TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Govt opens recruitment for Allied Health Professionals to Barbados, application to close Thursday

    Govt opens recruitment for Allied Health Professionals to Barbados, application to close Thursday

    Ghana’s Health Ministry, in partnership with the Government of Barbados, has announced a recruitment window for qualified Allied Health Professionals.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 28, via its official Facebook page, and titled “Career Opportunities”, the Ministry of Health announced an employment opportunity for nine categories of Allied Health Professionals to be recruited to work in Barbados.

    Parts of the statement read, “…Government of Barbados, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, seeks to recruit qualified Allied Health Professionals interested in a challenging yet highly rewarding professional opportunity in Barbados for the position of: Cardiac Sonographer, Physicist I/II, Audiologist, Diagnostic Radiographer, Sonographer, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Speech Therapist/Speech & Language Pathologist”.

    The Ministry highlighted that interested applicants must meet the required standards and have at least half a decade of experience to make them eligible for the application.

    “The Applicant should meet the regulatory requirements of the Allied Health Professions Council. Applicants should have at least five (5) years of working experience.

    On the requirements needed to proceed with the applications, applicants are required to “provide the following:

    “Original and two (2) photocopies of academic certificate, Original and two (2) photocopies of certificate of good standing with the Allied Health Council, Current and previous appointment letters, Original and two (2) photocopies of certificate of criminal record from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service covering the immediate past six (6) months, Original and two (2) photocopies of certificate of change of name where applicable, Original and two (2) photocopies of immunization certificate, Original and two (2) photocopies of the birth certificate, Two (2) copies of an up-to-date curriculum vitae, Two (2) reference letters dated within the last six (6) months, An endorsed recent passport-size photograph with white background, Biodata page of passport with two (2) years validity, Application form, Any other relevant document”, the Ministry noted.

    Applicants, however, have until October 30th to apply after applications opened on Monday, October 27, through the Ministry of Health’s Recruitment Portal, warning that “unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged”.

    “Application process: Application starts from Monday, 27th October 2025 and ends on Thursday, 30th October 2025. Applicants are to apply through the Ministry of Health’s Recruitment Portal, https://hr.moh.gov.gh or email: mohhrhd@moh.gov.gh

    Candidates are required to submit all the necessary documents, including certified copies of qualifications and professional registration, on the day of the scheduled interview,” the statement noted.

    This recruitment announcement comes just a day after the Ghanaian government, on Monday, October 27, represented by Ghana’s Minister of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum, with support from Mr Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting with Bahamian officials, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

    The bilateral deal is to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses for employment opportunities in the Caribbean nation.

    The signing of the MoU was announced in a communique, which highlighted that the new agreement is an important step forward in the partnership between the two countries, citing that Ghana is becoming a leader in sending skilled workers abroad and that the world has confidence in the talent and professionalism of the Ghanaian people.

    “At the heart of this MoU is a shared vision aimed at improving cooperation and relations between Ghana and The Bahamas through people-centred development and mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of the initial phase of this collaboration, the recruitment of experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses to serve in the Bahamas has commenced. This initiative proves that the trust that our international partners have in the quality of Ghanaian educators and healthcare workers, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and dedication in shaping minds and healing the nations,” the communique read.

    Under the initial phase of the collaboration, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to serve in the Bahamas.

    It added that the programme is “only the beginning,” noting that the broader agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in commerce, culture, tourism, and human capital exchange.

    “This initiative is a win-win for both countries. It opens new pathways for Ghana’s skilled professionals to share expertise and gain global exposure while earning decent livelihoods. For The Bahamas, it ensures access to competent teachers and nurses whose professionalism will enhance their education and health sectors.”

    It further assured stakeholders that the welfare and fair treatment of Ghanaian recruits will remain a top priority, adding that recruitment processes will be transparent and the rights and safety of participants fully safeguarded.

    “Though the conditions of the MoU remain confidential as part of diplomatic protocol, I would like to point out that its spirit and purpose are rooted in cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.”

    This is not the first time the Bahamas has recruited Ghanaian nurses to work in their country. Last year, the Bahamas’ national broadcasting service, the ZNS Network, reported in 2024 that Ghanaian nurses were being recruited to help address staffing shortages in Bahamian hospitals.

    According to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, 18 Ghanaian speciality nurses were expected to arrive in The Bahamas by the end of October 2024 to support facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital, citing that this early recruitment was part of a bilateral healthcare support initiative.

    Meanwhile, the MoU between Ghana and the Bahamas comes about just ten days after the government signed a similar deal with Grenada. The agreement with Grenada, however, was for the recruitment of just Ghanaian nurses.

    Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

  • Bahamas to recruit Ghanaian teachers, nurses in new MoU with govt

    Bahamas to recruit Ghanaian teachers, nurses in new MoU with govt

    The government is currently making efforts to avert the looming unemployment crisis brooding in Ghana’s health sector.

    Consequently, it is collaborating with other international partners to employ some skilled nurses as well as teachers. On Monday, October 27, the Ghanaian government, represented by Ghana’s Minister of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum with with support from Mr Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting with Bahamian officials, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

    The bilateral deal is to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses for employment opportunities in the Caribbean nation.

    The signing of the MoU was announced in a communique, which highlighted that the new agreement is an important step forward in the partnership between the two countries, citing that Ghana is becoming a leader in sending skilled workers abroad and that the world has confidence in the talent and professionalism of the Ghanaian people.

    “At the heart of this MoU is a shared vision aimed at improving cooperation and relations between Ghana and The Bahamas through people-centred development and mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of the initial phase of this collaboration, the recruitment of experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses to serve in the Bahamas has commenced. This initiative proves that the trust that our international partners have in the quality of Ghanaian educators and healthcare workers, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and dedication in shaping minds and healing the nations,” the communique read.

    Under the initial phase of the collaboration, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to serve in the Bahamas.

    It added that the programme is “only the beginning,” noting that the broader agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in commerce, culture, tourism, and human capital exchange.

    “This initiative is a win-win for both countries. It opens new pathways for Ghana’s skilled professionals to share expertise and gain global exposure while earning decent livelihoods. For The Bahamas, it ensures access to competent teachers and nurses whose professionalism will enhance their education and health sectors.”

    It further assured stakeholders that the welfare and fair treatment of Ghanaian recruits will remain a top priority, adding that recruitment processes will be transparent and the rights and safety of participants fully safeguarded.

    “Though the conditions of the MoU remain confidential as part of diplomatic protocol, I would like to point out that its spirit and purpose are rooted in cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.”

    This is not the first time the Bahamas has recruited Ghanaian nurses to work in their country. Last year, the Bahamas’ national broadcasting service, the ZNS Network, reported in 2024 that Ghanaian nurses were being recruited to help address staffing shortages in Bahamian hospitals.

    According to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, 18 Ghanaian speciality nurses were expected to arrive in The Bahamas by the end of October 2024 to support facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital, citing that this early recruitment was part of a bilateral healthcare support initiative.

    Meanwhile, the MoU between Ghana and the Bahamas comes about just ten days after the government signed a similar deal with Grenada. The agreement with Grenada, however, was for the recruitment of just Ghanaian nurses.

    Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

    President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech on Friday, October 17, during a state visit by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Presidency in Accra, lauded the international recognition of Ghanaian health care professionals and the benefits the agreement stands to bring to both countries.

    He said, “In the health sector, Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries. Ghanaian health workers have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion. And we’re keen to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities.

    He added, “I’m pleased that just yesterday, Thursday, October 16, our Foreign Minister, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Honourable Joseph Andall, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana-Grenada Political Consultations. I’m confident that this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic, and cultural engagements between our two nations.”

    The signing of the MoU comes just days after the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh raised concerns about the balooning and looming unemployment crisis the sector is anticipated to face citing governments efforts to deal with the challenge.

    Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.

    The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.

    Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.

    He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.

    According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.

    “By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.

  • Bournemouth rejected £50m offer from Man Utd, Spurs for Semenyo – Sources

    Bournemouth rejected £50m offer from Man Utd, Spurs for Semenyo – Sources

    Ghana international Antoine Semenyo’s impressive form has attracted interest from several clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. According to The Telegraph, AFC Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both clubs for Semenyo during the summer transfer window.

    Antoine’s form has been consistent even during international games. Last season, he scored six goals in nine appearances and provided three assists. His only contender this season has been Man City’s Erling Haaland, who has a higher goal record ahead of Semenyo.

    Despite interest from top clubs in Europe, he decided to stay at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new long-term contract that included a pay rise. His contract with Bournemouth’s expiry was set for 2026; however, in July, he extended his contract until 2030.

    He will be looking to extend his fine run of form when Bournemouth face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 2.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana international was recently subjected to racism during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

    During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man passed some offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked that the man repeat what he said, he did and even threw a gum at him.

    He immediately reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute.

    Subsequently, he was seen out of the stadium by the police and held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to the Merseyside Police on Monday.

    He has, however, been granted bail on the following conditions that, not attend any regulated football match in the UK and prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium

    A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

    In reaction to this, Gianni Infantino, in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 17, explained that the sport has zero tolerance for discrimination and any other abuse in any form, eulogising Antoine’s resilience and stunning display in the game despite the potential emotional distress.

    “It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night.Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination – Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide”, parts of the statement read.

    The FIFA president also assured Semenyo of the governing body’s full support, citing the role of the Players’ Voice Panel, established in 2024 as part of FIFA’s five-pillar strategy against racism.

    “The Players’ Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.

    “We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine…” Infantino added.

    Infantino however pledged his and that of his outfit’s support to implement all the necessary measures to ensure that, such demeaning acts are eradicated in the football ecosystem.

    “…we will continue to offer our unequivocal support to him, Bournemouth, the Premier League and The FA to ensure strong deterrents are in place and actions taken to eradicate racism and discrimination from our game,” he added.

    Despite the incident, Semenyo produced a standout performance, scoring twice to pull Bournemouth level at 2-2, before late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah secured a 4-2 victory for Liverpool.

    His impressive display has earned him praise from Liverpool legend Steve McManaman.

    Liverpool notched two goals in the first half, with Hugo Ekitike opening the scoring in the 37th minute, followed by another from Cody Gakpo doubling the lead in the 49th minute, just a few minutes after halftime.

    AFC Bournemouth made an impressive comeback with equalisers at the 64th and 76th minutes, all goals from Antoine Semenyo displaying his pace, strength, and clinical finishing to level the match.

    Liverpool responded quickly, with Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah finding the net to secure a 4-2 victory for the hosts in the 88th and 90+4th minute (stoppage time).

    Reflecting on Semenyo’s performance, McManaman expressed admiration and noted that Liverpool missed out on signing him.

    “Antoine Semenyo ran 50 yards to score that goal after signing a long-term contract,” he said on Premier League Production.

    “He is strong and built for the Premier League, and anytime he has the ball, he looks dangerous going forward. For me, he should be playing for clubs like Liverpool. Throughout this summer, he was linked to Liverpool until Mohamed Salah extended his contract,” McManaman added.

    Semenyo later expressed his gratitude to the football fraternity for their support following the racist attack.

    He posted, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together… Football showed its best side when it mattered most.

    Meanwhile, in May last year, FIFA announced that it had put forward a five-pillar plan aimed at addressing racist abuse in football.

    The global governing body stated that it had engaged in an extensive consultation process with current and former players who are committed to instigating change.

    One of the plan’s key suggestions involves implementing a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to signal racist incidents during matches.

    The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all member associations’ disciplinary codes and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.

    Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”.

    The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to signal an in-game procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be abandoned in the event of further racism.

    In pillar three – ‘criminal charges’ – Fifa called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country, and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.

    Fifa also said it would promote education initiatives with schools and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.

  • Juventus dismisses manager Tudor after just 7 months in charge

    Juventus dismisses manager Tudor after just 7 months in charge

    Juventus have parted ways with their coach, Igor Tudor, just seven months into their deal. Their deal, which was expected to expire in June 2028, was abruptly truncated on Monday, October 27, after their eight-game winless streak.

    The club announced Tudor’s dismissal after they played Lazio on Sunday, October 26. This left them eighth on the Serie A table.

    “The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” Juventus announced in a social media post.

    Juventus added that Massimiliano Brambilla will take charge of the side for their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Wednesday (17:30 GMT).

    “Massimo Brambilla will take temporary charge of the first team”, they continued.

    The Old Lady are six points behind leaders Napoli, and have failed to win in their last five league matches.  Juventus are 25th in the Champions League group stage table, having lost once and drawn twice in their opening three matches.

    This comes barely a week after This comes after the club parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days when his contract was expected to expire in June next year.

    Following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, the hierarchy bid him farewell just seventeen minutes after.

    Taking his place, the club announced a former player, Dyche as the new boss in a formal statement shared on their website by their communications department. They mentioned him to be the one to take charge of their match against FC Porto on Thursday, with a contract that runs until 2027.

    “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos. The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

    He will be working with former teammates Ian Woan and Steve Ston.

    “ Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s”, the statement read.

    Forest is confident of Sean Dyche’s tactical prowess and leadership skills to see the club to its next level, citing that “the appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    “A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter. Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces, qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity,” the statement mentioned.

    It continued that, “As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    Postecoglu did not win any of his eight games in charge – drawing two and losing six – after he was brought in to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked just three matches into the campaign.

    Forest are 18th in the league table after one win in eight games during what has been a difficult start to the season.

    “It’s a mess, isn’t it?” said BBC Sport football pundit Chris Sutton on the Monday Night Club before Dyche’s appointment was confirmed.

    “If Dyche gets over the line, it is an admission that they got it wrong with Ange Postecoglou and are thinking about survival.

    “Dyche has always managed clubs where it has been a struggle. He bucked the trend at Burnley and got the best out of the players he had and proved himself to be a competent manager. At Everton, he took over a team in trouble and stabilised the club. He had points deductions to contend with. Forest wants to stay in the league, so it seems a sensible appointment. They won’t go down, they have too many good players.”

    Dyche’s appointment marks the club’s third since the start of this season. So far, the club’s ‘sacking spree’ adds to a record of some of the shortest dismissal cases in football coaching history, signifying the club’s resolve to get to the top.

    Ten Hag’s 2 months stint at Bayer was a similar case of short-term stay with a club, particularly in the history of the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen parted ways with Dutch coach Erik ten Hag after barely two months of his stint with the club.

    Management of the club confirmed his dismissal on Monday, September 1, in a statement on its official website and social media handles.

    The statement, which included comments from the CEO and the Managing Director for sports, mentioned the discomfort relating to their parting due to the short-term nature of the Dutchman’s has with them.

    “Bayer 04 has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag with immediate effect. The assistant coaching staff will temporarily take over training duties”, parts of the statement read.

    It continued with remarks from the CEO, Fernando Carro, who stated that,

    “A separation at this early stage of the season is painful, but from our perspective, it was necessary. Our goal remains to achieve the set season objectives – for that, we need the best possible conditions at all levels and across the entire licensed division. Now the focus is on fully reinstating and utilising these conditions.”

    Also, Bayer Leverkusen’s Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes, highlighted that the team have had to make this decision for the general good of the team, citing the club’s performance over the last few weeks.

  • Bayern Munich revokes Jerome Boateng’s internship offer after fan protests

    Bayern Munich revokes Jerome Boateng’s internship offer after fan protests

    German-born defender and former Bayern Munich player Jerome Boateng has missed an opportunity to take up a coaching internship at a top-tier club where he spent nearly a decade.

    This comes after the club announced the revocation of the former player’s opportunity to intern, following protests from fans over Jerome’s conviction on July 19, 2024, by a Munich regional court of premeditated bodily harm against his former partner during a violent altercation during a Caribbean vacation in 2018. 

    Jerome’s ex-partner, the mother of his children, accused him of throwing a lamp at her, which missed, after which he followed with a small box that injured her arm.

    Consequently, following head coach Vincent Kompany’s announcement of having Boateng join the German champions for “an internship for a few weeks” during a press conference in September, after Jerome’s official announcement of his retirement from football, fans have brutally protested, particularly on Saturday, October 19, 2025, during Bayern’s home match against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

    Some fans in the Südkurve (South Stand) displayed a large banner reading: “Whoever gives the offender space shares his guilt, f*** off, Boateng!”

    The protests were part of a broader backlash, including an online petition and widespread criticism on social media.

    Kompany, during a post-match interview, was asked about the club’s decision regarding the former player’s internship offer, but dodged the question. 

    He said, “Nice try. Let’s first talk about the game. Only the sporting side is important today.”

    However, Bayern later released a statement announcing that the offer to intern with the club had been suspended temporarily.

    The statement read: “In a constructive exchange between FC Bayern and Jerome Boateng this week, it was decided that Jerome Boateng will not intern at FC Bayern. Jerome feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer damage due to the current controversial discussion surrounding his person.”

    The club’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, speaking during a media engagement, described Jerome’s case as“a complicated” one, citing the need to grant people in such cases rehabilitation.

    “I believe that every person is entitled to rehabilitation. The verdict should be considered in its entirety. Again, we have no employment relationship with Jerome. Jerome has been a long-time player with us and has won many titles with us. And if there is an agreement for him to watch some training sessions, as is the case as a coach, then that’s absolutely fine,” he said.

    Jerome, on the other hand, took to his official Instagram page, where he expressed his appreciation to the club, Kompany and the fans as well. He mentioned he had decided to focus and getting a coaching licences and other important matters.

    It read: “Dear FC Bayern, dear Vincent: after the recent discussions about my person, I have decided to focus on my subjects – the A license, RYZR, and Arena2. That’s currently my focus, and your full focus should solely be on the pitch – and the goal of continuing this impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins.

    “I’m very grateful to the club’s management and to you, dear Vincent, for the trust and the opportunity to be a part of it. I wholeheartedly wish… that you achieve your big goals by the end of the season. I also want to sincerely thank the many fans for the numerous messages and their support.”

    In addition to playing over 200 games for Bayern, Boateng also represented Hertha Berlin, Hamburg and Manchester City, and made 76 appearances for Germany, with whom he won the 2014 World Cup.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s Thomas Partey is currently embroiled in a legal tussle regarding sexual misconduct.

    The Ghanaian international’s legal woes just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.

    In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on on at least four separate occasions without her consent.

    Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.

    Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.

    However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.

    The statement issued by Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, noted:“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

    The lawyer noted that as legal proceedings are ongoing, her client will not make any further comment on the matter. Under UK law, rape and sexual assault are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets out clear definitions and penalties for these crimes.

    Rape is defined as intentional penile penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person without their consent and without a reasonable belief that they consent.

