to CNN.
Footage verified from social media illustrates the RSF’s advance; videos show armed fighters wearing the RSF’s hallmark tan camouflage and insignia capturing a militia outpost on the edge of the camp.
Then, less than half a kilometer south, fighters appear closer to the camp, perched atop pickup trucks with mounted belt-fed machine guns. The camera pans across the ground, littered with bullet casings, and briefly shows a plume of dark black smoke which appears to emanate from Zamzam’s central market.
The eyewitness described how the fighters set several shops ablaze before he fled the camp in terror.
“I saw people fleeing, and I was among them—some in their private vehicles and others on foot for hundreds of meters. Several stray bullets flew over our heads, and a victim fell right in front of me,” he recounted.
Dozens of children, women, and elderly people were killed and injured in the attacks, according to a statement released by Zamzam camp administrators on Thursday. The statement calls on the United Nations to deploy an international protection mission after “the [RSF] resorted to the scorched land policy, brutally targeting Zamzam.”
Satellite imagery shared by Maxar Technologies and footage posted on social media by North Darfur’s governor show the aftermath of large-scale burning throughout Zamzam’s central marketplace. Among the ash, remnants of the stands, chairs, and tables piled with charred vegetables can be seen.
Heat signatures recorded by NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System show that the fire ignited on Tuesday, causing damage that HRL says is “consistent with intentional razing” identified after nearby arson attacks perpetrated by the RSF.
The RSF did not respond to CNN’s multiple requests for comment but characterized Zamzam camp as a “military garrison” in a statement posted to Telegram.
“We categorically affirm that no violations have occurred, and our forces have never targeted civilians. Rather, our forces operated with military professionalism, swiftly defeating the armed elements, seizing their weapons stockpiles, forcing them to flee the camp, and thwarting their plan to use civilians as human shields.”
The attack, which unfolded over two days, was launched weeks after the RSF began targeting the camp with long-range artillery in early December, according to a Yale HRL report.
One video posted on Facebook by a spokesperson for the camp on December 18 shows the aftermath of a strike in central Zamzam. The footage, verified by CNN, shows the smoldering remains of three homes, which are difficult to make out against the singed earth.
While CNN was unable to recover imagery showing munitions fragments from the scene, Yale HRL researchers identified RSF heavy artillery within firing range of the strike just days before the video surfaced. HRL’s findings are based on their review of satellite imagery following strikes on the camp.
The RSF claims that the camp is a “military base, housing weapons and ammunition depots as well as operations command rooms,” in the context of the paramilitary group’s wider offensive to capture al-Fasher — the last remaining bastion for government forces in North Darfur, according to Liam Karr, Africa team lead at the Institute for the Study of War. But these attacks on Zamzam extend “beyond military objectives into ethnic cleansing and genocide,” Karr says.
The RSF’s claim that its rivals are using refugees as human shields is a pretext “to indiscriminately target the hundreds of thousands of refugees in the camp as SAF sympathizers,” Karr told CNN.
Last month, former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the RSF of committing genocide in Sudan, and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
“We spent serious muscle pressuring the RSF to stop attacking Zamzam,” a former senior official told CNN. “Sadly, RSF leaders are savvy enough to realize that the new administration isn’t even paying attention.”
The RSF called the Biden Administration’s sanctions “regrettable and unjust” in a statement posted to Telegram, claiming that they were “politically motivated and… without an independent and thorough investigation.”
In the midst of a raging malnutrition crisis
Zamzam has long been at the epicenter of the malnutrition crisis in Sudan. Last August, the World Food Program declared that the camp had been pushed into famine.
In the weeks before the RSF entered the camp, CNN gathered testimonies from residents and healthcare providers in Zamzam, which paint a stark image: parents going hungry to feed their children and whole families rationing small packets of Plumpy’Nut, a thick, peanut paste made to treat malnourished children.
One mother, holding her crying two-year-old child, explained the challenge of finding fresh water: “When we need water, we need to pay. And we don’t have money, so we ask Allah to sustain us,” she says.
About 34% of children living in Zamzam camp suffer from acute malnutrition—more than twice the emergency threshold—according to an MSF survey conducted in the fall.
An eyewitness described to CNN the healthcare situation as “extremely dire” in the days before the RSF’s attacks this week.
Since the famine declaration, malnutrition has persisted and spread to two additional camps in North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains and is predicted to reach five additional localities in the state before May.
The RSF’s attacks on Zamzam have worsened the malnutrition crisis by forcing humanitarian groups like MSF to suspend certain aspects of their operations, MSF Secretary General Chris Lockyear told CNN after visiting the Darfur region in December.
Faced with continuing security threats, he says, “it’s simply too dangerous” to operate in certain areas of North Darfur. It is immediately unclear how this recent spate of violence will affect the malnutrition crisis in Zamzam.
“As the camp is surrounded [by RSF fighters], there is no possibility for the population to flee or for humanitarian aid to enter,” MSF’s Project Coordinator in North Darfur Marion Ramstein predicts. “People are left with nothing.”
The aftermath of a strike on central Zamzam, seen in a frame taken from social media video posted to Facebook on December 18.
