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Traditional Medicine Practice Council adopts 24-hour economic policy

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Accra, Feb. 25, GNA – The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has developed an online platform to facilitate a 24-hour registration and licensing of traditional medicine practitioners.

A press statement issued by the Council’s Corporate Affairs Unit on Tuesday said the platform would ensure effective and efficient service delivery and reduce the human interface of collecting physical cash from practitioners to eradicate corrupt practices.

The current manual system for registration, licensing and other services were fraught with challenges, hence the intervention, it said.

“Implementing the 24-hour economic policy in this case will help in service delivery 24/7 both in Ghana and abroad,” the statement said.

The Council would soon roll out additional technologies to facilitate service delivery and create job opportunities for young people in the sector.

The TMPC, established by the Traditional Medicine Practice TMP Act 2000 (Act 575), regulates, promotes, and oversees Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medical Practices across the country.

The goal is to ensure that its practices are safe and effective, contributing positively to healthcare delivery in Ghana.

It is estimated that about 70 per cent of the population rely on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine facilities as their primary healthcare providers.

GNA

Ghana’s Destina Mensah: Culture, Nutrition, Innovation

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To aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, Destina says to continue learning and enhancing their skills.

There is a difference between being an illiterate [person] starting a business and a person who has had a bit of education”, she says.

Education and knowledge will help entrepreneurs operate effectively and to seek further knowledge.

Destina also emphasizes the importance of embracing technology, which is indispensable in today’s business landscape.

If you can’t operate a laptop or [word processing and spreadsheet apps], how are you able to keep records?” she asks. “You won’t be able to get the kind of investors that you need.”

Finally, Destina advises young entrepreneurs to write down why they are in the business, and what their driving force is.

If you start a business, write your purpose down, your vision, why you are in business. … When [the] opportunity comes, you are able to better engage. … [And] when everything seems to be going against you, [the] why … will keep you moving.” -Destina Mensah, UNITAR alumna, Ghana

For Destina, that driving force is in bringing good nutrition to people and seeing the joy it gives.

‘Some of the things I said in the past, I wouldn’t say them today’

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Marriage counsellor, Rev. Charlotte Oduro Marriage counsellor, Rev. Charlotte Oduro

Popular marriage counsellor and media personality, Charlotte Oduro, has opened up about her personal growth and how her perspectives have evolved over the years.

Speaking on ‘The Stand Point’ with host, Gifty Anti, Oduro admitted that some of the views she expressed earlier in her career would be approached differently today, thanks to her experiences and her maturity.

When asked if she regrets some of the things she said in the past, Oduro replied, “I believe in being mature. I believe in learning because when I was in class five, what I was taught was different from what I know now. As we grow, we learn.”

Reflecting on her early days in media, Oduro described the environment as “sharp” and “hot,” adding that her approach to certain issues have since changed.

“Some of the things I said back then, I wouldn’t say today, per my experience. I would choose a better way to speak about them or handle them. Until you experience something, until you learn, you don’t fully understand those issues,” she explained.

Oduro also pointed out the importance of self-improvement, stating, “It’s only a fool who doesn’t want to change. For me, if I were to address some of these things now, it would be different.”

Watch the full video below:

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You can also watch as Otumfuo destools Ohwimhene

ID/AE

Government steps up efforts to combat illegal opioid inflow in the country

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Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined measures taken by the government to address the inflow of opioid drugs into the country.

Delivering a statement on illegal opioids in Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, he stated that a taskforce had been formed to tighten surveillance to ensure that no harmful substances are allowed into the country.

“A joint taskforce involving the FDA, the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified checks at major entry points to prevent further unauthorized imports, leading to the destruction of a large consignment of Tramadol and similar drugs,” he stated.

He stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to be intensified.

“A national education campaign has been launched to warn the public about the dangers of illicit opioid use and to encourage responsible medication practices,” he stated.

Despite these efforts, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, pointing out specific weaknesses in enforcement.

“We have noted the following challenges that impede an effective response and require urgent attention, unmanned borders allow for the illegal movement of opioids into Ghana, limited inspection capacity for transit goods destined for other countries enables unregistered drugs to leak into the Ghanaian market, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms between the FDA, Customs, and NACOB remain suboptimal,” he noted.

The health minister stressed the importance of a coordinated approach, emphasising the critical need for an interagency response to this crisis.

His comments follow a recent investigative report which exposed the illegal importation and distribution of unregistered opioid medications into Ghana and other West African nations.

According to the documentary, pharmaceutical companies, including India-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals, have been exporting unlicensed opioid formulations into the country.

These drugs, which are not approved for medical use anywhere in the world, have been linked to rising cases of substance dependency, mental health disorders, and other severe health complications.

JKB/AE

You can also watch as Otumfuo destools Ohwimhene below:

John Dumelo appears before Appointments Committee

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John Dumelo is Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate as well as MP of Ayawaso West Wuogon John Dumelo is Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate as well as MP of Ayawaso West Wuogon

John Dumelo is before the Appointments Committee of Parliament to be vetted as Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate.

The announcement of his appointment was made on February 5, 2025, in a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

John Dumelo is an actor-turned-politician and also a farmer by profession.

This is his first term in Parliament as an MP on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

John Dumelo holds three master’s degrees.

He obtained his second Masters from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2022.

In 2024, the Member of Parliament earned his third Masters in Law (Natural Resources) from the University of Ghana Law School.

He earned his degree in Civil Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Watch the vetting below

Kudus opens up on participating in 2022 World Cup

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Black Stars forward, Mohammed Kudus Black Stars forward, Mohammed Kudus

Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus has said that he was unimpressed with the Black Stars’ performance during his debut World Cup in 2022 in Qatar.

The West Ham United attacker admitted that exiting the competition at the group stage was not what he had anticipated and dreamed of before the commencement of the global showpiece.

However, he stated that despite the disappointment, he enjoyed the World Cup experience with the national team, especially since some of his family members were present to rally behind him during the tournament.

Speaking in an interview with Rising Ballers, Kudus declared that the World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament.

“We did not go as far as I would have loved us to, but it was nice to experience the World Cup. To be part of it was great. I think the World Cup is the best football tournament.

“The Champions League is up there, but the World Cup was just different in Qatar. My family flew all the way to support me, so it was an amazing experience,” he said.

The Black Stars were eliminated from the group phase of the tournament after winning one of their three matches.

The team lost to Portugal and Uruguay and picked up their only win against South Korea in Group H.

Kudus, arguably one of Ghana’s best players in the tournament, scored two goals in three appearances in his maiden outing.

Since then, he has been an integral part of the Black Stars, even captaining the team at some point during the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Watch as Ghanaians tell Dede Ayew to retire from Black Stars to protect his legacy:

SB/EK

Four takeaways from former Nigerian military ruler’s book

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Nigeria’s former military ruler Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, known as IBB, has released a new autobiography including several revelations about the turbulent times while he was in charge of the country from 1985 to 1993.

A Journey In Service has got Nigerians talking and reflecting on what might have been if things had turned out differently – especially the controversial decision to annul the 1993 elections, and the execution of a childhood friend.

Babangida has a mixed record. While some praise him for the infrastructural development Nigeria he oversaw, others say there was massive corruption during his time.

Here are four takeaways from the book:

The 1993 elections annulment

This is the biggest talking-point as it touches on a topic which many believed altered Nigeria’s history. Some say the country still hasn’t really recovered from the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections.