  • Rooney blames Liverpool’s current form on ‘poor leadership’ by Salah,Virgil

    Rooney blames Liverpool’s current form on ‘poor leadership’ by Salah,Virgil

    Winners of last year’s Premier League title have had an inconsistent form this season, having lost five out of nine games.

    In their last match against Brentford, they suffered a 2-3 loss, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency.

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

    Meanwhile, Rooney has been quite vocal about Man Utd’s form. Man Utd have had a disappointing run since Amorim’s takeover from Eric ten Hag.

    According to Rooney, he sees faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club. 

    “I just don’t know what’s going on. I have tried my hand at management, and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager, and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd. I honestly hope he can turn it around, and he does. But… after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it,” he said on his BBC podcast.

    However, Man Utd has won its last three matches. After their second win in a row, speaking during his post-match press conference, Amorim stated that, 

    “It’s everything combined for the fans if you ask them on two wins in a row after so many years, it is really important for me that it is back-to-back; it doesn’t matter about the opponent, it is just the feeling of winning.”

    But he said his focus was to achieve a three-in-a-row win as Man Utd gear up for their Premier League Matchweek 9 match with Brighton on Saturday, 25 October at Old Trafford, 17:30 BST (16:30 UTC).

    “The important thing is to think three in a row and that’s the focus”, Amorim said to the BBC after the game.”

    Before this back-to-back win, Head coach Amorim had taken just 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge. But his record as of October 20 put him just a point above his previous.

    Man Utd lost for the fourth game in a row in all competitions, but for Amorim, bagging two EPL wins in a row was an important mark chalked in his first full season at the club.

    However, it appears Amorim’s tactics, which came under heavy criticism, are producing the results he anticipated they would.

    Rooney’s former club are also enjoying a resurgence, with a 4-2 win over Brighton making it three on the trot and lifting them to sixth place, level on points with Manchester City and one clear of Liverpool.

    Part of that success has been down to the form of forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored three of his five goals in the last two games.

    Rooney admitted he was not convinced when United brought him to the club in the summer for £65m from Brentford, but said the 26-year-old Cameroon international is now living up to expectations.

    “His energy, his work-rate, his desire, is what you need to be a United player. I did say that I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is he belongs there,” added Rooney.

    “He’s been consistent with his performances, I think that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you will score 20 goals a season.”

    On September 14, Man Utd suffered an embarrassing defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds lost against their rivals in a 0-3 derby with a brace from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

    Speaking in a post-match conference, Amorim addressed some mistakes made by his side, highlighting the confused state of the players at times. According to him, some goals could have been avoided, but he admits he made poor decisions during the game.

    On his tactical philosophy, which has come under massive attack, particularly after the derby defeat against City, he reiterated that he will not change it. Some critics have slammed him for his 3-4-3 setup, which appears to be affecting players like Bruno Fernandes or Benjamin Šešk, given United’s current position on the league table.

    “It’s not a record that you should have at Manchester United… But I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”

  • 2026 Budget presentation reportedly scheduled for Nov. 13 

    2026 Budget presentation reportedly scheduled for Nov. 13 

    A report from Joy Business suggests that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy will be presented to Parliament on November 13.

    The proposed date, which is subject to parliamentary approval, will mark the government’s first major budget presentation since winning the 2024 elections and having nearly nine months to steer the economy.

    The presentation of the year-ahead budget is per the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) of Ghana, which was passed by Parliament and assented to on August 25, 2016, and it governs how public funds are managed across all government entities.

    The Act mandates that the Finance Minister, acting on behalf of the President, lay before Parliament, not later than the 15th of November of each financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditures of the government.
    According to some analysts, the 2025 Budget mostly followed the same plans, ideas, and policies that the erstwhile government set up.

    In July this year, the Finance Minister, Ato Forson, mentioned that the Mahama-led administration will present its 2026 budget and economic statement to Parliament in October 2025, instead of November 2025.

    With this, Parliament would have about an additional month to debate the 2026 budget before the House goes on recess in late December. He noted that the timeline for the presentation of the budget will aid thorough deliberation, allowing room for alterations before the budget comes into force at the beginning of 2026.

    “We are aiming to present the 2026 budget to Parliament by the end of October 2025. Preparations are already underway. We want to avoid the delays and uncertainties of the past. This government is committed to proper planning and transparency,” he disclosed during an appearance on a special edition of PM EXPRESS with host Evans Mensah on July 24.

    However, the Finance Ministry later announced in a statement in August that November 15 would be the new date for the budget presentation. In the same statement, it requested inputs from the general public to be considered in the 2026–2029 National Budget.

    The inputs, the Ministry said, were to be submitted electronically to bdru@mofep.gov.gh by close of business on Friday, 29th August, 2025.

    This call was in line with the government’s responsiveness to the needs of the Ghanaian citizenry to deepen citizens’ participation in the budget process, as well as implement inclusive policies.

    Consequently, the Finance Ministry has reportedly completed several rounds of stakeholder engagements and industry consultations to finalise the policies and programs that will feature in the 2026 Budget.

    In earlier interviews, Dr Forson has listed economic growth, development and job creation, particularly for Ghana’s ballooning youth and deepening unemployment crisis, as the main focus of the 2026 Budget.

    Sources also suggest that the Finance Minister is set to introduce new policy measures aimed at reforming the tax system and improving revenue mobilisation.

    According to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Sarpong, the 2026 Budget will include a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT), with the effective rate expected to be reduced from 22% to 20%.

    This adjustment is part of ongoing reforms to simplify the VAT structure and make it more business-friendly.
    Additionally, Dr Forson is expected to review several tax levies, including the COVID-19 levy, as part of efforts to ease the tax burden on businesses and households.

    With Ghana set to exit the IMF programme in May 2026, attention will also be on how the Finance Minister plans to manage the economy in the post-programme period.

    The 2026 Budget will, therefore, be one of the government’s most significant economic policy documents, setting the tone for fiscal management and growth strategy after the IMF programme.

    Another key area of interest for industry players and economists will be how Dr Ato Forson intends to manage the fiscal deficit and expenditure in 2026 while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

    During the mid-year budget review, the Finance Minister announced the abolition of certain levies, including the e-levy, betting tax, and emissions levy, and provided projections for the country’s growth and other key indicators. He insisted that the government would stick to what was announced earlier this year. “We are not changing course. The growth target, the fiscal deficit, and the inflation target—all of it remains as announced in the 2025 Budget. We are sticking to it.” “The economy is responding well. We’ve seen 5.3% GDP growth in Q1, inflation is falling, and the cedi is stable. So there’s no need to revise the framework.”

    His comments came a few weeks after the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) announced the sixth consecutive reduction in the inflation rate this year so far. According to GSS, as of June, the country recorded a 13.7 percent rate, a 4.7 percent decline from the 18.4 percent rate reported in May.

    This is also the lowest rate recorded since February 2022 at the time. Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, following the release of data on July 2, noted that the reduction in the rate was due to the decline in prices of foodstuffs and other items.

    Subsequently, Ghana has recorded a single-digit inflation with September 2025’s falling to 9.4%, marking the country’s first return to single-digit inflation since August 2021.

  • CAF’s second-place playoff formula under fire: A call for fairness, not penalisation

    CAF’s second-place playoff formula under fire: A call for fairness, not penalisation

    When Eritrea withdrew from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) faced an awkward problem.

    One of its nine qualification groups would shrink from six teams to five, meaning teams in that group would play only 8 matches (maximum 24 points) instead of the 10 matches (maximum 30 points) played by second-placed teams in all other groups.

    To address this imbalance, CAF decreed that for the purpose of ranking second-place finishers, all second-place teams from 10-team groups would have the results against the sixth-placed team in their group excluded (i.e., “deducted”) so that they would, in effect, be compared on an 8-match basis.

    However, that decision has now sparked outrage.

    Teams like Burkina Faso that met all the rules and played their full complement of matches have been penalised by this adjustment, and they have lost eligibility for the play-off stage, whilst Nigeria (originally not among the top four runners-up) has gained entry.

    Many observers argue that CAF’s method is unfair and arbitrary.

    The withdrawal of one team should not lead to the elimination or demotion of otherwise deserving teams.

    Why the current CAF method is Problematic?

    1. Punishing Strong Performance
    Burkina Faso, for example, earned high points over all ten matches, including those against the bottom team.

    By removing those results, they drop in the ranking among second-placed teams.

    2. Lack of Proportional Fairness
    The CAF method treats match results as binary.

    That is to count or not to count, but it ignores that in a 10-match group, which excludes two matches, is far more punishing than excluding none.

    Teams in Eritrea’s group effectively had no matches removed, whilst teams in other groups lost weighting for their “easy” results.

    3. Transparency and Fairness Concerns
    The decision to deduct matches against the bottom side was announced late (around March 2025, after the qualifications had started).

    Such a method penalizes teams or countries that fairly accumulated points across all fixtures.

    4. Distortion of competitive incentives
    Once the bottom-team exclusion rule is known, teams may alter tactics, rest players, or deprioritise certain matches, and that will undermine competitive integrity.

    In short, why should Burkina Faso lose their rightful place in a play-off just because one group had one fewer participant?

    The withdrawal of a nation should not cascade into penalising innocent competitors.

    A better approach: Use Percentage/Average Points

    A more equitable and mathematically sound approach would be to normalise performance by percentage or average points per match. Concretely:

    1. For teams that played 10 matches, you compute:
    (Points earned ÷ 30) × 100 = Percentage score

    2. For teams in Eritrea’s group (8 matches maximum), you compute:
    (Points earned ÷ 24) × 100 = Percentage score

    Using that approach, every second-placed team is judged relative to its maximum possible, not by discarding selected matches.

    No country loses a result it earned; no team is advantaged by exclusion.

    This is fair, transparent, and proportionally balanced.

    Re-ranking the Second-place Teams Under the Average System

    The second-placed teams in Africa following the 2026 World Cup qualifications earned the following total points: Burkina Faso in Group A with 21 points, DR Congo in Group B with 22 points, Nigeria in Group C with 17 points, Cameroon in Group D with 19 points, Niger in Group E with 15 points, Gabon in Group F with 25 points, Uganda in Group G with 18 points, Namibia in Group H with 15 points, and Madagascar in Group I with 19 points.

    Using the solution proposed here, these are the percentages of the second-best teams from Group A (first group) to Group I (last group).

    Burkina Faso scored 70.00%, DR Congo 73.33%, Nigeria 56.67%, Cameroon 63.33%, and Niger 62.50% (calculated by dividing by 24 instead of 30).

    Gabon achieved 83.33%, Uganda 60.00%, Namibia 50.00% and Madagascar 63.33%.

    In light of this, the top four countries are Gabon with 83.33%, DR Congo with 73.33%, Burkina Faso with 70.00%, and Cameroon and Madagascar each with 63.33%. The total number of goals and other known tie breakers could be used to select one between Cameroon and Madagascar.

    Thus, the average method delivers the same top four, but in a way that is fairer, defensible, and removes the moral grievance.

    Conclusion and plea

    CAF’s decision to deduct matches against the bottom team is understandable in its intention to equalise match counts, but flawed in execution.

    It burdens innocent teams and injects a distortion into the ranking.

    A simple percentage (points ÷ maximum possible) system would have ensured that no team is penalised for a third party’s withdrawal.

    No one loses “earned” points; all are judged on relative performance.

    If CAF wishes to maintain its integrity and avoid controversies, it should adopt the average-points approach immediately for this and in future tournaments so that no country is unfairly punished for events beyond its control.

    By: Scott Edward Agyemang

    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

  •  2026 World Cup: Kurt Okraku speaks on Otto Addo’s future with Black Stars

     2026 World Cup: Kurt Okraku speaks on Otto Addo’s future with Black Stars

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has responded to concerns about the future of Black Stars headcoach Otto Addo.

    Otto Addo’s second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.

    Speaking in reaction to this, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku,said, Otto Addo remains Black Stars headcoach and is expected to lead Ghana to Mexico, Canada and the USA where the World Cup is expected to be hosted in 2026.

    “Otto Addo is our coach. He qualified us for the World Cup in a grand style, and he will take Black Stars to the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    “In Qatar, we had a decent outing and the stats are there, but as a human, he will make mistakes, but he will stay, and he will lead the team to the World Cup,” he added. 

    The Black Stars will find out their group-stage opponents for the 2026 tournament on December 5.

    Kurt’s remarks follows Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr Randy Abbey’s who intimated that Black Stars head coach Otoo Addo remains the team’s coach, stressing that “his employers have not said they are done with him”.

    speaking during an engagement with Asempa FM, acknowledged the public’s concerns but stated that, as it stands, the employers of the former Dortmund coach haven’t expressed their disinterest in Otto Addo’s role as head coach, hence the need to shift all focus on celebrating the feat he has attained.

    “From the time we came in, look at the statistics. Otto Addo is the head coach of the Black Stars, and that has not changed. I don’t have any issues with the ongoing discussions. He has a contract, and his contract has not ended. His employers have not said they are done with him. He has qualified for the World Cup, and he must be celebrated for that, but every Ghanaian deserves to have an opinion, and Otto Addo remains the Black Stars coach,” Dr Abbey said.

    Responding to a question about whether the committee had identified any weaknesses within Addo’s technical set-up, Dr Abbey replied, “Except God, everyone has weaknesses.”

    The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, earlier noted that the dismissal of Otto Addo is not a solo decision he can make, but several factors will need to be considered before a decision about the coach’s future is made.

    “If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” “I pay him, but it is not my decision alone. The GFA has a role to play, and it is not about this or not and going forward, we will have all these conversations,” Mr Adams said during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, emphasised that Addo remains the head coach and deserves full support from all Ghanaians.

    Ivory Coast sacked their coach during AFCON, and their assistant coach, Emerse Faé, led them to win the AFCON. If you are determined, you will bring success. At this moment, he is our coach, and we have to support him.”

    Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, with the Ghana FA website, the former Dortmund talent coach intimated that his focus is to make Ghanaians happy and not to worry about keeping his job, a situation he has no control over.

    “What happens after is not in my hands. I hope that a lot of people, if we win, can go to America. We have to win this game. This is what we are looking at. If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy,” he said.

    Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5. FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to 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.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

    Ghana’s qualification marks their fifth appearance at the World Cup, following previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Among African nations, only Cameroon (8), Morocco (7), Tunisia (7), and Nigeria (6) have made more appearances on the world stage.

    The Black Stars accrued 25 points after their final World Cup qualifier. Initially sitting in third place after two rounds of matches, Ghana began their campaign against Madagascar on November 17, 2023, securing a 1–0 home victory on Matchday 1, before suffering a 1–0 away loss to Comoros on Matchday 2, November 21, 2023. The team bounced back strongly on March 21, delivering a convincing 4–0 win over Chad.

    This set the tone for another win against Madagascar on March 24. Ghana defeated Madagascar 3–0 in Morocco, with a brace from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus bringing the team’s points to 15. They remained atop the group until their last game on October 12.

    Also, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher, beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

  • Forget a call-up if you snubbed , disrespected us earlier – GFA President to foreign-born players

    Forget a call-up if you snubbed , disrespected us earlier – GFA President to foreign-born players

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA 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.

    Following this, several foreign-born players, including Hudson Oddoi, Eddie Nketiah, Francis Amuzu and other players, have expressed their readiness to switch their allegiance from their current countries to Ghana to represent at the global tournament in 2025.

    Speaking on the issue and matters arising concerning it, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, during an interview with 3Sports, explicitly stated that Ghana will not make room for just talent but genuine commitment, respect and love for Ghana.

    Referring to his son, who was born and raised in the UK, the GFA President noted that his outfit has no intention to snub any talent, but these players must demonstrate they understand their roots and are committed to making a difference in the team.

    “To be honest, we treat these matters on a case-by-case basis. I often use my own son, Kurt Junior, as an example,” Okraku explained.

    “He was born and schooled in England, and if he were as talented as Abedi Pele, I wouldn’t deny him the chance to play for Ghana just because he was born abroad. But if he wants to represent Ghana, he must show that he loves, respects, and is committed to Ghana. Thankfully, he visits Ghana every year, so he understands his roots.”

    He also stressed that GFA will not entertain players who are suddenly showing interest in representing Ghana just because the squad made it to the tournament, adding that players who previously turned down opportunities to represent the Black Stars would not automatically be reconsidered.

    “I don’t want mercenaries coming to Ghana. I don’t want players jumping on board just because we’ve qualified for the Mundial. I want players who love Ghana, who play from the heart, with passion, and are proud to represent the nation in every competition.”

    “I’ve been very categorical; if you refused us in the past or showed disrespect to Ghana, I won’t open the door to you just because we’ve made it to the World Cup.

    “I don’t care about what the coach wants in that regard. You must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you want to wear the national colours, that you’re proud to be Ghanaian, and that you’re fully committed to the flag,” he added.

    The Black Stars are scheduled to learn their group opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5.

    His remarks about the call-up come to affirm the Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo’s, during a media engagement days ago.

    Speaking during an interview with 3Sports, which was aired on Tuesday, October 15, Otto Addo explicitly stated that players who have ignored their calls despite continuous efforts from the national team’s technical staff since 2021 should not expect any call-up now that the Black Stars have secured their ticket to the World Cup.

    “We will look at each case one by one. There are players I have been chasing since 2021, who didn’t reply to our calls or want to come. It’s a different thing if we haven’t approached you and now you want to come. But if we have been approaching you all the way and you said no, and now we are at the World Cup, so you want to come, that’s a different matter,” Addo said.

    His remarks follow reports that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are considering switching allegiance to play for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    On his part, unity and commitment from and among the players have played a significant role in the team’s performance, hence the need to check a player’s commitment before giving them an opportunity.

    “I think Ghana should always have a certain pride. As a country, we need to check the commitment of each player. We have very good unity, and we don’t want to destroy it by bringing in players who don’t have commitment,” he added.

    About Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah

    Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are both English-born footballers of Ghanaian descent. Hudson-Odoi plays for Nottingham Forest, while Nketiah plays for Crystal Palace.

    News about their joining Black Star surfaced around 2021-2023; however, it died out after reports of the players’ request for more time to ponder over the offer and make a decision.

    However, this month, it was reported that, following Ghana’s heavy win against the Central African Republic, these players have expressed their readiness to join the team in Ghana.

    Nketiah, during an appearance on The Beautiful Game podcast openly declared, “If Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”

    Oddoi, on the other hand, in June 2021, ahead of the 2022 World Cup, was allegedly contacted by the Ghana FA officials about switching allegiance. Soon after, he visited Ghana that summer, and he met with President Akufo-Addo and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, who urged him to consider playing for the Black Stars, but Hudson-Odoi did not commit.

