TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Black Stars robbed in Vienna ahead of Austria friendly

    Black Stars robbed in Vienna ahead of Austria friendly

    The Ghana Black Stars are in Austria for the 2026 World Cup preparatory match against the latter’s national team.

    However, ahead of the game, Ghana’s national football team has been targeted in a robbery incident in Vienna ahead of their international friendly against Austria on Friday, March 27.

    Earlier reports suggested that some team members were robbed during their stay.  Two rolex watches and $2,250 cash owned by some management committee members and the players, had been taken from their rooms.

    “The report that came in indicates that two valuables have been stolen. A $2,250 cash and two Rolex watches. The report indicated that cash belongs to management committee members, and the watches are for the players,” he said.

    He added that the CCTV cameras at the hotel, where the Black Stars are lodging, were not functioning, making it difficult for the Austrian police to quickly identify the alleged robbers.

    “Regarding where the police are camping, the hotel indicated that their CCTV cameras are not functioning, which has made it difficult for the FA to furnish the Austrian police with proper evidence.”

    Despite the incident, officials say the situation is under control, with players and technical staff remaining calm and focused ahead of the scheduled match.

    The GFA said it is working closely with relevant authorities in Austria and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

    Otto Addo names squad for Austria, Germany friendlies

    On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.

    Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).

    These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.

    In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

    The defense features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).

    Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.

    Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).

    How Black Stars qualified for the World Cup despite inconsistencies

    Many Ghanaians gave up on the Black Stars due to their continuous dip in form and disappointing displays.

    The teams’ decline in form became noticeable after the mid‑2010s, particularly following their runner‑up finish at AFCON 2015. Following this, the team kept losing its grip on its fans with the major blow being their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the lowest point in decades.

    However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup awakened fans’ hopes, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that his outfit adopted a strategy to make this happen. Under his term, the Black Stars out of the six matches played secured a win in five and one draw.

    Speaking on the revival strategy, during an interview with Graphic Sports, he noted that the first strategy was to let the players know they were not going to be paid any bonuses, but to reward the broader objective of qualification.

    “We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be… we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify,” he stated.

    He acknowledged the waning confidence in the Black Stars before they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

    “There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify, ” he added.

  • E-toll collection to begin nationwide by Q4 in 2026 – Transport Ministry

    E-toll collection to begin nationwide by Q4 in 2026 – Transport Ministry

    The government is set to reintroduce road tolls following its abolition in 2021 under the erstwhile government.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government first officially mentioned bringing back road tolls on January 13, 2025, during the vetting of Finance Minister-designate Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. He reaffirmed that reinstating tolls was part of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto promise.

    One year after the mention of a reintroduction, it’s yet to be seen in effect raising questions from the Minority Caucus in Parliament.

    Responding to the concerns of the Minority, the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament, Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Wassa East,  Isaac Adjei Mensah,  revealed that the rollout of the road toll would begin in the last quarter of 2026.

    He acknowledged the significance of the toll and the government’s move to restore a key source of revenue for road maintenance. The toll collection will no longer be manual but electronic.

    “All feasibility studies and preparatory processes will soon be finalised,” he told the Parliamentary Press Corps, stressing that the rollout was on track.

    He continued with a hit back at the Minority, noting that, “The Minority has no moral justification to criticise the pace of this policy,” he said.

    Mr Adjei Mensah noted that before its abolition under the previous administration, road tolls generated about GH¢60 million monthly for the state.

    He said the removal of the tolls created a significant revenue gap, weakening the country’s ability to fund road maintenance and infrastructure.

    “Before its abolition by the previous administration, the road toll generated about GH¢60 million monthly for the state. The removal of the tolls created a significant revenue gap, weakening the country’s ability to fund road maintenance and infrastructure.” 

    The Committee also addressed concerns over road contracts awarded under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure initiative, clarifying that only 44% of the 400 contracts were awarded through sole sourcing, with the remainder going through competitive bidding.

    Other issues discussed included progress on the Boankra Inland Port project, the Mpakadan Railway System, plans to restructure the Road Fund into a Road Maintenance Trust Fund, and the part payment of GH¢107 billion in road arrears.

    Mr Adjei Mensah said the electronic toll system would provide a sustainable and transparent mechanism for mobilising funds.

    “This system will ensure efficiency in collection while restoring a reliable revenue stream for road infrastructure development,” he said.

    Why was the toll abolished ?

    Traffic congestion was one of the main reasons road tolls were abolished in Ghana. Long queues at toll booths slowed down movement significantly, creating delays for commuters and transport operators. The manual system of collection was inefficient and could not handle the growing volume of vehicles on the roads.

    Another issue was inefficiency in the toll collection process. Manual handling of cash was prone to leakages and corruption, with revenue often not reflecting the actual number of vehicles passing through toll points. This undermined the purpose of tolls as a reliable source of funding for road maintenance.

    Revenue mismanagement also raised concerns. There were questions about accountability and transparency in how toll funds were used. Many believed that the money collected was not being properly directed toward road infrastructure, which further weakened public trust in the system.

    Social impact of the abolishment of tolls

    One of the major effects of abolishing the tolls was unemployment, particularly among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), many of whom were employed as toll booth operators and support staff.

  • 2026 World Cup warm-up: Ghana–Austria friendly comes off today

    2026 World Cup warm-up: Ghana–Austria friendly comes off today

    Ghana Black Stars’ friendlies with Austria are scheduled for today at the Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna on Friday, March 27.

    The game is set for 17:00 GMT, as part of preparations or warm-up for both teams to fine-tune their tactics as they await the main tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.

    For Ghana, the match will serve as a test of tactical effectiveness and an opportunity to assess the impact of debutants, as they look to justify their inclusion in the squad. Fans are expecting a contrast in styles, with Austria known for its disciplined, structured approach, particularly in midfield control, while Ghana’s strength lies in pace, flair, and quick counterattacking transitions.

    For the Black Stars, the fixture presents an opportunity to test their attacking options against a well-organised European side and to sharpen defensive coordination against a team that thrives on possession and tactical discipline.

    Austria, on the other hand, will look to assert dominance in midfield and dictate the tempo of the game, aiming to contain Ghana’s explosive forward play.

    Otto Addo names squad for Austria, Germany friendlies

    On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.

    Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).

    These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.

    In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

    The defense features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).

    Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.

    Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).

    How Black Stars qualified for the World Cup despite inconsistencies

    Many Ghanaians gave up on the Black Stars due to their continuous dip in form and disappointing displays.

    The teams’ decline in form became noticeable after the mid‑2010s, particularly following their runner‑up finish at AFCON 2015. Following this, the team kept losing its grip on its fans with the major blow being their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the lowest point in decades.

    However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup awakened fans’ hopes, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that his outfit adopted a strategy to make this happen. Under his term, the Black Stars out of the six matches played secured a win in five and one draw.

    Speaking on the revival strategy, during an interview with Graphic Sports, he noted that the first strategy was to let the players know they were not going to be paid any bonuses, but to reward the broader objective of qualification.

    “We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be… we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify,” he stated.

    He acknowledged the waning confidence in the Black Stars before they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

    “There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify, ” he added.

    He attributed the turnaround to a coordinated effort involving key stakeholders, including backing from the Presidency and renewed fan support, with supporters turning up in large numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Assistant coach on Black Stars’ squad

    The Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, is confident Ghana has the ‘men’ to advance to the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated for June.

    The last time the Black Stars went close to getting to the semi-finals was in 2010 when they reached the semi‑finals of a FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

    16 years down the line, the team’s assistant coach is optimistic that the squad to represent Ghana this year is more experienced now.

    Reflecting on past setbacks, including group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Paintsil believes the squad is now better prepared to compete in the latter stages of the competition.

    “We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup,” he noted during an interview with 3Sports.

    Meanwhile, Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.

  • Lincoln University holds special place in my heart despite degree snub – President Mahama

    Lincoln University holds special place in my heart despite degree snub – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has for the first time spoken out after Lincoln University in Pennsylvania decided to withdraw an honorary doctorate that was to be conferred on him on 26 March, citing his leadership, public service, and advocacy for reparative justice.

    On March 19, the University announced plans to confer the honour on President Mahama in a few days; however, on Tuesday, March 24, it released a formal statement indicating that it had rescinded its decision to confer, citing concerns raised internally about Mahama’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington confirmed the withdrawal, describing it as abrupt and regrettable.

    Reacting to the development, President Mahama, speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 26, stressed that Ghana’s ties with the university stand strong, despite “whatever disagreements have arisen”.

    He said the school remains a sacred ground for him, as it was at Lincoln that Ghana’s most celebrated president was nurtured.

    “Whatever disagreements have arisen, for me, Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart. It is where our first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was nurtured intellectually and shaped in his Pan-Africanist struggle. It remains hallowed ground for Ghanaians and an integral part of our history,” he said.

    He added that the relationship between Ghana and the university would endure despite the controversy.

    “We cannot separate Lincoln University from the story of Ghana, and we will continue to hold the institution in the highest esteem,” he said.

    President Mahama to sign anti-LGBTQ bill

    President John Dramani Mahama had confidently stated that he would sign the anti-LGBTQ bill once  Parliament successfully approve it.

    During a courtesy visit by the Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday, November 18, at Jubilee House, the President outlined the factors that had to be considered before he could assent to the bill.

    “I believe that we have no questions or equivocations about what we believe. I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your beliefs. We agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament debate it.

    “And if there are any amendments or adjustments that need to be made, if the people’s representatives in Parliament endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it,” President Mahama said.

    The controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, had been reintroduced in Parliament, according to Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.

    In an interview with The Independent Ghana on Thursday, February 27, Ntim Fordjour urged President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law if Parliament approved it again.

    He emphasised that the legislation reflected Ghanaian cultural values and called for swift action to ensure its implementation.

    The bill, which aimed to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and criminalise their promotion, advocacy, and funding, had previously been passed by the 8th Parliament. However, it did not receive Presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

    President John Dramani Mahama had also declared that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, was no longer active, as it expired with the previous Parliament’s session.

    Speaking during a meeting with clergy, Mahama clarified the bill’s status, explaining, “As far as I know, the bill did not get to the President for assent. And so the convention is that all bills that are not assented to before the expiration of the life of Parliament expire, and so that Bill is effectively dead; it has expired.”

    He underscored the importance of reinitiating discussions on the bill, suggesting a collaborative review process. “I do think that we should have a conversation on it again, so that all of us, if we decide to move that bill forward, move forward with a consensus,” Mahama stated.

    Proposing a shift in the bill’s sponsorship, the former President argued that it should no longer be introduced as a private member’s bill but rather receive formal government backing. “I don’t know what the promoters of the bill want to do, but we should have a conversation about it again… probably it shouldn’t be a private members’ bill. It should be a government bill with government behind it after consultation with all the stakeholders to see how to move this forward,” he noted.

    Before his return to office, Mahama had already expressed a cautious approach toward the bill, emphasising the need for a constitutional review. Speaking with BBC Africa on December 4, he elaborated: “It is not an anti-LGBTQI Bill; it is a Family Values Bill. It was approved unanimously by our Parliament. [LGBTQI] is against our African culture, it is against our religious faith, but I think we must look at the Bill, and the president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament, or he must send it to the Council of State and get the Council of State’s advice.”

  • Gold Board appointment took me by surprise – Sammy Gyamfi

    Gold Board appointment took me by surprise – Sammy Gyamfi

    Gold Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has admitted his appointment came to him as a surprise.

    Elected as the party’s National Communications Officer of the NDC and became the party’s chief spokesperson in 2018, he actively led the NDC’s communication strategy until he was announced CEO of GoldBoard in 2025 by President Mahama.

    Speaking during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, March 26, Sammy Gymafi labelled his appointment as a humbling opportunity given to him by the president.

    He said, “For me, it was an exciting call made by the president,” indicating that he anticipated an appointment to a communication role or to something similar due to his background and long-standing role as the party’s lead spokesperson. However, President Mahama, whom he said has been like a father to him over the years in his career, saw beyond what he could see as his capability.

    “The president, to some of us, as a father figure, is not just a flagbearer. He’s not just our President, but somebody that I’ve enjoyed the father-son relationship with for some time now, and he’s a great visionary. 

    So what he may see in you, you may not even have seen in yourself. Maybe many never expected that, upon winning power, I would find myself where I am. I’m sure many have predicted that I may, I may have landed some communication-related job,” he said.

    According to him, the President’s decision reflects a deeper confidence in his abilities, beyond public expectations.

    “But the president, I think, saw something in me that many had not noticed at the time, and he decided to give me this opportunity,” he added.

    Sammy Gyamfi also pointed to the support of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, describing him as “like a brother,” as they work together to drive the President’s agenda for the gold sector.

    He stressed that gold remains central to the government’s broader economic transformation plans, particularly in addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.

    “Gold is very essential to the reset agenda of the President,” he said, explaining that the goal is to maximise national benefits and strengthen Ghana’s control over its mineral resources.

    He highlighted concerns about “leakages” and “low repatriation of FX,” noting that the government is focused on ensuring that Ghanaians take charge of both extraction and trading, with proceeds returning to support the economy.

    Despite acknowledging that many within the party are qualified for the role, Gyamfi described his appointment as a rare honour.

    “So for me to have been given the opportunity was a rare privilege for which I am forever grateful to the president,” he said.

    He added that his daily focus is to justify the trust placed in him.

    “And every day when I wake up, my prayer is to work hard to justify the confidence he reposed in me and not to let him down.”

    GoldBod added $3.8bn to formal gold exports

    Meanwhile, a technical, independent report recently presented to GoldBod by economists from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS)—Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, and economist Peter Junior Dotse—indicated that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose by 39.4 tons, increasing from 63.6 tons in 2024 to 103 tons in 2025.

    According to the report, GoldBod had mitigated the rate at which gold was being smuggled out of Ghana; trading was now done officially through the proper channels, leading to an increase in the amount of foreign exchange flowing into the country. The benefits to the economy were much greater than the trading losses reported by the Bank of Ghana.

    The report explained that each ton of gold was worth about US$96.5 million. Based on this value, the gold that was brought into the formal system was worth about US$3.8 billion in foreign currency.

    This meant the benefits were 18 times greater than the US$214 million loss reported by the Bank of Ghana. In fact, the report stated that formalising just 2.2 tons of gold would have been enough to cover that loss.

    Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson, one of the report’s authors, emphasised that “GoldBod converts illicit gold flows into formal FX, strengthens Ghana’s external position, and supports macroeconomic stability. Evidence shows it is a high-return policy intervention for the economy.”

    The study also revealed that GoldBod’s initiatives reduced reliance on costly external borrowing. ASM exports facilitated by GoldBod in 2025 generated US$10.8 billion in FX inflows. Had Ghana borrowed equivalent funds externally at interest rates of 7–10%, it would have incurred annual interest costs of between US$756 million and US$1.08 billion.

    Even when considering only the reduction in smuggling, the avoided annual interest costs ranged from US$266 million to US$380 million, creating a recurring economic benefit.

  • Manasseh Azure Awuni: Who captured and sold the slaves?

    Manasseh Azure Awuni: Who captured and sold the slaves?

    Last year, I took an English course in my ongoing programme that got me very close to the subject of the transatlantic slave trade. The course was a study of writings in the Reconstruction Era. We read Frederick Douglas’ fiction, Lincoln’s speeches, and watched heart-wrenching films such as “Slavery by Another Name.”

    The harrowing tales I’d heard narrated by tour guides at Ghana’s slave castles and captured casually in textbooks I’d read growing up did not come close to the cruelty the slaves endured in the United States and elsewhere.

    For this reason, I wholeheartedly agree with the declaration of slavery as the gravest crime against humanity.

    President John Dramani Mahama and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa deserve immense commendation for pushing and securing the United Nations’ passage of the resolution declaring slavery as the gravest crime against humanity.

    At the end of the semester, we were to produce a seminar paper. I proposed to my professor that, instead of doing a paper on how the slaves were treated in the United States, I wanted to explore how the slaves got onto the slave ships in the first place.

    The literature I read for my paper, including from Africans such as Ghana’s Professor Akosua Perbi, showed that Africans were at the forefront of capturing their fellow Africans and selling them to the European slave traders who were based mainly along the coast. The Europeans conducted some raids, but they were minimal. One source estimated that 90% of the slaves captured and shipped abroad were captured by Africans.

    The slave trade boomed whenever there were wars among African ethnic groups. Some wars were waged for the purpose of capturing and selling slaves. The powerful kingdoms made money by selling slaves, which they used to buy powerful weapons to fight and capture more slaves.

    When the British abolished the slave trade, some powerful African kings, including some in Ghana, were unhappy that their source of wealth was being stifled.

    I also read that some African countries, such as Benin, have formally apologised for their role in capturing and selling their own people into slavery.

    Ghana subtly acknowledged its role when it launched the Joseph Project during the celebration of Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary. (In the Bible, Joseph was sold by his own brothers.)

    That brings us to the second part of the push: the payment of reparations. If reparations are to be paid, countries such as Ghana should also be required to pay them for their role in the slave trade.

    It will not be right to pay reparations to those who took part and benefited from the slave trade, even though the benefits and exploitation of the enslaved people were disproportional.

    The descendants of the slaves in America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere legitimately deserve reparations, but the African countries whose people captured and sold slaves are accomplices, not victims.

    In 100 years, it will be untenable for Ghana to demand reparations from China for destroying our forests in the illegal mining scourge. Without tacit support in fronting for the Chinese illegal miners (sometimes providing state security protection), they would not have succeeded in destroying our forests.

    We need to tell ourselves the hard truth and learn from how we have hurt ourselves through selfishness and greed.

  • Parliament passes Legal Education Bill after over 3 months of deliberations

    Parliament passes Legal Education Bill after over 3 months of deliberations

    Parliament has finally passed the Legal Education Bill, 2025, after over three months of parliamentary deliberations since it was introduced by the Attorney General (AG) and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, on 3 December 2025.

    The passage of the bill marks the end of the Ghana School of Law’s monopoly over professional legal training and opens the sector to accredited universities, among other significant reforms in the country’s legal education system.

    Provisions of the Bill

    The new law establishes a Council for Legal Education and Training, which will be responsible for regulating legal education and setting curriculum standards across institutions.

    Under the new framework, a Law Practice Training Course will be introduced and offered by approved universities to prepare eligible candidates for a National Bar Examination.

    During a speech on the floor of Parliament, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, noted that the passage of the Bill fulfils the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s commitment to promoting equity, fairness, and improved access to legal education in Ghana.

    “As has been typical of the NDC, promises made are delivered. We promised law students that if they vote for us, we will carry out reforms that will ensure equity, fairness and access to legal education,” he said

    While the Minority acknowledged the significant milestone, it, however, charged the government to fulfil other promises, such as establishing a bank for women.

    The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, indicated that it has been nearly two years since the government took office, yet one of its flagship manifesto promises, establishing a women’s bank, remains unfulfilled.

    “All of us have participated. This is not a bill that is identified with a particular party. I concede that indeed they made it a campaign promise. Mr Speaker, however, they equally promised that they were going to set up a bank for women. We are done with year one, year two, we have not seen the Women Bank,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the passage of this bill has been quite swift compared to other major bills which were introduced over the years.

    Examples of such bills include the Right to Information Act, the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, and the Affirmative Action Bill.

    Ghana’s Parliament passed the Affirmative Action Bill on July 30, 2024. It received Presidential assent in September 2024, nearly two decades after it was first drafted in 2011, and was officially launched on July 31, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    The Right to Information Act (RTI) was first drafted in 1999, but was only passed on 26 March 2019. It was assented to on 21 May 2019 and came into force on 1 January 2020. This means it took about 20 years from introduction to passage. The long delay was due to political disagreements, concerns about implementation, and repeated postponements.

    The Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) was drafted in 2009 after Ghana’s oil discovery and passed in 2011 as Act 815. It took about two years from drafting to passage. The delay was mainly because of the need for extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure transparency and accountability in how oil revenues would be managed.

    The Plant Breeders’ Bill was introduced in 2013; as of 2026, it has still not been passed. The main reason for this delay is strong opposition from farmer groups and civil society organisations. They argue that the Bill threatens seed sovereignty and could favour multinational corporations over local farmers.

    In short, while the Legal Education Bill, 2025, moved through Parliament in under four months, these other bills show how reforms can take years, or even decades, when there are political disagreements, complex stakeholder interests, or strong public resistance.

  • Ghana cannot withstand another gold shock after oil price surge – BoG Governor warns amid Middle East tensions

    Ghana cannot withstand another gold shock after oil price surge – BoG Governor warns amid Middle East tensions

    Ghana’s economy has been affected by oil price shocks amid Middle East tensions, and the escalating tensions are gradually taking a similar toll on gold prices as well.