In the book, Babangida, now 83, for the first time expressed deep regret for cancelling that election.

The poll was supposed to bring an end to military rule after 10 years and the cancellation of the outcome threw the country into turmoil.

The date of the vote – 12 June – is now remembered in Nigeria as Democracy Day.

Gen Babangida was forced to resign.

Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the election, was later imprisoned and his wife assassinated.

Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, said at the book launch that Gen Babangida had shown courage by admitting what took place.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” Babangida writes.

Gen Babangida, popularly known as IBB, acknowledged that Abiola, who died in 1998, won the election.

However, in 1993 as results were being collated, the military government abruptly stopped the process – an action that triggered widespread protests and a political crisis.

At the time, he cited the issue of vote-buying, as well as the need to protect the country’s judiciary as reasons for the annulment.

Abiola’s son Jamiu said the acknowledgment by Gen Babangida that his father had won the election came as a welcome surprise to him and some of his family members.

”Perhaps General Babangida was looking for peace,” he told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.

Civilian rule was eventually restored in 1999, 11 months after the death of another military ruler Sani Abacha.

Execution of a childhood friend

General Mamman Vatsa and Babangida grew up together, were in the same class in school and rose alongside each other in the military. His execution in 1986 after he was convicted of a coup plot is another major talking-point of Babangida’s presidency.

“We were very close friends,” Babangida recalls.

“We had grown up together in Minna and had been classmates in Bida. We did several things together as peers. My wife recalled that we used to share a room as bachelors. We would reach out for whatever shirt was available, irrespective of whose it was, and just wear it and head out! We were that close.”

However, he says now realises that Vatsa had been jealous since when they were teenagers.

“With the benefit of hindsight now, I recall that a constant part of our relationship as teenagers and young men was a continuous and recurrent peer jealousy on his part towards me. He was always envious of my achievements, especially when he thought I was progressing better than him, either in school or our military career path.”

Vatsa and nine others were executed in March 1986. They were said to have planned a coup, which according to Babangida would have plunged the country into darkness.

“I had to choose between saving a friend’s life and the nation’s future,” he writes.

Nigeria’s first coup

Another contentious issue has been the 1966 coup which overthrew Nigeria’s first government following independence from the UK. Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was killed, along with other high-ranking national and regional leaders.

The fact most of the coup plotters were from south-eastern Nigeria meant the coup became known as an “Igbo coup” – a label Babangida rejects.

He highlighted the role of Major John Obienu, an ethnic Igbo officer, who played a key role in quelling the coup, revealing that many senior Igbo officers were also killed in the mutiny.

The book also sheds light on the involvement of members of other ethnic groups, notably Yorubas, many of whom he said had participated in the military takeover.

The former leader confirmed that the original intention of the coup plotters was to release politician Obafemi Awolowo from detention and install him as president.

Babangida writes: “It was a terrible time for the Nigerian military. As I have said elsewhere, as a young officer who saw all of this from a distance, probably, ethnic sentiments did not drive the original objective of the coup plotters.

“For instance, the head of the plotters, Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, was only ‘Igbo’ in name. Born and raised in Kaduna, his immigrant parents were from Okpanam in today’s Delta State, which, in 1966, was in the old mid-western region. Nzeogwu spoke fluent Hausa and was as ‘Hausa’ as any! He and his original team probably thought, even if naively, that they could turn things around for the better in the country.

The association of Igbos with the coup led to attacks on members of that community around the country and ultimately to the civil war in which some Igbo leaders tried to secede from Nigeria in 1967. At least a million people were killed in what became known as the Biafran war.

The love story with Maryam Babangida

Many Nigerians see Babangida’s wife Maryam as the country’s most iconic and influential First Lady. From 1985 to when they left office in 1993, their love story captivated a lot of people. She died in 2009 and the ex-head of state has never remarried.

“She was stunning. Her ebony beauty set off enchanting eyes, and her dazzling smile showed off a lovely set of teeth; when she smiled – and she often smiled – her face lit up, and her eyes danced,” he writes.

“We both saw our marriage as our freedom and agreed to sort things out ourselves if we quarrelled. We were very compatible; indeed, I can only recall two occasions on which we quarrelled, and neither of us was afraid to apologise to the other. In all our years of marriage, it was never necessary for anyone to mediate between us over a misunderstanding because of that original meeting of minds.”

“I never imagined that Maryam would pass away before I did, but the gift of life is in Allah’s hands, not in humanity’s. I am grateful for the life Maryam and I shared and for the fruit of our union. Coping without her has not been easy, but it has been made much less demanding by the memories of our life together and the length of her shadow,” Babangida says.

He describes Maryam as a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and passionate advocate for rural women. Above all, he saw her as a true partner.

During the Next Census, Prince David Osei Should Be Counted As Livestock – Ghanaians Continue to Drag NPP Actor After Ill-Conceived Political ‘Joke’

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Actor Prince David Osei continues to receive attacks from angry Ghanaians after his recent post in which he mocked Ghanaians for voting for the NDC government.

Osei, in a sarcastic Twitter post, wondered if Ghana has become a paradise since voters kicked out his beloved NPP government and voted for a new government.

He said: “Ghana how far? Are you enjoying the Mahama administration? I hear they are giving everyone milk and honey…24/7 electricity and market women making outrageous sales?”

His comment angered Ghanaians who came for his neck, slamming him left and right. David Osei felt so much pressure that he came out to claim his post was a joke.

Despite backtracking, netizens are not forgiving him. One viral reply to his post has gotten people talking as one Ghanaian said: “During the next census, make dem count Prince David Osei as livestock,”

Over the years, Osei has labelled himself as a pure NPP supporter and throughout their eight years in office, defended every single action they took.

“You Didn’t Even Add One Inch of Tarred Road in Bodi” – Samson Ahi Slams NPP Gov’t

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Samson Ahi, the Deputy Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has denied claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government constructed tarred roads in the Bodi District of the Western North Region during its eight-year tenure.

According to Myjoyonline, Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, Ahi insisted that no significant road development took place in Bodi under the previous administration.

Responding to a question from Patrick Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, about the state of Bodi’s roads, Ahi firmly stated that no new tarred roads were added in the district. “Not even one kilometer of road was added in Bodi,” he stressed.

He challenged anyone disputing his assertion to provide evidence of the supposed road projects. “If the Honorable Member can show me where the tarred roads are, I’d be happy to retract my statement,” Ahi added.

Patrick Boamah, however, warned Ahi that he could be called before the Government Assurance Committee to clarify his statements, suggesting that his remarks might have misled the Appointments Committee.

The debate over road infrastructure in the Bodi District remains a contentious issue, as Ahi continues to stand by his claims of neglect in the area’s development.

The Glass Ceiling Has Cracked • EC Chair Motivates Girls

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Jean Mensa

 

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Ms. Jean Mensa, has celebrated the emergence of women in leadership positions both domestically and on the international scene, describing the development as a cracking of the glass ceiling.

She was speaking as a guest speaker during the 75th Speech and Prize Giving Day of the St. Mary’s Senior High School of which she is an alumnus, last week in Accra.

It was an auspicious moment to showcase herself and where she has reached today, including many others of her gender, as a means of encouraging the girl child to aim higher.