    Subsequently, in November 2021, Oddoi, during a BBC Interview “I think obviously when you’re young and you’ve played for England, that’s something that you’re always proud of… but I feel like Ghana is my home as well.”

    He added that he was “open to anything” and would make a decision when the time was right.

    Also, Hudson-Odoi did not respond to Ghana’s invitations for AFCON 2023 qualifiers. But Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku confirmed in early 2023 that Hudson-Odoi had been contacted but had not completed the FIFA nationality switch.

    Meanwhile, 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.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will embark on an Asian tour to face South Korea and Japan as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    This was officially announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on October 9, in a press release following Ghana’s 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

  • “She was a true champion”- Dr Bawumia mourns Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

    “She was a true champion”- Dr Bawumia mourns Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

    Former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has offered his deepest condolences to the family of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

    “To the children and family of the late Madam Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, I share in your sorrow and extend my deepest condolences on your loss,” he shared on his official Facebook page.

    Dr Bawumia described her passing as a great loss to the nation and to the cause of women’s empowerment in Ghana, lauding her unflinching support and commitment to promoting the rights of women and girls.

    He praised the former First Lady for being a movement and not just a talker for women’s rights and an advocate.

    He lauded Rawlings for being more than just an advocate, but a movement leader who inspired and mobilised women across the country to fight for equality and leadership.

    “Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy defined by her unwavering commitment to the nation’s women and girls. Throughout her time as First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and beyond, she was a true champion of women’s advocacy. She didn’t just speak about women’s rights; she mobilised a movement.

    “Her work empowered countless women across Ghana to achieve financial independence and take up leadership roles. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” the former Vice President concluded, Dr Bawumia stated.

    The Rawlings family has appealed to the public for privacy as they mourn the passing of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

    Nana Konadu passed after a brief illness on Thursday, October 23, at the Ridge Hospital.

    Speaking at a brief press conference at her Ridge residence in Accra, the family head, Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh, announced that details regarding the burial of Ghana’s first female presidential candidate would be communicated in due course by the President. He, however, urged the public to allow the family some privacy as they mourn their beloved.

    “At this stage, we are in deep mourning and respectfully ask for privacy. All further announcements will be made by the government,” the family head stated.

    Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh, son of the late Otumfour Sir Agyemang Prempeh, who is also Otumfour Akomfrehene. Photo: GBC

    The late former President Jerry John Rawlings’ passing has been formally communicated to the Asante Overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is his cousin, according to Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh.

    Known widely as the Iron Lady of Ghanaian politics, she rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through her bold activism and fearless advocacy. Beyond being a former First Lady, she made history as the first woman to contest for the presidency in Ghana—an achievement that solidified her reputation as a pioneer.

    Her life reflected unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and a determination to challenge established norms, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential female leaders in Ghana’s post-independence history.

    The Longest Serving First Lady

    Nana Konadu Agyeman, born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, began her education at Achimota School, where she would later meet her husband, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.

    She pursued Art and Textiles at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and furthered her studies abroad, earning a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts in 1975. Her quest for knowledge continued with a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management and a certificate in Development from GIMPA, underscoring her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal growth.

    Her marriage to Rawlings in 1977 marked the beginning of her deep involvement in Ghana’s political evolution. As First Lady, she served during two significant phases of Ghana’s governance—first in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and later from 1981 to 2001 under the PNDC and the Fourth Republic.

    Her 20-year tenure as First Lady, the longest in Ghana’s history, provided her with a unique platform to drive social transformation and advocate for national progress.

    The Engine of Women’s Empowerment: 31st DWM

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is widely recognised as the founder and president of the 31st December Women’s Movement (31st DWM), which she established in 1982.

    Far from being a symbolic organisation, the movement became a dynamic grassroots force dedicated to mobilising and empowering women across Ghana, particularly in rural areas, inspired by her conviction that women held the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

    Its achievements were visible and far-reaching, transforming women’s roles from passive beneficiaries of aid to active participants in the country’s political and economic development.

    Grassroots Mobilisation: It mobilised an estimated two million women across the country, encouraging their participation in community and national decision-making. The Movement established over 870 pre-schools across the regions to free women to engage in economic activities.

    Economic Projects: The 31st DWM supported numerous income-generating activities and small-scale, village-level economic projects, encouraging women to save money for community development.

    Education and Health: It ran extensive functional adult literacy programmes to tackle high illiteracy rates among rural women and implemented public health programmes focusing on nutrition and immunisation.

    Legal and Political Reform: She was instrumental in advocating for legal changes, including the crucial role she played in the adoption of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111), which drastically improved the inheritance rights of widows and children—a vital shift away from traditional barriers where women often had no rights of inheritance upon the death of their husbands. Furthermore, through her efforts, Ghana became the first nation in the world to approve the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991.

    Agyeman-Rawlings often framed the movement as an essential political tool: “Before December 31, 1981, they had no power of influence in law or politics… I can see from the self-esteem and near arrogance of the women that now we’ve actually been able to break through this thick wall,” she once noted, highlighting the movement’s mission to empower.

    An Unyielding Political Force and Trailblazer

    Even after her years as First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings continued to be a formidable presence in Ghana’s political space, known for her strong will and unshakable principles. Her political approach, described by some analysts as femocracy, combined her passion for women’s empowerment with her assertive influence in national affairs. Her rise to the position of First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2009 marked the height of her political engagement within the party.

    Tensions, however, surfaced when she challenged the late President John Atta Mills for the NDC’s flagbearership in 2011, a bold move that unsettled the political establishment. This turning point ultimately led her to establish the National Democratic Party (NDP), symbolising her determination to chart an independent path.

    In 2016, Nana Konadu made history as Ghana’s first female presidential candidate—a milestone that not only broke barriers but also inspired countless women to aspire to leadership. Although she garnered just 0.16% of the votes, her candidacy embodied courage and the relentless pursuit of gender equality in politics.

    Her life reflected endurance, conviction, and an unwavering faith in the potential of Ghanaian women. Through her activism and leadership, she left an indelible mark on the nation, paving the way for generations of women to dream bigger and lead boldly.

  • The Rawlings requests for privacy as they mourn the passing of late former First Lady

    The Rawlings requests for privacy as they mourn the passing of late former First Lady

    The Rawlings family has appealed to the public for privacy as they mourn the passing of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

    Nana Konadu passed after a brief illness on Thursday, October 23, at the Ridge Hospital. 

    Speaking at a brief press conference at her Ridge residence in Accra, the family head, Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh, announced that details regarding the burial of Ghana’s first female presidential candidate would be communicated in due course by the President. He, however, urged the public to allow the family some privacy as they mourn their beloved.

    “At this stage, we are in deep mourning and respectfully ask for privacy. All further announcements will be made by the government,” the family head stated.

    Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh, son of the late Otumfour Sir Agyemang Prempeh, who is also Otumfour Akomfrehene. Photo: GBC

    The late former President Jerry John Rawlings’ passing has been formally communicated to the Asante Overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is his cousin, according to Oheneba Lovelace Prempeh.

    Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey and daughter of the late First Lady, Nana Konadu, Zanetor Rawlings

    “The family has informed His Excellency the President, who, in turn, caused a statement to be issued confirming Nana Konadu’s death.

    Kimathi Rawlings, son of former president Jerry John Rawlings. Photo: GBC

    Known widely as the Iron Lady of Ghanaian politics, she rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through her bold activism and fearless advocacy. Beyond being a former First Lady, she made history as the first woman to contest for the presidency in Ghana—an achievement that solidified her reputation as a pioneer.

    Her life reflected unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and a determination to challenge established norms, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential female leaders in Ghana’s post-independence history.

    The Longest Serving First Lady

    Nana Konadu Agyeman, born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, began her education at Achimota School, where she would later meet her husband, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.

    She pursued Art and Textiles at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and furthered her studies abroad, earning a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts in 1975. Her quest for knowledge continued with a diploma in Advanced Personnel Management and a certificate in Development from GIMPA, underscoring her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal growth.

    Her marriage to Rawlings in 1977 marked the beginning of her deep involvement in Ghana’s political evolution. As First Lady, she served during two significant phases of Ghana’s governance—first in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and later from 1981 to 2001 under the PNDC and the Fourth Republic.

    Her 20-year tenure as First Lady, the longest in Ghana’s history, provided her with a unique platform to drive social transformation and advocate for national progress.

    The Engine of Women’s Empowerment: 31st DWM

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is widely recognised as the founder and president of the 31st December Women’s Movement (31st DWM), which she established in 1982.

    Far from being a symbolic organisation, the movement became a dynamic grassroots force dedicated to mobilising and empowering women across Ghana, particularly in rural areas, inspired by her conviction that women held the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

    Its achievements were visible and far-reaching, transforming women’s roles from passive beneficiaries of aid to active participants in the country’s political and economic development.

    Grassroots Mobilisation: It mobilised an estimated two million women across the country, encouraging their participation in community and national decision-making. The Movement established over 870 pre-schools across the regions to free women to engage in economic activities.

    Economic Projects: The 31st DWM supported numerous income-generating activities and small-scale, village-level economic projects, encouraging women to save money for community development.

    Education and Health: It ran extensive functional adult literacy programmes to tackle high illiteracy rates among rural women and implemented public health programmes focusing on nutrition and immunisation.

    Legal and Political Reform: She was instrumental in advocating for legal changes, including the crucial role she played in the adoption of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111), which drastically improved the inheritance rights of widows and children—a vital shift away from traditional barriers where women often had no rights of inheritance upon the death of their husbands. Furthermore, through her efforts, Ghana became the first nation in the world to approve the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991.

    Agyeman-Rawlings often framed the movement as an essential political tool: “Before December 31, 1981, they had no power of influence in law or politics… I can see from the self-esteem and near arrogance of the women that now we’ve actually been able to break through this thick wall,” she once noted, highlighting the movement’s mission to empower.

    An Unyielding Political Force and Trailblazer

    Even after her years as First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings continued to be a formidable presence in Ghana’s political space, known for her strong will and unshakable principles.

    Her political approach—described by some analysts as femocracy—combined her passion for women’s empowerment with her assertive influence in national affairs. Her rise to the position of First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2009 marked the height of her political engagement within the party.

    Tensions, however, surfaced when she challenged the late President John Atta Mills for the NDC’s flagbearership in 2011, a bold move that unsettled the political establishment. This turning point ultimately led her to establish the National Democratic Party (NDP), symbolising her determination to chart an independent path.

    In 2016, Nana Konadu made history as Ghana’s first female presidential candidate—a milestone that not only broke barriers but also inspired countless women to aspire to leadership. Although she garnered just 0.16% of the votes, her candidacy embodied courage and the relentless pursuit of gender equality in politics.

    Her life reflected endurance, conviction, and an unwavering faith in the potential of Ghanaian women. Through her activism and leadership, she left an indelible mark on the nation, paving the way for generations of women to dream bigger and lead boldly.

  • CPP distances itself from petition seeking Mahama’s removal

    CPP distances itself from petition seeking Mahama’s removal

    The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has distanced itself from a petition calling for the removal of President John Dramani Mahama from office.

    During an appearance on JoyPrime on October 18, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Wayoe Ghanamannti, announced that he has filed a petition to Parliament to launch an impeachment process against President John Dramani Mahama over his failed commitment to tackle small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, in accordance with Article 69.

    On his part, the president’s current posture towards galamsey is tantamount to deception, claiming that he made promises while in opposition just to get Ghanaians to vote him into power.

    “In the 2024 election, I was clear that when we come, galamsey will be off because we are stopping all licences. And at the end of the day, the NDC used the system of being angry about galamsey, capitalised on it so that, ‘let’s put the fire on the NPP.’ They come into power, and it’s the same thing.

    “Now we have a gold board that is going behind and buying them (galamsey gold). So both NDC and NPP cannot stop galamsey.

    He added, “And that is why I’ve brought an action of the highest form of accountability — that we should look at Article 69 and impeach the president. When Parliament comes, the Speaker must look at it. I’ve already submitted this.”

    In reaction to this, the party’s hierarchy, in a statement dated October 22 and signed by its chairperson and leader, Comrade Wing Commander Patrick Nelson Sogbodjor, revealed that, 

    “It has come to the attention of the Convention People’s Party that its former Flagbearer’s running mate in the 2024 Presidential Elections, stated on a television programme recently, that he has petitioned Parliament to remove His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama from office as President.

    The Convention People’s Party states unequivocally that its Central Committee, the highest administrative organ of the Party, has not sanctioned such a move”, parts of the statement read.

    The CPP said Gjanamanti’s comments do not represent the position of the party and should be treated as a personal opinion.

    The party urged the public to disregard any attempts to link it to the petition, reaffirming its commitment to upholding transparency, unity, and the values on which the CPP was founded.

    “Any attempts by anyone whatsoever to associate the Party with the Petition should kindly be disregarded. Thank you,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the devastating effect of galamsey on the country’s economy and vegetation has heightened calls on the president to declare a state of emergency. However, However, President John Dramani Mahama, at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), emphasised that he will only declare a State of Emergency when his government’s advisors give him the nod.

    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralise or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should adopt technology to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring in new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now, with the elephant in the room, State of Emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the President acts on the advice of the National Security Council. And as of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a State of Emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, boss, now we need a State of Emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

    President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops and invests more resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle may be a long one, but his administration is committed to winning it.

    The menace continues to threaten not only Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, and forest reserves but also the country’s energy infrastructure. Earlier this month, Ghana Water Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) blamed illegal mining activities for the 200% tariff increment proposal under the 2025–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order. The Director of Communications for ECG, William Boateng, made this public on Tuesday, October 14.

    “They are digging and moving towards the roads and trenches, which is very dangerous. Anytime we have the slightest rainfall, the poles come down because the base has been weakened. That affects the stability of the power supply.

    “It costs us more money to fix the fallen poles and restore the line. Beyond that, we are also losing unserved energy power that we’ve already purchased but cannot deliver to customers,” Mr. Boateng noted. In September, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) received proposals from eight utility companies calling for a significant adjustment in utility tariffs to ensure they can fully operate at capacity. Proposals from the electricity distributors and the water provider for the 2025–2029 tariff period cite rising operational costs and the need to maintain efficient service delivery.

    The eight companies include the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), and Ghana National Gas Limited, among others.

    ECG is pushing for a massive 225% hike in its distribution service charge. For instance, a household consuming 150 kWh monthly would pay an additional GHS64, while a residence using 100 kWh per month would pay about GHS43 more in distribution charges. As part of ECG’s request, the current Distribution Service Charge (DSC) of 19 pesewas per kilowatt-hour should be raised to nearly 62 pesewas per kilowatt-hour.

    “The PURC will undertake the major adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2025 to reflect capacity charges, additional liquid fuel usage, and additional capex. The current charge is below industry benchmarks, and cedi depreciation has reduced its value. US$408 million spent on network upgrades and smart meters,” parts of ECG’s petition read.

    ECG has emphasised that the adjustment has long been overdue, noting that in 2022 it proposed 39.95 pesewas, but only 19.04 pesewas was approved.

    According to ECG, it has invested $48 million in network upgrades and smart metering systems to enhance power reliability, reduce outages, and align tariffs with international industry standards, yet these efforts have not yielded the expected cost recovery.

    Furthermore, ECG has projected an annual revenue of GHS9.5 billion between 2025 and 2029 if the new charges are approved. The proceeds, according to the utility company, would be allocated to cover operational costs, depreciation of assets, staff salaries, and the recovery of recent capital expenditures.

  • Inaki Williams’ availability for Ghana’s friendlies in doubt as he picks up injury

    Inaki Williams’ availability for Ghana’s friendlies in doubt as he picks up injury

    Ghana international Inaki Williams has picked up an injury, bringing into question his availability for the Black Stars’ friendlies with Japan. 

    The Athletic Bilbao captain picked up the injury during Athletic Bilbao’s 3-1 win over Qarabag on Wednesday, October 22. He was substituted at the 38th minute after feeling discomfort. A post-match assessment by the medical team confirmed he had suffered an adductor injury. 

    The club confirmed his injury in a statement shared on their website on Thursday, revealing that it affects the adductor muscle in his right leg. 

    “Iñaki Williams had to be subbed off in the 38th minute of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Qarabag FK after suffering an injury to the adductor muscles in his right leg”, a statement from the club read.

    However, the club didn’t specify the timeline for his recovery but noted that, he has began treatment for the injury.

    This is the latest injury to a Spanish-born Ghanaian who has a reputation as an iron man. Williams missed Ghana’s 5-0 win over the Central African Republic and 1-0 win over the Comoros in the World Cup qualifiers due to a muscle overload in his left leg in October.

    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.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, Ghana will take on Japan on November 14 and South Korea on November 18 in friendly games after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Due to the unspecfied timeline of Inaki’s recovery pundits and football fans are speculating the possibility of his absence.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, during a media appearance, called on the Ghana-Spanish-born player to adapt better to the team as Ghana gears up for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

    Williams, who missed Ghana’s final two qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros due to injury, has scored just two goals in 25 appearances since switching allegiance from Spain in 2022.

    Speaking exclusively to Joy Sports, Addo emphasized the need for the Athletic Bilbao striker to better integrate into the team’s setup.

    “We have to find a better connection with him, and he has to adapt better with the squad,” Addo said.

    The coach also acknowledged that he must play his part in helping Williams thrive.

    “I also have to find the best position for him. If we all work on that, we’ll benefit because he has the quality,” he added.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

  • GSS reports a 3.2% rise in September Producer Price Inflation

    GSS reports a 3.2% rise in September Producer Price Inflation

    Ghana’s year-on-year Producer Price Inflation (PPI) for all goods and services saw a slight increase in September, marking a 0.2% point increase from the 3.0% recorded in August 2025, the Ghana Statistical 

    The Statistics Authority says the September PPI stood at 3.2%. Despite the slight increase, it marks a sharp decline of 27.3 percentage points compared to September 2024, when producer inflation was significantly higher.

    On a month-on-month basis, producer prices rose by 0.9% between August and September 2025, meaning that on average, producers received 0.9% more for their goods and services than they did the previous month.

    The Mining and Quarrying sector, which makes the greatest part of the index, with a 43.7% saw a modest uptick in its inflation rate from 4.9% in August to 5.0% in September.

    Similarly, Manufacturing, which accounts for 35% of the PPI weights, recorded a modest uptick from 1.6% to 1.7% over the same period, marking a 6.25% increase.

    However, Transport and Storage prices continued to decline, with inflation in the sector dropping by 8.2% in September, compared to a fall of 8.0% in August 2025.

    The GSS urged businesses to cut waste, improve efficiency, and reinvest savings in technology and skills development to stay competitive amid fluctuating prices. It further encouraged firms to transform inflationary pressures into productivity gains.