    Consequently, the Bank of Ghana has warned that the country may struggle to deal with a second shock, that is, the shocks from the oil price fluctuations, if the conflict continues.

    Speaking during an interview with Accra-based TV station, on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, March 25, Dr Johnson Asiama said recent movements in gold prices reflect growing uncertainty in global markets.

    “If you look at gold prices from last week, it appears we’re in a different world. Things are changing; not only are we facing shocks from oil, but we’re also likely to face a shock from gold,” he said.

    The concerns are centred mainly on the unpredictability of the nature of the market now, citing that even though gold prices had declined sharply in 2025, it remains unclear whether current trends will be short-lived.

    “The question is whether this is going to be a short-term phenomenon. We don’t know; we can only conjecture at this stage,” he explained.

    Gold, being one of the significant commodities to the strength of the economy in terms of export earnings, the BoG governor highlighted the need for its stability as far as pricing is concerned.

    “Gold constitutes a majority of our export earnings currently, and we cannot afford to have a second shock coming from gold,” he warned.

    He, however, expressed hope that any downturn in gold prices would be temporary, adding that higher gold prices could help offset the impact of oil shocks.

    “I’m hopeful that the gold phenomenon will be a short-lived one, while if we have higher gold prices, it helps to counter the impact of the oil,” he said.
    Amid the uncertainties, Mr Asiamah, however, indicated that Ghana’s current reserve status would provide some cushion against the external shocks.

    “My comfort is that we were able to build adequate reserves in 2025. Almost six months of import cover should be able to carry us some distance,” he stated.

    Dr Asiama cautioned that a prolonged Middle East crisis could make it difficult to sustain recent economic gains.

    “Let’s just hope the crisis does not persist till the end of this year. Then it becomes challenging to preserve the gains achieved,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s external reserves have seen about 11.5% increase in the last few months. This comes after the Central Bank in January announced during the 128th MPC meeting that the country’s reserve had hit $13 billion.

    However, in about 2 months, the external reserves have recorded a notable increase, reaching approximately $14.5 billion, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, said, providing about 5.8 months of import cover and strengthening the country’s external position.

    The increase, according to BoG, helps maintain and build buffers to support the economy against external shocks.

    Speaking during the opening of the 129th MPC meeting on Monday, March 16, Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama indicated that the increase in reserves indicates a broader trend of improvement in macroeconomic conditions, i.e., Ghana’s economy is currently doing better than earlier predictions suggested.

    He noted that inflation has continued to ease, declining to 3.3 per cent in February and extending a streak of 14 consecutive monthly reductions. The rate has now fallen below the central bank’s medium-term target band, presenting new considerations for policymakers.

    The Governor also cited the economy’s improved fiscal performance, with Ghana recording a primary surplus of 2.6 per cent of GDP at the end of 2025. He added that economic activity in the real sector is gradually picking up, supported by rising business and consumer confidence as well as a modest recovery in credit growth.

    “Taken together, these indicators suggest that the economy is stabilising faster than many anticipated, underscoring the impact of disciplined policy measures,” he said.

    About two years ago, investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy was relatively weak, due to fiscal stress, high inflation, and currency volatility; however, according to records, lately, there has been development with economic indicators showing growth and a consecutive decline in inflation.

    Consequently, Dr Johnson believes that the growth of Ghana’s external reserves will help attract investors and maintain their confidence to help sustain fiscal growth in the country.

    “A stronger reserves position is essential for maintaining investor confidence and enhancing Ghana’s ability to withstand global economic shocks”, he noted.

    He further disclosed that reserve accumulation will remain a priority under the government’s Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), which aims to significantly boost the country’s external buffers over the medium term.

    “Reserve accumulation will remain a priority under the government’s Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), which aims to significantly boost the country’s external buffers over the medium term. The initiative targets an increase in reserves to the equivalent of 50 months of import cover by 2028, compared with the current level of about 5.8 months”, he continued.

  • Govt boosts local production with 250 new boreholes, new seedlings amid Burkina Faso’s tomato ban – Agric Minister

    Govt boosts local production with 250 new boreholes, new seedlings amid Burkina Faso’s tomato ban – Agric Minister

    Burkina Faso’s March 16 ban on fresh tomato imports has raised concerns about a potential shortage in Ghanaian markets. This is because Ghana imports a very large share of its fresh tomatoes from Burkina Faso, about 75,000 tonnes annually, valued at roughly GH¢400 million, particularly during dry seasons.

    However, speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, 25 March, in Accra,  Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, assured Ghanaians that there will be no tomato shortage as widely being reported, as the government has stepped up measures to boost yields, cut post-harvest losses and expand irrigation-backed production to stabilise supply.

    Among the measures are the drilling of over 200 boreholes across the Northern Region, securing more land for tomato cultivation and improving irrigation systems, as well as introducing improved tomato seeds for better yields.

    “Collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement will deliver improved tomato seeds capable of raising yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within months. In addition, the government is expanding irrigation under the Vegetable Development Project, including cluster farming in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, drilling 250 boreholes across the northern regions, and securing hundreds of hectares under existing irrigation systems for immediate tomato cultivation,” he indicated.

    He continued, “We have been importing tomatoes from Burkina Faso to supplement local production… a clear indication that if we don’t put in place the right mechanisms to increase production, we are likely to run into challenges,” Mr Opoku noted.

    Ghana’s annual tomato demand stands at about 805,000 metric tonnes, while current production is estimated at 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 metric tonnes.

    One of the major concerns raised by the Minister was a long-standing trend of post-harvest losses, citing the loss of about 30 percent of local production- approximately 153,000 metric tonnes.

    Reducing the losses could significantly close the supply gap, he said, adding that: “It is not about increasing the size of the land under cultivation. It is about developing the right variety and creating the conditions to maximise output.”

    Under the Vegetable Development Project, Mr Opoku said farmers were being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers and technical guidance, alongside irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round production.

    The Vegetable Development Project (VDP) is Ghana’s flagship agricultural initiative launched in November 2025 in Kukuom, Ahafo Region, aimed at boosting local vegetable production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs. It focuses on tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other key vegetables, with strong government support for farmers.

    He noted that 60 hectares each had been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites were being prepared for expansion.

    A rehabilitated irrigation scheme had made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production after agreements were reached to connect farmers with buyers to guarantee off-take, he added.

    One hundred hectares had also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up production.

    The Minister said ongoing interventions to improve productivity, reduce waste and strengthen market systems would stabilise supply and enhance food security in the long term.

    Govt’s response to the ban

    Meanwhile, the government has announced that it will engage the Burkina Faso government over the indefinite export ban on fresh tomatoes.

    In a statement shared on Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries.

    It said, “The engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, given the longstanding trade ties and Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso”.

    The government also continued that, “The government reiterates its commitment to working with stakeholders to boost local tomato production under the ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ programmes, aimed at increasing output to meet demand on the domestic market”.

    The Ministry also urged tomato traders and the general public to remain calm while it makes an effort to reach an amicable resolution to restore normal trade flows between the two countries.

    World Bank secures $20m grant for Ghana amid looming tomato crisis

    As part of efforts to avert this crisis, the World Bank has secured a $20 million grant from the Dutch government to mitigate the impact of a looming tomato shortage in Ghana.

    Speaking at a World Bank-civil society organisation (CSO) engagement on food security held in Accra, an Agricultural Economist with the World Bank, Dr Ashwini Sebastian, noted that the institution will collaborate with the local tomato traders association to strengthen supply chains, improve storage facilities, and support domestic production.

    “Our colleagues from the Dutch embassy will come in. We have been able to leverage that small grant to get a $20 million grant for tomato interventions in Ghana from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and so we are in the phase of designing that intervention.

    “We will reach out to the tomato association more because we have been having some debates about location and trying to cluster the intervention.”

    Until when will Ghana be independent?

    Reacting to the new development, the Agric Ministry said it has urged Ghanaian farmers to intensify dry-season farming to boost local production and stabilise food supply to mitigate the pressures from the ban.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Thursday, March 19, the deputy Agriculture Minister, John Dumelo, acknowledged that Ghana’s dependence on Burkina for tomatoes may not end immediately, but with intense local farming in the dry season under improved irrigation infrastructure, the country should be self-sufficient in the next 3-4 years.

    “For us, going to Burkina Faso for tomatoes might not end immediately, but once they get encouraged, within three or four years, we should be self-sufficient when it comes to tomato production,” he said.

    He urged farmers to scale up production, pledging the government’s readiness to support them to produce tomatoes, especially during this ban.

    “I told them to let me know what they need to help them scale up production, especially in the next dry season… The government is committed to helping them to scale up production,” he added.

    The Ayawaso West Wuogon Member of Parliament continued that, “I am yet to get the reason why the Burkina Faso government announced the ban and the details that come with it. But last year, I was in the Northern Region, and I urged them to produce tomatoes in the dry season. This dry season, I went back, and most of them are doing just that,” he added.

  • TCL now official electronics partner of UG Corporate Football League

    TCL now official electronics partner of UG Corporate Football League

    TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics, has been announced as the Official Electronics Sponsor of the University of Ghana Corporate Football League.

    This reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and healthier living.

    The University of Ghana Corporate Football League brings together corporate organisations in a professionally organised football competition that promotes fitness, teamwork, networking, and healthy lifestyles among working professionals.

    Over the years, the league has grown into one of Ghana’s most exciting corporate sporting platforms, encouraging participants to balance demanding work schedules with physical activity and wellness.

    Through this partnership, TCL will showcase some of its latest innovations, including the TCL C6K QD Mini LED TV and the TCL FreshIN Air Conditioner, both designed to enhance everyday living through smart technology and health-focused features.

    The TCL C6K QD Mini-LED TV delivers exceptional picture quality and immersive viewing experiences, while its certified eye-protection mode helps reduce eye strain during extended viewing.

    Similarly, the TCL FreshIN Air Conditioner features fresh-air circulation technology, bringing cleaner, healthier air into indoor spaces to support greater comfort and well-being.

    Speaking of the partnership, TCL said the values behind the league strongly align with the brand’s mission to improve lifestyles through intelligent technology.

    “Just as the University of Ghana Corporate Football League encourages professionals to stay active and prioritise their health, TCL continues to innovate products that support healthier living at home and in the workplace,” Dennis Fixon Laryea, Head of Marketing, West Africa.

    As the Official Electronics Sponsor, TCL will support the league through brand activations, technology showcases, and engagement initiatives that connect players, fans, and corporate teams with the brand’s latest innovations.

    This partnership highlights TCL’s ongoing investment in sports, wellness, and community development, while bringing world-class technology closer to consumers across Ghana.

  • Kofi Adams outlines strategies behind Black Stars’ World Cup qualification

    Kofi Adams outlines strategies behind Black Stars’ World Cup qualification

    Many Ghanaians gave up on the Black Stars due to their continuous dip in form and disappointing displays.

    The teams’ decline in form became noticeable after the mid‑2010s, particularly following their runner‑up finish at AFCON 2015. Following this, the team kept losing its grip on its fans with the major blow being their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the lowest point in decades.

    However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup awakened fans’ hopes, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that his outfit adopted a strategy to make this happen. Under his term, the Black Stars out of the six matches played secured a win in five and one draw.

    Speaking on the revival strategy, during an interview with Graphic Sports, he noted that the first strategy was to let the players know they were not going to be paid any bonuses, but to reward the broader objective of qualification.

    “We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be… we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify,” he stated.

    He acknowledged the waning confidence in the Black Stars before they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

    “There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify, ” he added.

    He attributed the turnaround to a coordinated effort involving key stakeholders, including backing from the Presidency and renewed fan support, with supporters turning up in large numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Ghana friendlies with Austria, Germany

    On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.

    Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).

    These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.

    In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

    The defence features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).

    Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.

    Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).

    Assistant coach on Black Stars’ squad

    The Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, is confident Ghana has the ‘men’ to advance to the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated for June.

    The last time the Black Stars went close to getting to the semi-finals was in 2010 when they reached the semi‑finals of a FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

    16 years down the line, the team’s assistant coach is optimistic that the squad to represent Ghana this year is more experienced now.

    Reflecting on past setbacks, including group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Paintsil believes the squad is now better prepared to compete in the latter stages of the competition.

    “We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup,” he noted during an interview with 3Sports.

    Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.

  • Video: Salah bids farewell to fans, set to leave Liverpool at end of season

    Video: Salah bids farewell to fans, set to leave Liverpool at end of season

    After nearly a decade’s journey with The Reds, Mohammed Salah has announced he will bid farewell to the club and fans at the end of the season.

    In a video shared on all his social media platforms, he noted that his stint with the club will “unfortunately” come to an end.

    “Unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season,” he said.

    He continued by expressing his gratitude to the club for their support during his 9-year spell at the club, leaving a lasting mark on his life and even that of his family, citing the times he was dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and, more recently, the death of team-mate Diogo Jota.

    He said, “I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a history. It’s a spirit.

    “I can’t explain it in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies, and we fought together through the hardest time in our lives. I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates, past and present.”

    Salah also hailed the support he has received from Liverpool fans who “showed me through the best time of my career” and also “stood by me in the toughest times”.

    “It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always. Leaving is never easy,” he said.

    “You gave me the best time of my life, I will always be one of you. The club will always be my home, to my family, and to me. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”

    Liverpool said that Salah’s time at Anfield had been a “remarkable nine-year chapter” and plans to show their appreciation will come at a later date.

    “With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool,” the club added.

    “Therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”

    Liverpool paid AS Roma an initial fee of €42 million (about £36.9m at the time) in June 2017 to sign a five (5) year deal for Salah, and at the time, it was reported to be the club’s record fee.

    After the contract expired in 2022, he extended it by three years, keeping him at the club until June 2025. The club later triggered an option to extend his stay into the 2025/26 season.

    By his own high standards, this has been a difficult campaign for Salah on the pitch.

    He has scored 10 goals in 34 games in all competitions so far and is on course to finish with his lowest tally for a season during his time at Anfield.

    In December, Salah gave an interview to reporters after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds, where he said he was “thrown under the bus” by the club and his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down.

    There was speculation Salah could leave in the January transfer window, but he subsequently returned to the side following his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    It is not clear for which club or in which country Salah will play next season after leaving Anfield.

    Liverpool said the timing of Salah’s announcement was because he wished to tell supporters “at the earliest possible opportunity” and to “provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them”.

  • Andre’s return possible, but that is for the coach to decide – Kofi Adams

    Andre’s return possible, but that is for the coach to decide – Kofi Adams

    Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, sparked speculations about Andre Dede Ayew’s possible return to the Black Stars early this month after he indicated that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Andre Ayew included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    “Dede Ayew, too, is picking up, and as long as he has not retired, I won’t be surprised if he makes it into the [2026 World Cup] squad,” Adams said on Adom FM on March 3.

    While some fans were excited about the news, others suggested he remained sidelined to allow the new generation of players an opportunity.

    H maintains that Ayew’s return is possible; however, the final decision rests with the team’s head coach, Otto Addo.

    “Fortunately, I’m the minister. Unfortunately, I’m not the coach. The coach has the final say on this. If they include him, why not? I won’t be surprised”, he said.

    Meanwhile, the former Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew hasn’t represented Ghana since he last played for the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Speaking during an interview on Adom TV’s Fire for Fire, the brother of former team captain and current Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew said the current squad has what it takes to compete without major additions.

    He insists that the current squad that secured the country a spot in the global football tournament should be maintained, as they are more than enough.

    “I think the players who played during the qualifiers have done extremely well. I don’t think we need any additions. I believe we have a good team and, as time goes on, we are improving,” he told Adom TV’s Fire for Fire in an exclusive interview.

    He added that the squad’s cohesion continues to improve despite limited training time together. “We haven’t had much time to train together, but the unity is getting better, and everything is improving,” Ayew added.

    The Leicester City forward also suggested that introducing significant changes at this stage may not be ideal, though he acknowledged that the final call lies with the technical team.

    “I don’t think this is the right time to make changes. But to be honest, on the technical side, the coach will know whom to add or select,” he said.

    “Whoever is added must be ready to give their all and put on a show,” Ayew added.

    The 36-year-old was notably absent from Ghana’s squad for upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Germany later this month.

    Otto Addo names squad for Austria, Germany friendlies 

    On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and  Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.

    Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).

    These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.

    In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

    The defense features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).

    Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.

    Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).

  • World Cup: Taxpayers’ money will not be used to sponsor fans – President Mahama

    World Cup: Taxpayers’ money will not be used to sponsor fans – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

    Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.

    “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

    It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.

    The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.

    “The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.

    “We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

    The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.

    Sports Minister’s earlier remarks on the government’s sponsorship

    Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, announced a new twist in supporters’ sponsorship by the government for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    Consequently, in early November last year, Kofi Adams noted that, although it has been a long-standing practice, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    However, in a radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show in Accra on February 5, he acknowledged the tradition of sponsoring fans to support the Black Stars, adding that it is for that reason that his outfit has set up a fundraising committee.

    “The policy that we should take for fans is clear. We should work at it, and that is why we have set up a fundraising committee. The number we would take ultimately will depend on how much we raise,” he stated.

    He explained that the government seeks to sponsor some Ghanaian fans for the 2026 World Cup so Ghana will have strong support at the tournament.

    The government believes Ghana should not only be represented by its team but also by its fans. However, he detailed that the number of supporters will be heavily dependent on the funds available to the government.

    He continued that, as part of the fundraising committee’s task, is to raise resources to cover travel and accommodation for supporters who will journey to back the Black Stars at the tournament.

    He acknowledged, however, that the plan requires significant financial backing, prompting the government to appeal to the private sector and the general public for support.

    “This is why we are appealing to corporate bodies, companies, mining firms and well-meaning individuals to come on board and support this initiative,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Adams explained his objection to the government funding supporters to the World Cup, citing the need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    In a related development, reviewing and rationalising the Black Stars’ budget has saved the country about $700,000, the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has said.

    According to him, the savings come after a directive from President Mahama that the budget for the national team be made public ahead of the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    In compliance, the Buem Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) made it public after the Black Stars’ recent doubleheader against Chad.

    The decision by the Buem Member of Parliament drew criticism from sections of the football fraternity, who questioned the disclosure of the team’s financial details.

    However, speaking to the media after Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang paid a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Adams defended the policy, describing it as prudent and beneficial.

    “We worked closely with the FA to rationalise the budgeting and disbursement processes, and this has saved close to $700,000 across two Black Stars matches,” he said.

    Mr Adams stressed that the cost-cutting measures did not negatively affect the team, noting that players and the technical staff received all their entitlements.

    “These measures have gone a long way to build confidence. The players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what was due them, even with the savings,” he added.

    The Vice President’s visit saw the presence of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah.

  • Burkina Faso ban: World Bank secures $20m grant for Ghana amid looming tomato crisis

    Burkina Faso ban: World Bank secures $20m grant for Ghana amid looming tomato crisis

    Ghana risks a severe nationwide tomato shortage following Burkina Faso’s indefinite export ban. As part of efforts to avert this crisis, the World Bank has secured a $20 million grant from the Dutch government to mitigate the impact of a looming tomato shortage in Ghana.

    Speaking at a World Bank-civil society organisation (CSO) engagement on food security held in Accra, an Agricultural Economist with the World Bank, Dr Ashwini Sebastian, noted that the institution will collaborate with the local tomato traders association to strengthen supply chains, improve storage facilities, and support domestic production.

    “Our colleagues from the Dutch embassy will come in. We have been able to leverage that small grant to get a $20 million grant for tomato interventions in Ghana from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and so we are in the phase of designing that intervention.

    “We will reach out to the tomato association more because we have been having some debates about location and trying to cluster the intervention.”

    The tomato ban and the government’s reaction so far
    The World Bank’s support comes after the Burkina government, in a formal communique dated March 16, and signed by both the Trade and Agriculture ministers of the Francophone country, announced that a ban has become necessary to feed the country’s national processing units.

    This sparked widespread concerns about its potential to worsen Ghana’s tomato supply crisis, as Ghana imports approximately 70-80% of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, worth about $400 million annually.

    Consequently, the Government of Ghana has announced plans to engage authorities in Burkina Faso, given the potency of its impact on supply in the Ghanaian market.

    In a statement shared on Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries.

    It said, “The engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, given the longstanding trade ties and Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso”.

    The government also continued that, “The government reiterates its commitment to working with stakeholders to boost local tomato production under the ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ programmes, aimed at increasing output to meet demand on the domestic market”.