“The glass ceiling has cracked in significant places; the door stands open.
As a proud alumna, I stand here as living proof of the transformational education and nurturing this institution provides. Indeed, the education, discipline and values instilled within these walls shaped me just as they have shaped countless women who have gone on to influence our society positively,” she said.

The theme for the occasion, “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures: 75 Years of Girl Child Education in Truth and Virtue,” she said, is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. Casting her mind around the world, she said, “Women are rising, breaking barriers and taking their rightful place in leadership.”

The emergence of women at the top of the ladder, she said, “drums home the urgency to empower and nurture women and equip them with tools and skills to lead,” adding that the clarion call to empower women remains crucial. Women, she noted, are positioning themselves and occupying roles which were hither to the preserve of men, a case in point the EC Chairperson said being “our first female Vice President, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang” and the first African woman Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey – a SMOGAN or old student of St Mary’s Senior High School not forgetting Ghana’s female Chief Justice. Continuing, she said, “and your own SMOGAN, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.”

The foregone realities, she said, makes the rise of women undeniable.

Offshore, she said, “Beyond our borders, women are also making history. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organisation are led by women.  Infact, the World Trade Organisation is led by an African woman – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The glass ceiling has cracked in significant places; the door stands open,” she said.
Seventy-five years ago, Jean observed a few Ghanaian women dared to dream of such heights, dreams of which she said “were whispers often stifled by a society that confined women’s ambitions.”

“Today, those barriers are broken, and you, our young ladies, must seize this moment,” she said.

“And yes, if we can, so can you. For we all started out just like you, unsure of ourselves – not sure of where life was taking us – yet determined to become, and working hard to achieve all round academic success. It is possible to become who you want to be, and so I encourage you, our young ladies to dream and to become, to dream and to occupy high offices, to dream and to achieve great feats through hard work and determination. If we could excel despite our challenges and constraints, you – surrounded by role models – can and should soar higher and do better than us,” she said, capping it with “The horizon is indeed yours to claim.”

Turning to the achievements of St Mary’s Senior High School, she noted that “for seven and a half decades, St. Mary’s Senior High School has educated girls and equipped them with skills and timeless values of truth and virtue—our motto’s bedrock. These principles have shaped SMOGANS into trailblazers. It is not surprising that we find SMOGANS achieving great feats in every sector of our country. In every field, from archaeology to zoology, our alumnae shine, carrying forward a legacy of excellence.”

Guests at the occasion were Mrs. Alice Chinebuah, Special Guest of Honour, Ms. Ama Okyere, representative of the Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang among others.

By A.R. Gomda

‘15,200 nurses cleared, no room for outside recruitment,’ says GRNMA spokesperson

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The Assistant National Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has clarified the ongoing concerns surrounding health sector recruitment.
Philemon Gyapong emphasised that financial clearance is now the backbone of employment for nurses and midwives.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 24, he stated, “If you don’t have financial clearance, it means you have not been budgeted for, and the government doesn’t have a provision for your salary.”

Asiama will put economy on path of sustained growth – Mahama  

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By Iddi Yire  

Accra, Feb 25, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence in Dr Johnson Pandit Kwesi Asiama’s ability to put Ghana’s economy on a path of sustained growth. 

The President gave the assurance on Tuesday, when he formally swore in Dr Asiama as Governor and Dr Zakari Mumuni as First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank at the seat of Government in Accra. 

The President noted that the appointments were not merely routine exercises to satisfy Article 183(4) of the Constitution, but they constituted a deliberate commitment to the Bank of Ghana’s core mandate, outlined under Article 183(1-3)—to regulate currency, ensure monetary stability, and promote sustainable economic development in Ghana. 

It is in full adherence to section 17(1) of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), these appointments uphold the legal stipulation that Governor and Deputy Governors of the Bank of Ghana be individuals of demonstrable financial and banking experience.  

The President said to this effect, the choice of Dr Asiama and Dr Mumuni as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, was a deliberate affirmation of their unshakable commitment to professionalism, integrity and proven competence as the sole criteria for high office.   

He said a distinguished economist with a PhD from the University of Southampton, Dr Asiama’s ascent to this office was a natural progression from his long and dedicated service to the Bank of Ghana. 

President Mahama said with over two decades at the institution—rising through the ranks from banking supervision and financial markets to leading research and policy implementation—Dr Asiama had played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s monetary policy and our efforts for financial stability.  

He said as Deputy Governor, Dr Asiama was instrumental in controlling inflation, stabilizing the currency, and strengthening regulatory oversight.  

He said Dr Asiama’s deep expertise in banking supervision, risk management, and digital finance positions him as the right leader at this critical time. 

President Mahama said Ghana’s financial sector was in crisis, and the task ahead demanded experience, foresight, and decisive leadership.  

“With Dr Asiama heading the Bank of Ghana, I am confident that we will rebuild trust, restore stability, and put our economy on a path of sustained growth,” he said. 

“I entrust him with this responsibility, knowing he will serve with diligence and excellence.” 

The President said Dr Mumuni’s appointment as First Deputy Governor was a recognition of his exceptional expertise, dedication, and distinguished service in banking, financial markets, and economic policy.  

He said Dr Mumuni also had over two decades of experience at the Bank of Ghana, playing vital roles in shaping monetary policy and strengthening financial stability.  

His academic credentials, including a PhD from the University of Nottingham and an MPhil from the University of Ghana, reflect his deep understanding of the complexities of our economy. 

President Mahama said as First Deputy Governor, he would be a key pillar in supporting the Governor to implement sound policies, reinforce regulatory oversight, and navigate the challenges ahead.  

He said Dr Mumuni’s experience and analytical rigour would be crucial in ensuring that the Bank remains steadfast in its mandate to maintain price stability, safeguard the financial sector, and drive sustainable growth.  

He said together, Dr Asiama and Dr Mumuni bring the leadership, expertise, and vision needed to restore confidence in our economy. 

“To you, Mr Governor and Deputy Governor, in discharging your mandate, you must go beyond mere technical considerations and act in full recognition that every statistic, every movement on a chart, and every shift in an index is more than just data—it is the pulse of an economy, a measure of resilience or distress,” the President said. 

He said a dip in confidence indices might signal businesses on a brink, evolving market conditions, or changing household prospects.  

President Mahama said behind these numbers were real human stories—dreams either nurtured or shattered—demanding not just your highly extolled analytical expertise, but empathy and foresight that acknowledge the profound human consequences of every decision.  

“Our recent banking history has shown us the cost of neglecting this truth,” President Mahama said. 

He said during the supposed banking sector cleanup exercise; thousands of jobs were lost and lives disrupted because decisions were made with a narrow focus rather than considerations of the human impact.  

He noted that the Bank of Ghana had the opportunity to salvage some institutions, to protect livelihoods while ensuring stability, but instead, an approach that ignored human consequences prevailed.  

“The test of your patriotism in this solemn duty of economic governance lies in learning from these missteps—recognizing that policies must not only enforce regulations but also safeguard the futures that depend on them,” he said. 

On his part, Dr Asiama expressed gratitude to the President and the Council of State for the confidence reposed in them. 

He said the reset path the nation had embarked on was more than mere sloganeering; declaring that it was about restoring public trust, rebuilding confidence, and ensuring that Ghana’s economy was stable, innovative and ready for the future.  