    The agency also advised the government to prioritise tax reliefs, address energy and transport bottlenecks, and strengthen local supply chains to make production cheaper and more efficient.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHirfyBRq

    For households, the GSS recommended smart spending habits, urging consumers to compare prices, buy wisely, and support businesses that pass on cost savings.

    “Spend with intention to stretch income and reward fair pricing,” the Service advised.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s Producer Price Inflation (PPI) for June 2025 saw a sharp decline of 5.9%, marking the lowest level since November 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    Presenting the data in a press briefing held on Wednesday, July 16, in Accra, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu indicated that for June alone, there was a deflation of 1.4%, meaning that, on average, producers earned less money for their products than they did in May.

    This comes after a drop of 4.2 percentage points, given the 10.1% rate drop in May, indicating a significant drop of 19.7 percentage points compared to June 2024, when it was 25.6%, marking the fifth month in a row that the PPI has gone down.

    “Ghana Producer Price inflation fell sharply to 5.9% in June 2025, down from 10.1% in May, a 42 percentage point dip in just a month, marking the fifth straight month of decline and the lowest rate since November 2023,” he announced.

    Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu attributed the decline to the mining and manufacturing sectors along with the transport and hospitality sectors.

    The mining and quarrying sector—Ghana’s largest contributor to the PPI with a 43.7% weight—saw inflation fall from 13.7% in May to 6.5% in June. Manufacturing, which contributes about 35% of the PPI basket, dipped from 9.8% to 7.6%.

    Meanwhile, inflation for September 2025 dropped to 9.4% from 11.5% in August this year, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    This marks the ninth month in a row since October 2021. GSS attributed the latest development to the slowdown in food price increases. As of June, the country recorded a 13.7 percent rate, a 4.7 percent decline from the 18.4 percent rate reported in May.

    Food inflation fell by 6.5 percentage points to 16.3 percent, down from 22.8 percent in May, whereas non-food inflation dropped by 3 percentage points to 11.4 percent.

    The Upper West Region recorded the highest regional inflation of 32.3%, largely due to food inflation and utilities. The Bono region recorded the lowest of 8.4%.

    On a regional level, the Upper West Region once again recorded the highest inflation at 24.8%, though this was down from 32.3% in June. This figure is more than twice the national average of 12.1%. In contrast, the Central Region posted the lowest rate at 7.7%.

    Before the release of GSS’s recent data, an economic research firm, IC Research, projected that Ghana’s inflation rate would experience a significant decline, dropping to 16% by the end of June.According to IC Research, the projected improvement is partly driven by the appreciation of the local currency and a reduction in fuel prices, both of which are easing inflationary pressures.

    “The June 2025 CP [Consumer Price Index]I data window recorded a 29.5% month-on-month and 35.3% year-on-year appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar. This exerted downward pressure on prices of imported items, with notable declines in petroleum prices and transport fares.The announced 15.0% reduction in commercial transport fares will continue to restrain transport inflation with downside spillovers for other items.

    “Additionally, we estimate that the lower transport cost likely eased the month-on-month pressure observed for vegetables & tubers last month, potentially sustaining food disinflation in June [2025]. Consequently, we forecast a 240 basis points decline in the June 2025 annual inflation to 16.0% with the month-on-month rate at 0.8%”, IC Research added.

    Ghana ended the year 2024 with 23.8% inflation. In January 2025, inflation slightly declined to 23.5%. And since then, it has continued to ease. In February, inflation declined to 23.1%; it saw another decrease in March to 22.4% and declined again in April to 21.2%.

    Due to the consistent decline in the inflation rate and recorded progress with other macroeconomic variables, the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) Monetary Policy Committee has reduced the monetary policy rate from 28 percent to 25 percent.

    Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, noted that the deceleration was underpinned by the tight monetary policy stance, fiscal consolidation, easing food supply constraints, as well as the strong recovery of the cedi.

    The Bank of Ghana has projected that headline inflation will fall within its medium-term target of 8 ± 2% by the end of 2025.

    The Central Bank attributed this expected decline to tighter monetary policy, the strengthening of the cedi, and continued fiscal consolidation efforts.

    It added that supply-side pressures have eased, resulting in lower food and overall inflation, with risks now tilted to the downside.

    Nonetheless, the Bank warned that some upward risks persist, including supply chain disruptions, global trade tensions, a 2.5% increase in utility tariffs, and a new 1.0% energy levy on ex-pump prices, which could push inflation up.

  • Police rescue 57 Nigerians from human trafficking syndicate in Tema; arrest five

    Police rescue 57 Nigerians from human trafficking syndicate in Tema; arrest five

    Fifty-seven (57) Nigerian nationals have been rescued from a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating at Adom Estates, Community 25.

    This comes after a strategic operation which took place on Wednesday, October 22,  led by the CID’s Operations Unit following intelligence gathered on the group’s activities.

    The operation led to the arrest of five suspects alleged to be the master minds behind the syndicate. They include Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.

    According to the Police’s preliminary investigations, which were announced through a statement, these suspects lure their victims with promises of jobs and education, and when they finally arrive, they are forced into fraudulent online activities such as romance scams and other illegal activities. 

    According to a press statement issued by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, “Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the statement said.

    During the operation, police retrieved 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-enabled devices suspected to have been used in the crimes. The 57 rescued victims are currently receiving care and support, while the suspects remain in police custody, assisting with further investigations.

    The seized items have been retained for forensic analysis.

    The Police Service has urged the public, especially young people, to be cautious about offers of employment, education, or travel made through social media and other unverified sources.

    “The Police reiterate their determination to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, and related offenses, and urge anyone with credible information on such activities to report to the nearest police station,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (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.

    “EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.

    In July this year, EOCO and QNET signed a joint MoU to clamp down on criminal actors using the name of QNET to traffic persons,” the statement continued.

    EOCO further emphasised its commitment to protecting the public from organised crime and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the office directly via its official channels.

    Meanwhile, barely two months ago, the Ghana Police, in a collaborative intelligence-aided operation with the operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, rescued twenty (20) Ghanaians who were trafficked to the Uyo Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The twenty included 10 females and 10 males, all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals.

    The rescue was announced by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Timfon John, in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

    In the statement, she disclosed that the rescue operation was undertaken following an official request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.

    “On August 18, 2025, operatives of the command successfully rescued 20 Ghanians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    ‘’The human trafficking victims were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, after an operation that was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL, she revealed adding that “the raid led to the rescue of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals,” the statement read.

    The victims who were rescued in a well-fenced building around 4 pm, John revealed, appeared disoriented and unable to speak. Investigators believe their orientation and countenance suggest potential hypnotism hence their inability to assist with investigations.

    “Acting on credible information, operatives surrounded a well-fenced building at approximately 1617 hours on Monday, August 18, 2025

    ‘’The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they might have been hypnotised”, John added.

    However, investigations are underway “…and further developments will be communicated to the public as they become available,’’ the statement added.

    The Nigerian Police supported Operation mark about the third rescue operation successfully carried out by the Ghana Police Service this year.

    About four months ago, a group of two hundred and two (202) Ghanaians who were lured with fake promises such as lucrative job opportunities in foreign countries by a human trafficking and scam syndicate, Q-Net (QuestNet International), operating in Nigeria, were rescued and repatriated, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    “The traffickers lure unsuspecting compatriots under the pretext of facilitating their travel to France or other European countries for lucrative job opportunities”, he said.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. receives first Portugal U16s callup

    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. receives first Portugal U16s callup

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s son has received his first call-up from Portugal’s under-16 squad. Ronaldo Jr., who currently plays with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr’s under-15 team, where his father captains their senior team.

    He has been listed in a 22-player squad for the Federation Cup Tournament, scheduled to take place in Side, Turkey, from 27 October to 5 November 2025.

    The youth tournament will feature matches against teams from Turkey, Wales and England between Oct. 30 and Nov. 4.

    His selection comes after he was called up for Portugal under-15s in May, and his progression continues the prospect of him sharing a pitch with his father.

    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has also spent time in the youth setup at Juventus and Manchester United, his father having played for both clubs before moving to the Saudi Pro League in December 2022.

    CR 7, who made his debut for the under-15s in 2001, has won 223 caps and scored 143 goals for Portugal, both world records in men’s international football.

    His eldest son received his call-up to the Portugal Under-15s squad for the first time in early May to represent Portugal in an upcoming youth tournament in Croatia, scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18.

    For this feat, the young Ronaldo earned his father’s praise, who posted a picture on social media of his son’s name on the national team squad list along with the message, “Proud of you, son”.

    At the tournament, he scored his first brace during a clash against Croatia to help Portugal U-15 clinch the 2025 Vlatko Markovic tournament title.

    Coming off the bench in his first games and this time starting in a clash against Croatia, Ronaldo Jr. delivered a stunning performance, scoring his first-ever goal for the junior national team with a brilliant left-footed strike from a tight angle that the Croatian goalkeeper couldn’t save

    He scored his first goal barely 15 minutes into the game and replicated his father’s iconic “SIUU” celebration.

    Croatia quickly equalised in the 27th minute. However, Cristiano Ronaldo rose again to secure Portugal’s lead in the 43rd minute, meeting a cross and nodding home a precise header.

    Croatia responded quickly, levelling the score at 2-2 in the 60th minute, but Portugal secured the win with a late goal in the 78th minute by Rafael Cabral.

    Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record as the first footballer to be listed as a billionaire according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    Bloomberg said the Portugal prodigy’s net worth an estimated $US1.4bn.

    The billoanire journey began when the former Man Utd striker joined the Arabian side, Al-Nassr.

    The Portugal captain joined the Riyadh-based team in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United following a fall-out with then manager Erik-ten Hag and having criticised the club during an interview with Piers Morgan.

    The 40-year-old striker’s financial ascent comes after he signed a new contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr in June, reportedly worth more than $400m.

    In June, he confirmed an extension of contract with Al-Nassr in a £172m-per-year deal.

    In an X post on June 26, he confirmed another stint with Al-Nassr, saying, “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

    The club also confirmed his stay on X in a post which reads, ” Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.”

    Bloomberg said that Ronaldo earned more than $550m in salary between 2002 and 2023, supplemented by a decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18m annually, and lucrative endorsements with Armani, Castrol and others that added more than $175m to his fortune.

    Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2023 had already made him the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual salary of £177m ($US358m), plus bonuses and a reported 15% share in his Saudi Arabian club.

    Ronaldo’s billionaire status places him among a rare group of athletes that includes basketball greats Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods and tennis player Roger Federer.

    In a separate development, French-born footballer and Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappé, insists that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the Spanish club’s “number one,” and also his all-time role model.

    He intends to learn from him, adding that the Al-Nassr captain occasionally offers him advice.

    Kylian Mbappé made these remarks in an interview broadcast by Movistar TV on Sunday, October 12. According to him, while Ronaldo has parted ways with Real Madrid, he remains a big example to the current crop of players in the dressing room.

    “Cristiano has always been a role model for me,” Mbappé told Movistar in an interview broadcast on Sunday. “I’m lucky enough to talk to him; he gives me advice, and he’s helped me. I think in Madrid, he’s still the number one. He’s the reference point for Real Madrid players, who have done a lot.

    Fans at Santiago Bernabéu still dream of their hero, Cristiano, Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer in La Liga, with 311 goals in 292 matches between 2009 and 2018. He scored 450 goals in nine seasons at Madrid, winning 16 trophies, including four Champions Leagues.

    “The fans still dream about Cristiano,” Mbappe stated.

    Despite his admiration for his childhood idol, Mbappe added, “…but I want to follow my own path.”

    Mbappé scored 44 times in his debut season at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2024-25, and already has 14 goals to his name in this campaign.

    Despite Mbappé’s goalscoring, Madrid ended last season without winning a major trophy. They’re currently top of LaLiga after eight games, two points clear of Barcelona, despite suffering a heavy 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid last month.

  • 2025 CAF Awards nominates Black Stars for National Team of The Year

    2025 CAF Awards nominates Black Stars for National Team of The Year

    The Confederation of African Football Awards (CAF) has nominated the Black Stars of Ghana for the National Team of the Year category at the upcoming 2025 regional awards.

    Though the senior national team failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), for the first time in ten years, the four-time African champions bounced back strongly to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Their stunning display, having completed the 2026 World Cup qualifiers atop Group I with 25 points from 10 matches, has earned them a nomination spot in this year’s continental honours.

    Ghana will compete against other top national teams, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, the reigning African champions, Cape Verde, who recently clinched their first-ever World Cup berth, and the Atlas Cubs of Morocco, current U-20 world champions.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce the official date and venue for the prestigious 2025 awards ceremony.

    The last FIFA ranking, which was released about a month ago, placed Ghana a spot higher, from 76th to 75th, following the Black Stars’ matches against Mali and Chad. The team earned three extra points from those games.

    They have now moved two places in the latest FIFA World Ranking, following their last performance in the qualifiers. The four-time African champions now sit 73rd in the world after a successful October international window.

    Despite this progress on the global stage, Ghana remain 14th in Africa. In July, Ghana’s Black Stars fell about six places in FIFA’s rankings at the time.

    This was after their loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September during the international break.

    In the ranking released on July 10, Ghana ranked 76th in the FIFA World Rankings. This leaves the former African giant out of the top 10 national teams as they continue the push to rejoin the continent’s elite.

    According to the July ranking, Argentina still held its spot as number one, followed by Spain, France, and then England, with Brazil taking the fifth spot.

    In Africa, Morocco sat on top with its 12th position on the global level with 1,698.72 points. Senegal also moved a spot up from its 19th position last year. Egypt dropped to 34 on the global scale but remained 3rd in Africa despite its slight dip from the 32nd position, which was caused by a quiet international window with no matches played since March.

    Meanwhile, other teams gained points through qualifiers and friendlies, allowing them to climb higher in the rankings.

    Algeria (36th), Nigeria (44th) and the Ivory Coast (45th) follow closely, despite the latter’s recent AFCON success. Tunisia (49th), Cameroon (51st), Mali (54th) and South Africa (57th) round out the African top ten, with Ghana sitting just outside the group.

    Meanwhile, 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.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will embark on an Asian tour to face South Korea and Japan as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    This was officially announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on October 9, in a press release following Ghana’s 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Otto Addo has hinted that, based on the team’s current ranking by the global football governing body, FIFA, Ghana is likely to face strong opponents at next year’s tournament.

    Speaking to Citi Sports ahead of the tournament draw on December 5, Addo stated that “I know that at the moment Ghana is not ranked high, so probably we will get a tough group, so we have to expect that we get tougher opponents in our group and we have to deal with it,” the 49-year-old added.

    However, Addo remained optimistic, citing his excitement about the team’s prospects and commitment to conquering the group stage.

    However, Addo remained optimistic, citing his excitement about the team’s prospects and commitment to conquering the group stage.

    “We will see what we will get, and I’m excited about that. For me, the most important thing is to overcome the group stage,” he added.

    With this qualification, Addo has become the first coach in Ghanaian football history to lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup appearances, having guided the team to the 2022 edition in Qatar.

    In a separate interview, Otto Addo responded to growing concerns regarding his player selection for the global football tournament, the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Speaking during an interview with 3Sports, which was aired on Tuesday, October 15, Otto Addo explicitly stated that players who have ignored their calls despite continuous efforts from the national team’s technical staff since 2021 should not expect any call-up now that the Black Stars have secured their ticket to the World Cup.

  • Pep’s midfield in trouble as Rodri’s replacement suffer injury

    Pep’s midfield in trouble as Rodri’s replacement suffer injury

    Pep Guardiola’s midfield has recorded another setback as Rodrigo Hernández’s replacement, Nico González suffered an injury which saw him limp off the pitch about ten minutes after the second half.

    This was after Man City’s 2-0 away win over Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, after Haaland and Bernardo Silva’s goals.

    Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 17th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead. Bernardo Silva then doubled the advantage with a header in the 40th minute, sealing the 2-0 win before halftime.

    González has been filling in for fellow Spaniard Rodri, who is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury after missing most of last season with ACL damage.

    Mateo Kovacic came on as a substitute for González in the 56th minute, having only recently returned from an Achilles injury that led to the Croatia midfielder being sidelined for the last five months.

    Pep Guardiola hopes it isn’t an injury that will sideline him or keep him out for long.

    “It was a knock on his foot. Hopefully it’s nothing.”

    Guardiola couldn’t hide his excitement about his side’s win, notably the goals by Erling and Bernardo, which made him say, “I’m pleased Erling scored again and pleased Bernardo scored as well, with his head. I remember it was a bit like [Lionel] Messi. It is like a hammer. 

    “They have a hammer in the neck. They are small but so good with the head contact. I am pleased with the win. They had some good chances, and Villarreal is a top team. The vibe is good, and the first half was really good. We scored in the right moments and we made a good threat.”

    Their win last night ended a run of five away games without a win in the Champions League. 

    Guardiola’s City currently holds a record of an unbeaten run in all competitions. It is a healthy position for a team that struggled last season and failed to make the round of 16.

    “The difference with last season is that we had [injured] players in the hospital,” said Guardiola. “We had 15 or 16 players, and they were getting tired after 70 minutes and needed to play every three games.”

    Next up is a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, when Haaland will look to score for the seventh straight Premier League game.

    Meanwhile, Man City defensive midfielder and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, was substituted during his side’s clash with Brentford on Sunday, just 23 minutes into the game.

    Marking his 6th (sixth) match since his injury comeback, the British footballer had to be sent off after developing discomfort in his hamstring. He signalled to his coach, Pep Guardiola, and the bench to be substituted. He was later seen limping off the pitch when Pep replaced him with his Spanish compatriot Nico González.

    Speaking in a post-match interview with Sky Sports at the Gtech Community Stadium, London, Rodri noted that “he felt a little bit in the hamstring, but it seems as though it’s not that much.” Rodri told “I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros [when he had to go off injured]. But the most important thing is it’s not that big.”

    Commenting on Rodri’s injury, Pep described him as an important player who they can’t risk missing out on for long, hence their swift response to his substitution request. He said the injury isn’t that serious, hence he wouldn’t be gone for long.

    “It’s muscular, so two weeks or three weeks [out],” said City manager Pep Guardiola after the game.

    “Of course, I don’t want to lose him even a little because he is such an important player. We tried to take care of him, but it is what it is,” the manager said.

    This comes after Rodri was sidelined for over 200 days in September last year after undergoing surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after he suffered the issue, which also affected the meniscus, in a Premier League clash with Arsenal.

    He returned in late May 2025, where he played his first post-return match on May 20, against Bournemouth in the Premier League and later played all four matches for the Club World Cup cameo.

    After initially returning to action at the end of last season, Rodri has been building up his fitness in recent weeks as he bids to return to the form that saw him win the Ballon d’Or last year.

