By Emelia B. Addae 

Koforidua, May 9, GNA -The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly has given a 100 percent endorsement to Mr Ransford Owusu Boakye, President’s nominee to serve as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). 

The Municipal Electoral Commission conducted the election for the confirmation of the nominee. 

The voters, comprising 33 elected assembly members and 15 government appointees, all voted ‘yes’ to confirm the nominee as the MCE. 

Mr Boakye was therefore sworn into office by Justice George Krofa Addae, High Court Judge, Koforidua. 

In his speech, the MCE thanked the government, chiefs, assembly members, and individuals for their support. 

He said, ” I’ll consult extensively with an open ear, and I call for a joint effort to create more development opportunities for the Municipality.” 

Per Ghana’s Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936 the DCE shall be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the District Assembly.  

He or she shall also be responsible for the supervision of the departments of the District Assembly and be the chief representative of the Central Government in the district.  

GNA 

DL/GRB 

Scores of people sustained injuries following a multi-vehicle accident at Krofrom, a busy suburb of Kumasi, on Friday evening.

According to eyewitnesses, a cargo truck reportedly suffered brake failure while descending a major traffic intersection near the X5 Pub during a heavy downpour.

The truck ploughed through several cars, motorbikes, and commercial tricycles – locally known as ‘pragya’ – causing widespread panic and destruction.

Concerned passersby forcibly opened mangled vehicles to rescue trapped drivers and passengers. Many of the injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for emergency treatment.

The full extent of the casualties remains unclear, but road users are urged to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The 75th birthday of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, attracted a vibrant gathering of royal family members and other well-wishers to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Among those paying homage was the Otumfuo’s granddaughter, Amma Prempeh, a distinguished BBC journalist and producer of Ghana’s Kente feature film, whose visit coincided with the traditional Awukudae observance.

She was pleased to present a unique commemorative gift – a $25,000 Jeffrey Okyere Agyei’s Sankofa Kente artwork, representing the importance of learning from the past.

“Granpa wasn’t expecting me in Ghana, so he was very happy and surprised about my visit,” an excited Amma stated.

The gathering provided an opportunity for Amma Prempeh to brief the Asantehene on her widely acclaimed documentary about the royal fabric, ‘Kente,’ which has been screened across the Americas and Europe.

Her film, “The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans,” is Ghana’s first Kente culture story documentary production. It was first premiered in Kumasi on August 26, 2023, and later screened in Accra on September 10, 2023.

The self-funded documentary delves into the origins, intricate artistry, captivating history, and enduring beauty of Ghana’s iconic Kente fabric.

It highlights how Kente weaving supports local communities committed to preserving its history, development, and commercial aspects.

The documentary also explores Kente’s evolving role in human rights activism.

Through Amma Prempeh’s tireless advocacy, Kente achieved significant international recognition.

UNESCO officially recognised Kente as an Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2024, during its 19th session in Paraguay.

Kente’s remarkable durability, complex designs, and profound aesthetic appeal contribute to its rich symbolism and diverse interpretations, representing not only Black identity but also Africa in a broader context.

By Isaac Kwaku Gyedu

Sefwi-Wiawso (WN/R), May 09, GNA – Mr Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western North Regional Minister, has paid a courtesy call on members of the Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional Council to strengthen the collaboration between the government and the traditional authorities for accelerated growth.

Addressing the chiefs, he stressed that the government could not embark on any development project without the support of the traditional authorities, hence his visit.

The Minister stated that the National Democratic Congress government led by President John Dramani Mahama was always ready to collaborate with the chiefs to find ways to solve the developmental challenges facing the region for the benefit of all the people.

He assured them that his doors were opened for ideas and advice from everyone, “so that we can chart a common path to realise the development we all desire for our region.”

Nana Yaw Berko, the linguist of the Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional Council, on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional Area, thanked the Regional Minister and his team for the visit, and assured him of their support, while urging him to focus on developmental course and ignore destructors.

GNA

JP/LKA

A senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joe Ghartey, has called for calm and unity within the party, urging feuding factions to end public spats and shift focus to strategic rebuilding efforts ahead of the next general elections.

In an interview addressing growing tensions within the opposition party, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice said what the NPP needs now is “cool heads, sober reflection and strategic thinking.”

“There is no point in pointing fingers at each other,” Ghartey stressed. Citing a well-known Ghanaian proverb, he added, “When you point a finger at one person, the other four point at you.”

While acknowledging that a large share of the blame is being directed at the party’s leadership, Ghartey suggested the challenges are not limited to the top. “A fish rots from the head, they say, so it’s not surprising a lot of the blame is going to the top. But at all levels, things fell apart,” he noted.