“Through responsible financial sector governance, digital transformation, and sound economic policies, we will create an economic and financial system that is transparent, predictable, and stable,” Dr Asiama said. 

“Businesses will have the confidence to plan, and individuals will have access to a secure financial system that fosters growth and opportunity.” 

GNA 

10 Ghanaian Celebrities With Impressive Academic Credentials 

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In a world where knowledge and abilities are constantly changing, people must always adjust to new situations in order to survive and benefit from global events.

It has become commonplace for prominent Ghanaian figures to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad. Actors, musicians, and content producers have been clinching on higher education lather in recent years, which has gained administration by many.

Aside from ensuring that celebrities become knowledgeable, capable, and successful people in both their personal and professional lives, this academic achievement promotes personal development and career advancement.

The achievement of a higher education level by a well-known celebrity can have a big impact on their fan base.

It provides a good example by highlighting the value of education and individual development. Because they view their idol’s success as an inspiration, fans especially young ones may be motivated to pursue their own educational objectives.

Below are some Ghanaian celebrities with higher educational qualifications.

Yvonne Nelson 

Yvonne Nelson, an actress with decades of experience in both local and international cinemas, is the CEO of YN productions.

She is one of Ghana’s most popular celebrities on social media and has styled more than 100 films.

Yvonne Nelson’s academic background is quite impressive. She attended St. Martin De Porres School in Accra and later went to Aggrey Memorial Senior High School.

For her tertiary education, she enrolled in Central University, where she graduated with a degree in Human Resource Management.

But that’s not all – Yvonne Nelson also pursued further education, earning a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2020.

John Dumelo

John Dumelo  versatility on-screen actor known in movies such as Baby Thief, Heart of Men, 4 Play, The Game, Northern Affair, Chelsea, Adam’s Apple among others.

The well-known actor and politician has achieved numerous academic accolades since he was a young child.

He received his basic education at Christ the King School in Accra before moving on to Achimota School, where he was an active member of the Drama Club.

For his tertiary education, Dumelo enrolled in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

John Dumelo has three master degrees. In 2022, he celebrated attaining his second master’s degree from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

He earned a master’s degree in law from the University of Ghana in 2024, specializing in natural resources.

Abeiku Santana 

Abeiku Santana, born Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, is a Ghanaian radio presenter, television personality, and entrepreneur.

He is best known for his work as a drive-time host on Accra-based radio station, Okay FM.

Abeiku Santana has made a significant impact in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, with a career spanning over three decades. His charisma, wit, and engaging personality have endeared him to audiences across the country.

He holds multiple degrees and certifications from reputable institutions.

He has Master’s Degree in Tourism Management: Obtained from the University of Cape Coast. Post Graduate in Public Administration: Earned from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Associate in Legal Studies and Litigation: Received from the New York Paralegal School.Advance Certificate in Public Relations and Advertising: Obtained from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and Master’s Degree in Market Strategy from the University of Ghana Business School.

Sandra Ankobiah

Sandra Ankobiah is a Ghanaian lawyer, TV personality, and entrepreneur best known for her work as a co-host on various entertainment shows.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) in International and Commercial Law with a specialization in World Trade from the University of Buckingham, which she attended from 2005 to 2009.

After completing her studies in the UK, Sandra Ankobiah returned to Ghana and attended the Ghana School of Law from 2010 to 2012. She became a barrister at law in 2013.

Currently. Sandra Ankobiah has been attending the esteemed Harvard Kennedy School to further her education.

Zynnell Zuh 

Zynnell Zuh is a Ghanaian fashion enthusiast and actress who have starred in over 50 movies.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Information Studies from the University of Ghana.

Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Mountcrest University College and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from BPP University in the UK.

Becca 

Becca is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress known in real life as Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong.

She attended Wesley Girls’ High School and later enrolled in Croydon College, where she studied child care and education.

She is also a product of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

In addition to her early education, Becca pursued higher education at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where she earned a master’s degree in Brands and Communications Managament.

She graduated with a remarkable FCGPA of 3.92, making her the Overall Best Graduating Student in her program. Becca was also honored as the valedictorian of her class.

Frema Adunyame 

Frema Adunyame is a seasoned media practitioner with cross-platform experience including radio, TV, and public relations. She is a philanthropist, professional master of ceremony, Artiste manager, and CEO of Fablinks media.

She holds a degree in Theatre Art from the University of Ghana. In 2023 she enrolled in a Master of Arts programme in Marketing Strategy at the University of Ghana Business School graduating as the valedictorian of the program on February 20, 2025.

Jackie Appiah 

Jackie Appiah is a Ghanaian-Canadian actress, and philanthropist born on December 5, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Ghanaian parents.

He gained recognition in the entertainment industry through her roles in Ghanaian and Nigerian films.

She has appeared in over 100 movies, including “Mummy’s Daughter,” “Beyoncé: The President’s Daughter,” and “Turning Point.”

Jackie earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana this year.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Information Studies from the same institution in 2022.

Stonebwoy

Stonebwoy, born Livingstone Etse Satekla, is a Ghanaian afrobeats and reggae-dancehall artiste.

He is known for his unique style, which blends afrobeats, dancehall, and reggae.

He has released several successful albums and singles, including “Ololo,” “Mightylele,” “Hero,” and “Putuu.”

Stonebwoy attended Tema Methodist Day Secondary School for his high school education.

In June 2024, he graduated with a degree in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

Stonebwoy is currently pursuing a Master of Arts program in International Public Relations and Diplomacy at GIMPA.

DJ Mensah 

DJ Mensah is a renowned Ghanaian disc jockey (DJ), known in real life as Michael Mensah Ayerh, born on July 5, 1985.

He is best known for his work as the official DJ for Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie.  DJ Mensah has been in the music industry for over 15 years and has performed at numerous events, including concerts, festivals, and corporate events.

He attended Tema Secondary School for his high school education, where he studied business.

Later, he pursued a degree in Purchasing and Supply at Accra Polytechnic.

He also earned a degree in Marketing from Central University.DJ Mensah, is now a holder of a master’s degree from the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke 

‘I’ll not ask you to print more money’

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President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal discipline, assuring the newly sworn-in Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) that his administration will not resort to reckless money printing to finance government expenditure.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Johnson Asiama and deputy, Dr. Zakaria Mumuni at the Jubilee House, President Mahama warned against the dangers of excessive and unregulated Central Bank financing, which he said has had devastating consequences on Ghana’s economy in recent years.

“When government resorts to unsustainable consumption, expenditure, finance by excessive and unregulated printing of money the consequences can be severe. From spiraling inflation, erosion of incomes to driving millions into poverty, such actions not only weaken public confidence in financial institutions but also threaten long-term stability, ” he cautioned.

“One thing for sure, I’m not going to come and ask you to print more money, Mahama stated firmly.

Mahama’s remarks come in the wake of concerns about Ghana’s economic management, particularly over the Bank of Ghana’s recent history of financing budget deficits. In previous years, excessive money printing has been linked to rising inflation, currency depreciation, and declining purchasing power for citizens.

Meanwhile, renowned economist, Prof. Godfred Bokpin, has attributed Ghana’s rising inflation to excessive money printing by the Central Bank and the government’s failure to invest in the productive sectors of the economy.

Speaking on the country’s economic challenges on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Prof. Godfred Bokpin pointed to the injection of excess liquidity as a major trigger for inflation, warning that continuous monetary tightening without addressing structural issues will stifle private sector growth.