    City are used to having to cope in Rodri’s absence, and they did so again as Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute goal proved enough for them to earn all three points via a 1-0 victory in west London.

    Speaking on Friday ahead of the game in west London, City boss Pep Guardiola warned it could take most of the season for Rodri to get back to his best.

    Rodri played an hour of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw in Monaco after sitting out City’s two previous fixtures, with Guardiola having to carefully manage his star midfielder.

    Meanwhile, before Rodri’s return, football injury expert Ben Dinnery cautioned Manchester City against forcing Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, back to the pitch as he recovers from the knee injury.

    Earlier scheduled to make an appearance in June, he joined his teammates in May instead. Given his recent sideline after the hamstring discomfort, it appears Ben’s prediction was nothing far from the truth.

    His warning followed Pep’s announcement of Rodri’s return to training, though not vividly disclosing his comeback before the close of the season, despite being ruled out for the whole season.

    Rodri picked up a knee injury in September during a clash with Arsenal.

    He told Casino Apps: “We’ve seen Rodri working on the training pitch. Sometimes we have to take what Pep Guardiola says with a pinch of salt. He can be very elusive when responding about a player’s recovery, but if we look at the facts, is a return this season without risk?

    Ben Dinnery was not in favour of Rodri’s seeming rush return, warning of recurring injury. He said, though Pep hasn’t stated the time for the 28-year-old player, he wouldn’t be surprised to see Rodri return this season.

    On his part, the player is likely to pick up another injury if he is not allowed to recover fully.

    He quizzed, “What are Manchester City pushing for? “We’ve seen Rodri working on the training pitch. Sometimes we have to take what Pep Guardiola says with a pinch of salt. He can be very elusive when responding about a player’s recovery, but if we look at the facts, is a return this season without risk?

  • Kantamanto fire: Accra Mayor demolishes structures on hydrants, vows legal action against culprits

    Kantamanto fire: Accra Mayor demolishes structures on hydrants, vows legal action against culprits

    The mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has vowed to arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for unauthorised buildings blocking fire hydrants.

    His comments come after an inferno, which started around 1:31 a.m., ravaged the Tazani lane section of Kantamanto on Tuesday, October 21.

    According to GNFS, they quickly responded to the distress call in eleven minutes. By 1:42 a.m., the first fire appliance had already arrived at the scene.

    A total of seven fire engines and a turntable ladder were deployed from the Circle, Industrial Area, Accra Regional Headquarters, Madina, and Legon fire stations, with additional support from two appliances from the National Headquarters. The fire, which gutted two shops, was confined at 4:49 a.m. after nearly three hours of intense firefighting.

    They could have swiftly doused the fire by connecting their water hoses to the valves of fire hydrants at the market, but had to rely on the Adabraka Fire Station for more water, as the hydrants in the market had either been covered by concrete or had buildings, shops, and other trading sheds erected over them, making access difficult a worrying situation, Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, Director of Operations expressed during a media engagement at the scene.

    She revealed that just two shops away from where the fire gutted was a fire hydrant, but they couldn’t access it because a building had been erected on it, and the owner of the building reportedly sells the water to the public.

    She suggested that the government prosecute the culprits involved to serve as a deterrent to others. She also commended the Mayor for taking drastic action by ordering the immediate demolition of all the structures erected on fire hydrants.

    In reaction to this, the Mayor vowed to arrest such culprits and prosecute them to serve as a deterrence for others and also to better manage similar situations. The Mayor ordered the immediate demolition of structures erected on fire hydrants. He revealed that one of the culprits who has built structures on the hydrants allegedly sells the water to the general public, a case he described as illegal and deserved to be penalised.

    He engaged the media during a visit to the scene, and he said, “Since assuming office, I didn’t know there were hydrants here; I only found out today. I’m demolishing the structures, and I will make sure the offenders are charged and prosecuted.”

    He further urged residents and traders to promptly report suspicious individuals who violate laws instead of waiting for incidents to occur.

    “You can report it to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). The AMA cannot see everything. Tell us what is happening, and we will attend to it. You must not wait until something happens and then say, ‘I saw the man doing it.’ That is wrong,” he added.

    The Mayor also warned traders who defy regulations, noting that previous decongestion efforts faced resistance.

    “I told them to move to the back and sell, but they refused, and we lost one person. The decongestion that I did, I have promised people I am going to do it again, but this time I will not show mercy—it will be strict,” he said.

    He highlighted the role of the newly established sanitation court in enforcing city laws. “As you can see, I’m taking action now; I’m demolishing the structures. When I finish, I will make sure those responsible are taken to court and held to account. I will arrest them,” Mr Allotey added.

    The cause of the fire is yet to be disclosed; however, preliminary investigations link it to a possible electrical fault.

    Earlier reports suggested the fire had gutted several commercial structures; however, GNFS later clarified that two shops were affected. Traders who spoke to JoyNews revealed that some of the affected shops served as a hub for most traders, as they stored all their items, including bales of second-hand clothing.

    A trader, visibly furious over the Kantamanto fire, called on the Accra Mayor to take decisive action against those responsible for erecting structures over fire hydrants in the market and for illegally selling the water to the public for profit. She lamented that such practices continually cost traders their livelihoods whenever fires break out.

    “The least of my bales is worth GHC100,000,” she cried. “It’s expensive; some bales cost GHC5,000, others GHC8,000, and some GHC4,000.”

    Another trader, who said she had lost seven bales valued at GHC4,500 each, also appealed to both the public and the government for support, stressing that their survival depends entirely on their trade

    Kantamanto Market, widely recognised as the largest secondhand clothing hub in West Africa, is no stranger to frequent fires.

    About ten months ago, a major inferno gutted several parts of the market. Though no casualties were reported, the fire led to the destruction of hundreds of stalls and millions of cedis in goods.

    After promises by authorities to reconstruct the market remained unfulfilled for several weeks, traders coordinated the rebuilding themselves, with no guidance from GNFS or the Interior Ministry. To date, no official funding or structural redesign has been announced by the Ministry of Trade or Local Government.

    The firefighting authority urged traders to halt reconstruction until proper fire safety measures were in place. DOI Alex King Nartey warned against using combustible materials like wood and emphasised the need for extinguishers, smoke detectors, and proper access routes.

  • GNFS calls for arrest, prosecution of persons erecting structures on fire hydrants

    GNFS calls for arrest, prosecution of persons erecting structures on fire hydrants

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called for the arrest and prosecution of persons who erect buildings on fire hydrants. 

    The firefighting agency made these calls following the challenges they faced on Monday, October 21, while they were trying to extinguish the inferno that ravaged the Tazani lane section of Kantamanto.

    According to GNFS, a distress call reached them around 1:31 a.m., which was swiftly responded to in eleven minutes. By 1:42 a.m., the first fire appliance had already arrived at the scene.

    A total of seven fire engines and a turntable ladder were deployed from the Circle, Industrial Area, Accra Regional Headquarters, Madina, and Legon fire stations, with additional support from two appliances from the National Headquarters. The fire, which gutted two shops, was confined at 4:49 a.m. after nearly three hours of intense firefighting.

    They could have swiftly doused the fire by connecting their water hoses to the valves of fire hydrants at the market, but had to rely on the Adabraka Fire Station for more water, as the hydrants in the market had either been covered by concrete or had buildings, shops, and other trading sheds erected over them, making access difficult a worrying situation, Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, Director of Operations expressed during a media engagement at the scene.

    She revealed that just two shops away from where the fire gutted was a fire hydrant, but they couldn’t access it because a building had been erected on it, and the owner of the building reportedly sells the water to the public.

    She suggested that the government prosecute the culprits involved to serve as a deterrent to others. She also commended the Mayor for taking drastic action by ordering the immediate demolition of all the structures erected on fire hydrants.

    “We realised that hydrants are a bit difficult to come by now, so when there is a fire outbreak because of the constant flow of water, we need to turn off the fire. We dispatch more valves so that anytime…there is fire, there is a valve discharging water. But unfortunately, we had to travel all the way to Adabraka. 

    But you realise that two shops away from where the fire occurred was a hydrant, but they have built a container on it, so the mayor is here. ..that is where the hydrant is supposed to be, and they have built on it, and the person is selling the water to the public. And I think we would have to take the person on, we shouldn’t leave the person like that, yes, to deter people from doing the same. 

    I’m glad the Mayor is here, and he has taken drastic action”, she stated.

    The Service confirmed that there were no casualties. However, millions of cedis and goods worth thousands more were destroyed in the inferno.

    Earlier reports suggested the fire had gutted several commercial structures; however, GNFS later clarified that two shops were affected. Traders who spoke to JoyNews revealed that some of the affected shops served as a hub for most traders, as they stored all their items, including bales of second-hand clothing.

    A trader, visibly furious over the Kantamanto fire, called on the Accra Mayor to take decisive action against those responsible for erecting structures over fire hydrants in the market and for illegally selling the water to the public for profit. She lamented that such practices continually cost traders their livelihoods whenever fires break out.

    “The least of my bales is worth GHC100,000,” she cried. “It’s expensive; some bales cost GHC5,000, others GHC8,000, and some GHC4,000.”

    Another trader, who said she had lost seven bales valued at GHC4,500 each, also appealed to both the public and the government for support, stressing that their survival depends entirely on their trad

    In response to GNFS’s calls for prosecution, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, vowed to arrest and prosecute those responsible for unauthorised buildings blocking fire hydrants.

    Speaking to JoyNews, Mayor Allotey said, “Since assuming office, I didn’t know there were hydrants here; I only found out today. I’m demolishing the structures, and I will make sure the offenders are charged and prosecuted.”

    He further urged residents and traders to promptly report suspicious individuals who violate laws instead of waiting for incidents to occur.

    “You can report it to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). The AMA cannot see everything. Tell us what is happening, and we will attend to it. You must not wait until something happens and then say, ‘I saw the man doing it.’ That is wrong,” he added.

    The Mayor also warned traders who defy regulations, noting that previous decongestion efforts faced resistance.

    “I told them to move to the back and sell, but they refused, and we lost one person. The decongestion that I did, I have promised people I am going to do it again, but this time I will not show mercy—it will be strict,” he said.

    He highlighted the role of the newly established sanitation court in enforcing city laws. “As you can see, I’m taking action now; I’m demolishing the structures. When I finish, I will make sure those responsible are taken to court and held to account. I will arrest them,” Mr Allotey added.

    The cause of the fire is yet to be disclosed; however, preliminary investigations link it to a possible electrical fault.

    Kantamanto Market, widely recognised as the largest secondhand clothing hub in West Africa, is no stranger to frequent fires.

    About ten months ago, a major inferno gutted several parts of the market. Though no casualties were reported, the fire led to the destruction of hundreds of stalls and millions of cedis in goods.

    After promises by authorities to reconstruct the market remained unfulfilled for several weeks, traders coordinated the rebuilding themselves, with no guidance from GNFS or the Interior Ministry. To date, no official funding or structural redesign has been announced by the Ministry of Trade or Local Government.

    The firefighting authority urged traders to halt reconstruction until proper fire safety measures were in place. DOI Alex King Nartey warned against using combustible materials like wood and emphasised the need for extinguishers, smoke detectors, and proper access routes.

  • Interior Ministry imposes indefinite curfew on Gulumpe over chieftaincy tensions

    The Interior Ministry has announced a curfew on Gulumpe township and its surrounding communities in the Kintampo North Municipality of the Bono East Region.

    This comes after escalating tensions and security threats stemming from chieftaincy disputes in the area.

    The Ministry, in a statement dated October 21 and signed by Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, explained that the rising tensions have necessitated an indefinite curfew, which takes effect the same day at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and was announced through an Executive Instrument upon the advice of the National Security Council.

    This, the Minister said, is aimed at restoring calm and preventing further escalation of violence in the area.

    To ensure compliance, the Ministry listed new and strict regulations, including a, 

    “Total ban on carrying firearms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons, and any person found with any firearms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted. No two or more persons should be seen on motorbikes throughout the day. No war regalia should be worn throughout the day,” warning that any violations by persons would lead to arrest and prosecution.

    He appealed to residents, particularly traditional authorities, youth, and opinion leaders, to remain calm and resolve their differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.

    “The government continues to urge chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and the people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area,” the statement said.

    The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order while working with local authorities and security agencies to restore lasting peace in the Gulumpe area.

    In a related development, the Ministry of the Interior in September announced an adjustment to the curfew hours in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Township and surrounding communities in the Savannah Region.

    The revised curfew, set from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, was adjusted to take effect on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

    This replaces the earlier curfew, which was enforced on Wednesday, August 27, and ran from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each day.

    In a statement signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Ministry explained that the decision was based on the advice of the Regional Security Council and implemented by Executive Instrument as part of efforts to maintain peace and security in the area.

    It added that “Government continues to urge chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area.”

    The directive further reminded residents of specific rules that must be strictly observed. It stated that there is a complete ban on carrying firearms, ammunition, or offensive weapons, and anyone found guilty will be arrested and prosecuted.

    It also prohibited two or more persons from riding together on a motorbike during the day. In addition, it strictly forbade the wearing of war regalia.

    The curfew was imposed in response to recent land disputes that have heightened security threats in the area.

    Last month, President John Mahama initiated steps to restore peace in the Sawla-Bole area of the Savannah Region following renewed tensions between the Gonja and Brifor communities.

    Upon his return from a state visit to Singapore, the President received a full briefing from the National Security Coordinator and the Minister for the Interior on the latest developments in the conflict.

    While abroad, Mr. Mahama held a telephone conversation with the King of Gonja, Yagbonwura Jira Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, during which they discussed measures to end the clashes and foster lasting peace in the area.

    As part of efforts to de-escalate the situation, the President has dispatched a government delegation led by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohamed-Mubarak, to engage the Yagbonwura and other key stakeholders.

    Meanwhile, security has been reinforced with the deployment of additional police and military personnel to the conflict zone. President Mahama has urged all parties to support the peace initiatives being rolled out, stressing the importance of dialogue in resolving outstanding disputes.

    He has further directed the government delegation to work closely with the Regional Security Council, traditional authorities, and community leaders to ensure calm is restored and law and order upheld.

    Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has assured the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, that the government will take every necessary step to restore peace in the Sawla-Bole area.

    “We have taken note of all the concerns, and we have also assured him that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that peace will be restored. But we need his cooperation and the cooperation of all others. Surely, what talking can solve, dance cannot solve,” he stated.

    “Surely, what talking can solve, dance cannot solve, so we are hoping that after all the lengthy discussion and the conclusion that we have come to, we will go and implement our part, we are hopeful that they will also listen to us and also adhere to whatever agreement that we’ve had,” he noted.

    A week earlier, the sector minister imposed a curfew on the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba township and its surrounding communities in the Savannah Region. The curfew runs from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, until further notice. This measure was taken in response to the recent outbreak of conflict in the area.

    In addition to the curfew, there is a total ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons. Any individual found with such items will be arrested and prosecuted. Furthermore, no two or more persons are permitted to ride on motorbikes throughout the day, and the wearing of war regalia has also been prohibited.

    Last year, intense security measures were implemented in the Bole and Sawla districts of the Savannah Region due to the chieftaincy dispute between the Bolewura and the Jahori clan. This heightened security response followed a ruling by the Tamale High Court concerning the dispute between the Jahori and Bolewura factions.

    In response to the court ruling, youths from Bole set fire to houses belonging to members of the Jahori community residing in both Bole and Sawla districts. The devastating fires resulted in significant property losses for the affected individuals, leaving many tenants in despair and tears. In recent years, the country has witnessed a number of casualties and destruction of property arising from chieftaincy disputes.

    The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has also reviewed the earlier curfew hours imposed on Bawku and Nalerigu townships following recent attacks. The previous curfew, which ran from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., has been revised to 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The minister took this decision after receiving advice from the National Security Council.

    The Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region and the East Mamprusi Municipality in the North East Region are affected by the new directive. The curfew has created an environment conducive for the evacuation of students from educational institutions in the affected areas, some of whom had unfortunately been targeted during the conflict.

  • Fitch ratings: Ghana’s growth upgraded from 4.2% – 4.9%

    Fitch ratings: Ghana’s growth upgraded from 4.2% – 4.9%


    Ghana’s relatively stable cedi, easing inflation, and robust agricultural performance have earned the country an upgrade in growth by UK-based financial analytics firm, Fitch Solutions.

    Fitch, in its September 2025 Monthly Outlook report, lifted its economic growth forecast for the country from 4.2% to 4.9%, citing signs of renewed macroeconomic stability driven by easing inflation, a relatively stable cedi, and resilient agricultural performance.

    Highlighting the challenges the economy is still grappling with, such as tight fiscal consolidation, elevated interest rates, and stagnant oil output, the report said Ghana’s economy remains firmly on a recovery path.

    The upgrade follows a strong performance in Ghana’s agricultural sector, which boosted the economy’s growth in the first quarter of the year. Between January and March, Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.3%, compared to 4.7% recorded during the same period last year.

    Fitch believes this growth will continue into 2026, predicting the economy will expand by around 5.0%. This improvement is expected to come from lower inflation (prices rising more slowly), possible interest rate cuts, and more government spending as Ghana’s IMF-supported program comes to an end.

    However, new data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) show that growth slowed down a bit in July 2025 to 4.5%, compared to 8.3% at the same time last year. Even so, agriculture remained the strongest part of the economy, growing by 8.0%—much higher than the 2.4% growth seen in July 2024.

    Inflation for September 2025 dropped to 9.4% from 11.5% in August, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    This marks the ninth month in a row of decline since October 2021. GSS attributed the latest development to the slowdown in food price increases. As of June, the country recorded a 13.7% rate—a 4.7 percentage point decline from the 18.4% reported in May.

    Food inflation fell by 6.5 percentage points to 16.3%, down from 22.8% in May, whereas non-food inflation dropped by 3 percentage points to 11.4%.

    The Upper West Region recorded the highest regional inflation of 32.3%, largely due to food inflation and utilities. The Bono Region recorded the lowest, at 8.4%.

    On a regional level, the Upper West Region once again recorded the highest inflation at 24.8%, though this was down from 32.3% in June. This figure is more than twice the national average of 12.1%. In contrast, the Central Region posted the lowest rate at 7.7%.

    Before the release of GSS’s recent data, economic research firm IC Research projected that Ghana’s inflation rate would experience a significant decline, dropping to 16% by the end of June. According to IC Research, the projected improvement was partly driven by the appreciation of the local currency and a reduction in fuel prices, both of which were easing inflationary pressures.