Sharing his personal experience as a former Cabinet Minister, he revealed that he sometimes struggled to reach certain Chief Executive Officers during his tenure, but said he would not name them as it would serve no constructive purpose.

Commenting specifically on the public feud between Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe (popularly known as Abronye), and former presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong, Ghartey appealed for calm. “They and their supporters should please ceasefire,” he pleaded.

He warned that the days when party members remained silent while the NPP was torn apart by internal selfish interests must end. “The time that some of us were quiet for the Party to be torn apart and destroyed by selfish interest is over,” he said.

Despite recent setbacks, Ghartey expressed optimism about the party’s future. “We have been taught a lesson, but it is just bent, not broken,” he concluded.

Ghartey’s comments come at a critical moment for the NPP as it grapples with internal discontent following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. His call for reconciliation adds to growing voices within the party urging reflection, healing, and unity.

By Gladys Abakah

Takoradi, May 09, GNA – Mr Courage Cornelius Sonu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Western Regional Rent Control Department, says the department recorded 428 total cases in 2024.

Meanwhile, 312 were settled by the department amicably, whiles 18 were referred to court for settlement with 98 cases pending.

According to him, there had been a decline in cases compared to 2023, saying in 2023 the department recorded 610 cases.

He noted that the reduction in cases could be attributed to understanding of the rent laws; rights and responsibilities among both tenants and property owners.

Mr Sonu, explained that some of the cases reported to the department were on claims, rent arrears, unlawful rent increment, recovery of possessions, nuisance, and harassment, among others.

He said: “The department is to address cases amicably between parties, and that cases were only referred to court when both parties involved feel dissatisfied with the department’s judgment.”

He encouraged house owners and tenants to always comply with the Rent Control Act to help preserve peace in their various homes.

GNA

MSM/LAA

The CEO of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has attributed the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi to a convergence of favourable global conditions and Ghana’s disciplined internal economic policies, stating that “the stars aligned for Ghana.”

Speaking in an in-depth analysis on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, May 9, Jackson said the cedi’s improved performance was the result of a combination of international economic shifts and deliberate domestic policy decisions that put Ghana in a strong position.

“The situation is good. We are in a good space,” Jackson remarked. “We are in a good space because the stars aligned for us and, better still, because of our internal commitments and discipline that we’ve shown this year—we were able to take advantage when the stars aligned.”

External Forces Driving Cedi Appreciation

Jackson highlighted three key global factors that contributed to the cedi’s recent strength:

• Depreciation of the US Dollar: Triggered by trade tensions during the Trump administration—particularly with China—the U.S. dollar weakened against major global currencies, which improved the relative value of the cedi.

• Decline in Oil Prices: The global economic slowdown, partly due to the trade war, reduced demand for petroleum products. As Ghana’s largest import, cheaper oil eased the pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

• Rising Gold Prices: Amid market volatility, investors turned to gold as a safe haven, driving prices up. Ghana directly benefited from this shift. “The icing on the cake,” Jackson noted, was the appreciation of Ghana’s gold reserves, which are held by the central bank.

Ghana’s Strategic Internal Response

Beyond these global developments, Jackson praised the Bank of Ghana for its proactive approach, including efforts to increase the country’s gold reserves and retain more value from gold production.

“First of all, our central bank has consistently sought to increase its gold reserves. By doing that, it was taking advantage of the stars aligning,” he said. “In the last eight years, gold has consistently outperformed the dollar—by over 100%.”

He also underscored the importance of transparent and accountable management of gold policies, which has helped Ghana derive more value from its natural resources.

“The issue of goldbod and its implementation possibly in transparent and an accountable manner meant that we were going to retain far more value in our gold…So there was that internal commitment to prudent economic behaviour,” Jackson explained.

Read also…

Expectations are high, but I’m committed to Tema – Ebi Bright

Officials from GSA led by CEO, Prof Ransford Gyampo paid a routine visit to the project site

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the completion of the Boankra Inland Port, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at transforming Ghana’s trade and logistics landscape.

Speaking during a routine site inspection, GSA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) project, which is being constructed by Justmoh Construction Limited. He emphasized that the government is determined to overcome all challenges to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

“The Boankra Inland Port is not just a political promise; it is a national project with immense potential to transform Ghana’s economy. We must move beyond partisan politics and see this through to the end,” Prof. Gyampo stated in an interview with the media.

The inland port, once completed, will serve as a major logistics and transportation hub, easing congestion at the Tema Port, facilitating efficient cargo handling, and providing a one-stop facility for importers, exporters, and logistics service providers. The project also aims to boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth, particularly within the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Prof. Gyampo acknowledged public concerns over Ghana’s history of stalled or abandoned infrastructure projects due to political transitions. However, he assured stakeholders that the Boankra project will not suffer a similar fate, citing the government’s continued commitment and the active collaboration between the GSA, contractors, and other key partners.