“If you look at Ghana and the injection of excess liquidity, at some point, the Central Bank even denied it. In 2022, if you look at the Domestic Debt Exchange, we were talking about GH¢77.6 billion by way of overdraft lending to the Ghana Government. What do you expect?” he questioned.

According to Prof. Bokpin, Ghana’s high inflation has been fueled mainly by the unchecked printing of money rather than real economic productivity.

Pour Libation and Go” – An MTTD Officer After Checking the License of a Private Vehicle Owner

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A viral video circulating on social media has sparked widespread reactions after an officer of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) was caught subtly demanding a bribe from a private vehicle owner.

In the footage, the officer is seen stopping a vehicle to conduct routine checks. He first requests the driver’s vehicle documents and carefully examines them. After verifying the papers, he proceeds to check the driver’s license. However, upon closer inspection, he realizes that the driver has exceeded the legally permitted number of passengers for a private vehicle.

Instead of issuing a fine or taking official action, the officer, seemingly unwilling to waste time, utters the phrase “pour libation and go,” a term which, in this context, is understood as a coded way of asking for a bribe. In response, the driver discreetly pulls out a 5-cedi note, presumably as an offering.

However, the officer appears visibly displeased with the amount and reacts with frustration. The video ends abruptly, leaving viewers uncertain about what transpired next. Unbeknownst to the officer, the driver had secretly recorded the entire encounter, leading to the footage being shared widely online.

Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the incident. One user humorously remarked, “Officers have terms oooo, what is ‘Pour Libation?’ 😂😂😂.” Another person commented, “They need body cameras seriously,” highlighting concerns about accountability within the police force.

While some netizens condemned the officer’s actions, others defended such informal settlements, arguing that strict enforcement of traffic laws could make life difficult for drivers. One comment read, “That’s all, the officers are trying. If they say they will be 100% strict, a lot of people can’t even move. Sometimes, it’s just a harmless gesture.”

Others, however, found the amount amusing, with one individual sarcastically stating, “Pour libation and you’re giving him 5 cedis? What a disrespect! What if he arrested you? Do you know how much the bail would be?”

Click here to watch the video.

Deputy Education Minister nominee advocates for skills development for teachers

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Deputy Minister nominee for Education, Clement Apaak, is advocating the need to provide teachers with opportunities to upgrade their skills, highlighting the crucial role educators play in shaping the future of the nation.

He stressed that enhancing teachers’ professional development is essential for maintaining the quality of education in Ghana.

Speaking during his parliamentary vetting on Tuesday, February 22, Mr Apaak stated, “The most important variable in education is the teacher. All of us are who we are today because of a teacher. In a world that is constantly evolving with new ways of doing things, it is only proper that we give teachers the opportunity and support to upgrade themselves and their skill sets so they can give their best.”

“If we expect our students to thrive in a modern, competitive world, we must first ensure that our teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques,” he noted.

Mr Apaak pledged his full support to the Minister for Education in advancing teacher welfare and professional growth.

Read also: Schools under trees does not befit the status of our nation – Apaak

Additionally, he expressed concern over the continued existence of schools operating under trees, calling it a national disgrace that undermines Ghana’s development.

The Builsa South MP described the development as a national issue and called for a united effort to address the challenge, despite the country’s current economic difficulties.

“We must come together, even in these challenging times, to find the necessary resources to eliminate schools under trees. Education is a right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure every child has access to proper learning facilities,” he said.

He explained that “this unfortunate reality is largely a result of our inability to keep pace with the growing demand for educational infrastructure. As our population expands, we continue to produce more children, but we are not matching this growth with adequate school facilities.”

He further stated that many communities, witnessing population growth and an increase in school-age children, often take the initiative to establish makeshift schools under trees due to the absence of formal infrastructure.

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.

Great Ampong apologizes to NDC in a new song

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Ghanaian artiste Great Ampong Ghanaian artiste Great Ampong

Ghanaian artiste Great Ampong has issued an unqualified apology to Ghanaians and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following his earlier campaign song against the political party.

It will be recalled that before the December 7, 2024, elections, Great Ampong released a campaign song in support of the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia.

However, the song contained unfounded statements about President John Dramani Mahama.

Fast forward to February 22, 2025, and according to a video shared on X, Great Ampong has apologized to Ghanaians for certain inappropriate lyrics directed at the NDC and some citizens.

In his recent song titled ‘Apology’, the artiste calls for unity among Ghanaians following the elections.

He noted that politicians are selfish individuals who do not genuinely care about the people and the state of the country, despite their promises during the campaign season.

Watch the video below:

You can also watch as Otumfuo destools Ohwimhene

JHM/MA

I didn't anticipate the level of our defeat in the parliamentary elections – Patrick Boamah

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Video | Patrick Yaw Boamah breaks silence after election chaos in Okaikwei Central | The Lowdown

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BoG to tackle inflation with AI and data-driven policies – Governor Asiama

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BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama

The newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has pledged to lead the central bank in resetting Ghana’s economy through decisive reforms and prudent policies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle inflation.

Speaking during his swearing-in at the Jubilee House on February 25, 2025, Dr. Asiama outlined a six-point agenda aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomy, addressing inflation, and restoring public trust in the financial system.

He committed to recalibrating the BoG’s monetary policy strategy by leveraging advanced data analytics and AI to manage inflation more effectively.

He also emphasized the importance of improving communication with banks and ensuring policy consistency.

“We shall adopt a more proactive and precise approach to managing inflation, leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence. Additionally, we shall coordinate policy efforts with other government agencies, such as managing food prices,” he stated.

“We shall be consistent in our policy actions to avoid sending conflicting signals, as has happened in the recent past, and we shall work to enhance monetary policy implementation,” he added.

The new BoG Governor also vowed to curb currency speculation and excessive volatility by implementing strategic interventions, including a new foreign exchange law and reforms to strengthen Ghana’s forex market.

“My second priority is to preserve exchange rate stability and limit excessive volatility in the rates. The days of currency speculation and exchange rate instability must come to an end, and we are determined to ensure this happens.

“In this regard, the Bank of Ghana, under my leadership, will engineer a well-functioning and stable foreign exchange market to support economic activity,” he assured.

ID/MA

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Referee banned for six months over Messi autograph request

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Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz

The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) have handed a six-month ban to Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz for asking for an autograph from Argentine player Lionel Messi.

In a statement released by Concacaf, it was noted that the referee’s actions contradict the organization’s ethics, as officiating officials are supposed to remain neutral in all their dealings.

They also announced that Ortiz admitted to requesting an autograph from Messi and rendered an apology to the football governing body to show his remorse.

“The action does not align with the Confederation’s Code of Conduct for match officials. Ortiz acknowledged his mistake, apologized for the incident, and accepted the disciplinary action Concacaf has applied,” portions of the statement read.

The ban comes after Ortiz Nava approached Messi to request an autograph after Inter Miami CF’s 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on February 19, 2025.

The referee will continue to officiate matches in Mexico’s Liga MX while serving the ban.

Meanwhile, Watch as Ghanaians tell Dede Ayew to retire from Black Stars to protect his legacy:

SB/EK

Osimhen react as Galatasaray accuse Mourinho of ‘racist statements’ afta derby draw

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Fenerbahce appoint Jose Mourinho for di summer of 2024 Fenerbahce appoint Jose Mourinho for di summer of 2024

Galatasaray say dem go “begin criminal proceedings” against dia opponent Fenerbahçe manager Jose Mourinho afta dem tok say im make “racist statements” afta di Turkish super Lig 0–0 derby on Monday.