    “The June 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) data window recorded a 29.5% month-on-month and 35.3% year-on-year appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar. This exerted downward pressure on prices of imported items, with notable declines in petroleum prices and transport fares. The announced 15.0% reduction in commercial transport fares will continue to restrain transport inflation, with downward spillovers for other items.

    “Additionally, we estimate that the lower transport cost likely eased the month-on-month pressure observed for vegetables and tubers last month, potentially sustaining food disinflation in June 2025. Consequently, we forecast a 240-basis-point decline in the June 2025 annual inflation to 16.0%, with the month-on-month rate at 0.8%,” IC Research added.

    Ghana ended the year 2024 with 23.8% inflation. In January 2025, inflation slightly declined to 23.5%, and since then, it has continued to ease. In February, inflation declined to 23.1%; it saw another decrease in March to 22.4% and declined again in April to 21.2%.

    Due to the consistent decline in the inflation rate and recorded progress with other macroeconomic variables, the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) Monetary Policy Committee reduced the monetary policy rate from 28% to 25%.

    Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, noted that the deceleration was underpinned by the tight monetary policy stance, fiscal consolidation, easing food supply constraints, and the strong recovery of the cedi.

    The Bank of Ghana projected that headline inflation would fall within its medium-term target of 8 ± 2% by the end of 2025.

    The Central Bank attributed this expected decline to tighter monetary policy, the strengthening of the cedi, and continued fiscal consolidation efforts.

    It added that supply-side pressures had eased, resulting in lower food and overall inflation, with risks now tilted to the downside.

    Nonetheless, the Bank warned that some upward risks persist, including supply chain disruptions, global trade tensions, a 2.5% increase in utility tariffs, and a new 1.0% energy levy on ex-pump prices, which could push inflation up.

    Looking ahead, the Bank expects exchange rate stability to continue, supported by a stronger external sector and a buildup of international reserves that have exceeded program targets under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility.

    It noted that a tight monetary policy stance, fiscal discipline, and stable crude oil prices are likely to cushion the economy against inflationary pressures.

    Also, Fitch, in July, upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook.

    Fitch credited the upgrade to the country’s successful restructuring of $13.1 billion in Eurobond debt, steady fiscal consolidation, and improving macroeconomic outlook.

  • Fire ravages 2 shops at Kantamanto Tazani lane, GNFS complain about buildings on fire hydrants

    Fire ravages 2 shops at Kantamanto Tazani lane, GNFS complain about buildings on fire hydrants

    Another fire has ravaged Kantamanto; this time at the Tazani Lane section. According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), they received a distress call around 1:31 a.m., which was swiftly responded to within eleven minutes. By 1:42 a.m., the first fire appliance had arrived at the scene.

    A total of seven fire engines and a turntable ladder were deployed from the Circle, Industrial Area, Accra Regional Headquarters, Madina, and Legon fire stations, with additional support from two appliances from the National Headquarters.

    After nearly three hours of intense firefighting, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) managed to bring the blaze under control around 4:49 a.m. The Service has, however, confirmed that there were no casualties. Millions of cedis and goods worth thousands more were destroyed in the inferno.

    Earlier reports suggested the fire, which gutted several commercial structures; however, GNFS later confirmed that two shops were affected by the fire. Traders who were engaged by JoyNews revealed that some of the affected shops served as a hub for most traders, as they packed all their items, including bales of second-hand clothing. 

    A trader, visibly furious over the Kantamanto fire, called on the Accra Mayor to take decisive action against those responsible for erecting structures over fire hydrants in the market — and for illegally selling the water to the public for profit. She lamented that such practices continually cost traders their livelihoods whenever fires break out.

    “The least of my bales is worth GHC100,000,” she cried. “It’s expensive, some bales cost GHC5,000, others GHC8,000, and some GHC4,000.”

    Another trader, who said she had lost seven bales valued at GHC4,500 each, also appealed to both the public and the government for support, stressing that their survival depends entirely on their trade.

    Meanwhile, the GNFS decried the difficulty in gaining access to fire hydrants. A fire hydrant is a metal water outlet, usually a red or yellow pipe with a valve connected to an underground water supply, which firefighters attach their hoses to, to draw water quickly during a fire.

    Their inability to gain access to these hydrants drags on their efforts to extinguish the fires, as they do not carry all the water they’d need in their trucks. The hydrants, which are usually connected to pressurised water lines, mean that once opened, water gushes out forcefully, enough to reach flames on tall buildings or deep inside a burning market.

    Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, Director of Operations, during a media engagement, revealed that just two shops away from where the fire gutted was a fire hydrant but they couldn’t access it because a building had been erected on it, and the owner of the building reportedly sells the water to the public.

    She suggested that the government prosecute the culprits involved to serve as a deterrent to others. She also commended the Mayor for taking drastic action by ordering the immediate demolition of all the structures erected on fire hydrants.

    “We realised that hydrants are a bit difficult to come by now, so when there is a fire outbreak because of the constant flow of water, we need to turn off the fire. We dispatch more valves so that anytime…there is fire, there is a valve discharging water. But unfortunately, we had to travel all the way to Adabraka. 

    But you realise that two shops away from where the fire occurred was a hydrant, but they have built a container on it, so the mayor is here. ..that is where the hydrant is supposed to be, and they have built on it, and the person is selling the water to the public. And I think we would have to take the person on, we shouldn’t leave the person like that, yes, to deter people from doing the same. 

    I’m glad the Mayor is here, and he has taken drastic action”, she stated.

    In response to GNFS prosecution calls, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has vowed to arrest and prosecute those responsible for unauthorised buildings blocking fire hydrants.

    Speaking to JoyNews, Mayor Allotey said, “Since assuming office, I didn’t know there were hydrants here; I only found out today. I’m demolishing the structures, and I will make sure the offenders are charged and prosecuted.”

    He further charged residents and traders to promptly report suspect individuals who violate laws and not wait until incidents occur.

    “You can report it to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). The AMA cannot see everything. Tell us what is happening, and we will attend to it. You must not wait until something happens and then say, ‘I saw the man doing it.’ That is wrong,” he added.

    The Mayor also warned traders who defy regulations, noting that previous decongestion efforts had faced resistance.

    “I told them to move to the back and sell, but they refused, and we lost one person. The decongestion that I did, I have promised people I am going to do it again, but this time I will not show mercy—it will be strict,” he said.

    He highlighted the role of the newly established sanitation court in enforcing city laws. “As you can see, I’m taking action now, I’m demolishing the structures. When I finish, I will make sure those responsible are taken to court and held to account. I will arrest them,” Mr Allotey added.

    The cause of the fire is yet to be disclosed; however, preliminary investigations link it to a possible electrical fault.

    Kantamanto market, widely recognised as the largest secondhand clothing hub in West Africa, is no stranger to frequent fires.

    About ten (10) months ago, a major inferno gutted several parts of the market. Though no casualties were reported, the fire led to the destruction of hundreds of stalls and millions of cedis in goods lost. 

    After promises by authorities to reconstruct the market remained unfulfilled for some weeks, the traders took charge, coordinated the rebuilding with no guidance from GNFS or the Interior Ministry.

    To date, no official funding or structural redesign has been announced by the Ministry of Trade or Local Government

    The firefighting authority urged traders to halt reconstruction until proper fire safety measures were in place. DOI Alex King Nartey warned against using combustible materials like wood and emphasised the need for extinguishers, smoke detectors, and access routes.

  • UG distances itself from land investment ad, cautions against fraudsters

    UG distances itself from land investment ad, cautions against fraudsters

    The University of Ghana (UG) has distanced itself from a fake ad circulating on social media, purportedly inviting investors for a joint venture project involving 80 acres of land at Legon.

    The school’s management, in a statement dated October 20, denied any involvement in the ad, citing that it has no intention of releasing any such into the public domain, as the land which has been mentioned in the form part of the University’s lands.

    “The attention of the Management of the University of Ghana has been drawn to a circulating social media advertisement that seeks to invite investors to invest in a Joint Venture (JV) in eighty (80) acres of land located in a prime area in Legon. The University wishes to advise and warn the public that the said parcel of land forms part of the larger University of Ghana Lands, and that the University has neither commissioned anyone to put that advert in the public domain nor has any intention to establish one,” the statement said.

    It further cautioned the public against falling for such fraud, urging that any suspecting individual or syndicate suspected to be behind these activities be reported to the police or the University of Ghana Management.

    The university reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in all official development and land-related activities, noting that any legitimate investment or partnership opportunities would only be announced through its official communication channels.

    Quite recently, the University of Ghana was in the news again for dismissing students whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) was below 1.0 at the end of the 2024/2025 academic year.

    The dismissal, which was announced in an official statement dated 2nd October and signed by Mrs Lydia Anowa Nyarko-Danquah, Director of Academic Affairs, with reference number AA.0IE/10-25, UG, explained that the move was in line with its academic regulations.

    The University of Ghana’s decision is based on Section 9.26 of the University Regulations for Junior Members (2017). It states that “A student who at the end of any academic year has a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) below 1.00 shall be withdrawn from the University. A candidate who does not qualify to progress to the next level shall be asked by the Registrar to withdraw from the University,” the regulation stipulates.

    It further clarifies that there will be no probation for students who fail to meet this academic benchmark.

    As a result, students who fail to achieve the minimum CGPA requirement are considered not to be in good academic standing and are required to withdraw from their respective programmes with immediate effect.

    The affected students have until the end of next month to confirm their withdrawal from the academic institution.

    “Affected students are required to confirm their withdrawal from the University via their official UG email addresses not later than Thursday, 30th November 2025,” parts of the statement warned.

    The University didn’t explicitly say what the penalty would be for students who fail within this category’s failure to heed the orders, but noted that for some programmes, withdrawal letters would also be sent directly by the relevant schools or departments.

    The current withdrawal by the University marks their second in three years. In 2023, the University of Ghana announced in a letter dated 6th October, informing students that continuing students in level 200 and 300 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) below 1.0 will be dismissed from the University.

    Urging students to confirm their academic status via their MIS Web, the school management informed affected students to expect dismissal mails via their official student emails.

    “In this respect, current level 200 and level 300 students are hereby directed to review their academic performance from their online provisional transcripts in their MISWeb. Students who have received examination results for all 2022/2023 registered courses and obtained a CGPA below the approved minimum for their college should expect official withdrawal letters from the University via their Official UG email addresses soon”, UG noted.

    Meanwhile, the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), embarked on the same exercise in March this year. It dismissed 38 first-year students for failing to meet the institution’s academic requirements.

    A letter dated March 7, signed by Dr Mohammed Adam, Acting Head of Department, and addressed to the Department of Social Studies Education, communicated the decision.

    “This action is based on the students’ failure to meet the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGP requirement of 1.0 and/or exceeding the permissible number of failed courses after resits, as stipulated in section 4.2.1 of the Revised Undergraduate Students Handbook (2019).

    This decision was made after an audit and review of their First and Second Semester Examination results (2023/2024 Academic Year), during which the affected students received counselling before their withdrawal,” the letter explained.

    As a result, these students cannot proceed to Level 200, attend lectures, or participate in examinations. The department was also instructed to update its records accordingly.

    “Please ensure appropriate measures are taken to reflect these changes in your course register.

    “The attached document details each student’s index number, name, and reason for withdrawal. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial,” the letter added.

    Among the 38 withdrawn students, 32 had a CGPA below 1.0, while six failed more than three courses by the end of the 2023/2024 academic year.

  • Nottingham Forest names Sean Dyche as new manager

    Nottingham Forest have named former Everton boss Sean Dyche as their new manager.

    This comes after the club parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days when his contract was expected to expire in June next year.

    Following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, the hierarchy bid him farewell just seventeen minutes after.

    Taking his place, the club announced a former player, Dyche as the new boss in a formal statement shared on their website by their communications department. They mentioned him to be the one to take charge of their match against FC Porto on Thursday, with a contract that runs until 2027.

    “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos. The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

    He will be working with former teammates Ian Woan and Steve Ston.

    “ Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s”, the statement read.

    Forest is confident of Sean Dyche’s tactical prowess and leadership skills to see the club to its next level, citing that “the appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    “A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter. Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces, qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity,” the statement mentioned.

    It continued that, “As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    Postecoglu did not win any of his eight games in charge – drawing two and losing six – after he was brought in to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked just three matches into the campaign.

    Forest are 18th in the league table after one win in eight games during what has been a difficult start to the season.

    “It’s a mess, isn’t it?” said BBC Sport football pundit Chris Sutton on the Monday Night Club before Dyche’s appointment was confirmed.

    “If Dyche gets over the line, it is an admission that they got it wrong with Ange Postecoglou and are thinking about survival.

    “Dyche has always managed clubs where it has been a struggle. He bucked the trend at Burnley and got the best out of the players he had and proved himself to be a competent manager. At Everton, he took over a team in trouble and stabilised the club. He had points deductions to contend with. Forest wants to stay in the league, so it seems a sensible appointment. They won’t go down, they have too many good players.”

    Dyche’s appointment marks the club’s third since the start of this season. So far, the club’s ‘sacking spree’ adds to a record of some of the shortest dismissal cases in football coaching history, signifying the club’s resolve to get to the top.

    Ten Hag’s 2 months stint at Bayer was a similar case of short-term stay with a club, particularly in the history of the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen parted ways with Dutch coach Erik ten Hag after barely two months of his stint with the club.

    Management of the club confirmed his dismissal on Monday, September 1, in a statement on its official website and social media handles.

    The statement, which included comments from the CEO and the Managing Director for sports, mentioned the discomfort relating to their parting due to the short-term nature of the Dutchman’s has with them.

    “Bayer 04 has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag with immediate effect. The assistant coaching staff will temporarily take over training duties”, parts of the statement read.

    It continued with remarks from the CEO, Fernando Carro, who stated that,

    “A separation at this early stage of the season is painful, but from our perspective, it was necessary. Our goal remains to achieve the set season objectives – for that, we need the best possible conditions at all levels and across the entire licensed division. Now the focus is on fully reinstating and utilising these conditions.”

    Also, Bayer Leverkusen’s Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes, highlighted that the team have had to make this decision for the general good of the team, citing the club’s performance over the last few weeks.

    In 2007, Torquay United appointed Leroy Rosenior as manager. In just 10 minutes, he was dismissed following an unexpected club takeover.

    Marcelo Bielsa also resigned in 2026, just two days after signing at Lazio, over the club’s failure to deliver on promised transfer targets.

    Fast forward to 2021, and Gennaro Gattuso found himself in a similar predicament at Fiorentina. Appointed with high hopes, Gattuso parted ways with the club after 22 days, citing irreconcilable differences over transfer strategy after overseeing just a match.

    Sam Allardyce led the England team and resigned after just sixty-seven days. During that time, he had a win over Slovakia.

    Finally, Fabio Grosso, World Cup-winning hero turned manager, endured a bruising spell at Brescia in 2019. His tenure lasted three matches, all of which ended in defeat. The club wasted no time in pulling the plug, making Grosso one of the shortest-serving managers in Serie A history.

  • Fire ravages Kantamanto Tazani Lane 

    Fire ravages Kantamanto Tazani Lane 

    Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) firefighters took almost four hours earlier this morning, Tuesday, October 21, to douse a fire that broke out at Kantamanto Tazani Lane near Ecobank in Accra.

    The fire ravaged several commercial structures in the area, GNFS says. 

    According to GNFS, a distress call reached them around 1:31 a.m., which was swiftly responded to in eleven minutes. By 1:42 a.m., the first fire appliance had already arrived at the scene.

    A total of seven fire engines and a turntable ladder were deployed from the Circle, Industrial Area, Accra Regional Headquarters, Madina, and Legon fire stations, with additional support from two appliances from the National Headquarters.

    The fire, which gutted several commercial structures, was confined at 4:49 a.m. after nearly three hours of intense firefighting.

    Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, together with the Director of Operations, the Greater Accra Regional Commander, and other senior officers, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational support.

    As of now, no injuries have been reported, and firefighting operations continue to ensure the blaze is completely extinguished. After which, they will launch an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.

    Earlier this year, fire ravaged several parts of Kantamanto.

    The fire on January 2 destroyed over 7,000 shops, leaving nearly 30,000 traders struggling financially.

    Also, 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.

    Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. GNFS launched investigations into the cause of the fire.

    Also, months ago, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

    An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It is yet to be reported the cause of the fire.

    In April this year, a raging fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, reducing more than 150 structures to ashes and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman. The inferno, which began around 11:15 p.m., rapidly spread across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers that served as homes and business outlets.

    Though firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified. One fatality was recorded, a Nigerian woman affectionately known in the area as Beauty. Believed to be in her early twenties, she was trapped in her room and could not escape. Her charred remains were retrieved and handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Last year, about 50 stalls were burnt to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service, D.O.1. Kofi Forson, who engaged the media, recounted the challenges the firefighters faced in quenching the flame.

    “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious,” he said.

    In the first half of the year, the Ghana National Fire Service has reported a marginal increase in fire outbreaks. A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.

    Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they were able to save over GH¢203 million worth of properties.

    Fire outbreaks across the country in the first half of 2025 led to the destruction of properties valued at over GH¢188 million.

    Top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, include electrical faults through illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits; improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.

    Also, unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches, gas leakages, and poor handling of LPG cylinders are also responsible for fire incidents in the country.

  • Sweden names former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as new coach

    Sweden names former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as new coach

    Sweden has announced former Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter as the head coach of Sweden’s National Men’s Football Team.

    In a statement shared on their official website today, Monday, October 20, management announced that, following their poor run in their last four matches, from which they earned just a point, they had to part ways with their coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson, last Tuesday. Chelsea and West Ham’s former coach Graham Potter will step in to take over, effective October 20.

    “After only one point after the first four matches in the World Cup qualifiers this fall, the Swedish Football Association’s board chose to terminate the appointment of national captain Jon Dahl Tomasson last Tuesday. The men’s national team will be led by Graham Potter from Monday, October 20.

    “The agreement extends over the ongoing qualifying period with matches against Switzerland and Slovenia in November and a potential playoff in March, and will be automatically extended through the World Cup playoffs next summer if Sweden qualifies there”, the management said.

    Graham Potter, in an acceptance speech, praised the team’s players for their stunning form, promising a conducive environment for them to deliver in their best capacity.

    “I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the week. My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer”, Graham Potter, the 50-year-old Brit, expressed.

    Kim Källström, Football Director at SvFF, expressed confidence in Graham’s leadership and tactical philosophy to bring the team to a good form and qualify as they gear up for the World Cup qualifiers.

    “ It feels very good that Graham is coming in as the national team captain for the men’s national team. We are all aware of the situation we are in, and believe that with his leadership skills, he will bring the team together in a good way. He is tactically skilled at creating conditions to win matches and has the ability to identify players’ strengths and how they interact in the best way.
    The new national team captain takes office today and will immediately begin work on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers”, he noted.