The CEO of Justmoh Construction Limited, Dr. Justice Amoh, also provided updates on the project, highlighting that while phase one is nearing completion, financial constraints are affecting progress. He appealed to the Ghana Shippers Authority for timely disbursement of funds to keep the work on schedule.

Project Consultant, Dr. J.B. Koranteng-Yorke, noted that additional facilities need to be integrated into the current phase to ensure compliance with international logistics standards.

The Boankra Inland Port is expected to offer a range of services, including container storage, customs clearance, and warehousing. It is projected to be a game-changer in Ghana’s trade ecosystem, significantly reducing turnaround time for cargo and enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a West African logistics hub.

With construction steadily advancing and strong backing from the government and stakeholders, the Boankra Inland Port is on course to become a critical pillar in Ghana’s national infrastructure and economic development agenda.

The first luxury Eco Park Resort, situated in the Okere District in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Safari Valley Resort, is set to host a spectacular Mother’s Day celebration in partnership with JoyFM, offering a special ‘Day Out with Mama’ event.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 10, promising a day of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences for mothers and their families.

The Programmes manager for JoyFM, Edem Knight-Tay, stated that guests can look forward to a day filled with exciting activities, including cozy bus drives to witness wildlife and gourmet dining.

JoyFM will be on-site, providing entertainment and live coverage of the event and it’s an opportunity for families to create lasting memories in a beautiful and serene environment.

Tickets for the JoyFM Day Out with Mama event are available now! Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the amazing mothers in your life!

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Director General of CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor

Two Ghanaian women who were kidnapped in Nigeria under the pretense of marriage proposals have safely returned to Ghana.

Anastasia Baidoo Arthur and Evelyn Konadu arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Friday, May 9, 2025, aboard an Africa World Airlines flight from Abuja.

Their return was confirmed by the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, during a press briefing on Friday, May 9, 2025.

“I’m pleased to confirm that at 1:45 today, I received the victims at Kotoka International Airport. They were accompanied by an official of the Research Department of the Ghana High Commission who verified their identities,” DCOP Donkor said.

She noted that the victims were in stable condition and would undergo medical evaluation before providing statements to assist ongoing investigations.

“Both women are in stable condition and will receive the necessary medical attention. Following that, they will go through standard police procedures to provide their accounts to assist with ongoing investigations,” she said.

DCOP Donkor reiterated the police’s commitment to crime prevention and public safety, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cautious in online interactions.

“The Ghana Police Service remains steadfast in its core mandate of crime prevention, detection, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders. We are committed to ensuring that Ghana remains a safe and secure place for all,” she added.

The two women’s plight went viral after disturbing videos showing them being tortured were circulated on social media.

Their captors had demanded a ransom of GH¢500,000 each from their families.

The victims had separately traveled to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on April 22, 2025. They were lured by a group of men posing as white foreigners seeking marriage partners.

The suspects, identified as Peter Okoye (31), Paulinus Chidokwe (35), Chinoso Okafor (35), and Christian Emeka, operated as part of a broader transnational romance scam syndicate targeting victims in both Ghana and Nigeria.

Upon arrival, the women were kidnapped, stripped, tied, and assaulted with machetes. They were threatened with death; their heads were covered with black polythene bags, and they were told they would be hanged with nylon ropes.

GH¢18,000 had already been transferred to the suspects before authorities intervened.

With support from Ghana’s National Signals Bureau and the Nigeria Police Force, eight suspects were arrested from different hideouts, and the victims were rescued.

Watch the press briefing below:

JKB/MA

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By Francis Ntow 

Accra, May 9, GNA – High utilities and taxes could jeopardise the country’s economic stabilisation, government’s 24-hour economy initiative for jobs and industrialisation agenda, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has cautioned. 

This comes on the back of a recent announcement of a 14.75 per cent increase in electricity tariff, effective May 3, 2025, and the Government’s indication of adding the COVID-19 levy to Value Added Tax (VAT) in a rationalisation exercise. 

“Fortunately, the economic indicators are getting right,” Dr Joseph Obeng, the President of GUTA, said in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, cautioning against actions that could derail the gains. 

“We do not have to negate it with any unwanted costs of doing business, regarding utility tariff increment and high Value Added Tax (VAT). Because if care is not taken, we will shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said. 

“The 14.75 per cent increase in electricity tariff is so huge and unjustified, given the improvement in economic indicators that were cited as reasons for previous increases,” Dr. Obeng said.  