E neva clear wey statement Galatasaray don dey tok about.

But afta di drawn game, Mourinho tok say di home team (Galatasaray) for dia bench dey “jump around like monkeys” as e also blast Turkish referees – e im tok say e go be “disaster” to use referee from di kontri.

Slovenian Slavko Vincic wey officiate di game afta both teams bin request foreign referee for dis match.

Galatasaray write for X say Mourinho “tok bad tins about Turkey pipo” since im become coach for di league.

“Dis tin don move from immoral comments to tins wey no good say pesin go tok about fellow human beings,” di club tok.

“Na so we don decide say we go begin criminal proceedings about di racist comments by Jose Mourinho, wia we go submit official complaint to UEFA and FIFA.”

Mourinho wey be former coach of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham togeda wit di club Fenerbahce, no respond to di accusations yet.

Journalists ask Mourinho afta di game about 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek wey play di match: “I gatz thank di referee. Afta di dive for di first minute, dia bench begin to dey jump like monkeys on top of di kid…if na Turkish referee, im go give am yellow card afta one minute wia I gat to change am afta five minutes.”

Afta di derby draw, di Portuguese tok say “I bin go di dressing room – of course di fourth referee na Turkish, wey I tok di main referee (Vincic) say – ‘thank you say you come for dis ogbonge match wey you dey responsible for dis match. I also bin turn to di fourth official wey I tok say ‘if na you be ref for dis match, e go be disaster.”

Galatasaray tok for dia statement say “we go watch wetin Fenerbahçe – wey be institution wia tok say dem dey uphold moral values’ – go tok about dis tin wey dia coach Mourinho don do.”

Di club striker Victor Osimhen also react quietly to Mourinho comment wit a post ontop im Instagram story wit “#Saynotoracism”.

Mourinho don win Champions League two times – bifor im become Fenerbahçe coach last summer.

Bifor, dem bin fine Mourinho wey im also chop suspension for comments im make about Turkish match officials since im join di club.

Bifor di Monday game, Jose bin welcome di decision to use foreign official afta im describe di environment for di kontri as “toxic”.

“I tink e dey important for di credibility, for di image of di match,” Mourinho tok.

BBC Sport don contact Fenerbahce for comment

Wetin Fenerbache tok

Inside dat statement for dia social media page, Fenerbahce tok say “pipo take di comments of our manager Jose Mourinho out of context, wia dem try to scata di tori.”

Dem add say evribodi dey see and understand wetin di coach tok.

“Di tin di coach tok na to show how di Galatasaray team and dia technical bench overreact for di incident – e get nothing to do wit racism in any way.”

“To try to make dis tin look like na racist comment be completely overreacting to di mata,” Fenerbahce add.

Di club end dia statement say “we bin inform di public say we go exercise our legal rights about dis mata – wey be incompetent slander, to change di narrative and di agenda.”



Victor Osimhen/Instagram

Must Everything Be on Social Media? Video of Nana Ama McBrown Praying for her Daughter Maxin on her Birthday Sparks Reactions

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A video of actress Nana Ama McBrown praying for her daughter, Baby Maxin, on her recent birthday, has sparked interesting online discussions.

In the video, Nana Ama McBrown is spotted kneeling before her daughter, while her ex-husband and Maxin’s father, businessman Maxwell Mensah, sits on a bed with his daughter in his lap.

McBrown, who has proven herself extremely prayerful throughout the years, prayed for God’s blessings and protection on her daughter as she marked her big day.

Video of the emotional moment was shared on social media, showing McBrown beseeching God to take care of her daughter.

Watch below…

Despite the sweet, emotional and spiritual mood of the video, many netizens expressed concern that such a moment will be recorded and shared online.

One netizen wrote: “Do we need this online..??”

Another queried: “I love u Nana but this prayer should be off. It have be between the three of u🙏🏿😘”

Dr. Kwabena Donkor’s Bold Move: Slashing SIC MD’s Salary—What Happens Next?

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In a recent discussion on the remuneration of public sector executives, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, former Member of Parliament for Pru East and ex-Minister of Power, expressed concerns over the substantial salary and benefits accorded to the Managing Director (MD) of SIC Insurance Company Limited. He suggested that, if given the authority, he would have reduced the MD’s salary to approximately GH₵30,000 per month.

Dr. Donkor’s remarks come in the wake of revelations that the former SIC MD, Ms. Hollistar Duah-Yentumi, was earning an annual gross salary of GH₵840,000, equating to a monthly salary of about GH₵70,000. This figure excludes additional benefits such as official accommodation, a company vehicle with a driver, comprehensive medical coverage for the MD and her family, and various allowances including clothing and entertainment.

The former MP emphasized the need for a more equitable compensation structure within state-owned enterprises (SOEs), arguing that exorbitant salaries and perks for top executives are not justifiable, especially when juxtaposed against the economic challenges faced by the average Ghanaian worker. He advocates for a salary cap that aligns more closely with the national economic context and the financial health of the SOEs.

Dr. Donkor’s stance is part of a broader call for transparency and accountability in the remuneration of public officials. Prominent figures, such as Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, have also urged for the public disclosure of salaries of public sector executives to ensure fairness and prevent potential misuse of public funds.

The discourse surrounding the SIC MD’s compensation has been further intensified by recent events involving Ms. Duah-Yentumi’s refusal to vacate her position following her replacement by Mr. James Agyenim-Boateng. Reports indicate that she has taken legal action to challenge her termination, seeking to prevent Mr. Agyenim-Boateng from assuming the role.

Dr. Donkor’s recommendations highlight the pressing need for a comprehensive review of compensation packages within SOEs. By implementing more reasonable salary structures, the government can promote fiscal responsibility, ensure equitable remuneration, and enhance public trust in the management of state resources.

Source https://x.com/ghonetv/status/1894306901887705115?t=VacsPfKBdJDGUoqLvTIF8w&s=19

Banking sector reforms ignored human impact – Mahama

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President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the former leadership of the Bank of Ghana for its handling of the banking sector clean-up exercise, arguing that the approach neglected the human impact of the decisions made during that period.

The Bank of Ghana’s controversial banking sector clean-up exercise saw the closure of several financial institutions with the previous government defending the decision as a move to rescue Ghana’s banking system from collapse.
In his address at the swearing-in ceremony of the New Governor and Deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, on Tuesday, February 25, John Mahama expressed his concern that the decisions made under the banking sector reforms led to severe consequences for individuals and families.

“During the supposed banking sector clean-up exercise, the Bank of Ghana had the opportunity to salvage some institutions to protect livelihoods while ensuring stability, but instead, an approach that ignored human consequences prevailed.

“Thousands of jobs were lost and lives disrupted because decisions were made with a narrow focus rather than considerations of the human impact,” Mahama said.
The President charged the Bank of Ghana’s new leadership to extend beyond technical expertise and urged them to consider the human aspects behind the financial statistics.

“Mr. Governor and Deputy Governor, in discharging your mandate, you must go beyond mere technical considerations and act in full recognition that every statistic, every movement on a chart, and every shift in an index is more than just data.