    The Ministry also urged tomato traders and the general public to remain calm while it makes an effort to reach an amicable resolution to restore normal trade flows between the two countries.

    Also, the Burkina government indicated that the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended. The Special Export Authorisations (ASE) are official permits issued by the government that allow traders to export certain goods,

    “Economic operators and the public are hereby informed that, to ensure the supply of national processing plants, the export of fresh tomatoes is suspended throughout the national territory until further notice. Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) is suspended.

    The letter also stated that operators holding valid fresh tomato export permits have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of the communiqué to complete their export procedures. After two weeks, the permit will be considered invalid.

    “Economic operators holding valid fresh tomato export authorisations have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures. After this period, the authorisation will be considered invalid”, the statement continued.

    The Burkinabé government warned that any violator of the directive will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.

    “Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be returned, free of charge, to the fresh tomato processing plants established under the popular shareholding scheme,” the letter translated to English noted.

    It continued that, “The Government is counting on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all state technical services, particularly border control services and security forces, to ensure the proper implementation of the terms of this communiqué”.

    How long will it take Ghana to be independent?
    Ghana’s Deputy Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, speaking in reaction to the ban, said that last year the government engaged some farmers in the Northern Region to intensify production and adopt modern farming techniques, including dry-season tomato cultivation, to boost local output.

    According to him, during his engagement with the tomato farmers, one of the major challenges identified was the lack of a proper irrigation system, which he said the government is ready to support.

    “With a ban on the tomato export, it’s something that we need to further interrogate. I read a memo yesterday and [it’s] something that I need to find out whether it’s true and why they’ve banned it.”

    He continued that the current local production is not enough, citing that “Ghana can hit tomato self‑sufficiency in four years if we sustain dry‑season farming and support local producers.”

  • Foreign nationals jailed for illegal entry, face deportation after sentences

    Foreign nationals jailed for illegal entry, face deportation after sentences

    A total of 106 foreign nationals have been jailed after pleading guilty to unlawful entry into Ghana in October last year.

    The sentence was handed down by the Accra High Court on March 12, highlighting the government’s strict enforcement of immigration laws.

    Of the 106, 55 received 28-day prison sentences, while the remaining 51 were each handed four-week sentences.

    After serving their sentences, the court ordered their deportation to their respective home countries.

    According to the police, the accused persons, most of whom are reportedly French nationals, entered Ghana between January and October 2025. None of them reported to the nearest Immigration Office, produced valid travel documents, or completed the prescribed legal processes.

    The accused persons were spotted around the Kuntunse Satellite area in Accra on October 7 last year under suspicious circumstances. After further enquiries, authorities discovered they were living in a local residence.

    During interrogation, the suspects refused to provide their true identities. They were subsequently arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters for further investigation. They were later processed for court on March 12, 2026, where they pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry into Ghana.

    Meanwhile, 44 Ghanaians who fell victim to the widely reported QNET scam and were lured to Nigeria have been repatriated, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The group comprised 27 men and 17 women.

    They were transported back to Ghana on March 20 after being rescued from suspected human trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom, a coastal state in southern Nigeria.

    Most of the victims reportedly travelled from Ghana in December last year in search of better opportunities, but were intercepted during an operation by the Nigerian police before their repatriation.

    Rescue operations: Victims recount ordeal

    One of the victims, recounting her experience after being lured barely a month ago, said they were apprehended during a late-night operation and criticised the approach adopted by the police.

    According to her, “The police officers were dressed in black and wearing masks as though it was a kidnapping. Some of us were beaten as we tried to resist, fearing that we were being kidnapped. I was traumatised.”

    Another victim said they spent four days in a private facility after their rescue before being brought back to Ghana.

    Recruitment style

    On how they were recruited, one victim said she was promised assistance to secure a job in South Africa and paid GH¢16,000 as a service charge, while another said he paid GH¢10,000 for similar arrangements.

    A female victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she had been promised travel to South Africa but was instead made to sell products on commission upon arrival in Nigeria.

    “I left Ghana in December last year, and I was told I would be sent to South Africa to work. However, upon arriving in Nigeria, I was given some health products to sell on a commission basis. Although I sold some, I couldn’t meet the target to earn any commission,” she said.

    She acknowledged that they were fed twice a day but said their living conditions were poor. She also expressed regret over the decision, including the loss of GH¢16,000 given to her by her father.

    She called on the Ghanaian government to intensify efforts to create jobs for the youth to discourage risky migration in search of opportunities abroad.

    In a related development, 320 individuals were arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Kumasi as part of efforts to combat organised crime.

    The raid, carried out on November 6, 2025, was described by EOCO as a breakthrough in its ongoing operations against human trafficking and economic crimes linked to the QNET fraud scheme.

    Of that number, 25 were identified as suspected members of the fraud and trafficking network, while the remaining 295 were believed to be victims who had been lured into QNET-related schemes.

    The operation followed an earlier raid in Kasoa two weeks prior, which resulted in more than 26 arrests.

    EOCO said the operation was the result of months of careful investigations, demonstrating its commitment to tackling organised and economic crime.

    The 25 suspects were being questioned and were expected to face prosecution under Ghanaian law.

    The agency also said it was working with QNET to “clamp down on the misuse of their brand name to traffic and defraud innocent individuals.”

    EOCO assured the public of its continued efforts to combat financial and organised crime and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.

    The QNET scheme is known for luring individuals with promises of high-paying jobs or large profits abroad. However, many victims end up deceived, trapped in debt, or forced to recruit others.

  • Ghanaian man drags govt to court over Kotoka renaming, cites constitutional breach  

    Ghanaian man drags govt to court over Kotoka renaming, cites constitutional breach  

    A Ghanaian citizen has challenged the government’s decision to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA), citing a breach of the Constitution.

    The plaintiff, a private legal practitioner, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, filed the suit on March 13, invoking the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.

    In the writ submitted by the plaintiff’s lawyers at the apex court in Kumasi, Mr. Powers requested about seven reliefs, stating that the renaming of the airport is “in contravention of the law, Article 11(1)(d)… and paragraph 8(1)(a) of the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339).” He argued that until the law is changed or repealed through the proper procedures, it “remains valid and binding.”

    NLCD 339 created a corporate trust in Kotoka’s name, appointed patrons and trustees, established a fund, and set out rules for its management and accountability. His lawyer, Michael Akosah of Adu-Gyamfi & Associates, submitted the writ in Kumasi.

    “Any executive order purportedly issued to effect the renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport… is null, void, and of no legal effect,” he stated in the filing.

    It continued: “An order annulling the reversion of the Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport for contravening Article 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and paragraph 8(1)(a) of the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339).”

    He further contends that the decision to rename the airport, announced by the government as part of a broader transport sector rebranding, breaches Articles 11(1)(d) and 11(4) of the 1992 Constitution.

    The plaintiffs are seeking an interim injunction to halt the implementation of the proposed renaming pending the determination of the case, and a perpetual injunction to permanently restrain the government from enforcing the decision unless the applicable law is duly amended, repealed, or set aside.

    “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Government, through the Ministry of Transport, its assigns, agents, privies, or any person acting under its authority, from implementing or enforcing the purported renaming unless and until NLCD 339 is lawfully amended, repealed, or nullified. Any further or consequential orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit,” it added.

    What right does he have to sue the state?

    Mr Powers cited his right as a citizen as one of the bases for seeking such relief, adding that the move is not just in his personal interest but in the interest of the general public, emphasising the need to protect the 1992 Constitution as Ghana’s supreme law.

    “The Plaintiff herein, a citizen of Ghana and a registered voter, invokes the original jurisdiction of this Honourable Court pursuant to Articles 2(1) and 130(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, for the enforcement and interpretation of the Constitution. The Plaintiff is acting not only in his own interest, but in the general interest of Ghanaians to safeguard the primary law of Ghana, the 1992 Constitution,” he continued.

    The suit was filed under Rule 45(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (C.I. 16), and the Attorney-General has fourteen days from the date of service to respond.

    “IN THE NAME OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA, you are hereby commanded, within fourteen days after service on you of the statement of the Plaintiff’s case, inclusive of the day of service, to file or cause to be filed for you a statement of the defendant’s case in an action at the suit of…,” Mr. Powers stated.

    Kotoka International Airport was named after Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, one of the key figures in the 1966 coup that ousted Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

    He was killed a year later during a counter-coup attempt, and the airport was subsequently named in his honour.

    The proposed renaming sparked public debate, with some questioning the necessity and others pointing to the historical significance of the existing name.

    Meanwhile, the fixing of signage at Accra International Airport has been completed. This was announced by the airport authorities, who indicated that the works were completed in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, after initial delays the previous day.

    According to the authorities, “the maintenance, including repainting and installation, was carried out at night after the last flight due to the height of the structures and the impact on the car park area, to minimise inconvenience to the public and travelling passengers.”

    This is expected to enhance navigation within Terminal 3 and reinforce Ghana’s position as a preferred aviation hub in the sub-region.

  • 44 Ghanaians rescued from QNET scheme in Nigeria returned to Ghana – Foreign Affairs Ministry

    44 Ghanaians rescued from QNET scheme in Nigeria returned to Ghana – Foreign Affairs Ministry

    Forty-four (44) Ghanaians who fell victim to QNET and were lured to Nigeria, a widely reported scam scheme, have been repatriated, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The forty-four include twenty-seven (27) men and seventeen (17) women.

    They were bused to Ghana on March 20 after being rescued from suspected human trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom, a coastal state in southern Nigeria.

    Most of the victims are reported to have travelled out of Ghana in December last year in search of better opportunities but were intercepted during an operation by the Nigerian police before their repatriation.

    Rescue operations: Victims express mixed reactions, recount ordeal in Nigeria

    One of the victims, recounting how she was treated in Nigeria after being lured barely a month ago, said they were apprehended during a late-night operation. She lamented the approach adopted by the police during the rescue.

    According to her, “The police officers were dressed in black and were wearing masks as though it was a kidnapping. Some of us were beaten as we tried to resist, fearing that we were being kidnapped. I was traumatised.”

    Another victim added that following their rescue, they spent four days in a private facility before being brought back to Ghana.

    Recruitment style

    On how they were recruited, one victim said she was promised assistance to secure a job in South Africa and paid GH¢16,000 as a service charge, while another said he paid GH¢10,000 for similar arrangements.

    One female victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she had been promised travel to South Africa but was instead engaged in selling products on commission upon arrival in Nigeria.

    “I left Ghana in December last year, and I was told I would be sent to South Africa to work. However, upon arriving in Nigeria, I was given some health products to sell on a commission basis. Although I sold some, I couldn’t meet the target to earn any commission,” she said.

    Acknowledging that they were fed twice a day, she indicated that their living conditions were far from satisfactory and expressed regret over the decision, including the loss of GH¢16,000 given to her by her father.

    Consequently, she called on the Ghanaian government to intensify efforts to create jobs for the youth to discourage risky migration in search of opportunities abroad.

    In a related development, three hundred and twenty (320) individuals were arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Kumasi in its fight against organised crime.

    The raid, carried out on Thursday, November 6, 2025, was announced by EOCO as a breakthrough in its ongoing operation against human trafficking and economic crimes linked to the QNET fraud scheme.

    Of that number, 25 were treated as suspected members of the fraud and trafficking network, while the remaining 295 were believed to be victims who had been lured into QNET-related employment and human trafficking schemes.

    The operation was larger than the Kasoa raid two weeks earlier, which had resulted in more than 26 arrests.

    EOCO said the raid was not random but the result of months of careful investigations, demonstrating its commitment to tracking down and prosecuting individuals involved in economic and organised crime.

    The 25 people believed to be behind the scheme were being questioned and were expected to face further investigations, with the aim of prosecuting them and securing convictions under Ghana’s laws.

    The agency also said it was working with QNET to “clamp down on the misuse of their brand name to traffic and defraud innocent individuals.”

    EOCO assured the public that it would continue to fight financial and organised crime and encouraged people to report suspicious activities.

    The QNET scheme was known for luring individuals with promises of large profits or well-paid jobs abroad, but many ended up being deceived, trapped in debt, or forced to recruit others.

    This was why the operation was considered both a fraud and a human trafficking scheme disguised as a business opportunity.

    EOCO’s action targeted local actors exploiting the model.

    Also, EOCO, in a joint operation on Friday, October 17, busted a human trafficking syndicate operated mainly by Ghanaians and Ivorians.

    In a statement shared the same day, the crime intelligence agency announced that following the raid, it had successfully rescued 26 victims of human trafficking, comprising sixteen (16) Ghanaians and ten (10) Ivorians.

    These nationals had fallen victim to job opportunity scams run by individuals posing as recruitment agents for QNET, a multinational company known for its wellness and lifestyle products.

    The operation, dubbed “Operation Quest,” was conducted by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with QNET, around 10:30 a.m.

    “The operation, code-named Operation Quest, followed intelligence that some foreigners and Ghanaians had been trafficked under the guise of employment with the QNET Company — a reputable organisation that trades in wellness and lifestyle products.

    The suspects include two (2) Ivorians and seven (7) Ghanaians, while the victims were made up of ten (10) Ivorians and sixteen (16) Ghanaians,” the statement noted.

    The organisation clarified that these individuals had no legitimate ties to the company and were exploiting QNET’s reputation to carry out their illicit activities.

    “All nine (9) suspects are currently in the custody of EOCO to assist in investigations,” parts of the statement added.

    EOCO cautioned the public against falling for such scams and advised that all reports of employment offers purportedly from QNET be directed to the appropriate authorities. It also reminded the public that the company is working to restore its reputation, which has suffered due to impersonation by groups and agencies using its name for fraudulent recruitment schemes.

  • Dentist raises alarm over cosmetic braces trend, warns of permanent jaw damage

    Dentist raises alarm over cosmetic braces trend, warns of permanent jaw damage

    A growing preference for fashion braces among Ghanaian youth has sparked concern among health professionals, particularly dentists.

    Many, according to reports, are being influenced by trends on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where colourful, customised braces have become fashion statements.

    Given the medical implications associated with these unsafe devices, a dentist at the Tema General Hospital has warned the public against their use, citing serious oral health risks, including permanent damage to the jaw structure.

    Speaking during the World Oral Health Day celebration at the hospital under the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” she indicated that most of these fashion braces are fitted by unqualified practitioners.

    She noted that, given the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being, individuals should consult qualified professionals before opting for braces.

    According to her, these ‘quack’ practitioners often fail to follow proper medical procedures, such as wearing gloves and sterilising instruments, which could lead to infections and long-term oral health complications.

    Referring to cases recorded at the facility, she cited an instance where a patient lost his teeth due to unregulated fashion braces.

    She therefore stressed the need to seek the services of an orthodontic specialist who possesses the required knowledge and experience.

    She further warned the youth to avoid cheap, low-cost services often used as bait, as they can result in serious long-term health consequences.

    Purpose of dental braces

    Dental braces are orthodontic devices used to straighten and align teeth, correct bite problems, and improve overall dental health. They apply gentle, continuous pressure over time to move teeth into the desired position.

    What are they made of, how are they worn, and for how long?

    Braces are made up of several key components that work together to gradually align the teeth. These include brackets, which are small square attachments bonded to each tooth, and archwires, which are thin metal wires that connect the brackets. Bands or elastics—small rubber rings—are also used to apply additional pressure and help guide the teeth into their correct positions.

    The primary purpose of braces is to correct crooked or crowded teeth and to close gaps between them. They are also used to fix bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Beyond improving dental alignment, braces can enhance jaw positioning and contribute to better facial symmetry.

    Typically, braces are worn for one to three years, depending on the severity of the case. During this period, patients are required to attend regular orthodontic appointments to adjust the wires and monitor progress. After the braces are removed, patients are usually advised to wear a retainer to maintain the new alignment and prevent the teeth from shifting back.

    Types of braces

    Traditional metal braces are made of stainless steel brackets and wires. They are the most common type of braces and are known for being strong and highly effective, especially in complex cases. They are also usually the cheapest option. However, they are very visible in the mouth and can sometimes cause irritation to the lips and cheeks. The typical global cost ranges between $3,000 and $7,000.

    Ceramic braces use brackets that are tooth-colored or clear, making them less noticeable than metal braces. They are effective for most orthodontic corrections and are often chosen for cosmetic reasons. On the downside, ceramic braces are more fragile, can stain easily, and are slightly more expensive than traditional braces. Their cost generally falls between $4,000 and $8,000.

    Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, on the tongue side, making them invisible from the front. This makes them appealing for people who want their braces completely hidden. However, they are harder to clean, can affect speech, and are often more uncomfortable at first. They are also the most expensive option, with costs starting around $8,000 and going above $10,000.

    Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are removable transparent trays that fit over the teeth. They are nearly invisible and can be taken out for eating and cleaning, which makes them convenient. The main drawback is that they are less effective for severe orthodontic cases and require discipline to wear consistently for 20–22 hours a day. Their typical cost ranges between $4,000 and $7,500.

  • Fire destroys 18 container shops at Konongo; residents assist firefighters amid delayed response

    Fire destroys 18 container shops at Konongo; residents assist firefighters amid delayed response

    Eighteen (18) container shops have been completely razed by fire at Konongo Main in the Newtown Electoral Area in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, destroying several businesses.

    Residents and affected parties expressed concern over the absence of fire tenders at the time of the incident, noting that some shops could have been saved if they had been available.

    Sources indicate that fire stations at Konongo, Ejisu, and Subin were not operational, prompting authorities to call the Effiduase Fire Station for assistance. However, the fire tender dispatched from Effiduase reportedly developed a fault while en route to the scene.

    Consequently, residents joined firefighters in adopting tactical means under intense conditions to bring the blaze under control.
    Meanwhile, investigations have been launched by authorities to ascertain the cause of the fire.

    The Assembly Member for the Konongo Newtown Electoral Area, Nana Kofi Gyau, speaking to Adom News correspondent Isaac Amoako, confirmed that the fire destroyed 18 metal container shops and injured one resident.

    Some victims who spoke to Adom News expressed disappointment over the delayed response, citing the absence of a functioning fire tender during the emergency. Meanwhile, former Assembly Member for the Newtown Electoral Area, Joseph Yanson, also spoke to Adom News on the incident.

    Fire cases in the Ashanti Region so far

    The Ashanti Region has recorded two-hundred and eight (208) fire outbreaks between January and February this year. This information was disclosed by the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, ACFO1 Peter Tetteh, at the launch of an inter-market quiz on fire safety in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 3.

    ACFO1 Peter Tetteh said the 208 outbreaks recorded in the first two months of 2026 were slightly lower than the 237 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. ACFO1 Peter Tetteh noted that heightened activities during this time of the year make communities particularly vulnerable to fire outbreaks.

    “Market fires cause a lot of devastation. The aim is to get traders involved in fire prevention so that they can own the market, understand what causes fires, and prevent them,” ACFO1 Tetteh said. In the early hours of Monday, February 23, the Zabzugu market in the Northern Region was destroyed by a fire incident.

    The incident left several traders stranded, as they assess the large quantities of yams and other goods lost in the fire outbreak. Ghana has experienced several market fire incidents in recent years.

    Earlier this year, a large fire swept through sections of the Madina Market in Accra, triggering a swift response from the Ghana National Fire Service as efforts continue to contain the blaze.

    The GNFS, in a Facebook update, said fire appliances from the Madina and Legon stations were dispatched to the market shortly after the incident was reported. Fire officers are working under difficult conditions to control the flames, with heavy smoke spreading across the busy trading area.

    While the exact scale of destruction has not yet been determined, early indications point to damage to a number of stalls and merchandise.

    In response, traders and nearby residents have been moved away from the affected areas, as security personnel restrict access to parts of the market to enable firefighters to carry out their operations.

    Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, noting that investigations will begin after the situation is fully brought under control.

    In the same area, an inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

    The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

    Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

  • World Cup: Taxpayers’ money will not be used to sponsor fans – President Mahama

    World Cup: Taxpayers’ money will not be used to sponsor fans – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

    Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.

    “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

    It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.

    The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.

    “The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.

    “We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

    The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.

    Sports Minister’s earlier remarks on the government’s sponsorship

    Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, announced a new twist in supporters’ sponsorship by the government for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    Consequently, in early November last year, Kofi Adams noted that, although it has been a long-standing practice, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    However, in a radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show in Accra on February 5, he acknowledged the tradition of sponsoring fans to support the Black Stars, adding that it is for that reason that his outfit has set up a fundraising committee.

    “The policy that we should take for fans is clear. We should work at it, and that is why we have set up a fundraising committee. The number we would take ultimately will depend on how much we raise,” he stated.