    Graham Potter, 50 years old from England, has solid experience of British football and a good knowledge of Swedish football after seven successful years (2011-2018) at Östersunds FK.

    After his Swedish stay, during which Graham Potter led Östersund FK to European Cup matches, he has had several coaching assignments in England at clubs such as Swansea City (Championship), Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, and West Ham in the Premier League.

    In 2019–2022, Graham coached Brighton & Hove Albion and helped stabilize the club in the Premier League,gaining admiration for tactical flexibility and player development.

    Chelsea FC appointed him in September 2022, but his tenure ended in April 2023 after a difficult run of form. Since then, he has been out of the coaching train until he showed up in Sweden as their current coach.

    In an unrelated development, Chelsea won the 2025 Club World Cup, which saw Donald Trump in attendance.

    US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 8, announced his decision to attend the Club World Cup final, which was being hosted in the USA at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

    Just as promised, he showed up, but not only to present the trophy; he also joined the Blues to celebrate their win yesterday, Sunday, July 13.

    The gesture appeared to have come as a surprise to the Blues’ skipper and man of the night, Cole Palmer.

    Reece, during an interview, mentioned that he was aware that Trump was going to give the trophy to them and step aside, but after the presentation, he stayed.

    Following the presentation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited Trump to move aside, possibly so he could also take part in the ceremony or have a photo taken, but Reece said,

    “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”

    Trump stayed for some time before later exiting with Infantino.

    Following the Blues’ 3-0 win over Paris St-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James.

    However, Trump remained alongside James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and applauded as James lifted the trophy,staying in position for a few seconds before he and Infantino left at the rear of the stage.

    Cole Palmer, who notched a brace, also mentioned his surprise after Trump decided to celebrate their win. He added, “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy.

    “I was a bit confused, yes.”

    The final of the expanded Club World Cup was attended by 81,118 people at MetLife Stadium.

    In a later interview with DAZN at halftime, Trump mentioned that he was “having a really great time.”

    In a longer interview broadcast later on Sunday, he commended FIFA president for his contributions and supervision of the growth of the sport.

    “Gianni is a friend of mine, he’s done such a great job with the league and with soccer – or as they would call it ‘football’, but I guess we call it soccer. But I’m not sure that change could be made very easily.

    “But it’s great to watch – and this is a little bit of an upset that we’re watching today, isn’t it? So far. It’s incredible.”

    When it was suggested he could make an executive order so that the sport was referred to as “football” from now on, Trump smiled and said, “I think we could do that. I think I could do that.”

    The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup next summer.

    This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games.

    The expansion featured four African countries: Al-Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

  • Ruben Amorim says Man Utd’s two consecutive wins “really important for him”

    Ruben Amorim says Man Utd’s two consecutive wins “really important for him”

    Manchester United have recorded two consecutive winning streaks for the first time since head coach Rúben Amorim took charge in November last year.

    The Reds appointed Amorim in November 2024, but nearly ten months into his tenure, the club has yet to see a significant turnaround in fortunes. The team continued to struggle despite high fan expectations following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag in October 2024 for a poor run of results.

    However, his 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday, 12 October at Old Trafford, and 2-1 triumph in a clash with Liverpool on Sunday, 19 October after goals by Benjamin Sesko (23’) and Bruno Fernandes (penalty, 78’), prompted his expression of excitement.

    Speaking during his post-match press conference, Amorim stated that, 

    “It’s everything combined for the fans if you ask them on two wins in a row after so many years, it is really important for me that it is back-to-back, it doesn’t matter about the opponent, it is just the feeling of winning.”

    But Amorim said his focus is to achieve a three-in-a-row win as Man Utd gear up for their Premier League Matchweek 9 match with Brighton on Saturday, 25 October at Old Trafford, 17:30 BST (16:30 UTC).

    Amorim said, “The important thing is to think three in a row and that’s the focus” Amorim said to the BBC after the game.”

    Before this back-to-back win, Head coach Amorim had taken just 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge. But his record as of October 20 put him just a point above his previous.

    Man Utd lost for the fourth game in a row in all competitions, but for Amorim, bagging two EPL wins in a row was an important mark chalked in his first full season at the club.

    One of the club legends that have been quite vocal about the team’s performances is Wayne Rooney. He expressed his frustration about the club’s current state, highlighting that his faith in Amorim’s leadership is dead now.

    Wayne Rooney made these comments on a BBC podcast, which was aired on September 29, following Manchester United’s 1-3 loss to Brentford on September 27.

    According to Rooney, he sees faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club. 

    “I just don’t know what’s going on. I have tried my hand at management, and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager, and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd. I honestly hope he can turn it around, and he does. But… after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it,” he said on his BBC podcast.

    He fumed over players’ dead desire to fight and win, adding that he goes to games expecting the team to lose and feels some players do not deserve to represent the club.

    “I don’t recognise the whole football club. I don’t see players fighting, I don’t see character, I don’t see desire to win. I go to a game watching… expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club. What is going on? This is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt, and it hurts.” 

    However, following Utd recent wins, he has publicly praised the team’s performances, especially highlighting Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire after their back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Liverpool.

    scepticalHe admitted he was “skeptical” about Mbeumo’s £65 million move from Brentford but now says the forward has “proved him wrong.”

    “I had my doubts at first, but he’s proved me completely wrong. He’s already United’s best player this season.”

    Currently, pundits and fans are beginning to question whether Amorim’s tactics, which have subjected him to heavy criticism, particularly from legends like Rooney.

    On September 14, Man Utd suffered an embarrassing defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds lost against their rivals in a 0-3 derby with a brace from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

    Speaking in a post-match conference, Amorim addressed some mistakes made by his side, highlighting the confused state of the players at times. According to him, some goals could have been avoided, but he admits he made poor decisions during the game.

    On his tactical philosophy, which has come under massive attack, particularly after the derby defeat against City, he reiterated that he will not change it. Some critics have slammed him for his 3-4-3 setup, which appears to be affecting players like Bruno Fernandes or Benjamin Šešk, given United’s current position on the league table.

    “It’s not a record that you should have at Manchester United… But I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”

    But Rooney had a different opinion. He mentioned that fans were so disappointed that they began to leave the stadium with chants of Amorim’s name. There are no signs of recovery for the once celebrated and results-oriented Man Utd that had its name on the lips of fans all the time.

    “I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse. I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be of the manager and the players. But it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression, and at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future.

    “I think after the last year when Ten Hag got sacked and Ruben came in, we’re hearing how they’re going to play and it is going to change,” said Rooney, who scored 253 goals for United between 2004 and 2017.

    “We’re seeing none of that, and it is very difficult. There was an image towards the end of the game where I saw the Manchester United fans leaving. You could hear the fans singing Amorim’s name, but I think that is so powerful that the United fans were leaving the game. You know the game is over, and I think they were very disappointed in what they were seeing. It is hard to see how it continues”, he questioned.

  • U-20 World Cup: Morocco beats Argentina in 2-0 clash to win title

    U-20 World Cup: Morocco beats Argentina in 2-0 clash to win title

    Morocco’s senior team made history at the last World Cup hosted in Qatar in 2022 by finishing in fourth and making history as the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the tournament.

    What the senior team missed out on has been achieved by the Under-20 team after they beat Argentina, whose senior team currently reign as the World Cup champions, in a 2-0 clash in a historic run in Chile on Sunday night. They took home the Under-20 World Cup yesterday.

    Yassir Zabiri, of FC Famalicao in the Portuguese top flight, took Argentina by surprise when he found the back of the net just 12 minutes into the game.

    After a sequence involving Ismael Baouf and Othmane Maamma, Zabiri finished with a volley to double Morocco’s lead at the 29th minute. Before Morocco’s win against Argentina, they beat South Korea, the United States and France in the knockout. It became the first African nation to win the U20 title since Ghana in 2009.

    Morocco’s senior national team, on the other hand, have secured their ticket for the 2026 World Cup after finishing first in its group.

    However, Argentina suffered their first loss in the tournament as it aimed for it’s seventh title. Despite the injury sideline of two of its best players in this age group, Bayer Leverkusen’s Claudio Echeverri and Real Madrid´s Franco Mastantuono, the team still made it to the final although they couldn’t clinch to the trophy.

    Nine (9) African nations have secured their tickets to the global football tournament, FIFA 2026 World Cup, following the wrap-up of the CAF qualification campaign.

    The World Cup qualifiers delivered an exciting blend of comeback tales and breakthroughs. Cape Verde made it this time, marking their maiden participation, a feat they describe as the second-best thing to happen to their nation aside from independence, being the second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament. Their new record is reminiscent of Iceland’s trailblazing run in 2018.

    On the other hand, Ivory Coast and South Africa secured long-awaited returns to the global stage, while established powerhouses like Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia once again proved their dominance, highlighting the growing competitiveness and maturity of African football on the world scene.

    The Black Stars of Ghana made history, qualifying for a fifth World Cup, led by former player Otto Addo.

    So far, the confirmed nations that have officially been named among the qualifiers include Ghana Black Stars, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Cape Verde. With some of the top national teams set to compete at the global showpiece, the expectations would be high.

    Morocco reached the semi-finals at the 2022 edition and made Africa very proud. Hopefully, one of the nine qualified national teams would match that feat or even go a step closer to playing in the final. President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus 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.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    The Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents during the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hopes to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Meanwhile, German manufacturer Adidas, which has been designing World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament, has once again produced the official match ball for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Named Trionda, the ball was officially unveiled on Thursday, October 2, during a global launch event at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. The presentation, hosted jointly by FIFA and Adidas, showcased the ball’s design, technology, and symbolic meaning.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino, during the unveiling of the ball, said, “The Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup 26 is here, and it’s a beauty! “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda.”

    Trionda, originating from Spanish, is interpreted as “tri” (three) and “onda” (wave), which signifies the three host countries of the global tournament. Trionda stuns with an aesthetic design which has representations from all three host countries, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with features including Red panels with maple leaves for Canada, green panels with eagle motifs for Mexico and blue panels with stars for the USA. It also has a central triangle formed by the panel seams, symbolising unity.

  • Kidnappers kill young Senegalese goalkeeper in Ghana

    Kidnappers kill young Senegalese goalkeeper in Ghana

    An 18-year-old Senegalese goalkeeper, Cheikh Touré, has been murdered in Ghana after falling victim to a network of scams and extortion.

    According to reports, he was killed by kidnappers after his family was unable to raise the ransom they demanded.

    His death was confirmed by Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, who issued a statement announcing the tragic killing of the young goalkeeper after his lifeless body was discovered in Ghana.

    The Minister explained that Cheikh had been deceived into believing he was travelling to Ghana for a trial with a professional club. The scam resulted in his being held hostage by his captors, who demanded a ransom from his family in exchange for his release.

    The statement added that Touré’s body, currently deposited at the Ebenezer Tarfo morgue in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, will be repatriated once the necessary authorisations are completed.

    The Senegalese Embassy has dispatched two representatives to Kumasi to collaborate with local authorities on the required administrative and judicial procedures, while maintaining close contact with the victim’s family.

    The Cyber Security Authority in Ghana recently reported a rise in cyber crimes in Ghana. According to the CSA, Ghana has lost over GH¢19 million to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 percent increase in cyber crimes compared to the same period last year.

    The Authority’s Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, made this revelation during a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation.

    He expressed concern over the growing trend of online crimes in Ghana, highlighting the dangers it poses to the economy. Earlier in the year, the authority reported a steep rise in cybercrime, with a record 2,008 cyber incidents, marking a 52 per cent rise from 2024.

    In a related development, Ghana Police, in a joint operation with the International Police (INTERPOL), cracked down on scammers in the country, arresting sixty-eight suspected individuals involved in romance scams and sextortion.

    In a release shared by INTERPOL on its official website, the international security agency revealed that the operation, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0 and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, discovered that these criminal syndicates caused USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered in cash.

    “Ghanaian authorities arrested 68 individuals, seized 835 devices and identified 108 victims. Their investigations revealed USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered,” excerpts of the statement revealed.

    According to INTERPOL, the operation was targeted at criminal networks exploiting social media and dating platforms to carry out romance scams and sextortion.

    “The crackdown targeted transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, particularly social media, to manipulate victims and defraud them financially. Specifically, the operation focused on romance scams, where perpetrators build online relationships to extract money from victims, and sextortion, in which victims are blackmailed with explicit images or videos,” the statement said.

    According to INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report released in June, “two-thirds of surveyed African member countries said cyber-related offences make up a medium-to-high proportion of all crimes.”

    The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on the other hand, 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.

    “EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.

  • OSP releases fresh list of corruption cases; more expected in final quarter

    OSP releases fresh list of corruption cases; more expected in final quarter

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced a list of cases it is currently pursuing as the courts resume from vacation.

    In a post shared on its official Facebook page, the independent anti-corruption agency in Ghana noted that several individuals were currently facing charges, and more others will be prosecuted in the last quarter. 

    “With the courts resuming from vacation, these are the cases the OSP is actively prosecuting on your behalf, with more cases to be filed in the last quarter of the year, he said.

    According to the OSP, “earlier this year, seven individuals were convicted through plea bargains”.

    Among the cases highlighted by the OSP are those involving former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others, as well as former Public Procurement Authority (PPA) boss Adjenim Boateng Adjei, former presidential staffer Charles Bissue, and two others.

    The Office reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in public life and pledged to continue its work without fear or favour.

    On 23 July 2023, the Office initiated criminal proceedings in the High Court, accra against Mustapha abdul-Hamid (a former Chief executive of the National Petroleum Authority) and nine (9) others, including three (3) corporate entities. the accused persons are charged with twenty-five counts of conspiracy to commit extortion by a public officer; extortion by a public officer; using public office for profit; conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. the case is adjourned till 26 august 2025.

    The Republic v. Issah Seidu & 3 others

    On 27 June 2025, the Office arraigned three (3) public officials and one (1) retired public official – Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibald Hyde—before the High Court, Accra on charges for corruption by and of a public officer and using public office for profit concerning an attempt to unlawfully appropriate ten containers of imported rice at the tema Port. the case is adjourned to 21 October 2025.

    With regard to concluded investigations, the Office has concluded investigation into suspected corruption

    and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement and the award of a contract to turfsport Ghana limited by the Gaming Commission of Ghana. The suspects have made an offer of restitution to the republic under section 71 of act 959. The Special Prosecutor, in exercise of his mandate under section 71(3) of act 959, has considered that the offer is acceptable. the terms would be duly placed before the High Court for adoption.

    Meanwhile, the Office is currently seized with sixty-seven (67) cases which are at the full investigation stage. The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the operations of the Minerals Income Investment fund (MIIf) between 2020-2024 – especially regarding payments made in respect of agyapa royalties limited; Small Scale Mining Incubation Programme (SSMIP); Quarry Value addition Programme (QVaP); lithium asset (projected lithium-focused exploration and development corporation); Gold asset 2 (enchi gold project); all other investments by MIIf; funds expended on the Chairman of the Board of Directors; the operational funds of MIIF; purchase of parcel of land for intended office building; contracts and agreements entered into by MIIf; and publications by MIIF. the investigation targets some former and serving officials of MIIF and the following entities:

    • Asante Gold Corporation

    • ElectroChem Ghana Limited

    • Goldridge Ghana Limited

    • GIG Minerals Limited

    • RCM Properties

    • Energy & Resources Company Limited

    • Goldstrom Ghana Limited

    • BH Minerals Limited

    Also, the Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses in respect of the operations and contractual arrangements of Ghana airports Company limited between 2020-2024.

    In August this year, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) clarified that the widely circulated media reports that former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah has been cleared of corruption-related charges filed against her are misleading and false.

    In an official release shared yesterday, the OSP noted that certain media outlets reported that the FBI “found no evidence of corruption,” while others claimed the FBI “found no direct evidence of corruption.” Some have gone further to publish that the FBI has cleared Cecilia Dapaah.

    “These reports are inaccurate and a mischievous misrepresentation of the OSP’s Half-Yearly Report (page 9, bullet 2.26). The findings were the result of investigations conducted by the OSP and a parallel aspect by the FBI at the instance of the OSP,” a part of the statement read.

    The release comes after some media houses misinterpreted a section of the OSP’s 2025 half-yearly report released yesterday, Tuesday, August 19. On page 15 of the fifty-page document, item number 2.25 is subtitled ‘Cecilia Dapaah’.

    The Office commenced an investigation in July 2023 in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items involving Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, and her associates.

    After nearly seven months of extensive investigation by the Office and a parallel inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, no direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found in respect of seized funds and frozen bank accounts linked to Ms. Dapaah and her associates—though the investigation identified strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, beyond the direct mandate of the Office.”

    The statement continued that, following investigations by his office, there were discoveries of money laundering in the former Sanitation Minister’s case, which falls outside the office’s jurisdiction; hence, the need for it to be forwarded to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    However, the previous leadership of EOCO did nothing about it and returned the case docket to their office.

    “The OSP further emphasises that the case was referred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) under the previous leadership of EOCO because Investigations uncovered strong Indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall within EOCO’s direct mandate. The previous leadership of EOCO did not act on it and returned the docket to the OSP,” the statement read.

    However, following the change in administration, the docket of Cecilia Dapaah has been sent back to EOCO upon request.

    Following this detailed explanation of the report on Cecilia Dapaah’s case, the OSP has urged all media outlets to report with precision and fidelity to the text of official documents to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible public communication on matters of high national interest.

    As part of its update, the OSP noted that there were seven (7) convictions and one (1) acquittal in respect of the cases pending before the criminal courts during the period under review. The Office has filed an appeal in respect of the case in which the accused was acquitted.

  • NSA scandal: Court adjourns case indefinitely as Gifty Oware reports ill health, Assibey faces separate legal tussle

    NSA scandal: Court adjourns case indefinitely as Gifty Oware reports ill health, Assibey faces separate legal tussle

    The hearing of the criminal case involving the former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, and his former deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, has been indefinitely adjourned.

    Osei Assibey Antwi and his deputy, Gifty Oware, were scheduled to make their first court appearance on Friday, 17th October, but the duo failed to show up.

    Lawyers for Osei Assibey Antwi told the Accra High Court that their client had not been served with any formal notice or charge sheet regarding the case against him.

    His lawyer, Paa Kwesi Kuboadzi, appeared in informal attire and explained that, “I was called about an hour ago to appear in court. That is why I am naked.”

    He emphasized that they were not given prior notice and requested that the prosecution provide ample time and proper service before the next hearing. Also, Assibey’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi.