“It is the pulse of an economy, a measure of resilience or distress. Behind numbers are real human stories, dreams either nurtured or shattered, demanding not just your highly extolled analytical expertise, but empathy and foresight that acknowledge the profound human consequences of every decision,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Ministry raises concerns over poor treatment of visa applicants

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has expressed concern over the poor treatment of Ghanaian visa applicants at various embassies, high commissions, and consulates.

In a formal communication to diplomatic missions, the Ministry stated, “It has come to our attention that some applicants are not treated appropriately when they visit for their appointments.

Roads Minister inaugurates five-member committee to review axle load operations

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The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has inaugurated a five-member committee tasked with reviewing the operations of the Axle Load Control Programme to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

The newly formed committee comprises representatives from National Security, Private Haulage Operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority.

Their primary mandate, according to a statement by the ministry, is to identify systemic and operational issues that require reform, investigate violations of regulatory provisions, assess the management of collected fines, and propose recommendations to improve the programme.

Overloading of heavy cargo vehicles has been identified as a key contributor to road pavement deterioration and increased traffic accidents.

To address this challenge, the Ministry is working to reform the Axle Load Control Programme, which currently faces numerous operational difficulties.

In a statement, the Ministry assured the public of its commitment to enhancing road safety and mitigating overloading, ensuring that road pavements last their intended lifespan.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen road infrastructure, improve transportation safety, and enforce regulatory compliance within the sector.

Dr. Kwaku Oteng gave Kofi Adomah $47,000 for his eye surgery not Ghc10,000- ABN clarifies

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Kofi Adomah and Kwaku Oteng
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN), Vincent Opare, has dispelled rumors about the group not supporting their ace broadcaster Kofi Adomah after he suffered an eye injury earlier this year.
In an interview on Angel FM, Vincent Opare addressed claims in the media space that the Angel Broadcasting Network and the CEO of Angel Group of Companies, Dr. Kwaku Oteng, only contributed a mere GHS 10,000 to support the treatment of Kofi Adomah.
He revealed that

Ghana’s shift towards renewable energy will be gradual

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Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister Designate for Energy and Green Transition, has emphasised that Ghana’s transition to renewable energy will be a gradual process, balancing the use of fossil fuels with the adoption of cleaner energy sources.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Gyan-Mensah outlined the government’s approach to achieving a sustainable energy future while leveraging the country’s existing fossil fuel resources.

“Moving to renewables doesn’t mean we should abandon fossil fuel, it is a gradual process. So, in the long run, while looking at the bigger picture, we will combine it.

“Ghana at the moment, we have a lot of fossil fuel or hydrocarbons, which we cannot allow to be stranded.

“We are still also pursuing the renewables as well to make sure that at the end of the day, we achieve a net-zero carbon,”  he stated.

Committee to review axle load operations in Ghana inaugurated

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The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has commissioned a five-member committee to review Ghana’s Axle Load Control Programme, aiming to enhance its effectiveness and address persistent operational challenges.

The committee, inaugurated on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, reflects the Ministry’s commitment to tackling the overloading of heavy cargo vehicles, a practice identified as a major contributor to road damage and safety hazards.

The committee comprises representatives from National Security, private haulage operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority. It has been given a comprehensive mandate to assess and improve the programme.

“The committee is expected to identify systemic and operational issues that require reforms, investigate violations of regulatory provisions, evaluate the management of collected fines, and provide suitable recommendations to enhance the programme,” a statement from the Ministry noted.

“Overloading heavy cargo vehicles has been identified as a major factor in the premature deterioration of road pavements and increased traffic accidents,” the statement added.

The Axle Load Control Programme, designed to regulate vehicle weights and protect road infrastructure, has faced several challenges, prompting this review.

Acknowledging these difficulties, the Ministry stated that the programme “is facing numerous operational challenges” and requires systemic improvements to achieve its objectives.

Reaffirming its commitment to the public, the Ministry declared, “The Ministry assures the public of its dedication to enhancing road safety and mitigating overloading to ensure road pavements fulfill their intended lifespan.”

GA/MA

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Ricky features Strongman on ‘Dɔ No Bi’

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“Dɔ No Bi” is a vibrant blend of traditional Ghanaian highlife rhythms with a modern touch “Dɔ No Bi” is a vibrant blend of traditional Ghanaian highlife rhythms with a modern touch

Ghanaian music is heating up in 2025, and newcomer Ricky is making a grand entrance with his first release of the year, the infectious highlife track “Dɔ No Bi” (Love You Back).

Ricky hasn’t come alone; he’s enlisted the lyrical prowess of renowned rapper Strongman, creating a dynamic collaboration that’s sure to get you moving.

“Dɔ No Bi” is a vibrant blend of traditional Ghanaian highlife rhythms with a modern touch, making it both nostalgic and fresh. Ricky’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the catchy melody, expressing the sweet sentiments of reciprocated love. The song’s title, “Dɔ No Bi,” perfectly encapsulates the theme of the track, promising a heartwarming tale of affection returned.

Strongman’s contribution adds another layer of brilliance to the song. His sharp, witty verses inject a dose of energy and storytelling, complementing Ricky’s vocals beautifully.

The contrast between Ricky’s melodic delivery and Strongman’s rhythmic rap creates a captivating listening experience, showcasing the versatility of both artists.

The production, handled by the talented Nana Beatz, is crisp and polished. The instrumentation is lively and infectious, perfectly capturing the essence of highlife music while maintaining a contemporary feel. The overall sound is warm and inviting, making “Dɔ No Bi” the perfect soundtrack for both relaxed listening and lively dance floors.

This collaboration between a rising star like Ricky and a seasoned artist like Strongman is a testament to the vibrant and evolving nature of the Ghanaian music scene.

I will reform public sector recruitment – Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba

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Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba

The Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, has pledged to enhance digital platforms established under the previous administration and also advocate for urgent reforms in public sector recruitment processes.

Facing the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, February 24, Madam Akanvariba emphasised her commitment to digitalisation as a means of modernising and streamlining public sector operations.

“I do believe digitalisation is the way to go. Some work has been done on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System, and the current payment system, but that is not enough,” she stated.

She further pledged to strengthen existing platforms such as the Ghana Revenue Authority’s payment system, Ghana.GOV portal, and the Paperless Port initiative to improve efficiency and accountability.

“I’m here to strengthen what has started already. I’m here to strengthen all the digital platforms. You know there are offices or departments for example – The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, they don’t even have enough computers. They don’t have workable computers that you can just transfer from one file to the other. It’s my responsibility to continue from where you [Akufo-Addo’s administration] started and make the public sector efficient, modern and robust.”

National dialogue on public sector recruitment

Beyond digitalisation, Akanvariba called for a national dialogue to deliberate on the recruitment process within the public sector, citing concerns over transparency and efficiency in hiring practices across government institutions.

“I will be looking at training or capacity building in the public sector and I will be looking at building and strengthening public institutions and the way we hire people into the public sector and we should therefore have a national dialogue on how we hire and recruit into the public sector,” she said.

According to her, the current recruitment system requires urgent review to ensure that hiring practices are fair, merit-based, and transparent. She stressed that inefficiencies in recruitment directly impact service delivery and governance, adding that public sector reforms must be prioritised to support national development.

Akanvariba also underscored the need to tackle bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder efficiency within the public sector. She noted that implementing reforms would require engaging public servants to gain their support for necessary transformations.