    He explained that the government seeks to sponsor some Ghanaian fans for the 2026 World Cup so Ghana will have strong support at the tournament.

    The government believes Ghana should not only be represented by its team but also by its fans. However, he detailed that the number of supporters will be heavily dependent on the funds available to the government.

    He continued that, as part of the fundraising committee’s task, is to raise resources to cover travel and accommodation for supporters who will journey to back the Black Stars at the tournament.

    He acknowledged, however, that the plan requires significant financial backing, prompting the government to appeal to the private sector and the general public for support.

    “This is why we are appealing to corporate bodies, companies, mining firms and well-meaning individuals to come on board and support this initiative,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Adams explained his objection to the government funding supporters to the World Cup, citing the need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    In a related development, reviewing and rationalising the Black Stars’ budget has saved the country about $700,000, the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has said.

    According to him, the savings come after a directive from President Mahama that the budget for the national team be made public ahead of the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    In compliance, the Buem Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) made it public after the Black Stars’ recent doubleheader against Chad.

    The decision by the Buem Member of Parliament drew criticism from sections of the football fraternity, who questioned the disclosure of the team’s financial details.

    However, speaking to the media after Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang paid a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Adams defended the policy, describing it as prudent and beneficial.

    “We worked closely with the FA to rationalise the budgeting and disbursement processes, and this has saved close to $700,000 across two Black Stars matches,” he said.

    Mr Adams stressed that the cost-cutting measures did not negatively affect the team, noting that players and the technical staff received all their entitlements.

    “These measures have gone a long way to build confidence. The players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what was due them, even with the savings,” he added.

    The Vice President’s visit saw the presence of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah.

  • See photos of Muslims at Independence Square as they mark Eid al-Fitr

    See photos of Muslims at Independence Square as they mark Eid al-Fitr

    It was a colourful sight to behold yesterday at Independence Square as Muslims from across the nation, particularly from the capital, thronged the venue to join the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

    Marking the end of the month of Ramadan, they gathered in unity, clad in colourful and elegant traditional attire, including jilabiyas and matching outfits worn by families.

    Eid-ul-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a sacred period during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayer, and extend charity to the less privileged.

    The day is traditionally characterised by communal prayers, official receptions, and private gatherings where families and friends exchange greetings and gifts.

    Speaking at the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama told them to sustain the values imbibed during Ramadan, citing the need for them to uphold unity, modesty and compassion even after the fasting had ended.

    On the other hand, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, expressed concern over rising indiscipline among the youth, cautioning that it poses a serious threat to the country’s future leadership.

    He also drew attention to the growing menace of drug abuse, especially within sections of the Muslim community, describing the situation as both painful and urgent, and calling for collective action to address it.

    Also, in a pre-Eid-ul-Fitr guidance message to the Muslim community on Thursday, March 19, the Imam noted that the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan should serve as more than just a period of celebration.

    He urged Muslims to ensure their festivities remain “within the bounds of decency, modesty, and legality”.

    The Grand Imam explained that the true essence of fasting, as outlined in the Quran, is for believers to attain a state of piety, that is, to become spiritually pure and devoted to God, and once this is attained, it is expected to be evident in one’s daily conduct and behaviour adding that “mould us as people whose behaviours conform to the norms of society and the laws of the state”.

    The high-profile event attracted a host of dignitaries, including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Deputy Minority Chief Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Supreme Court Justice Amadu Tanko, and ACP flagbearer Hassan Ayariga, among others.

  • Ghanaians will feel the tomato import ban heavily – MoFA official warns

    Ghanaians will feel the tomato import ban heavily – MoFA official warns

    Burkina Faso’s indefinite ban on exporting fresh tomatoes remains a major concern for Ghana.

    Following the Trade and Agriculture Minister of the military-led country’s official communique on the ban, several stakeholders have expressed concerns about its impact on supply in the Ghanaian market, since Ghana imports about 70-80% of its tomatoes from the country.

    Adding to the voices of concern is the Head of Protocol at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr Justice Quarm, who has admitted that the ban on tomato imports from Burkina Faso will significantly affect Ghana.

    During an interview on Accra-based radio station Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he noted that “the ban on tomato imports from Burkina Faso will significantly affect Ghana,” citing that this is not the first time such a ban has occurred.

    He recounted a similar situation in November 2024 under the erstwhile government, when political

    He recalled that between November and December 2024, following political events in Burkina Faso, authorities there imposed a similar ban, which disrupted supply and led to a sharp increase in prices in Ghana. After the incumbent government assumed power, it engaged farmers to find lasting solutions.

    The government intervention later led to a tomato glut, after which traders complained, prompting another intervention by the government through buffer stock purchases.

    He, however, revealed that among the challenges identified after the government’s engagement with farmers is the lack of irrigation systems, inadequate funding and limited access to farming equipment.

    However, he noted that a major challenge remains the types of tomato species grown locally, which affect quality and demand.

    “The current ban is going to really hit Ghanaians because all the measures the Ministry and government have put in place to boost local tomato production have not yet fully materialised,” he added.

    To address this, he said the government has encouraged the formation of cooperatives to improve large-scale production and has also cut sod for the construction of a tomato processing plant.

    Despite these interventions, he admitted that the current ban will still impact Ghanaians, as many of the long-term measures have not yet fully materialised.

    He further noted that the government is taking additional steps, including plans to establish a farm service centre at Afram Plains, where improved tomato and vegetable seedlings will be made available to farmers.

    Meanwhile, the government of Ghana has announced that it will engage the Burkina Faso government over the indefinite export ban on fresh tomatoes.

    In a statement shared on  Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries.

    It said, “The engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, given the longstanding trade ties and Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso”.

    The government also continued that, “The government reiterates its commitment to working with stakeholders to boost local tomato production under the ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ programmes, aimed at increasing output to meet demand on the domestic market”.

    The Ministry also urged tomato traders and the general public to remain calm while it makes an effort to reach an amicable resolution to restore normal trade flows between the two countries.

    Can Ghana be self-sufficient soon or later?

    The Agric Ministry said it has urged Ghanaian farmers to intensify dry-season farming to boost local production and stabilise food supply to mitigate the pressures from the ban.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Thursday, March 19, the deputy Agriculture Minister, John Dumelo, acknowledged that Ghana’s dependence on Burkina for tomatoes may not end immediately, but with intense local farming in the dry season under improved irrigation infrastructure, the country should be self-sufficient in the next 3-4 years

    “For us, going to Burkina Faso for tomatoes might not end immediately, but once they get encouraged, within three or four years, we should be self-sufficient when it comes to tomato production,” he said.

    He urged farmers to scale up production, pledging the government’s readiness to support them to produce tomatoes, especially during this ban.

    “I told them to let me know what they need to help them scale up production, especially in the next dry season… The government is committed to helping them to scale up production,” he added.

    The Ayawaso West Wuogon Member of Parliament continued, “I am yet to get the reason why the Burkina Faso government announced the ban and the details that come with it. But last year, I was in the Northern Region, and I urged them to produce tomatoes in the dry season. This dry season, I went back, and most of them are doing just that,” he added.

  • National IDs, passports: Zongo residents facing discrimination over names, ethnic backgrounds – Baba Jamal

    National IDs, passports: Zongo residents facing discrimination over names, ethnic backgrounds – Baba Jamal

    Zongo community residents are allegedly being denied passports, national IDs, including Ghana cards due to their names, according to the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed.

    He said authorities involved in the issuance of these documents deny Muslims based on perceptions that they are foreigners and not Ghanaians.

    During an engagement with journalists on Friday, March 20, the immediate past High Commissioner of Ghana to Nigeria indicated that his constituents, including those in Nima and other Muslim communities, have faced such challenges for some time now, but these places have been home to diverse ethnic groups and tribes.

    “It is important that all of us take note of how people from the Zongos are sometimes seen as aliens or foreigners, and on that basis, many are being denied national ID cards, passports, and other identification documents just because of their names or ethnic backgrounds. This issue needs urgent attention,” he said.

    He warned that denying citizens access to identification documents not only violates their rights but also risks fostering tension and division in society.

    He continued with an expression of gratitude to President John Mahama for an extra holiday for Muslims to celebrate their Eid al-Fitr festivities after a successful month of fasting.

    According to him, the extra holiday addresses differences in fasting periods while reinforcing unity among citizens.

    “We thank the president for adding one holiday to Eid-ul-Fitr. Previously, some people fasted for 29 days while others fasted for 30 days, which caused challenges. With the two holidays now, everyone can celebrate Eid in peace and harmony,” he added.

    Baba Jamal emphasised that Ghana’s strong interfaith harmony remains a source of pride, with Muslims and Christians openly supporting and participating in each other’s religious celebrations.

    About the double holiday

    Friday, March 20, 2026 and Monday, March 23, 2026, have been declared nationwide public holidays.

    The Ministry of Interior announced in a statement issued on Friday, March 13.

    According to the statement, the holiday is declared in recognition of the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr and Shaqq Day, which fall on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, respectively.

    “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026 mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, both days are statutory public holidays under the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601).

    However, the Ministry explained that since March 21, 2026, falls on a Saturday, John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, has by Executive Instrument (E.I) declared Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public holiday.

    “However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as an Additional Public Holiday…” the statement added.

    The Ministry therefore urged the general public to observe Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23, 2026, as public holidays throughout the country.

    “and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the Ministry continued.

    Meanwhile, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Republic Day was reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amended Act 601.

    However, the government noted that statutory holidays that fell on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday would be commemorated on Monday or Friday. As such, the government declared July 4 a holiday.

    The passage of the bill followed an assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

    While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

    He emphasized that Republic Day held great significance in Ghana’s history, which was why the government reinstated it as a full public holiday.

    According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

  • Govt to engage Burkina Faso over tomato export ban – Trade, Agric Ministry

    Govt to engage Burkina Faso over tomato export ban – Trade, Agric Ministry

    The government has announced that it will engage the Burkina Faso government over the indefinite export ban on fresh tomatoes.

    This comes after the Burkina government, in a formal communique dated March 16, and signed by both the Trades and Agriculture ministers of the Francophone country, announced that a ban has become necessary to feed the country’s national processing units.

    This sparked widespread concerns about its potential to worsen Ghana’s tomato supply crisis, as Ghana imports approximately 70-80% of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, worth about $400 million annually.

    Consequently, the Government of Ghana has announced plans to engage authorities in Burkina Faso, given the potency of its impact on supply in the Ghanaian market.

    In a statement shared on  Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries.


    It said, “The engagement will focus on resolving concerns surrounding the ban while exploring a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, given the longstanding trade ties and Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso”.

    The government also continued that, “The government reiterates its commitment to working with stakeholders to boost local tomato production under the ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ programmes, aimed at increasing output to meet demand on the domestic market”.

    The Ministry also urged tomato traders and the general public to remain calm while it makes an effort to reach an amicable resolution to restore normal trade flows between the two countries.

    Statement on the baon export by the Burkina Faso govt

    Also, the Burkina government says the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended. The Special Export Authorisations (ASE) are official permits issued by the government that allow traders to export certain goods,

    “Economic operators and the public are hereby informed that, to ensure the supply of national processing plants, the export of fresh tomatoes is suspended throughout the national territory until further notice. Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) is suspended.

    The letter also stated that operators holding valid fresh tomato export permits have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of the communiqué to complete their export procedures. After two weeks, the permit will be considered invalid.

    “Economic operators holding valid fresh tomato export authorisations have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures. After this period, the authorisation will be considered invalid”, the statement continued.

    The Burkinabé government warned that any violator of the directive will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.

    “Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be returned, free of charge, to the fresh tomato processing plants established under the popular shareholding scheme,” the letter translated to English noted.

    It continued that, “The Government is counting on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all state technical services, particularly border control services and security forces, to ensure the proper implementation of the terms of this communiqué”.

    Kumasi vendors express frustration

    The impact of the ban is being felt well before any formal shortage sets in.

    Some tomato vendors at the Racecourse Market in Kumasi are already expressing frustration over the development, warning that prices could spike if the situation is not quickly addressed.

    The vendors are using the occasion to call on the government to prioritise the local tomato industry by revamping irrigation systems and investing in local processing facilities, longstanding concerns that have left Ghana’s tomato sector heavily dependent on imports from neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

    Ghana has historically relied on cross-border produce flows from Burkina Faso to supplement domestic tomato supply, especially during lean seasons when local harvests are insufficient to meet demand.

    A sudden and indefinite halt to those exports is therefore expected to tighten supply significantly, with knock-on effects on prices at markets nationwide.

    Northern Ghana, which serves as the main corridor for produce trade with Burkina Faso, is expected to feel the shortage most acutely in the short term.

    Before this ban, Ghana was hit with the sad news of a fatal terrorist attack on tomato traders in mid-February.

    A truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was attacked by terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Sunday, February, 15. This was contained in a press release issued to media houses and signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

    In a joint statement issued in Ouagadougou on Thursday, March 19, the Burkinabè government announced an immediate nationwide halt to tomato exports “until further notice,” explaining that the move is intended to prioritise domestic supply for local processing industries

    The directive, signed by the country’s trade and agriculture ministries, also suspends the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE), effectively shutting down formal export channels for tomatoes.

    Traders with existing permits have been granted a two-week window to complete ongoing transactions, after which all authorisations will be revoked.

    The government warned that any breach of the directive would attract sanctions under existing laws, adding that seized consignments would be redirected to local processing factories to support domestic agro-industrial production.

  • Embrace positive attitudinal change this Eid – National Chief Imam to Muslims

    Embrace positive attitudinal change this Eid – National Chief Imam to Muslims

    Senior Islamic authority, the National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has sent a message to his Muslim fraternity urging them to uphold decency, modesty and be law-abiding as they mark the  Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations today.

    In a pre-Eid-ul-Fitr guidance message to the Muslim community yesterday, Thursday, March 19, the Chief Imam congratulated all Muslims, emphasising the need for spiritual reflection and national unity.

    According to His Eminence  Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, all Muslims are to acknowledge that

    the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan should serve as more than just a period of celebration. He urged Muslims to ensure their festivities remain “within the bounds of decency, modesty, and legality”.

    The Grand Imam explained that the true essence of fasting, as outlined in the Quran, is for believers to attain a state of piety, that is, to become spiritually pure and devoted to God, and once this is attained, it is expected to be evident in one’s daily conduct and behaviour adding that “mould us as people whose behaviours conform to the norms of society and the laws of the state”.

    “The quantity of spiritual cleansing acquired in the Holy Month of Ramadan is meaningless unless it has the capacity to guarantee the quality of attitudinal transformation in the interest of society,” the Revered Imam stated.

    In his counsel, the Chief Imam urged all Ghanaians, regardless of faith, to prioritise the values of patriotism, humanitarianism, and collectivism. He highlighted the importance of these virtues in building a secular state defined by cultural diversity and interfaith harmony.

    As the festivities began, His Eminence offered prayers for several critical global and regional issues, including justice throughout the world, peace in the Middle East, stability across the African continent and prosperity for the Republic of Ghana.

    Meanwhile, today marks a special day for Muslims to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

    As part of efforts to ensure an incident-free day celebration, check for overcrowding, traffic congestion, or isolated clashes among youth groups, the Ghana Police Service has deployed personnel at hot zones such as mosques, prayer grounds, major roads, markets, transport terminals, and other public spaces expected to witness large gatherings.

    In a formal statement issued on Thursday, March 19, the police indicated that,

    “The Accra Regional Police Command wishes to assure the general public of adequate security arrangements put in place to ensure peaceful and incident-free Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the Region. The Command has deployed sufficient Police personnel to strategic locations, including mosques, Eid prayer grounds, major roads, markets, transport terminals, and other public places to protect lives and property”, the statement said.

    Consequently, a special force has been deployed to regulate vehicular traffic during the festivities.

    “ Special traffic management teams have also been detailed to regulate vehicular movement before, during, and after the prayers and festivities to ease congestion and promote road safety. In addition, patrol teams will intensify visibility policing within communities to deter crime and respond promptly to emergencies”, the police continued.

    “The move is expected to promote road safety and ensure smooth mobility throughout the celebrations. Police patrol teams will also intensify visibility policing in communities across the region to deter criminal activities and respond swiftly to emergencies,” the statement said.

    While outlining the security arrangements, the Command urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with officers on duty. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station to support efforts aimed at maintaining public safety.

    Motorists and pedestrians have also been advised to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to avoid accidents and ensure an orderly celebration.

    “The Accra Regional Police Command wishes all Muslims and the general public a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Fitr celebration”, the statement added.

  • Police deploy special force, tighten security for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations

    Police deploy special force, tighten security for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations

    Today is a special day for Muslims to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. 

    As part of efforts to ensure an incident-free day celebration, check for overcrowding, traffic congestion, or isolated clashes among youth groups, the Ghana Police Service has deployed personnel at hot zones such as mosques, prayer grounds, major roads, markets, transport terminals, and other public spaces expected to witness large gatherings.

    In a formal statement issued on Thursday, March 19, the police indicated that,

    “The Accra Regional Police Command wishes to assure the general public of adequate security arrangements put in place to ensure peaceful and incident-free Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the Region. The Command has deployed sufficient Police personnel to strategic locations, including mosques, Eid prayer grounds, major roads, markets, transport terminals, and other public places to protect lives and property”,  the statement said.

    Consequently, a special force has been deployed to regulate vehicular traffic during the festivities.

    “ Special traffic management teams have also been detailed to regulate vehicular movement before, during, and after the prayers and festivities to ease congestion and promote road safety. In addition, patrol teams will intensify visibility policing within communities to deter crime and respond promptly to emergencies”, the police continued.

    “The move is expected to promote road safety and ensure smooth mobility throughout the celebrations. Police patrol teams will also intensify visibility policing in communities across the region to deter criminal activities and respond swiftly to emergencies,” the statement said.

    While outlining the security arrangements, the Command urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with officers on duty. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station to support efforts aimed at maintaining public safety.

    Motorists and pedestrians have also been advised to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to avoid accidents and ensure an orderly celebration.

    “The Accra Regional Police Command wishes all Muslims and the general public a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Fitr celebration”, the statement added.

    Meanwhile, today Friday, March 20, 2026 and Monday, March 23, 2026, have been declared nationwide public holidays.

    The Ministry of Interior announced in a statement issued on Friday, March 13.

    According to the statement, the holiday is declared in recognition of the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr and Shaqq Day, which fall on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, respectively.

    “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026 mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, both days are statutory public holidays under the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601).

    However, the Ministry explained that since March 21, 2026, falls on a Saturday, John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, has by Executive Instrument (E.I) declared Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public holiday.

    “However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as an Additional Public Holiday…” the statement added.

    The Ministry therefore urged the general public to observe Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23, 2026, as public holidays throughout the country.

    “and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the Ministry continued.

    Meanwhile, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Republic Day was reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amended Act 601.

    However, the government noted that statutory holidays that fell on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday would be commemorated on Monday or Friday. As such, the government declared July 4 a holiday.

    The passage of the bill followed an assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

    While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

    He emphasized that Republic Day held great significance in Ghana’s history, which was why the government reinstated it as a full public holiday.

    According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

  • President Mahama writes: We have always called it a crime

    President Mahama writes: We have always called it a crime

    Earlier this month, my country celebrated its 69th Independence Day. In my address to the nation, I invoked the courage and conviction of our founding leaders, who stood firm in the face of immense adversity to secure our freedom. Kwame Nkrumah reminded us that political independence without transforming the global systems that shape our economies and opportunities remains incomplete.

    It is in that spirit that, later this month, Ghana will table a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly calling for the formal recognition of one of the greatest moral tragedies in human history: the transatlantic trafficking and enslavement of Africans as a crime against humanity, and the need for a process of repair.

    This initiative is not Ghana’s alone. It carries the support of the African Union, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and a growing coalition of countries across the Global South. Together, we seek not to reopen old wounds, but to acknowledge them honestly—and to work collectively toward healing and justice in ways that strengthen our shared future.

    The call for reparatory justice is not new. It is rooted in a long, continuous tradition of resistance, advocacy, and moral reasoning spanning centuries. From early African leaders who protested the capture and sale of their people, to the struggles of the Haitian Revolution, to the post-independence movements that reshaped the modern world, the demand for justice has endured.

    In recent decades, this tradition has taken institutional form. The 1993 Abuja Proclamation recognised the enslavement and trafficking of Africans as an unprecedented crime. The CARICOM Reparations Commission has articulated a comprehensive framework for reparatory justice. The Accra Proclamation of 2023 reaffirmed Africa’s collective commitment to this cause. The African Union has now declared 2026 to 2035 as the Decade of Action on Reparations and African Heritage, underscoring the urgency and legitimacy of this global conversation.