Okatakyie Afrifa Breaks Silence on the Real Reason Behind His Dismissal from Angel FM
Prominent Ghanaian media figure, Okatakyie Afrifa, has finally shared the truth behind his unexpected exit from Angel FM, a well-known radio station in Ghana. In a recent interview, Afrifa revealed the startling reason behind his dismissal, leaving many Ghanaians in shock.
Afrifa explained that his troubles began when he started speaking out against the harmful galamsey activities affecting the country. He claimed that high-ranking officials, who were involved in the galamsey scandal, played a role in his removal from the station.
“In Ghana, if you speak out against wrongdoings, some influential people despise you for it,” Afrifa stated. “The galamsey issue became a severe problem in the country, and we had no choice but to expose the truth about those involved. If some people went to great lengths to get me fired because of this, so be it. But I will continue to stand by what I believe in, and I fear no one.”
Known for his bold and candid approach, Afrifa made it clear that he stands by the truths he shared on Angel FM and has a clear conscience. He challenged his critics, saying, “I’ve worked in radio and TV for 9 years, and has anyone ever taken me to court? If I was wrong, why didn’t they sue me?”
Afrifa also spoke about the incident where a group of people allegedly stormed Angel FM to intimidate him. He clarified that they were not from the Ga tribe, as some had speculated, but from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who he believes were behind the incident.
“The people who attacked Angel FM were not Gas,” Afrifa clarified. “I don’t want anyone blaming the Ga tribe for what happened. They knew my work hours were from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, but they came around 11:00 pm to cause trouble. Some said I was scared and fled, but that’s not true. What happened was politically motivated, and someone was behind it.”
Afrifa’s bravery and commitment to speaking out have earned him respect from many Ghanaians. His story highlights the struggles faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption and injustice in Ghana. Despite the challenges, Afrifa remains steadfast in his pursuit of truth and justice.
SOURCE
Chinese, Australian, US envoys back govt mining policies
The envoys from China, Australia, and the United States of America (USA), have paid separate courtesy calls on Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to express their support for the government’s mining sector policies.
Mr Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, first to pay the courtesy call on the Minister, said the Chinese government was impressed by President John Mahama’s government’s policies and plans to reform the mining sector, and expressed its preparedness to collaborate with Ghana towards implementing innovative policies.
Mr Defa stated that the Chinese government had been a strategic partner to the Ghana government over the years and expressed its readiness to aid Ghana’s transformation agenda.
“We have been supporting each other in areas of bilateral trade and our cooperation continues to flourish,” Mr Defa stated.
“China enjoys being the largest trading partner for Ghana. We remain one of the biggest investors in Ghana. I am happy Gnana President attended our event and delivered an encouraging speech, assuring us that Ghana’s doors are opened to Chinese investors for business,” he stated.
“We are very glad and dedicated to continuing this strong relationship. We regard Ghana as a strategic partner, and our interest covers all areas. We are willing and ready to align with the agenda of President Mahama,” Mr Defa assured.
Mr Buah, on his part, recalled the historic bilateral relations between Ghana and China, dating back to Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The Lands Minister used the occasion to explain the government’s policies such as the ‘Tree for Life and ‘Blue Water’ initiatives.
The minister was of the belief that the initiatives present opportunities for Chinese investors to tap into a new market and generate benefits.
Mr Buah highlighted the government’s plan to shift from resource production base to resource refinement, where value addition would be pivotal.
Noting that there were plans by the government to revamp VALCO and entreated interested investors to take advantage of the opportunity thereof.
He stated that the promotion of legal and sustainable mining activities was among the priority areas for the government
“The Chinese, Australian and US investors can trust the government of Ghana to create the necessary legal framework for their investment to thrive, especially in the mining and forestry sub-sectors.
The Minister gave the assurance of the government’s determination to continue partnering with the Chinese, Australian, and USA governments for their mutual benefit.
Mr Buah also welcomed Ms Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, and emphasised Ghana and Australia’s collaborative work in the mining sector and pledged to carry it to a higher level.
The Minister outlined the challenges confronting the country’s mining industry and appealed for support from the Australian government and investor community to deal with the challenge.
Madam Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, indicated the Australian government’s preparedness to provide personnel, and logistical support to Ghana as it navigates through the illegal small-scale mining scourge.
Meanwhile, Ms Virginia E. Palmer, the USA Ambassador to Ghana, congratulated the Lands Minister on his appointment and discussed ways of deepening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and the USA.
The Minister, in his response, admitted the importance of collaborating with the US government to improve Ghana’s forest management, especially programmes such as women in afforestation.
Mr Buah said the government, through the Lands Ministry, would revive and sanitise the mining sector to boost productivity and value addition.
Galamseyers have invaded my concession – Asantehene laments
……
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Claims of me changing my office furniture to the tune of GHS173,940 lies—Sammy Gyamfi
Acting Chief Executive Officer for PMMC, Samy Gyamfi, has denied changing his office furniture to the tune of GHS173,940.
Reports were suggesting that Sammy Gyamfi, after taking over office, had made some changes at the expense of the country.
But a statement from him said since taking over, he has kept the old design of his office as the government intends to be modest.