“I have learned and I have been through the public sector for about 27 years and I know that there are some in the public sector who say [Me baa ha aky3 or MBA] to wit ‘I’ve been there for a very long time.’ They believe that you should do things as they want you to and these are bureaucracy. You should be able to communicate your goals and the reason why you want to bring the change,” she said.

To address these challenges, she reiterated her intention to leverage technology and innovative solutions to improve service delivery and increase accountability in government operations.

You can also watch as Otumfuo destools Ohwimhene

We will rebuild trust in the banking sector

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Dr. Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor (Right) & First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni (Left) Dr. Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor (Right) & First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni (Left)

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has pledged to create a transparent and stable economic and financial system to enhance business growth in the country.

During his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Dr. Asiama effectively outlined his vision for a stable economy.

He stated that under his tenure, the Bank of Ghana would focus on ensuring stable financial management, transparency, and effective economic policies to rebuild trust and confidence.

“We will create an economic and financial system that is transparent, predictable, and stable. Businesses will have the confidence to plan, and individuals will have access to a secure financial system that fosters growth and opportunity,” he said.

Dr. Asiama reaffirmed his commitment to delivering transformational and impactful leadership as Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

“As I take this oath of office, I do so with a solemn promise to the people of Ghana to serve with diligence, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to the mandate of the Bank of Ghana,” he added.

He urged the citizens of Ghana to support the Bank of Ghana and have faith in its new initiatives, which aim to boost the country’s economy and create opportunities for growth and development.

MKA/EK

You can also watch as Patrick Yaw Boamah breaks silence after election chaos in Okaikwei Central

Why 2025 AFCON will not affect Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or

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Moahammed Salah is a contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or Moahammed Salah is a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or

GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

Egyptian winger Mohammed Salah’s sterling performance for Liverpool in the 2024/2025 season has made him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.

The conversation has become more prominent recently after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claimed that the player’s chances of winning the accolade could be affected by a lack of participation in a major international tournament.

This GhanaWeb feature highlights how the AFCON will not have a direct bearing on the 2025 Ballon d’Or award

During the post-match analysis of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on February 23, 2025, on Sky Sports, Carragher asserted that although Mohammed Salah, an Egyptian, excels with Liverpool, the lack of a major tournament for his national team could hinder his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

“I think the problem is that he [Salah] is with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament, or maybe doesn’t have a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament.

“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now, Los Blancos are certainly the front-runners,” he said.

However, Carragher’s claim is problematic because the scheduling of the 2025 AFCON will not permit its consideration in the award process.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony has for the past three years been held in October and it is expected that the 2025 edition will be held in October, while this year’s AFCON will be held from December 2025 to January 2026.

This implies that Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or will not be impacted by Egypt’s performance in the upcoming AFCON.

Aside from the AFCON, there will be no international competitions, such as the Euros or the Copa America, taking place this year.

Salah has been one of the best players this season, scoring 25 goals and making 16 assists in the Premier League. He has played 38 matches across all competitions, scored 30 goals, made 21 assists with a total of 51 goal contributions this season.

His contributions have aided Liverpool in staying at the summit of the table with 64 points and an eleven-point gap.

Another title that will be a major decider in the Ballon d’Or conversation is the Champions League, which Liverpool will contest in the round of sixteen against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Most football pundits believe that Salah winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League will secure him the much-coveted football award.

He will become the second African player to win the award after George Weah won it in 1995.

About the Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956 to honor the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.

Conceived by sports writers Gabriel Hanot and Jacques Ferran, the Ballon d’Or was based exclusively on voting by football journalists until 2006. Originally, it was awarded only to players from Europe and was widely known as the European Footballer of the Year award.

In 1995, the Ballon d’Or was expanded to include all players of any origin who have been active at European clubs. The award became a global prize in 2007, with all professional footballers from around the world being eligible; additionally, coaches and captains of national teams were also given the right to vote, before reverting to just journalists in 2016.

Meanwhile, Watch as Ghanaians tell Dede Ayew to retire from Black Stars to protect his legacy:

SB/EK

Sudan army allies intentionally targeting civilians: HRW

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The Sudanese army last month recaptured several areas taken by the rival paramilitary fighters The Sudanese army last month recaptured several areas taken by the rival paramilitary fighters

Armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been intentionally targeting civilians, an international NGO on human rights says.

In a report released on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said forces aligned with the military government have attacked villagers in central Sudan and committed acts that may amount to war crimes, and urged an investigation.

International human rights organisations have repeatedly accused SAF’s opponent, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of carrying out ethnic cleansing and even genocide during 20 months of vicious civil war. But reports of abuses by the army have also been common.

In the report, HRW said SAF-aligned groups, including the Sudan Shield Forces, the al-Baraa Ibn Malik battalion and local militias, may also be committing war crimes.

“Armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces have carried out violent abuses against civilians in their latest offensive in Gezira state,” Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior crisis, conflict and arms researcher at HRW, said.

The HRW report documented that in an attack on January 10, the Sudan Shield Forces attacked the village of Tayba, in the Gezira state, killing at least 26 people, including a child, and injuring others.

Witnesses said armed fighters who spoke of their chief as Abu Aqla Keikel, leader of the Sudan Shield Forces, shot indiscriminately at residents and went from house to house looking for men and boys to execute. They were also reported to have looted the village and set buildings on fire.

The survivors’ accounts were corroborated by satellite imagery, photographs and videos verified by HRW, which said the incident was one among several attacks against communities perceived to be RSF supporters in the region after the army recaptured them from the paramilitary group last month.

The SAF has condemned the abuse and pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable. However, it insisted that the actions were “individual transgressions”.

Tayba residents said government investigators had visited the site and interviewed key witnesses, and added that the Joint Force of the Armed Movements, an SAF-aligned coalition, had deployed forces to protect the population.

However, HRW noted that SAF generals, including General Yasir al-Atta, who sits on Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, have publicly appeared with Keikel since January 10, and praised his contribution to the war effort.

Gallopin said the Sudanese authorities should urgently investigate all reported abuses and hold to account those responsible, including the commanders of the Sudan Shield Forces.

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SAF soldiers celebrate after entering Wad Madani, Sudan, January 12, 2025

Sonnie Badu Is Owing Me $300, I Have Waited For 9 Years For Him To Pay Me My Money – Mzbel Reveals

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Veteran Ghanaian Musician, Mzbel has accused Sonnie Badu of owing her $300. Speaking in a recent interview, Mzbel disclosed that she has tried every means possible to take back the money from the UK-based singer but her efforts has been futile.

She added that she has been chasing the money for over 9 years.

According to Mzbel, she paid for something for him using her debit card a few years ago which he promised to pay back. But after years of asking him, he kept brushing it off.

“I have waited patiently for this man to pay me my money. A few years ago, I used my debit card to pay for something for him and he promised to pay back. Its been almost nine years and he is adamant. When I even lost my mom recently, I asked him about it again and he still refused to pay me back my money. I am not here to disgrace him, I just need my money”. She stated.

She further opened up about how a lot of so-called men of God are using powers to manipulate their gullible church members.

She explained that these men of God have activated their spiritual third eye so they are able to see beyond the physical realm. As a result, they end up using the powers to manipulate their church members.

See the video below;

Source:Ghanacelebrities.com