    Our proposal at the United Nations builds on these foundations. It seeks to move the international community from acknowledgement to action—from recognition of historical injustice to a structured dialogue on repair.

    This is not about assigning collective guilt to present generations. Nor is it about revisiting history in a spirit of division. Rather, it is about understanding how historical injustices have shaped contemporary inequalities and how a more honest reckoning can contribute to a fairer, more inclusive global order.

    The transatlantic slave trade and the system it sustained disrupted societies, extracted human and economic value on an unprecedented scale, and left enduring legacies that continue to influence patterns of development, opportunity, and vulnerability across the world. Recognising this history fully is essential—not only for Africa and its diaspora, but for humanity as a whole.

    The international community has, in the past, taken important steps. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001 acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. Yet, more remains to be done to translate that recognition into meaningful dialogue and practical pathways for repair.

    Africa brings to this conversation a perspective shaped by its own intellectual and moral traditions—one that holds that injustice does not simply fade with time, but requires deliberate effort to address and redress. This perspective aligns with the broader principles of international law and human rights, which affirm that certain wrongs demand enduring accountability.

    At the heart of this effort is a commitment to partnership. The process we envision is one of engagement—bringing together states, institutions, scholars, and communities to explore constructive and forward-looking approaches to reparatory justice. These may include investments in education, health, cultural restoration, and economic opportunity, designed to close enduring gaps and build shared prosperity.

    We must also recognise the human dimension of this history, including how systems of enslavement entrenched inequalities that affected generations, particularly women and families. A full accounting of this past requires us to acknowledge these dimensions and to ensure that any process of repair is inclusive and comprehensive.

    The world today faces many interconnected challenges—from inequality and underdevelopment to climate change and global instability. Addressing historical injustices is not separate from these challenges; it is part of building the trust and cooperation necessary to confront them together.

    Ghana’s initiative at the United Nations is therefore an invitation—an invitation to engage in honest reflection, constructive dialogue, and collective action. It is an invitation to move beyond acknowledgement toward meaningful steps that strengthen justice, dignity, and shared progress.

    For centuries, the voices calling for justice have endured—across continents, across generations, and across institutions. Today, we have an opportunity to listen, to respond, and to act.

    A crime of this magnitude calls not only for remembrance but for responsibility. And in meeting that responsibility together, we take a step toward a more just and united world.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Tomato production: It will take Ghana 3–4 years to be self-sufficient – John Dumelo

    Tomato production: It will take Ghana 3–4 years to be self-sufficient – John Dumelo

    Ghanaians may have to brace themselves for a shortage of fresh tomatoes in markets nationwide as the Burkina Faso government issues an indefinite ban on the export of the commodity.

    In a formal communique dated March 16, and signed by both the Trades and Agriculture ministers of the Francophone country, it noted that a ban is necessary to feed the country’s national processing units.

    This has sparked widespread concerns about its potential to worsen Ghana’s tomato supply crisis, as Ghana imports approximately 70-80% of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, worth about $400 million annually.

    Reacting to the new development, the Agric Ministry said it has urged Ghanaian farmers to intensify dry-season farming to boost local production and stabilise food supply to mitigate the pressures from the ban.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Thursday, March 19, the deputy Agriculture Minister, John Dumelo, acknowledged that Ghana’s dependence on Burkina for tomatoes may not end immediately, but with intense local farming in the dry season under improved irrigation infrastructure, the country should be self-sufficient in the next 3-4 years.

    “For us, going to Burkina Faso for tomatoes might not end immediately, but once they get encouraged, within three or four years, we should be self-sufficient when it comes to tomato production,” he said.

    He urged farmers to scale up production, pledging the government’s readiness to support them to produce tomatoes, especially during this ban.

    “I told them to let me know what they need to help them scale up production, especially in the next dry season… The government is committed to helping them to scale up production,” he added.

    The Ayawaso West Wuogon Member of Parliament continued that, “I am yet to get the reason why the Burkina Faso government announced the ban and the details that come with it. But last year, I was in the Northern Region, and I urged them to produce tomatoes in the dry season. This dry season, I went back, and most of them are doing just that,” he added.

    More about the communique on the ban

    The issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended. The Special Export Authorisations (ASE) are official permits issued by the government that allow traders to export certain goods,

    “Economic operators and the public are hereby informed that, to ensure the supply of national processing plants, the export of fresh tomatoes is suspended throughout the national territory until further notice. Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) is suspended.

    The letter also stated that operators holding valid fresh tomato export permits have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of the communiqué to complete their export procedures. After two weeks, the permit will be considered invalid.

    “Economic operators holding valid fresh tomato export authorisations have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures. After this period, the authorisation will be considered invalid”, the statement continued. 

    The Burkinabé government warned that any violator of the directive will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.

    “Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be returned, free of charge, to the fresh tomato processing plants established under the popular shareholding scheme,” the letter translated to English noted.

    It continued that, “The Government is counting on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all state technical services, particularly border control services and security forces, to ensure the proper implementation of the terms of this communiqué”.

    Kumasi vendors express frustration

    The impact of the ban is being felt well before any formal shortage sets in.

    Some tomato vendors at the Racecourse Market in Kumasi are already expressing frustration over the development, warning that prices could spike if the situation is not quickly addressed.

    The vendors are using the occasion to call on the government to prioritise the local tomato industry by revamping irrigation systems and investing in local processing facilities, longstanding concerns that have left Ghana’s tomato sector heavily dependent on imports from neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

    Ghana has historically relied on cross-border produce flows from Burkina Faso to supplement domestic tomato supply, especially during lean seasons when local harvests are insufficient to meet demand.

    A sudden and indefinite halt to those exports is therefore expected to tighten supply significantly, with knock-on effects on prices at markets nationwide.

    Northern Ghana, which serves as the main corridor for produce trade with Burkina Faso, is expected to feel the shortage most acutely in the short term.

    Before this ban, Ghana was hit with the sad news of a fatal terrorist attack on tomato traders in mid-February.

    A truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was attacked by terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Sunday, February, 15. This was contained in a press release issued to media houses and signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

    “The Government of Ghana has received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana, which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao,” the release said.

    According to the Ministry, Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso has already launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    “The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack,” the statement added. Parts of the Sahel region have recently experienced heightened terrorist attacks.

  • Looming tomato shortage to hit Ghana as Burkina Faso bans exports indefinitely

    Looming tomato shortage to hit Ghana as Burkina Faso bans exports indefinitely

    Ghana risks a shortage of tomatoes on markets nationwide as its trading partner, Burkina Faso, indefinitely bans the export of fresh tomatoes.

    In a formal communique dated March 16, and signed by both the Trades and Agriculture ministers of the Francophone country, it noted that a ban is necessary to feed the country’s national processing units.

    Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended. The Special Export Authorisations (ASE) are official permits issued by the government that allow traders to export certain goods,

    “Economic operators and the public are hereby informed that, to ensure the supply of national processing plants, the export of fresh tomatoes is suspended throughout the national territory until further notice. Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) is suspended.

    The letter also stated that operators holding valid fresh tomato export permits have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of the communiqué to complete their export procedures. After two weeks, the permit will be considered invalid.

    “Economic operators holding valid fresh tomato export authorisations have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures. After this period, the authorisation will be considered invalid”, the statement continued. 

    The Burkinabé government warned that any violator of the directive will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.

    “Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be returned, free of charge, to the fresh tomato processing plants established under the popular shareholding scheme,” the letter translated to English noted.

    It continued that, “The Government is counting on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all state technical services, particularly border control services and security forces, to ensure the proper implementation of the terms of this communiqué”.

    Kumasi vendors express frustration

    The impact of the ban is being felt well before any formal shortage sets in.

    Some tomato vendors at the Racecourse Market in Kumasi are already expressing frustration over the development, warning that prices could spike if the situation is not quickly addressed.

    The vendors are using the occasion to call on the government to prioritise the local tomato industry by revamping irrigation systems and investing in local processing facilities, longstanding concerns that have left Ghana’s tomato sector heavily dependent on imports from neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

    Ghana has historically relied on cross-border produce flows from Burkina Faso to supplement domestic tomato supply, especially during lean seasons when local harvests are insufficient to meet demand.

    A sudden and indefinite halt to those exports is therefore expected to tighten supply significantly, with knock-on effects on prices at markets nationwide.

    Northern Ghana, which serves as the main corridor for produce trade with Burkina Faso, is expected to feel the shortage most acutely in the short term.

    Before this ban, Ghana was hit with the sad news of a fatal terrorist attack on tomato traders in mid-February.

    A truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was attacked by terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Sunday, February, 15. This was contained in a press release issued to media houses and signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

    “The Government of Ghana has received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana, which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao,” the release said.

    According to the Ministry, Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso has already launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    “The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack,” the statement added. Parts of the Sahel region have recently experienced heightened terrorist attacks.

    Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally broken away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to diplomatic tensions after military takeovers and due to economic and social failures by past governments.

    The military juntas of these countries are led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, respectively.

    The trio accused the ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and deviating from founding principles and Pan-African spirit.

    In response to these claims, ECOWAS revealed that it did not receive formal notice before their withdrawal; therefore, it called for a dialogue to address their concerns.

    “The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves,” it added.

    President John Dramani Mahama extended invitations to the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to participate in the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which took place in Accra on April 22.

    The invitation to the Sahelian states was part of Ghana’s broader efforts to rebuild relations and enhance cooperation for a stable and united West African region.

    International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision, describing the gesture as a positive step toward regional reconciliation.

    He, however, advised the ECOWAS to critically reflect on the underlying reasons behind the exit of the Sahel nations and emphasised the need for the bloc to adopt a more inclusive and problem-solving approach going forward.

    “My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he said.

    Despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, citizens from these countries will still be able to use their national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for travel within the region.

  • Govt declares March 20 holiday in honour of Eid celebrations

    Govt declares March 20 holiday in honour of Eid celebrations

    Friday, March 20, 2026 and Monday, March 23, 2026, have been declared nationwide public holidays.

    The Ministry of Interior announced in a statement issued on Friday, March 13.

    According to the statement, the holiday is declared in recognition of the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr and Shaqq Day, which fall on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, respectively.

    “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026 mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, both days are statutory public holidays under the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601).

    However, the Ministry explained that since March 21, 2026, falls on a Saturday, John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, has by Executive Instrument (E.I) declared Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public holiday.

    “However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as an Additional Public Holiday…” the statement added.

    The Ministry therefore urged the general public to observe Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23, 2026, as public holidays throughout the country.

    “and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the Ministry continued.

    Meanwhile, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Republic Day was reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amended Act 601.

    However, the government noted that statutory holidays that fell on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday would be commemorated on Monday or Friday. As such, the government declared July 4 a holiday.

    The passage of the bill followed an assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

    While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

    He emphasized that Republic Day held great significance in Ghana’s history, which was why the government reinstated it as a full public holiday.

    According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

    Meanwhile, on July 1, 2025, the Republic Day was reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amended Act 601.

    However, the government noted that statutory holidays that fell on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday would be commemorated on Monday or Friday. As such, the government declared July 4 a holiday.

    The passage of the bill followed an assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

    While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

    He emphasized that Republic Day held great significance in Ghana’s history, which was why the government reinstated it as a full public holiday.

    According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

    The bill was introduced to Parliament by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in his capacity as Interior Minister the previous week and was passed under a certificate of urgency after its first reading.

    In 2024, President John Dramani Mahama expressed regret over his predecessor, former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to abolish Republic Day as a public holiday and pledged to reinstate it.

    He wrote on Facebook, “It was most regrettable that the current government had scrapped commemorating this important day as a public holiday. However, as we reflected on the significance of Republic Day, we used it as a rallying call to rekindle the spirit of dedication and commitment that our forebears demonstrated. We had to continue building a better, renewed Ghana where opportunities were created for everyone to thrive.”

    During his Thank You tour in the Western Region on February 5, President Mahama revealed that he planned not only to declare July 1 a statutory holiday but also a day when Ghanaians would gather and pray.

    The proposed day was expected to provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on and appreciate the country’s achievements and progress.

    “We would have the opportunity as a nation to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says, ‘In all things, give thanks,’” he stated.

    Former President Nana Akufo-Addo also called on Ghanaians to support President Mahama’s declaration of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

    “All of us had to support this initiative. It was a worthwhile initiative that we had this one day where all of us came together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings He had bestowed upon us,” he said.

    To facilitate a seamless observance, President Mahama established a committee of religious leaders responsible for coordinating preparations for the event.

  • GES, EOCO, Pensions Authority, others fined GH¢220k for RTI violations

    GES, EOCO, Pensions Authority, others fined GH¢220k for RTI violations

    The Ghana Education Service (GES), WBM Zion Senior High School, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office have been fined for the violation of their statutory obligations under the Right to Information.

    In a formal press release signed by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq, it indicated that it had discovered acts of non-compliance with laws governing citizens’ right to information, hence the decision.

    “The Right to Information Commission (“the Commission”), in the exercise of its statutory mandate under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), has determined many cases involving non-compliance with the Act and has taken enforcement action to uphold the law”, the statement noted.

    According to the statement, the administrative sanctions were applied after thorough investigations were conducted in compliance with Act 989, which is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance by ensuring that citizens can access public information, while also giving the RTIC teeth to enforce compliance.

    “Following investigations, hearings, and determinations made in accordance with Act 989, the Commission has imposed administrative penalties amounting to Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC220,000) on four (4) public institutions for failure to comply with their statutory obligations under the Act”.

    The penalties range from GH¢10,000 to GH¢100,000 per institution.

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) was fined GH¢10,000 in a case brought by Frederick Asiamah of Corruption Watch against the service, while WBM Zion Senior High School received a GH¢10,000 penalty following a complaint filed by Daniel Yeboah against the school.

    The National Pensions Regulatory Authority attracted the highest fine of GH¢100,000 in a case initiated by Innovative Teachers against the authority. The Economic and Organised Crime Office was also fined GH¢100,000 following a complaint by Gilbert Kekeli against the office.

    The Commission went on to warn that compliance with the Right to Information Act is not a matter of choice for public institutions.

    “The Commission emphasises that compliance with Act 989 is not discretionary. Failure to adhere to statutory timelines, disclosure duties, or enforcement directives constitutes a violation of law and attracts regulatory consequences,” the statement read.

    The Commission directed all public institutions to take immediate steps to strengthen their internal RTI compliance mechanisms, warning that continued non-compliance will attract further enforcement action.

    “Public institutions are therefore directed to take immediate steps to strengthen internal RTI compliance mechanisms. Continued non-compliance will attract further enforcement action,” the statement added.

    The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), was passed to give effect to Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the right to access information held by public institutions. The legislation establishes the RTI Commission to oversee its implementation and enforcement.

    The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the right of access to information as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.

    About the RTI law

    Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) law was passed by Parliament on 26 March 2019, received presidential assent on 21 May 2019, and was officially gazetted on 24 May 2019. It came into force on 1 January 2020.

    Since its commencement in January 2020, Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Act has been actively used by citizens, journalists, and civil society groups to demand transparency. Thousands of requests have been filed, leading to investigations, fines, and even legal actions against institutions that withheld information. The law has exposed misuse of funds, procurement irregularities, and failures in accountability.

    While many citizens have used the RTI, investigative journalists and NGOs have filed requests particularly to government ministries, agencies, and district assemblies. By last year, By 2025, the RTI Commission had handled over 70 determinations involving 60+ institutions with security agencies, the Judiciary, the AG’s Department, CHRAJ, SSNIT, and others as targets.

    Institutions that have been fined over the years for RTI violations

    Last year, the Ghana Police were fined about GH¢450,357 for violations after investigations conducted revealed that they had refused multiple requests to release information. The Judiciary, on the other hand, were heavily fined; however, they contested the fine, which later sparked heavy debate.

    Also, Parliament received some fines for the same refusal and ignoring requests for information from institutions and some individuals. The Attorney-General’s Dept was also fined for failing to disclose information on contracts and administrative decisions. These cases highlighted systemic opacity and led to litigation in some instances.

    According to a report by The Fourth Estate, between 2023 and 2024, several District Assemblies in Ghana were fined under the RTI Act, with penalties ranging from GH¢30,000 to GH¢60,000 each. In total, the RTI Commission imposed about GH¢1 million in fines on 23 public institutions during the 2023 reporting year, which included District Assemblies that failed to release information on budgets and development projects.

  • Accra gets new public waste bins as AMA steps up sanitation efforts

    Accra gets new public waste bins as AMA steps up sanitation efforts

    Two days after taking office, the Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, pledged to reset Accra, focusing on orderliness and sanitation in the Central Business District (CBD).

    As part of efforts to keep up with his pledge, his outfit has started installing new public waste bins across the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra to encourage responsible waste disposal among residents.

    The initiative follows the donation of 20 public waste bins by Duraplast on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and national development.

    The bins were strategically placed along the Kinbu to CMB stretch, a busy commercial corridor known for high pedestrian and vehicular traffic, where waste generation is particularly high.

    In a speech during the installation today, the AMA boss, Mr Allotey, stated that, “These bins are meant to serve traders, pedestrians, and roadside operators. They are not for household refuse. Anyone caught dumping household waste into them will be arrested and prosecuted under the law.”

    He warned that any person caught dumping household refuse in public bins would be arrested and prosecuted under the law.

    Mayor Allotey assured the public that sanitation workers and trucks would be deployed daily to collect waste from the bins and maintain cleanliness in the city. He also called on corporate institutions to support the initiative, noting that maintaining a clean city requires collective effort and cooperation.

    During the presentation of the bins, Executive Director of Duraplast, Ms Mireille Hitti, highlighted that sanitation remains a critical challenge in Accra. She stated that providing waste disposal infrastructure encourages responsible habits, improves public health, and fosters civic pride.

    A major decongestion exercise began yesterday, Sunday, February 1, in the Central Business District (CBD) in Accra by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) as part of efforts to restore order, protect pedestrian safety, and regulate street trading.

    The exercise, which began around 4:00 a.m., targeted particular zones, starting with the re-demarcation of approved areas under the Red Line Policy.

    The Red Line Policy is a city management rule used by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to control street trading and pedestrian movement in the Central Business District.

    Under the policy, a red line is drawn to create boundaries between permissible trading zones and no-trading areas on pavements and roads.

    AMA officials marked sections around the Liberty House branch of GCB Bank PLC at Kantamanto, extending along the pavement toward the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, as no-trading zones.

    The authorities also embarked on a cleaning exercise, during which gutters were cleared, stones and other obstructions on roads and walkways were removed, and piled-up trash at various points was cleared.

    During a media engagement, the Mayor of Greater Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, stated that his outfit had earlier engaged traders extensively ahead of the exercise.

    He noted that although a decongestion exercise was carried out months before the current one, with demarcated areas set aside for traders, authorities allowed them to trade in unauthorised zones, including pavements, during the festive season to enable them to make the most of the period. However, now that the festivities are over, order has to be restored.

    He explained that the city could no longer permit the sale of goods on roads and certain pavements, describing the situation as a major contributor to congestion and disorder in the business district.

    “With the festive season over, we must restore order and ensure trading takes place in appropriate locations,” he said.

    A major concern expressed by the Mayor was traders’ refusal to use spaces within designated market areas in the business centre, opting instead to move onto streets and walkways to sell their goods, which causes congestion and disorderliness in Accra.

    “The Assembly has engaged traders extensively ahead of this exercise and has allocated approved spaces for them to operate. Unfortunately, many have refused to use these designated market spaces and have instead moved onto streets and walkways to sell their goods, which causes congestion and disorderliness in Accra’s Central Business District,” he expressed.

    Mr Allotey stressed that the decongestion exercise was not a one-day operation but a sustained programme that would run throughout the year as part of efforts to make Accra cleaner and better organised.

    The exercise follows the Mayor’s announcement on January 22, at a press conference in Accra and later affirmed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, on January 27, followed by further warnings and demolitions on January 30, 2026.

    This exercise marks about the third decongestion exercise conducted by the current Mayor and other stakeholders.

  • Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe sworn in as Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain

    Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe sworn in as Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain

    Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe has been formally sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Spain.

    The swearing-in ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Jubilee House. Her role is to ensure good relations with the Spanish government and strengthen diplomatic, trade, and tourism relations between the two nations.


    Kalsoume succeeds H.E. Regina Appiah-Samacy, who holds a first degree in Public Service and Governance from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

    In his remarks, President Mahama encouraged Mrs Baffoe to apply her skills and connections to build the best relationship with the Spanish government to foster mutual growth and understanding between the countries.