GUTA, the largest trading body has been pushing for a broad restructuring of the current VAT system to ensure uniformity, simplicity, affordability, leading to greater compliance and generating more revenue for the Government.  

The current VAT system comprised a standard rate of 15 per cent, with an additional 2.5 per cent National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), 2.5 per cent Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy, and a one per cent COVID-19 Levy. 

In essence, businesses under the standard VAT scheme incurred a rate of 21 per cent, while small businesses with an annual turnover below GHS500,000 paid three per cent VAT under the Flat Rate Scheme (VFRS). 

To alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business, the Government pledged to scrap some tax handles, including Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy), Emissions Levy and 10 per cent levy on bet winnings, and COVID-19 levy. 

So far, the E-levy, Emissions Levy and the Betting Tax have all been scrapped, but President Mahama has indicated that the COVID-19 levy would be addressed in a VAT rationalisation exercise in September 2025. 

Dr Obeng advocated that the Government took bold steps to halt further increases in utilities, VAT and port charges to create a safe space for enhanced local production at affordable prices. 

He urged the Government to purge the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) of inefficiencies and alleged corrupt practices, citing the missing containers of cables and other essential materials of the company as example. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified arrears by ECG to Independent Power Producers and other power sector players as a major concern in the implementation of the country’s US$3 billion loan-supported programme. 

“Arrears are continuing to accumulate, which is a very significant challenge for Ghana, given the implications it can have for power supply,” said Stéphane Roudet, the IMF Mission Chief for Ghana. 

He, however, noted that the Fund had seen a promising reform that could make ECG more efficient at collecting its bills and reducing the large commercial losses of the company. 

He said this during a media roundtable at the April 2025 IMF/World Bank Group Spring meetings in Washington DC, USA, expressing confidence in the country’s economic stability. 

GNA  

ABD 

By Laudia Sawer 

Tema, May 09, GNA-Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), has called on the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to continue the implementation of the 2024 directive against harassment of drivers on the transit corridor. 

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) in 2024 issued directives to the Ghana Police Service to cease harassing transit drivers, particularly those transporting goods between Tema and other major cities, to stop unprofessional conduct, extortion, and other malpractices that had been reported along transit corridors.  

Professor Gyampo, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Prince Henry Ankrah, the deputy CEO in charge of operations, during a workshop for transit truck drivers, commended the police for the directive. 

He said the directive significantly reduced the police harassment of transit truck drivers and delays along the country’s transit corridor. 

“The Authority hopes that the directive will continue to be enforced to positively impact the haulage of transit,” he said. 

He added that in line with the implementation of its memoranda of understanding with the three Sahelian landlocked countries, the GSA has since 2018 undertaken quarterly fact-finding missions along the major transit corridors in the country. 

These exercises, he said, had unearthed serious infractions of Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, harassment of truck drivers, malpractices at Axle Load Stations, extortion, and deplorable road conditions, among others. 

He said the findings of such trips were shared with relevant agencies to address the challenges identified and revealed that the outcome of the latest fact-finding trip undertaken in March 2025 on the Tema Hamile corridor recorded the 67 police stops made up of 46 permanent barriers and 21 temporary barriers.  

He added that seven customs checkpoints between Nsutem and Hamile were recorded, while eight Immigration checkpoints, and six Axle Load stations were seen. 

According to him, the authority had collaborated with the police administration to conduct sensitisation seminars for police officers along the corridors, adding that the seminars had contributed to improving the interface between police personnel and haulage truck drivers along the corridor. 

GNA 

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May – 09 – 2025 , 17:55

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The US Embassy issued 25,000 visas to Ghanaians in 2024

The United States Embassy in Ghana issued 25,000 visas to Ghanaian nationals in 2024, out of a total of 61,000 applications, according to Consular General Elliot Fertik.

Speaking at a Consular Media Day held on May 9, 2025, and monitored by GhanaWeb, Fertik stressed the Embassy’s commitment to transparency, lawful travel, and improved service for visa applicants.

The event aimed to clarify the US visa process and address common misconceptions.

“Last year, the US Embassy issued up to 25,000 visas to Ghanaians, to come and work, study and visit the United States.

“We continue to welcome visitors from Ghana who are interested in studying, investing, or doing business in the US. But with entry to the US, visa applicants or holders must follow our laws,” he said.

Fertik also issued a firm warning against illegal immigration, emphasising that the US has a zero-tolerance policy.

“Those who break the rules will face the law, including visa refusals or outright bans from entering the US,” he added.

The US Embassy further urged Ghanaians to avoid fraudulent agents and follow the official application process since such actions could lead to visa refusals, revocations, or deportation.

JKB/AE

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