    The 58-year-old former actress holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a first degree in Public Service and Governance from the same institution.

    The swearing ceremony saw the presence of some movie actors, such as Jackie Appiah and Anthony Baffoe.

    On the other hand, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, has announced that model and entrepreneur Hamamat Montia will soon be officially given a role to promote shea butter as part of Ghana’s tourism and cultural promotion efforts.

    Speaking on Joy News, Abeiku Santana disclosed that Hamamat will be joined by award-winning musician Wiyaala and that the two personalities have already been engaged by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie in this regard.

    “Our sister Hamamat will be commissioned as a tourism ambassador for shea butter. Wiyaala also is coming on board. The Honourable Minister, Dzifa Gomashie, has engaged these personalities,” he said.

    Hamamat Montia has earned global recognition not only through her modelling career but also for promoting shea butter and natural skincare products, an industry closely tied to the economy of Northern Ghana and largely driven by women.

    Wiyaala is widely known for showcasing Ghanaian and African culture through her music, language, and traditional style, gaining international praise for her performances and strong cultural representation.

    The move is part of a wider plan by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to use influential Ghanaian personalities to promote local industries, strengthen destination branding, and highlight Ghana’s cultural heritage globally.

    Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F.

    One of the most viral moments from American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed’s Ghana visit occurred at the Shea Butter Museum, a private cultural space owned by beauty queen and entrepreneur Hamamat Montia.

    During the visit, Speed received a traditional shea butter massage from a group of women.

    As they massaged him, the women repeatedly chanted the phrase “Kuriya Kuriya,” which quickly caught the attention of online viewers, many of whom began asking: what does “Kuriya Kuriya” actually mean?

    “Kuriya Kuriya” is a Ghanaian slang expression rooted in Dagbani culture, commonly found in Northern Ghana.

    It originates from a traditional call-and-response chant sung by women while working together.

    The call, “kuriya kuriya,” is usually answered with “kuri gen gen,” often followed by names or playful phrases.

    Historically, Dagbani women sang this chant during communal activities or other group tasks. It was not religious or ritualistic, but rather a form of entertainment, bonding, and rhythm to make work feel lighter and more enjoyable.

  • Tema helicopter crash: Victims were brothers, children of Hebron Prayer Camp founder – Reports

    Tema helicopter crash: Victims were brothers, children of Hebron Prayer Camp founder – Reports

    The bodies of the two victims involved in the Tema helicopter crash have been identified, according to a statement from the  Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    The victims, who are reported to be brothers, include Captain Frank Donkor, a pilot and flight instructor, and his 25-year-old younger brother, Elijah Ofori Donkor, a university graduate and passenger.

    According to reports, the two are children of a popular founder of Hebron Prayer Camp, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor.

    On Monday, 16, two individuals lost their lives in a microlight helicopter with registration number 9G-ADV, which went down in Tema Community One, in the park of a school near the TMA Daycare.

    According to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was flying from Ho to Accra and was expected to arrive at 15:20 Zulu time.

    The light aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, crashed within the premises of the TMA Day Care Centre before catching fire. Both occupants sustained severe burns and died as a result of the incident.

    Despite the intensity of the crash and subsequent fire, no pupils or staff of the school were harmed, although many have been left traumatised.

    On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, working alongside personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation, removed the wreckage from the site.

    Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.

    Meanwhile, this crash is the second after the August 6 helicopter crash at Adansi which claimed the lives of right gallant men.

    Background of August 6 disaster

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its air force helicopter Z9, which took off at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

    The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Among the eight victims, two Muslims — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — were laid to rest earlier, on Sunday, August 10, where Janazah prayers were also held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before they were buried at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.

    At today’s state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased.

    On his part, President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.

    “Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.

    Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.

    Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.

    Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.

    Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.

    Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.

    They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana,” the president said.

    He announced the posthumous promotions of the three officers with the Ghana Air Force.

    Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo have been promoted posthumously, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.

    Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.

  • Tema helicopter crash victims identified – GCAA

    Tema helicopter crash victims identified – GCAA

    The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has identified the bodies of the victims of the fatal helicopter crash at Tema.

    On Monday, 16, two individuals lost their lives in a microlight helicopter with registration number 9G-ADV, which went down in Tema Community One, in the park of a school near the TMA Daycare.

    They are Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor, 36, a flight instructor, and 25-year-old Elijah Ofori Donkor, a university graduate.

    The deceased, who are two brothers, have been reported as the sons of a popular founder of Hebron Prayer Camp, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor.

    The deceased brothers

    According to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was flying from Ho to Accra and was expected to arrive at 15:20 Zulu time.

    The light aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, crashed within the premises of the TMA Day Care Centre before catching fire. Both occupants sustained severe burns and died as a result of the incident.

    Despite the intensity of the crash and subsequent fire, no pupils or staff of the school were harmed, although many have been left traumatised.

    On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, working alongside personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation, removed the wreckage from the site.

    Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.

    Meanwhile, this crash is the second after the August 6 helicopter crash at Adansi which claimed the lives of right gallant men.

    Background of August 6 disaster

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its air force helicopter Z9, which took off at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

    The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Among the eight victims, two Muslims — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — were laid to rest earlier, on Sunday, August 10, where Janazah prayers were also held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before they were buried at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.

    At today’s state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased.

    On his part, President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.

    “Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.

    Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.

    Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.

    Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.

    Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.

    Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.

    They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana,” the president said.

    He announced the posthumous promotions of the three officers with the Ghana Air Force.

    Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo have been promoted posthumously, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.

    Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.

    The president also announced the creation of an Educational Children’s Support Fund for cater for the wellfare of the children of the deceased.

    Among the eight victims, two Muslims — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — were laid to rest earlier, on Sunday, August 10, where Janazah prayers were also held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before they were buried at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.

    At the state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased.

    On his part, President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.

    “Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.

    Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.

    Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.

    Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.

    Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.

    Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.

    They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana,” the president said.

    He announced the posthumous promotions of the three officers with the Ghana Air Force.

    Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo have been promoted posthumously, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.

    Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.

  • Bond records slow trade as turnover declines 18% to GH¢2.38 bn

    Bond records slow trade as turnover declines 18% to GH¢2.38 bn

    A report by MyJoyOnline, citing secondary market trading data and analysis from Databank Research, indicates that Ghana’s bond market turnover saw a week-on-week decline of GH¢2.38 billion, marking an 18% drop.

    According to the report, the front-to-belly segment of the curve recorded most of the trading activities. 

    This means that,the decline was concentrated short- to medium-term maturities of government bonds and not in the long-dated bonds.

    Most of this week’s trading occurred in bonds maturing between 2027 and 2030, which accounted for 68.6% of total traded volumes with a weighted-average yield of 10.62%.

    The 2031–2034 segment followed, capturing 31.36% of total activity at a weighted-average yield of 12.46%.

    On the other hand, bond trading is expected to remain slow, with the 2035–2038 bonds accounting for just 0.04% of total turnover at a weighted-average yield of 12.55%, as investors take a wait-and-see approach.

    Databank Research expects the secondary market activity to remain subdued in the near term, as investors adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

    “Beyond the meeting, we anticipate the easing cycle to continue gradually, which should support renewed demand for longer-dated bonds and encourage investors to extend duration along the curve”.

    Meanwhile, about 2 weeks ago, secondary market trading recorded a strong uptick, with aggregate turnover increasing by 43.77 per cent week-on-week to GH¢2.98 billion.

    Activity was largely concentrated in the mid-section of the yield curve. Bonds maturing between 2031 and 2034 accounted for 40.5 per cent of total traded volumes at a weighted average yield of 12.43 per cent.

    The 2027 to 2030 maturities also saw substantial demand, capturing 36.7 per cent of overall volumes at a weighted average yield of 11.99 per cent.

    In contrast, the long end of the curve experienced relatively lower participation. Tenors spanning 2035 to 2038 contributed 22.8 per cent of total turnover and cleared at a weighted average yield of 12.81 per cent.

    “We expect secondary market activity to remain soft in the near term despite rising liquidity,” Databank Research said.

    The research firm noted that the GH¢376.3 million cocoa bond coupon payment due in early March 2026 is expected to inject additional liquidity into the market and provide some support for yields.

    Nonetheless, it indicated that investors are likely to remain selective as they review reinvestment strategies ahead of the bond market reopening.

    The Government of Ghana announced the reopening of the bond market to raise long-term financing.

    On the other hand, a payment of GH¢10 billion in interest has been disbursed by the government under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) in cash.

    This marks the sixth interest payment under the programme and the second time bondholders have been paid entirely in cash. The payment follows the agreed terms outlined in the debt restructuring memorandum.

    A statement from the Ministry of Finance read, “The Government of Ghana has paid GH¢10 billion in interest obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

    This payment marks the sixth coupon settlement under the programme and represents the second full cash payment without any Payment-In-Kind component, reflecting strengthened fiscal capacity and solvency.

    “The timely payment sends a strong positive signal to domestic and international investors, reinforces market confidence, and is expected to support Ghana’s credit outlook while enhancing stability within the financial sector, including banks and pension funds”.

    Last year August, the Ministry of Finance announced another successful coupon payment of GH¢9,698,815,220.17. under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. According to information shared on Minister of Finance Ato Forson’s X handle, the amount was paid on August 19 2025.

    He wrote that, with this payment, total disbursements under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme in 2025 alone now stands at GH¢19.4 billion.

    Adding that, the payment demonstrates Government’s unwavering commitment to honouring the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed under the exchange programme and is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support fiscal credibility.

    He said, in line with the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, the government has established two dedicated sinking fund accounts—a Cedi Sinking Fund Account and a US Dollar Sinking Fund Account—as mandated by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended.

    These will provide liquidity buffers to ensure the timely redemption of loan obligations, including bonds maturing in 2026, 2027, and 2028.Mr Forson said, the government has assured investors and the public that subsequent debt obligations, including DDEP obligations, will be honoured fully and on time.

  • Ghana’s external reserves rise by 11.5%, hit $14.5 bn

    Ghana’s external reserves rise by 11.5%, hit $14.5 bn

    Ghana’s external reserves have seen about 11.5% increase in the last few months. This comes after the Central Bank in January announced during the 128th MPC meeting that the country’s reserve had hit $13 billion.

    However, in about 2 months, the external reserves have recorded a notable increase, reaching approximately $14.5 billion, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, said, providing about 5.8 months of import cover and strengthening the country’s external position.

    The increase, according to BoG, helps maintain and build buffers to support the economy against external shocks.

    Speaking during the opening of the 129th MPC meeting on Monday, March 16, Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama indicated that the increase in reserves indicates a broader trend of improvement in macroeconomic conditions, i.e., Ghana’s economy is currently doing better than earlier predictions suggested.

    He noted that inflation has continued to ease, declining to 3.3 per cent in February and extending a streak of 14 consecutive monthly reductions. The rate has now fallen below the central bank’s medium-term target band, presenting new considerations for policymakers.

    The Governor also cited the economy’s improved fiscal performance, with Ghana recording a primary surplus of 2.6 per cent of GDP at the end of 2025. He added that economic activity in the real sector is gradually picking up, supported by rising business and consumer confidence as well as a modest recovery in credit growth.

    “Taken together, these indicators suggest that the economy is stabilising faster than many anticipated, underscoring the impact of disciplined policy measures,” he said.

    About two years ago, investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy was relatively weak, due to fiscal stress, high inflation, and currency volatility; however, according to records, lately, there has been development with economic indicators showing growth and a consecutive decline in inflation.

    Consequently, Dr Johnson believes that the growth of Ghana’s external reserves will help attract investors and maintain their confidence to help sustain fiscal growth in the country.

    “A stronger reserves position is essential for maintaining investor confidence and enhancing Ghana’s ability to withstand global economic shocks”, he noted. 

    He further disclosed that reserve accumulation will remain a priority under the government’s Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), which aims to significantly boost the country’s external buffers over the medium term.

    “Reserve accumulation will remain a priority under the government’s Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), which aims to significantly boost the country’s external buffers over the medium term. The initiative targets an increase in reserves to the equivalent of 50 months of import cover by 2028, compared with the current level of about 5.8 months”, he continued.

    However, Dr Asiama cautioned that such ambitious programmes require careful coordination, noting that they could have implications for liquidity conditions, the central bank’s balance sheet and the conduct of monetary policy.

    Despite the positive indicators, he emphasised that the MPC’s task goes beyond acknowledging improvements, as it must also consider how to sustain the gains amid global uncertainties.

    He warned that rising tensions in the Middle East are already affecting global energy markets and shipping routes, increasing the risk of imported inflation for Ghana and posing fresh challenges for economic management.

    GANRAP – 2026-2028

    In late February, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, unveiled Ghana’s first-ever comprehensive national policy specifically designed to deliberately and sustainably build the country’s external reserves and secure long-term macroeconomic stability.

    Presenting the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP) (2026–2028) to Parliament, the minister described the initiative as a historic and strategic shift in how Ghana manages its external buffers, moving away from costly borrowing and short-term reserve-building measures toward a structured, gold-backed and reform-driven accumulation framework.

    Strong Economic FoundationDr Forson told Parliament that the policy builds on the decisive macroeconomic turnaround achieved in 2025 following the 2022–2023 crisis.

    Key indicators at the end of 2025 included

    Real GDP growth averaged 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2025, inflation declined sharply from 23.8% in 2024 to 5.4% and further to 3.8% in January 2026, the 91-day Treasury bill rate fell from 27.7% at end-2024 to 6.4% in February 2026, public debt declined from 61.8% of GDP to 45.3%, and gross international reserves rose to US$13.8 billion, equivalent to 5.7 months of import cover, up from 4.0 months in 2024.

    Despite these gains, the Minister cautioned that the traditional benchmark of three months of import cover is no longer sufficient in today’s volatile global environment.

    Target: 15 Months of Import Cover by 2028Under GANRAP, the government is targeting an ambitious increase in reserves to the equivalent of 15 months of import cover by end-2028.

    The policy sets intermediate milestones of:

    8.6 months by end-2026, 11.8 months by end-2027, 15 months by end-2028.

    The Minister described the target as the creation of an “economic war chest” to shield Ghana against commodity price shocks, global financing volatility, geopolitical tensions and climate-related disruptions.

    Gold as the Strategic Anchor

    Central to the policy is a deliberate gold-backed reserve accumulation strategy anchored on the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which mandates the Ghana Gold Board to generate foreign exchange and support gold reserve accumulation by the Bank of Ghana.

    The government has set an operational weekly gold purchase target of approximately 3.02 tonnes.

    This will be achieved through: Acquisition of at least 2.45 tonnes weekly from the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, Invocation of pre-emption rights to secure a minimum of 0.57 tonnes weekly from the large-scale mining sector.

    The gold acquired will be refined, added to Ghana’s physical reserves, and may only be sold with prior approval of Cabinet and Parliament.

    Ending Costly Borrowing for Reserves

    The Minister noted that between 2017 and 2024, Ghana relied heavily on Eurobonds, swaps, sale-and-buy-back transactions and commercial bank borrowing to build reserves at significant cost.

    From 2022 to 2024 alone, the Bank of Ghana accumulated US$5.65 billion in reserves through swaps and related transactions at a cost of US$1.16 billion in interest.

    Additionally, Eurobond borrowings between 2018 and 2021 to support reserve build-up cost taxpayers about US$2.5 billion in interest payments alone, with Ghana still servicing these debts.

    Dr Forson stressed that borrowing to accumulate reserves is unsustainable and contributed to the 2022 debt distress.

    In contrast, he revealed that in 2025 alone, the Ghana Gold Board generated approximately US$10 billion in foreign exchange at a cost of US$214 million, significantly lower than the cost of comparable borrowing.

    Broader Structural Reforms

    Beyond gold, the policy integrates structural reforms aimed at expanding foreign exchange inflows and reducing persistent outflows.

    These include: scaling up non-traditional exports, revitalising cocoa productivity, implementing the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development, accelerating new oil field developments such as Pecan, and conserving foreign exchange through a Gas-to-Power Transformation Policy.

    The Minister emphasised that maintaining fiscal discipline and sustaining a primary surplus remain critical to protecting the gains achieved.

    Safeguarding Ghana’s FutureDr. Forson concluded by urging Parliament to support what he described as a historic and forward-looking policy framework designed to strengthen Ghana’s first line of defence against external shocks.

  • Transport fares will not increase soon despite fuel price hike – GPRTU

    Transport fares will not increase soon despite fuel price hike – GPRTU

    In a new twist of events, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has assured commuters that it will not rush to adjust transport fares despite the recent increase in fuel prices.

    New prices of fuel took effect yesterday, Monday, March 17. As a result, petrol priced at GHȼ10.46 per litre will now be sold at GHȼ11.57. The price floor for diesel has jumped from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, and LPG has risen from GH¢9.38 to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme.

    The assurance follows growing public concern that recent increases in fuel prices at the pumps could trigger a corresponding rise in transport fares across the country.

    Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, backed the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, who earlier mentioned a possible upward adjustment of the fares following the fuel price hikes, citing fares were not determined solely by fuel prices but also by other operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants and taxes.

    “We all agreed that where it is now, we will not rush into making any decision but will wait to see what will happen next. We are going to maintain the fares we are taking for now because who knows, the fuel price may stabilise or there may be an increase or reduction in the next pricing window,” he said.

    According to him, authorities and other stakeholders met with the leadership of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana on Monday, March 16, and after the meeting, it was concluded that the current fares are to remain for the time being.

    According to Amoah, the unions rely on a technical team to monitor market conditions and provide guidance on when fare adjustments may be necessary.

    “We have a technical team that goes out to check all these things and reports. Per their report, there is a need for us to hold on to see what will happen in the next pricing window. We do not know where it will go. What if we increase, and then in the next pricing window, it goes up to where we can’t control the situation? We will not know what to tell our members, and we can’t come back to tell the public that we are coming in for another increment,” Amoah said.

    He added that the unions will review the situation after the next fuel pricing window before determining whether fares should be increased, reduced or maintained.

    The last time the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) officially increased transport fares was in October 2025, when fares went up by about 20% nationwide due to rising fuel prices and spare parts costs.

    Amid stakeholders and some experts’ predictions, the Middle East crisis is likely to soon affect fuel prices in Ghana, and given the country’s dependence on the Arabs states for about 20% of its fuel, commuters will bear the cost.

    Speaking on the fares, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, indicated that transport fares may increase if fuel prices go up in the next pricing window.

    He said the review will be to cope with rising operational expenses.

    “You know we work for profit, and for some time now prices have remained the same. Some of our people even went out of their way to increase their prices, but we were able to stop them. This indicates that they are looking for a change in the prices of fares,” he explained while speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV.

    Meanwhile, last year, GPRTU justified its decision to maintain its transport fares despite a minor reduction in fuel prices, emphasising that fare adjustments were influenced by several cost elements beyond fuel hike.

    During an interview on PM Express on Joy News on Tuesday, March 18, GPRTU’s Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, highlighted that expenses related to spare parts, insurance, DVLA charges, and other operational costs significantly impacted fare determinations.

    “Before December, we had plans of increasing transport fares, first, because of the high cost of spare parts; then where the fuel price was also heading; and the cost of lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah stated.

    “But we held on, thinking that things would improve because of the promises we had that going forward, things were going to get better.”

    He admitted that fuel prices had decreased slightly but insisted that the reduction did not justify a fare decrease.

    “Yes, we had seen that fuel prices were coming down a little bit. But what I could say was that it had not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

    He acknowledged the slight drop in fuel prices but maintained that the decrease was not substantial enough to justify reducing transport fares.

    Amoah also emphasized that fuel costs were just one of several key factors considered when reviewing fare adjustments.

    “We didn’t only consider fuel prices to determine our transport fares,” he explained.

    “We had other components, like the cost of spare parts, as I earlier mentioned. We also considered the cost of lubricants, taxes, and other petroleum products.”

    He also detailed the procedures the GPRTU adhered to when determining fare adjustments.

  • Otto Addo to name squad for Austria, Germany friendlies this week – Reports

    Otto Addo to name squad for Austria, Germany friendlies this week – Reports

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is set to announce the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup friendlies this week, according to a report by JoyNews.

    The friendlies form part of the Black Stars’ preparatory games ahead of the main tournament in June; consequently, Otto Addo will release the list of players who will represent Ghana in the two high-profile international friendlies against Austria and Germany later this month.

    Ghana will first take on Austria on Friday, March 27, at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna at 17:00 GMT.

    After that, the squad will travel to Germany for their second friendly, where the four-time African champions will face the 2014 world champions on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Stuttgart.

    Ghana will end their preparations with another friendly against Mexico in May and another clash against Wales on June 2.

    Making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

    Final squad to be announced in June

    Otto Addo is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June next year.

    This was confirmed by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, in an interview with Accra-based radio station Asempa FM on December 15. He explained that all qualified nations are required by FIFA to announce their provisional squads on April 11, 2026, with final lists due before midnight on June 1, 2026.

    “All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026,” he said.

    He added that players performing well both domestically and abroad will be considered for selection.

    “Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up,” Asante Twum noted.

    Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia following a draw held at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was attended by high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump, entertainers Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, as well as sports icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan.

    The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

    The 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Their best performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    After Ghana discovered their group stage opponents, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, charged the national team’s technical team to make the squad selection based on competence and talent, rather than sentiment.

    Speaking during an interview with Sporty FM, the Buem Member of Parliament (MP) emphasised that Ghana must select the best players to make up the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament squad.

    “We must call up the best, as I have always insisted. A lot of it is emotional, but you also need technical capabilities and sound judgment. You have to decide based on performance and readiness, not just history or popularity. The country must go with its best,” he noted.

    He pledged his support for the coach in whatever decisions he makes to ensure the best outcome for the team.

    “…Wherever we find it, the coach has my support. Whoever is responsible for the team will have my support,” he added.

    Budget allocation for the team

    The government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

  • Joan Laporta wins again, to remain Barcelona president until 2031

    Joan Laporta wins again, to remain Barcelona president until 2031

    Joan Laporta has maintained his position as Barcelona’s president after the just-ended club election. He beat his contender, Victor Font, after securing  32,934 of the 48,480 votes from the club’s members (socios), while Font received 14,385 votes, 984 were left blank, and 177 were declared void.

    This means that he will continue as the president of the club until 2031. In his thank-you message,  he said, 

    “First of all, I want to dedicate a few words of gratitude to this wonderful club we have. It’s great to see that members can still choose who represents us. This passion is a joy, it makes the club special, so thanks to Barça and all the members that voted today in a display of democracy”, Laporta said after his victory.

    He continued with a pledge to make the next five years the best of their lives for all club members.

    “The result itself is conclusive, and it gives us a lot of strength, so much strength that it will make us unstoppable. We will keep defending Barcelona against everything and everyone. The upcoming years will be thrilling. They will be the best of our lives,” he added.

    With 114,504 members eligible to vote, Barca said, from the results they saw, just a turnout of 42.34%, Barça said, with 114,504 members eligible to take part in the election.

    Current and former presidents, coaches and players were among those to cast their ballot at Spotify Camp Nou, including Hansi Flick and members of the men’s first team squad.

    Sunday’s election coincided with Barça’s 5-2 win over Sevilla in LaLiga, with coach Flick and many players, including Raphinha, Pedri and Dani Olmo, submitting their votes after the victory.

    “I won’t tell you who [I will vote for] because it’s a secret,” Flick said in a news conference shortly before voting. “It’s a special day. I saw it on the television in my office in the stadium, the election going on, it’s special. I think everyone is happy. It was a great day.”

    During the elections, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is on loan at Girona, couldn’t vote because his name was not on the electoral register.

    All Barça players are made members when they join the club, but it is their responsibility to update their membership, which the German international had not done ahead of the election.

    Injured Barça Femení players Aitana Bonmatí and Laia Aleixandri also voted, although the majority of their teammates could not as they played away at Deportivo de La Coruña on Sunday.

    Former Barça coach Xavi Hernández also voted, just days after calling Laporta a “liar” for his role in Lionel Messi’s failed return to the club in 2023, as did ex-Inter Miami CF midfielder Sergio Busquets. Spotify Camp Nou was one of five polling stations set up on the day, with members also able to vote in Tarragona, Girona, Lleida and Andorra.

    Laporta resigned before March election…why?

    Joan Laporta stepped down as president of FC Barcelona. His resignation was in line with the club’s statutes, which required that the incumbent president and any board members wishing to re-contest in elections first resign from their positions.

    Article 42 of the club’s statutes was intended to ensure that the electoral process was fair, preventing sitting officials from using their authority or resources to gain an advantage.

    The club was set to hold its election on March 15, and following Laporta’s resignation, a management commission was expected to oversee the day-to-day running of the club in the interim.

    The commission was to be led by Rafa Yuste, who had been one of Laporta’s vice presidents since his election in 2021.

    Laporta was expected to contest the presidency with Víctor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí, all of whom had announced their candidacies.

    As part of the requirements to qualify as candidates for the presidency, all aspirants were expected to secure 2,321 signatures from club members as proof of support for their candidacy.

    The campaign trail was then expected to begin in earnest, with key issues likely to influence voters including potential summer signings, the club’s finances, the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou, which was in its final stages, and any future role for Lionel Messi at the club.

    Laporta had been elected in 2021 for a second spell as Barça president, having previously held the role between 2003 and 2010 after winning elections in 2003 and 2006.

    He had finished ahead of Font five years earlier, securing 30,184 votes to Font’s 16,679, while Toni Freixa, who did not run in that election, finished third with 4,769 votes.

  • Transport fares may increase soon amid looming fuel price increase – GPRTU warns

    Transport fares may increase soon amid looming fuel price increase – GPRTU warns

    Ghanaians may have to brace themselves for a hike in transport fares amid the looming upward adjustment of fuel prices.

    The last time the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) officially increased transport fares was in October 2025, when fares went up by about 20% nationwide due to rising fuel prices and spare parts costs.

    Amid stakeholders and some experts’ predictions, the Middle East crisis is likely to soon affect fuel prices in Ghana, and given the country’s dependence on the Arabs states for about 20% of its fuel, commuters will bear the cost.

    Speaking on the fares, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, indicated that transport fares may increase if fuel prices go up in the next pricing window.

    He said the review will be to cope with rising operational expenses.

    “You know we work for profit, and for some time now prices have remained the same. Some of our people even went out of their way to increase their prices, but we were able to stop them. This indicates that they are looking for a change in the prices of fares,” he explained while speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV.

    He continued that fuel is not the only factor affecting drivers, stating that the cost of spare parts, lubricants, and other vehicle maintenance items has remained high.

    “We spoke about the prices of spare parts, lubricants and other things we use on our cars, but their prices have remained high. So these are the indicators we look at,” he said.

    He further noted that the union does not immediately impose fare increases, but upward fuel price adjustments often influence such decisions.

    “We do not immediately impose a new fare, but if the price of fuel changes and it is upwards, everybody should expect a change in lorry fare,” he added.

    This warning came just a day before the second fuel pricing window, beginning Monday, March 16, with industry analysts predicting potential pump price increases across the country.

    Recent figures show that the price floor for petrol has risen to GH¢11.57 per litre from GH¢10.46 between March 1 and 15. Diesel has also increased to GH¢14.35 per litre from GH¢11.42, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) now costs GH¢10.67 per kilogramme, up from GH¢9.38.

    Overall, these adjustments represent increases of GH¢1.11 for petrol, GH¢2.93 for diesel, and GH¢1.29 for LPG within the same month.

    Meanwhile, last year, GPRTU justified its decision to maintain its transport fares despite a minor reduction in fuel prices, emphasising that fare adjustments were influenced by several cost elements beyond fuel hike.

    During an interview on PM Express on Joy News on Tuesday, March 18, GPRTU’s Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, highlighted that expenses related to spare parts, insurance, DVLA charges, and other operational costs significantly impacted fare determinations.

    “Before December, we had plans of increasing transport fares—first, because of the high cost of spare parts; then where the fuel price was also heading; and the cost of lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah stated.

    “But we held on, thinking that things would improve because of the promises we had that going forward, things were going to get better.”

    He admitted that fuel prices had decreased slightly but insisted that the reduction did not justify a fare decrease.

    “Yes, we had seen that fuel prices were coming down a little bit. But what I could say was that it had not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

    He acknowledged the slight drop in fuel prices but maintained that the decrease was not substantial enough to justify reducing transport fares.

    Amoah also emphasized that fuel costs were just one of several key factors considered when reviewing fare adjustments.

    “We didn’t only consider fuel prices to determine our transport fares,” he explained.

    “We had other components, like the cost of spare parts, as I earlier mentioned. We also considered the cost of lubricants, taxes, and other petroleum products.”

    He also detailed the procedures the GPRTU adhered to when determining fare adjustments.

  • NACSA’s Gun Amnesty Programme: Over 4,000 firearms surrendered – Interior Minister

    NACSA’s Gun Amnesty Programme: Over 4,000 firearms surrendered – Interior Minister

    In December last year, the government launched a nationwide Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP), which directed citizens in possession of holding illicit or unregistered firearms the chance to surrender them without facing arrest or prosecution. Initially set for December 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026, it was later extended to January 30, 2026 due to strong public interest.

    About 2 months after the end of the exercise, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, revealed that over 4,000 firearms had been voluntarily surrendered by civilians under the GAP.

    Speaking during an appearance on Sunday, March 15, the Minister indicated that, before the official launch of the programme, security agencies had already recovered about 11,000 firearms from civilians . But the launch became a window for more people to give up their firearms to escape the legal consequences during the amnesty window.

    “That’s why we came in with the amnesty. And when we rolled out the amnesty period, the statistics showed that we were able to retrieve over 4,000 guns in the hands of civilians,” he stated.

    What happens to the firearms?


    He added that the firearms would be catalogued and labelled by the authorities before being destroyed.

    The Minister indicated that the amnesty programme forms part of a broader government strategy to tackle the spread of illegal firearms and strengthen public safety across the country.

    He noted that removing unlicensed weapons from circulation is crucial in supporting the work of security agencies in addressing violent crime.

    When was the programme launched?

    The initiative was first declared on November 18, 2025, and took effect on December 1, 2025, as part of efforts to address the persistent gun-related violence across the country.

    The Commission announced in a statement, “After 30th January, 2026, security agencies will intensify enforcement operations, and any person found in possession of an unregistered or illicit firearm will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law”.

    Meanwhile, the Greater Accra Region is leading in the number of firearms retrieved under the Gun Amnesty Programme. Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr Adam Bonaa, disclosed this information in an engagement with the National Chief Imam on Friday, December 26.

    He noted, “The Greater Accra Region is one of the areas where most of the weapons we have collected are coming from. It is currently leading in terms of arms surrendered under the amnesty programme, with the support of the security commanders”.

    Dr Adam Bonaa’s meeting with the Chief Imam forms part of efforts to create awareness of the ongoing programme within the Muslim community. The illegal possession of small arms remains a pressing challenge in the country.

    How the firearm surrendring was done or expected to be done

    Also, on the gun, Minister Muntaka revealed during a session with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament in Accra, on Tuesday, 30 September, in response to questions on firearm regulation and monitoring, announced that gun registration, which is currently done manually, will be digitalised to make it easily accessible and less daunting for citizens.

    In a detailed explanation, he broke down what measures the Ministry intends to put in place.

    He said, “So this is what is going to happen: You register, and we have you in the registry. In the registry, we have your contact number and all your details. So, three months before expiry, we will send you a notification that your license will expire on 31st December. And you no longer need to walk to any CID office where you have to join a queue to pay for the renewal.

    Because the databases will be talking to each other, and over the one year, we will have recorded no criminal activities about the person we granted the license to hold the firearm, you will be able to pay through your MoMo or using your bank details. You can renew it immediately without any struggle.

    “Many people even tend to forget that the time has come for them to renew it. Maybe along the line, they just see the gun and say, “Hey, when was the last time I renewed this?” So we want to digitalise this, and by the grace of God, when we are done, by the close of the year, worst case, by the close of the year, all these things will be digitalised. It will give people the opportunity to do the renewal online without necessarily having to walk to the Police Headquarters.

    However, Mr Muntaka added that gun owners flagged for criminal activity during the renewal period will not be allowed to complete the process online.

    “The only thing is that if there’s a criminal record over the period when you want to renew, it may deny you, and that may require that you come physically. But it also helps us. Even if you change address; because we are going to link it to your Ghana Card, we will be able to tell that Maka has a gun, has not renewed it over this period, and has changed his address from Asar to Bima. We will be able to track him and either retrieve the gun from him or get him to renew his license”, he continued.

    Meanwhile, in September this year, Ghana strengthened its global stance against nuclear weapons. Ghana joined sixty-nine (69) other nations in efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate dangerous weapons, particularly atomic bombs, from the world.

  • 1D1F: Auditors flag fictitious GHC 89.4m, say banks unable to confirm payments

    1D1F: Auditors flag fictitious GHC 89.4m, say banks unable to confirm payments

    One of the flagship programmes of the erstwhile government, the One District One Factory (1D1F) has come under heavy scrutiny after an audit revealed what officials have described as a fictitious GH¢89.4 million debt linked to the initiative.

    1D1F initiative, a flagship policy of former President Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was designed to accelerate industrialisation by establishing at least one factory in every district.

    Presenting the results of the findings on the floor of Parliament in a statement delivered by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem on behalf of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

    The Finance Minister indicated that in 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Industry requested the release of GH¢89.4 million to five commercial banks as the government’s contribution toward interest payments under the 1D1F programme.

    The Ministry of Finance processed the request and sent it to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for payment.

    However, when auditors from the Ghana Audit Service, working with international firms Ernst & Young and PwC, reached out to the banks to confirm the claims, all five institutions reportedly denied that the government owed them any funds under the scheme.

    “According to the auditors, the said GH¢89.4 million debt was fictitious,” the statement told Parliament. “Without the audit intervention, a whopping GH¢89.4 million of hard-earned public money could have been disbursed to settle this non-existent liability.”

    The audit also flagged another suspicious transaction: a reported GH¢10.5 million payment into a so-called “Buffer Account” at a commercial bank.

      According to the report, a follow up to authenticate the transaction to the banks, it was confirmed they never received any payments. 

    Further investigation revealed that the account number provided did not exist in the bank’s records and did not follow its account numbering format.

    “The evidence from the audit pointed to a completely fictitious account,” the statement added.

    In response, the government has announced plans to conduct a full forensic audit of the entire One District One Factory programme.

    Mr. Ampem emphasised the importance of the review, given the large sums involved, noting that about GH¢391 million had already been disbursed in interest subsidies for the programme by the end of 2024.

    “Mr Speaker, only God knows how much of taxpayers’ money has been lost to similar fictitious claims,” he said.

    Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, revealed that the erstwhile government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) policy had been scrapped.

    The minister announced this when she appeared before Parliament on Tuesday, June 8.

    “Mr Speaker, I want to draw the House’s attention to the fact that as of now, there is no policy as 1D1F,” the minister said.

    She added that “The 24-hour economy policy was the new thing on the block and the game changer, which sought to make Ghana very vibrant irrespective of the minute of the hour or the time of the day.”

    In reaction, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin quizzed, “Is the ministry, MOTAI, exploring the establishment of new industrial parks as part of a revised investment attraction strategy?”

    The Trade Minister replied: “We are doing agro-parks which seek to be a great game changer, especially in the agro-processing zones, and it is being worked on to ensure we are able to produce around the clock for import substitution, export, foreign exchange, and to create jobs for our teeming youth.”

    Earlier this year, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) proposed 24-hour economy initiative would enhance the effectiveness of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme.

    During her appearance before the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22 for vetting after her nomination, she underscored the shortage of sufficient raw materials as a major hurdle undermining the success of the 1D1F initiative.

    She emphasised that the adoption of the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy would serve as a strategic measure to overcome this challenge.

    She said, “The solution lies in the 24-hour economy, where businesses will have access to a steady supply of raw materials. Agribusiness will play a crucial role through commercial contract farming, which will substantially resolve the raw material challenge.”

    The Techiman North Member of Parliament further said, “These factories will benefit from tax holidays and other incentives under the 24-hour economy framework.”

    The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, introduced by former President Akufo-Addo, aimed to revolutionise Ghana’s economy by minimising dependence on raw material exports and imported finished products.

    The programme emphasised industrial growth, value enhancement, employment generation, and the export of refined goods.

    Although several factories were set up under the initiative, its progress was hampered by numerous challenges.

  • Goldbod denies sole-sourced GHS 11m renovation contract to Stan Dogbe-owned company

    Goldbod denies sole-sourced GHS 11m renovation contract to Stan Dogbe-owned company

    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has rebuffed allegations that it awarded a GHC 11 million renovation contract to a company owned by the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations through sole sourcing.

    Some netizens online began peddling the allegations some days ago, prompting an official rebuttal from GoldBod on March 10, where the gold trading regulator described the allegations as “completely false”.

    GoldBod clarified that approval was obtained from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) on 24 June 2025 to use a restricted tendering process. Three companies were shortlisted, with Correca Ghana Limited ultimately awarded the contract.

    “The mischievous claim that the contract was awarded through sole-sourcing is completely false. Correca Ghana Limited was qualified to undertake the works and completed the project in a timely and professional manner,” the Board said.

    In a commitment to transparency, GoldBod has published the full contract on its official website. The Board condemned attempts by “fake news merchants” to smear its reputation, noting that all claims suggesting intercepted documents were entirely false.

    In the statement, the Board explained that the renovation had become necessary following its establishment in April 2025.

    It said it had to, since it moved to the old building of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Head Office at No. 1 Thorpe Road, Accra, which had some parts dilapidated and weak, and a refurbishment was necessary.

    It continued that GoldBod required the recruitment of over 300 new staff and the creation of additional directorates and units.

    “To cater for the spatial and functional necessities of the new organisation, it became imperative to relocate from the dilapidated offices of the defunct PMMC,” the statement said.

    CONTRACT-FOR-BOG-RENOVATION-WORKS-CORRECA_1Download

    A technical, independent report recently presented to GoldBod by economists from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS)—Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, and economist Peter Junior Dotse—indicated that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose by 39.4 tons, increasing from 63.6 tons in 2024 to 103 tons in 2025.

    According to the report, GoldBod cut the rate at which gold was being smuggled out of Ghana; trading was now done officially through the right channels, leading to an increase in the amount of forex coming into the country. The benefits to the economy were much bigger than the trading losses reported by the Bank of Ghana.

    The report explained that each ton of gold was worth about US$96.5 million. Based on this value, the gold that was brought into the formal system was worth about US$3.8 billion in foreign currency.

    This meant the benefits were 18 times bigger than the US$214 million loss reported by the Bank of Ghana. In fact, the report said that formalising just 2.2 tons of gold would have been enough to cover that loss.

    Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson, one of the report’s authors, emphasised that “GoldBod converts illicit gold flows into formal FX, strengthens Ghana’s external position, and supports macroeconomic stability. Evidence showed it was a high-return policy intervention for the economy.”

    The study also revealed that GoldBod’s initiatives reduced reliance on costly external borrowing. ASM exports facilitated by GoldBod in 2025 generated US$10.8 billion in FX inflows. Had Ghana borrowed equivalent funds externally at interest rates of 7–10%, it would have incurred annual interest costs of US$756 million to US$1.08 billion.

    Even considering only the reduction in smuggling, the avoided annual interest costs ranged from US$266–380 million, creating a recurring economic benefit.

    Beyond financial gains, the report highlighted broader macroeconomic effects:

    Strengthened international reserves (≈ US$11–12 billion), exchange-rate stabilisation, reduced domestic cost of external debt (≈ GHS 6.2 billion), lower import bill valuation (≈ GHS 50.6 billion for Jan–Oct 2025), and disinflation through reduced exchange-rate pass-through.

    The report also clarified that the reported losses by the MF in GoldBod’s trading activities were merely an accounting effect and not a cash deficit or loss. GoldBod purchased gold at near-retail exchange rates to deter smuggling, while FX inflows were recorded at the interbank rate. True economic costs were estimated at just 2.5% of the gold value.

    According to the report, GoldBod should be seen as a policy tool for macroeconomic stabilisation rather than a profit-driven entity. Recommendations included sustaining price competitiveness to prevent smuggling, improving transparency in BoG reporting, gradually reducing policy costs, and strengthening governance and oversight.

    Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) gold export saw exponential growth in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching approximately US$6.2 billion, a surge of nearly 135%, reflecting the sharpest year-on-year growth within the period.

    This was announced in an infographic shared by the Gold Board (GoldBod) on its official X (formerly Twitter) page.

    According to the data shared, ASM gold export earnings rose from US$2.8 billion in 2018 to US$10.8 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about US$8.0 billion, or roughly 286%. The infographic also provided a year-on-year breakdown of exports, along with remarks on the exported commodity, stressing that the data covered exports made through official channels over the previous seven years.

    Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports stood at 75.7 tons valued at US$2.8 billion in 2018, despite a nationwide ban on small-scale mining, indicating strong underground or regulated output.

    Exports declined to 53.4 tons worth US$2.2 billion in 2019 and further to 39.3 tons valued at US$2.0 billion in 2020, reflecting continued enforcement of mining restrictions and possible COVID-19 disruptions. In 2021, exports collapsed sharply to just 3.4 tons valued at US$185 million following the introduction of a 3% withholding tax on unprocessed ASM gold, which discouraged official exports.

    Volumes recovered in 2022 to 22 tons worth US$1.1 billion after the tax was reduced to 1.5%, with growth continuing in 2023 when exports rose to 37.4 tons valued at US$2.1 billion. A major jump was recorded in 2024, with exports increasing to 63.6 tons valued at US$4.6 billion, driven by improved formalisation and high global gold prices.

  • FDA warns public against ‘sukudai’, a purported heart-cleansing remedy containing cancer-causing chemicals

    FDA warns public against ‘sukudai’, a purported heart-cleansing remedy containing cancer-causing chemicals

    “Sukudai”, a purported heart-cleansing remedy, has been flagged by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as harmful to human beings.

    In a public notice issued by the nation’s product safety regulator, it warned the general public to stay away from the product, citing that after laboratory tests detected chloroform, a toxic chemical linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

    The regulator said the product, reportedly being sold mainly in Kumasi, is not registered with the authority.

    The FDA’s caution comes after a viral video circulating on social media captured the substance corroding a Styrofoam plate, raising concerns about its chemical composition.

    Following the video, the FAD says it collected samples and tested them in a laboratory. Results confirmed the presence of a chemical once used as an anaesthetic but no longer approved for medical use due to its toxic effects.

    Consequently, the authority warned that consuming or inhaling chloroform can lead to severe health complications, including drowsiness, breathing difficulties, liver and kidney damage, loss of consciousness, cancer, and even death.

    Last month, sixteen (16) food service establishments operating without valid hygiene permits in the Greater Accra Region were closed by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Wednesday, February 18.

    Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, among others, were among the affected facilities.

    They were shut down for failing to meet regulatory requirements. Before the exercise, the FDA had issued a two-week public notice to all food service establishments operating, instructing them to acquire a valid Food Hygiene Permit effective February 1, 2026.

    The FDA had consistently warned against the sale, distribution, and consumption of unregistered and unapproved products on the Ghanaian market, particularly drugs, herbal medicines, cosmetics, and food items that had not undergone proper safety and quality checks.

    In 2025, the FDA shut down Famude Catering Services in the Ashanti Region and revoked its license for illegally producing two alcoholic drinks — Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990.

    These drinks were unregistered and were found to contain marijuana (cannabis) extracts, according to the FDA.

    The matter was referred to the Suntresu District Police for investigation and prosecution.

    The FDA issued a new directive last month, ordering all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of alcoholic beverages mixed with stimulants to withdraw such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026.

    The regulatory authority announced this in a formal statement dated February 25, noting that the withdrawal had become necessary after it conducted an assessment on the safety of these beverages and their health implications for the public.

    In the statement, the FDA said it “concluded a post-registration review of mixed drinks containing both depressant substances (alcohol) and stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng, and guarana. The assessment took into account international and regional regulatory precedents, where several countries had restricted, suspended, or banned alcoholic energy drinks due to their associated public health risks.”

    It continued that the review was conducted in compliance with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), under Sections 81 and 82(a). Section 8 empowered the FDA to conduct post-market surveillance and safety reviews of regulated products, allowing them to reassess products already approved if new evidence showed health risks, while Section 82(a) authorized the FDA to withdraw, suspend, or revoke approval of products that posed risks to public health.

    One of the FDA’s major concerns was the rise in serious psychological health challenges, particularly among the youth.

    “The review assessed the safety and regulatory compliance of these products on the Ghanaian market. It was conducted under Sections 81 and 82(a) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which empowered the FDA to enforce standards necessary to protect public health and safety. Growing scientific and public health evidence linked the combination of alcohol and stimulants to serious health risks and adverse psychosocial behaviours, particularly among youth, young adults, and unsuspecting consumers.”

    Consequently, the FDA gave all supply chain operators 33 days to withdraw such beverages from the market or face serious sanctions for non-compliance.

    “Findings from the review were supported by the FDA’s Food Expert Committee, specifically the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Safety and Nutrition. Consequently, the FDA directed all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of mixed drinks containing both alcohol and stimulants to clear such products from the Ghanaian market by the end of March 2026 without sanction. Beyond this deadline, non-compliant products would attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal from the market. This directive took effect immediately,” the statement continued.

    The FDA also ordered that “manufacturers and producers re-formulate their products to conform strictly to the approved standards for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks as separate product categories,” emphasizing its commitment to public safety and urging the general public to report any suspicious products for investigation.

    “The FDA remained committed to safeguarding public health and safety, and ensuring that all food and beverage products on the Ghanaian market met approved safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Consumers were encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the FDA for necessary investigation and enforcement action,” the statement concluded.

  • 27th TGMA: Wendy Shay,Moliy,Kojo Black,others battle for Afrobeats  Artiste

    27th TGMA: Wendy Shay,Moliy,Kojo Black,others battle for Afrobeats  Artiste

    One of Ghana’s most anticipated award schemes, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), is set to take place in the next two months. As it’s done every year, nominees are announced in March to allow their fans to vet their work and vote, and for artists, managers, and sponsors to use the nomination period to campaign and build momentum for the deserving artiste to bag the award.

    Battling for this year’s Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artist are Wendy Shay, OliveTheBoy, Kidi, Jackie and Moliy Nominees.

    Given Ghanaians’ growing taste for Afrobeats, this category has become one of the most anticipated on the night, celebrating artists who have not only delivered hit songs but also shaped the sound and culture of contemporary Ghanaian music over the year under review.

    The 26th edition last year saw its winner, King Promise, beat other artistes in the category due to his dominance in the genre, reaching beyond Ghana with hit songs like ‘Terminator’ that topped charts on Boomplay, Spotify, and YouTube, and gaining massive airplay on radio and TV.

    KiDi maintained a steady presence in Ghana’s Afrobeats scene, performing at major concerts and festivals.

    However, this year, Wendy Shay has been releasing back-to-back hits and a stream of dynamic collaborations that have etched her voice in heavy rotation on the radio and streaming platforms, which makes it difficult to talk about category winners without mentioning her.

    Her ability to blend edgy lyrics with infectious rhythms has sustained her relevance and made her a fixture in conversations around this category.

    Kojo Blak has also been consistently stunning his fans within and outside Ghana with soulful tracks and compelling features. His growth as an artist has been evident in both his solo work and partnerships, earning him recognition beyond regional borders.

    Meanwhile, OliveTheBoy, Gyakie and Moliy each bring something unique to the table. OliveTheBoy’s smooth vocals and heartfelt melodies have won him a devoted fanbase, while Gyakie’s soulful songwriting continues to resonate widely. Moliy’s creative versatility and international collaborations have further expanded her reach, making her one of the standout female voices in Afrobeats and Afropop today.

    CATEGORY DEFINITION

    Best Afrobeats / Afropop Artiste
    The Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, the Board and the General Public as the Artiste with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Afrobeats/Afropop music genre.

    The artiste must have commercially released an afrobeats/afropop hit Single / EP / Album during the year under review.

    See the lists of some nominees and winners of last year’s TGMA
    Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste
    Jupitar

    Samini

    Ras Kuuku

    Epixode

    Stonebwoy ****WINNER

    Rocky Dawuni

    Songwriter of the Year
    Ayisi Kofi

    Kinaata ****WINNER

    Okyeame Kwame

    OlivetheBoy

    Team Eternity Ghana

    Telecel Most Popular Song
    OlivetheBoy – Asylum ft Kidi

    Black Sherif – Lomo Lomo

    Lasmid – Puul

    King Paluta – Aseda ****WINNER

    Black Sherif – January 9

    King Promise – Paris

    Team Eternity – Defe Defe

    Stonebwoy – Jejereje

    Collaboration of the Year
    Beeztrap KOTM & Oseikrom Osikani – Fly Girl

    King Promise ft Sarkodie & OliveTheBoy – Favourite Story

    KIDI ft Black Sherif – Lomo Lomo ****WINNER

    Rap Fada ft King Paluta – Obo Bi Ye Bad

    Sarkodie ft Beeztrap KOTM – Amen

    Joe Mettle ft Sandra Boakye Duah – Give Me Oil

    Best Afropop Song
    Kwesi Arthur – Fefe Ne Fe

    King Promise – Paris ****WINNER

    Stonebwoy – Jejereje

    Black Sherif – January 9

    SmallGod ft Black Sherif – Fallen Angel

    AraTheJay ft Black Sherif – Jesus Christ 2

    International Collaboration of the Year
    Joe Mettle ft. SunmiSola Agbebi – Oba Awon Oba

    Stonebwoy ft. Odumodu BLVCK – Ekelebe

    King Promise ft. Shalipopi – Continental

    Stonebwoy ft. Spice – Jiggle and Whine

    Diana Hamilton ft. Mercy Chinwo – The Doing of the Lord ****WINNER

    Gambo ft. Edem & Jim Jones – Drip RMX

    Best Music Video
    Fallen Angel – Small God Directed by Babs Direction

    Auntie Ama – Kofi Kinaata directed by Awudu Musa

    Continental – King Promise Directed by Meekah Jagun

    Jejereje – Stonebwoy Directed by Banini ****WINNER

    Peace of Mind – MzVee Directed by Rex

    Keep It Sexy – King Promise Directed by Rex

    African Song of the Year
    Rema – OZEBA

    Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego FT SJE KONKA, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & Cowboii – BIRI MARUNG

    Titom FT S.N.E, YUPPE, Burna Boy – TSHWALABAM ****WINNER

    Darkoo ft. Rema – FAVORITE GIRL RMX

    Tems – LOVE ME JEJE

    Ayra Star – COMMAS

    Producer of the Year
    Kenny Beatz and King Paluta ****WINNER

    Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste
    KIDI

    Camidoh

    OliveTheBoy

    King Promise ****WINNER

    Mr Drew

    Lasmid

    Best Highlife Artiste
    Kofi Kinaata

    Fameye ****WINNER

    Kuami Eugene

    Sista Afia

    Kwabena Kwabena

    Best Album/EP of the Year
    Kweku Smoke – Kweku Jesus

    King Paluta – Give Time Some Time

    Stonebwoy – Up and Running

    Kofi Kinaata – Kofi OO Kofi

    King Promise – True To Self ****WINNER

    Team Eternity Ghana – Testimony

    Best New Artiste
    Lali x Lola

    AratheJay

    Rap Fada

    Team Eternity

    Beeztrap KOTM ****WINNER

    Kwesi Amewuga

    Group of the Year
    Team Eternity ****WINNER

  • Salt display in Kumasi restaurants now illegal over rising hypertension cases

    Salt display in Kumasi restaurants now illegal over rising hypertension cases

    Since 2008, hypertension has remained a serious public health issue in Kumasi, with nearly 1 in 3 adults affected, marking it as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the region.

    As excessive intake of salt (sodium) salt being medically proven to be one of the major contributors of hypertension, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assemblyh has taken steps to ban its display in eateries, restaurants and bars in the region to protech residents health.

    Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), made this statement on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Kumasi while announcing the Assembly’s new public health policy following a resolution passed at the KMA’s sitting on December 18, 2025 after swirling concerns of rising casses of   hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the metropolis.

    “By addressing everyday risk factors such as the routine availability of salt on dining tables, we are taking a practical and preventive step to protect the health of our residents,” he said.

    KMA says following an observational study  conducted across 156 food service establishments in Kumasi it noticed that 62% openly displayed salt on dining tables, a practice believed to encourage customers to add extra salt to meals already prepared with the mineral.

    According to the study, chop bars, topped eateries that openly display salts on dinning tables. Mr Boadi says, now it is illegal to do so.

    The assembly also observed that none of the establishments assessed displayed health advisories on salt consumption, highlighting a missed opportunity to educate the public on the health risks associated with excessive salt intake

    Mr. Agyeman-Boadi said the policy is intended to create a healthier food environment while encouraging both food vendors and consumers to adopt safer dietary habits.

    “Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” he noted.

    Nationally, non-communicable diseases affect up to 34% of urban populations, with the Ashanti Region recording a prevalence rate of about 37.4%, including many undiagnosed and uncontrolled cases.

    A 2024 study by Rivia, a network of tech-driven primary care clinics, has shed light on the growing prevalence of “silent” killer diseases in Ghana, signaling a serious threat to both individuals and the healthcare system.

    The report reveals that these conditions, which often develop unnoticed, are taking a significant toll on public health. It indicates that more than 80% of individuals aged 27-62 in a sample of 23,000 patients are hypertensive, with a particularly high rate of 68% among men. Additionally, the study found that 50% of a larger sample of 80,000 individuals suffer from undiagnosed or inadequately managed diabetes.

    The research also highlights that lifestyle choices—such as excessive salt consumption, alcohol misuse, and stimulant abuse—are contributing to an alarming rise in kidney disease, especially among younger generations, now affecting 23% of them. Among the 27-62 age group, the top five chronic health conditions identified include hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, mental health issues, and cancers.

    Addressing this growing public health crisis, the report stresses the need for a multifaceted approach, integrating government intervention, workplace health programs, and stronger preventive healthcare initiatives. It advocates for tax breaks to incentivize corporate wellness schemes and suggests that companies, unions, and associations should be required to offer subsidized annual health screenings for employees.

    The report also calls for more stringent food labeling laws aimed at reducing salt and sugar consumption in processed foods, helping consumers make more informed and healthier dietary decisions. It encourages workplaces to implement regular health checkups, mental health resources, stress management programs, and physical fitness activities to promote overall well-being.

    Key to improving access to preventative care, the report emphasizes the role of partnerships with providers like RiviaCare. It also urges the expansion of mobile health units and the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) network to reach underserved areas.

    Public education campaigns focused on the importance of regular health screenings and disease prevention are seen as crucial for empowering individuals to take ownership of their health. The report further stresses the need for specialized training for healthcare professionals in managing chronic diseases to ensure better patient care and outcomes.

  • KNUST declares five dismissed students persona non grata, bans them from campus

    KNUST declares five dismissed students persona non grata, bans them from campus

    Five former students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) who were dismissed last year have been formally declared persona non grata by the university’s management following their alleged continuous involvement in activities that disrupt the institution’s operations and threaten campus stability.

    The students were all dismissed on July 21, 2025, for misconduct. However, after repeatedly defying their dismissal orders and continuing to frequent the university, management imposed a permanent ban on their access to the campus.

    The individuals affected by the directive are Bernard Boadi, Francis Tutu Atuahene, John Kelvin Kane, Roland Botwe Nsiah, and Felix Acquah.

    In a statement released by the University Relations Office and signed by Deputy Registrar Daniel Norris Bekoe on Friday, March 13,  it urged the general to report any of the above-listed culprits to the campus security or nearby police if found anywhere around the school premises.

    “The individuals are hereby prohibited from entering or remaining on the KNUST campus,” the statement said.

    It also warned that students, groups or individuals found mingling with the 5 students will face consequences as stated in the school’s laws.

    “Any student, group or affiliates who associate themselves with …..will be dealt with in accordance with the Statutes of the University and the State Laws,” parts of the statement read.

    The university explained that the measure was taken to protect students, staff and visitors while preserving discipline and the smooth running of academic and administrative activities.

    KNUST emphasised that it remains committed to strictly enforcing its regulations in order to maintain a secure and peaceful environment that supports teaching, learning, research and community engagement.

    In April last year, KNUST banned two former students, Ransford Fosu-Boateng, also known as Scammer Baby, and Raphael Appiah Owusu, from coming anywhere near the campus.

    According to the university, the two had been causing trouble for some time and posed a threat to the peace and safety of the institution.

    In a statement issued by the school’s Registrar, it was revealed that Ransford was dismissed in March 2022, while Raphael was also dismissed at the end of the 2023/2024 academic year.

    Even after their dismissal, the two continued sneaking into the school’s hostels, causing disturbances, harassing other students, and disregarding school regulations.

    The university stated that they were no longer students and should not be seen loitering on campus.

    “They were banned from campus and would be treated as trespassers if found anywhere on university grounds,” the statement said.

    KNUST also warned current students to stay away from the two individuals. It added that any student caught assisting them or granting them access to university facilities would face serious sanctions.

    KNUST’s rules on misconduct

    KNUST’s Students’ Guide and Code of Conduct classifies misconduct into four categories.

    They include: academic, behavioural, property and institutional, and criminal or social.

    Academic misconduct includes cheating during examinations, such as copying, impersonation, or using unauthorized materials. It also covers plagiarism, where a student presents another person’s work as their own, and falsification of records or misrepresentation in academic matters.

    Behavioural misconduct refers to disruptive conduct that interferes with teaching, learning, or administration. It also involves acts of violence or threats against staff, students, or property, harassment in any form—whether sexual, verbal, or physical—and substance abuse on campus.

    Property and institutional misconduct involves damaging university property through vandalism or theft, unauthorised occupation or use of facilities, and defiance of lawful instructions issued by university authorities.

    Criminal or social misconduct includes engaging in criminal activity either on or off campus that tarnishes the reputation of the university. It also covers organising unlawful demonstrations or riots, as well as cyber misconduct such as hacking or spreading false information.

    To address these violations, the statutes empower KNUST to impose disciplinary measures. These range from warnings or reprimands to suspension, which temporarily removes a student from academic activities. In more serious cases, dismissal may be applied, permanently removing the student from the university.

    Finally, the university may declare a dismissed student persona non grata, banning them from campus entirely and making the order enforceable by arrest if violated.


  • March 16–20 set for ADR Week to offer cheaper, faster delivery of justice – Chief Justice

    March 16–20 set for ADR Week to offer cheaper, faster delivery of justice – Chief Justice

    The Office of the Chief Justice has announced that March 16-20 will be observed as a week of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) nationwide.

    This was announced in a formal statement dated March 13 and directed all courts across the country to observe it as such as part of activities for the legal year term under the theme, Adoption of Innovation and Technology to enhance access to Justice Delivery through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)”

    “We wish to bring to the attention of the general public that the Chief Justice of Ghana, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has declared Monday 16th to Friday 20th March, 2026, as ADR Week for this Legal Year Term….” parts of the statement read.

    The statement outlines two main reasons behind the week-long exercise. It explained that the exercise is to educate the general public on what ADR is and what benefits they stand to gain from it, and also offers quick resolutions of cases, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.

    “The rationale for the ADR Week is to allow the ADR Directorate of the Judicial Service to engage the general public on the presence of ADR within the court system, its importance in seeking justice, and how to take advantage of such an important process for meaningful access to justice, especially for the poor and the vulnerable. It is also to afford court users whose cases are pending before the courts the opportunity of using ADR during the week under what we call the “Mass Mediation Exercise”, the statement added.

    According to the Head of Judiciary, “One Hundred and Thirty-Eight (138) Courts nationwide, comprising Thirty-Five (35) Circuit Courts and One Hundred and Three (103) District Courts, shall participate by devoting the whole week to the settlement of court cases with ADR across the country”.

    Also, “There will be a Press Briefing at the High Court, Sunyani, in the Bono Region, on Monday, 16th March, 2026, at 10:00 am prompt, to mark the official opening of the ADR Week”, where the Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana will address the media.

    Consequently, all members of the public are urged to fully participate in the exercise to make it successful.

    “The Bar, court users, the media, and the public are therefore encouraged to participate fully and cooperate with the Judicial Service to make this Legal Year Term’s ADR Week

    a success. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been adopted by the Judicial Service of Ghana as part of its adjudication process, dubbed “Court-Connected ADR”. This programme aims to ensure that access to justice in Ghana is made easier, cheaper, non- adversarial, expeditious, and flexible to all, particularly the underprivileged and vulnerable.

    “Pursuant to this, the Chief Justice, in a policy directive on the Court-Connected ADR Programme, has instituted an ADR Week which is to be celebrated every Legal Year Term thrice, to allow parties to settle their cases through mediation and to run programmes and activities to create awareness of the availability of ADR as a complement to the adjudication process in the courts.” the statement closed.

    ADR and Ghana’s constitution

    The exercise is governed by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 795). It is Ghana’s main law governing arbitration, mediation, and other non-court dispute resolution methods. It establishes clear rules for how ADR should be conducted, the powers of arbitrators and mediators, and how agreements reached through ADR can be enforced.

    The Act details several ADR mechanisms, including arbitration, mediation, customary arbitration, and the institutional framework