    However, his deputy, Oware, submitted a two-day excuse duty, with her lawyers disclosing that their client is unwell and unable to attend proceedings.

    The Attorney General of Ghana formally filed criminal charges against Osei Assibey Antwi and Gifty Oware-Mensah on Monday, October 13. The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that he approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.

    He is additionally charged with several counts of theft, amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024.

    Prosecutors say Mr Antwi diverted project funds, authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.

    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.

    In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02. Gifty Oware-Mensah, on the other hand, has been charged with five offenses, including Stealing, Willfully Causing Financial Loss, Using Public Office for Profit, and Money Laundering.

    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform, a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.

    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database.

    She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.

    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, which resulted in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director.

    Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel. Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87.

    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.

    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, it has been postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.

    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million can not be accounted for.

    Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.

    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.

    “The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana.“Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.

    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses. Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.

    The finding revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.

    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.

    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.

    After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released. In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter.

    The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority.The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GHȼ50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Brim North District, Eastern Region.

    Meanwhile, a new posting and management system designed to automate allowance payments and eliminate ghost names from the national service payroll has been introduced by the National Service Authority (NSA).

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, said the enhanced digital platform integrates directly with Ghana’s national identification database to verify personnel identities and ages against tertiary institution records, effectively eliminating ghost names and duplicate entries.

    He told the media on Tuesday, October 7, the system introduces end-to-end automation, from posting to allowance processing, to ensure only verified personnel are paid.

    “The payroll is automatically generated from verified and appraised personnel data, ensuring that only eligible and validated service personnel receive their allowances. The system checks, cross-checks, and confirms all records before processing payments,” she explained.

    Ruth Dela Seddoh disclosed that attendance monitoring has been upgraded through geofencing technology, which ensures personnel can only check in when they are physically at their designated workplaces, an initiative designed to curb absenteeism and eliminate proxy attendance.

    Apart from payroll improvements, the upgraded system incorporates a smart placement algorithm that automatically assigns personnel to institutions based on their qualifications, regional choices, and institutional requirements.

    The platform also simplifies approval processes, attendance validation, and report submission, minimizing delays and the need for manual handling.

    Every service personnel will now have access to a customized dashboard showing their posting information, institution details, duty records, and a digital certificate with a QR code for instant authentication.

  • Ghana loses GHS19m to cybercrime from Jan–Sept – CSA

    Ghana loses GHS19m to cybercrime from Jan–Sept – CSA

     Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has announced over GH¢19 million in losses to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 per cent increase in cyber crimes compared to the same period last year.

    The Authority’s Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, made this revelation during a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation.

    He expressed concern over the growing trend of online crimes in Ghana, highlighting the dangers it poses to the economy. Earlier in the year, the authority reported a steep rise in cybercrime, with a record 2,008 cyber incidents, marking a 52 per cent rise from 2024.

    He said online among the crimes, the most prevalent is online fraud, which makes up about 36% of the reported cases, including mobile money scams, fake investment schemes, phishing attacks, and cyber bullying, mostly targeted at women and children, represented 25 per cent of all reported incidents.

    Colonel Bessi mentioned that his outfit has ramped up efforts to create awareness and ensure regulations compliance among users, urging individuals and businesses to adopt stronger cybersecurity practices.

    He commended the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation for its ongoing efforts, stressing that such initiatives are critical to sanitising the digital ecosystem and preventing future threats.

    “The rising losses highlight the urgent need for greater cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of Ghana’s digital economy,” he cautioned.

    His remarks come on the back of the government’s establishment of a $50 million fund to help fight cyber crimes in the country.

    This was announced by President John Mahama in a speech at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the inauguration of the Joint Cyber Security Committee, which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Wednesday, October 1.

    “We are establishing a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund to support Ghanaian innovators in developing digital solutions tailored to our local needs. This initiative is a key pillar of our Reset Ghana agenda, aimed at boosting the digital economy and strengthening our fight against cybercrime,” he said.

    He continued that the fund forms part of his government’s Reset Ghana agenda, which seeks to build a strong and secure digital system.

    “As we expand digital public services and mobile money usage, we must reinforce the systems that safeguard them. This is why under the Reset Ghana agenda, my administration has prioritised digital transformation as a key part of our national development policy. And cybersecurity is at the core of that transformation,” President Mahama said.

    The President outlined four flagship digital programmes already underway. These include the One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to train young Ghanaians in software engineering, data analytics, and cybersecurity; and the Digital Jobs Initiative, a public-private partnership aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities in technology.

    He added that the new FinTech Growth Fund will support local start-ups to design financial technology solutions that can serve both Ghana and the wider African market.

    “The FinTech Growth Fund will support local start-ups to design financial technology solutions that serve Ghana and can be scaled across the African continent. We are investing in innovation that reflects our realities and empowers our people,” he said.

    At the same event, Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has confirmed INTERPOL’s report that sixty-eight suspected cybercriminals have been apprehended by the Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana Police Service in a joint operation which led to the seizure of more than 800 electronic devices linked to online fraud and other illegal activities.

    The Asawase Member of Parliament highlighted the government’s commitment to fighting online crime.

    “Our cybercrime units successfully arrested 68 suspected cybercriminals, identified 108 victims, and seized over 885 electronic devices linked to illicit activities,” he said.

    “This remarkable achievement underscores the unwavering commitment of the Government of Ghana to safeguarding our digital space, protecting our citizens and contributing to the global fight against cybercrime.”

    He also highlighted that the Ghana security service is stepping up cyber intelligence and open-source monitoring efforts to track and neutralise threats before they escalate.

    “In this fast-evolving landscape, proactive intelligence gathering and threat monitoring are essential. To this end, the Ghana Police Service is employing cyber intelligence, open-source intelligence techniques, and internal data-sharing platforms to identify, track, and neutralise threats before they escalate,” the Minister noted.

    On Thursday, September 26, INTERPOL issued a statement a release shared by INTERPOL on its official website, the international security agency revealed that the operation, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0 and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, discovered that these criminal syndicates caused USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered in cash.

    “Ghanaian authorities arrested 68 individuals, seized 835 devices and identified 108 victims. Their investigations revealed USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered,” excerpts of the statement revealed.

    According to INTERPOL, the operation was targeted at criminal networks exploiting social media and dating platforms to carry out romance scams and sextortion.

    “The crackdown targeted transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, particularly social media, to manipulate victims and defraud them financially. Specifically, the operation focused on romance scams, where perpetrators build online relationships to extract money from victims, and sextortion, in which victims are blackmailed with explicit images or videos,” the statement said.

    INTERPOL explained: “…For romance scams, the suspects had used fake profiles, forged identities and stolen images to deceive victims. The scammers extracted payments using a range of schemes, including fake courier and customs shipment fees. In sextortion cases, offenders secretly recorded intimate videos during explicit chats and used them for blackmail.”

    On the continent level, these syndicates have caused an estimated $2.8 million in losses to 1,463 identified victims.

    During the operation, police identified IP addresses, digital infrastructures, domains and social media profiles linked to members of the scam syndicates. These leads and the subsequent arrests also resulted in the seizure of USB drives, SIM cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures across Africa.

    The operation, which ran from July 28 to August 11, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 1,235 electronic devices continent-wide.

    Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, Cyril Gout, highlighted the growing threat, stating, “Cybercrime units across Africa are reporting a sharp rise in digital-enabled crimes such as sextortion and romance scams. The growth of online platforms has opened new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit victims, causing both financial loss and psychological harm.”

    He emphasised that collaboration between INTERPOL, its member countries, and private sector partners like Group-IB and Trend Micro was crucial to the operation’s success, enabling enhanced data sharing and swift enforcement actions that led to the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures.

    “The transnational operation was strengthened by collaboration with private sector partners Group-IB and Trend Micro, resulting in enhanced data sharing and operational capabilities. The exchange of INTERPOL cyber activity reports facilitated swift enforcement actions from participating countries, underscoring the value of international cooperation in combating cybercrime,” INTERPOL highlighted.

  • 50-year-old mason gruesomely murdered; veins, left heel, and other body parts missing

    50-year-old mason gruesomely murdered; veins, left heel, and other body parts missing

    Residents of Domeabra Old Town in the Ga South Municipality are currently living in fear following the gruesome murder of a 50-year-old mason, locally identified as ‘Taller’.

    His body was discovered in an uncompleted building, savagely mutilated with specific organs and tissues removed, raising suspicions of a possible ritual killing, a category of homicide that, according to police data, remains a grave concern in the region. 

    The Assemblyman for the Domeabra Electoral Area, Joseph Akrashie, who has been coordinating with local law enforcement, provided chilling details of the police’s preliminary findings to Adom News.

    And according to him, “Taller is well-known in the area, and we are shocked about what has happened to him,” Akrashie said, conveying the community’s disbelief.

    He proceeded to detail the precise nature of the mutilation as explained by the police, indicating that,  “…the suspects cut the deceased’s left heel and left thigh and removed all the veins in that part.”

    Following the discovery, the Ghana Police Service Homicide Unit was immediately deployed.

    The body of the deceased was promptly conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra to undergo an autopsy, which is expected to confirm the exact cause of death and provide further forensic evidence relating to the type of instrument used in the mutilation.

    Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder; however, police have intensified investigations to apprehend the suspects who are still at large. 

    This has prompted calls from residents to the government and the IGP to beef up security in the community to ensure safety and prevent a recurrence.

    In July, a similar ritual killing incident occured when six people including a female murder a 25-year-old mason for money rituals.

    Six individuals, including five males and a female, are in police custody for their involvement in the murder of a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, at Mafi Adidome.

    He was murdered after moving to stay with his wife, having left his hometown, Wusuta, in the South Dayi District, on December 4, 2024.

    The suspects Augustina Fiawoyife (21), 31-year-old herbalist Wisdom Hedidor, Courage Bedzo (31), 42-year-old fetish priest Gblor Noah, Yohannes Gblor (27), and John Gblor (40) were apprehended last month.

    They have been remanded into prison and police custody, respectively, and are scheduled to reappear on August 8 as investigation continues.

    They were arrested at Blorkorfe and Awakpedome, suburbs of Adidome in the Central Tongu District, by the Volta Regional Police Command.

    Per preliminary police investigations, Augustina Fiawoyife, the girlfriend of Wisdom Hedidor, was tasked by her boyfriend to lure Nelson Anyena to a location.

    At about 8:00 pm on December 4, Augustina lured the deceased to a secluded location through a phone call under the pretense of having an amorous discussion with him.

    Nelson Anyena, upon arrival, was attacked and strangled to death by Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo.

    After the act, Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo are said to have called Gblor Noah, the fetish priest who earlier approached them to get him a dead body for a ransom, to tell him that they had succeeded in getting him his request.

    Noah Gblor and his two brothers, Yohannes Gblor and John Gblor, met Wisdom and Courage and made a payment of Gh¢7000 which they charged, and thereafter, took the body to the shrine at Blorkope.

    The police on July 3 obtained an exhumation order from the Ho Magistrate Court 1 to exhume the body of Nelson Anyena as part of investigations.

    On July 7, the police detectives, made up of crime scene experts led by the Volta Regional Crime Officer, Supt./Mr. Omari Mic Boakye, and the Environmental Health Officers from the Ho municipality executed the exhumation order and retrieved the body of Nelson Anyena which was buried under a shrine that belongs to Noah Gblor.

    The exercise led to the discovery of two more bodies buried at the same shrine after the alleged ritual business.

    The suspected body remains of Nelson and the extra two unknown bodies were conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for preservation awaiting autopsy and DNA profiling.

    As the police continue their investigation, the Regional Police Command has entreated the family and close associates of the deceased to remain calm as they pursue justice.

    “The Regional Police Command duly appreciates the support of the public in uncovering the heinous crime,” the police added in a statement.

  • UP’s message should be centered on entrepreneurship, not politics – Franklin Cudjoe advises Alan

    UP’s message should be centered on entrepreneurship, not politics – Franklin Cudjoe advises Alan

    Policy think tank IMANI Africa has advised the founder and leader of the newly rebranded movement the United Party’s Alan Kyeremanten to return to his first love as an advocate of wealth creation and entrepreneurship. 

    With  track record of serving as first Regional Director of Enterprise Africa, a flagship UNDP initiative promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa as well as serving in the capacity as a Trade Minister for over four years, a message built in that regard will be well received by the public.

    Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 18, two days after  launch of UP Plus at a ceremony held in Accra, Ghana, President of IMANI, Franklin Cudjoe said Kyerematen’s long-standing association with entrepreneurship and private sector advocacy stands a chance of being well received if  communicated with clarity and purpose.

    “If Alan stays the course of understanding that his first love was enterprise, and he could turn that into something sellable… If Alan could reorient his message around building businesses and say, ‘I am here for you, the ordinary person. I am here to give you the opportunity and teach the skills to help you save a little more,’ then that could work,” Cudjoe said.

    He urged  Kyerematen to desist from the pure political rhetorics if he wants to connect more with voters 

    “If he takes that and says, ‘I want to be the enterprise guy, and I want you to build your own prosperity,’ then that’s a compelling message,” Cudjoe noted. “If Alan is able to move that message away from just saying ‘become members,’ then he can have a clear path.”

    Cudjoe’s comments follow the official unveiling of UP Plus, the rebranded version of Kyerematen’s Movement for Change. The launch marks a new chapter for the former Trade and Industry Minister, who has positioned the UP Plus as a centrist, reform-oriented political alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

    At the launch, Chairman Abubakar Saddique Boniface described UP Plus as a platform for credible leadership and transformational governance, built on competence, inclusivity, and universal values.

    Alan Kyerematen, in his address, called the new political identity a “new dawn” for Ghana, promising to usher in a golden age of business-led economic transformation.

    The Movement for Change, led by Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has officially transitioned into the United Party (UP Plus) after receiving approval from the Electoral Commission (EC). Party Chairman Abubakar Saddique Boniface stated that the unveiling represents the emergence of a new breed of political movement.

    “Today, we present to you the United Party or UP Plus. The UP Plus is a political organisation meant to bring real change to governance. We will make a difference because of our focus on universal values and respect for the leadership of competence. We are not just taking people to lead us, but people who are credible, competent, and have a vision,” he stated.

    Speaking at the unveiling event, Party leader Alan Kyerematen noted that the rebrand seeks to promote greater accountability, intensify the fight against corruption, and create prosperity for Ghanaians.

    “A new dawn that will bring about economic transformation, which will translate into massive job opportunities, usher in a golden age of business, and create prosperity for our country, Ghana.

    “A new dawn that will mobilise the collective strengths and talents of all Ghanaians for national development, irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

    “A new dawn that will promote accountable and transparent governance and introduce a policy of zero tolerance for corruption. A new dawn that will at least protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is what underpins the establishment of the United Party,” he said.

    Mr. Kyerematen, who was once a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), parted ways with the party on Monday, September 25, 2023, citing reasons such as electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the superdelegates’ conference held on August 26, 2023.

    The Movement for Change, now UP Plus, which Mr. Kyerematen described as youth-led, aims to address the country’s challenges. The party formed alliances with other political movements and has declared its intention to contest the 2024 elections.

    Mr. Kyerematen first resigned from the NPP in 2008 following attacks on his supporters after the NPP held its 2007 presidential primaries. He had been an active member of the NPP since its establishment in 1992. On Wednesday, September 12, 2024, Alan Kyerematen officially submitted his nomination to contest Ghana’s 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.

    In 2024, Mr. Kyerematen chose a youthful running mate, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), who doubles as a lawyer, broadcast journalist, and youth activist. After filing his nomination, Mr. Kyerematen reiterated his commitment to being a “transitional leader” dedicated to securing the future for Ghana’s younger generation.

    “I am fighting for the youth to have the opportunity to lead this country,” Kyerematen stated. He also pledged that 50% of his appointees would be drawn from the youth, a move aimed at promoting fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership in government.

    Central to his campaign is his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which addresses the immediate needs of Ghanaians, particularly the youth. The GTP focuses on economic transformation, job creation, and national development, offering a roadmap for addressing unemployment and underemployment, key concerns for millions of young voters.

    His development agenda goes beyond mere job creation, incorporating industrial transformation and tourism infrastructure development with private sector partnerships. This vision, he argues, will create long-term economic stability and reduce Ghana’s dependence on external financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, a reliance for which both the NPP and NDC have faced criticism in recent years.

    The Afrafranto Alliance, a coalition of civil society groups and grassroots movements, has rallied behind Kyerematen’s candidacy, reflecting growing frustration with the promises of the major political parties. Many of these groups are led by young activists who see in Kyerematen a leader capable of transcending party lines and focusing on the nation’s future.

    Mr. Kyerematen proposed governance reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing political cronyism. These include replacing the Council of State with a Second Chamber and establishing an Anti-Corruption Czar with prosecutorial powers. His pledge to limit his administration to just 40 ministers also sets him apart from the more bloated administrations of the past.

    Unfortunately, Mr. Kojo Alan Kyerematen obtained 31,202 votes, representing 0.28%, in the 2024 general elections. The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, was crowned the winner. This made him the first leader in the Fourth Republic to return to office after serving a term.

  • Open letter to Minister for Health

    Open letter to Minister for Health

    Hospital laboratories play a central role in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment outcomes. In general, laboratories play pivotal roles in disease surveillance, with the WHO estimating that about 60% to 80% of all clinical decisions, including those regarding diagnosis, treatment, and discharge, stem from outcomes of accurate and reliable laboratory investigations and data from these laboratories

    Despite its critical contribution to healthcare delivery, many public hospital laboratories in Ghana face significant financial and operational challenges. The lack of a dedicated funding mechanism for laboratory operations often leads to frequent shortages of reagents, malfunctioning equipment, and delayed diagnostic services. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need to establish a Hospital Laboratory Account modeled after the existing Hospital Pharmacy Account system

    Background and Context

    In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ghana faced frequent shortages of essential medicines and significant inefficiencies in procurement. In response, the Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF). Established in 1989 under the ‘cash-and-carry’ scheme, this initiative allowed health facilities to retain proceeds from drug sales to replenish their stock (3,4).

    The policy aimed to ensure the continuous availability of medicines while reducing reliance on central government budget allocations. Recognized as one of the most impactful interventions in the health sector, it has fostered self-sufficiency and made affordable medicines accessible to the average Ghanaian. The policy continues to operate under the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) to this day.

    Over the years, this mechanism has ensured a steady supply of drugs, improved accountability, and reduced dependence on central government funding (4,5). Public hospital laboratories continue to depend significantly on erratic budget allocations and donor funded programs, which frequently prove to be inadequate or delayed.

    The lack of a consistent financial framework hampers their ability to maintain operational efficiency and respond to diagnostic needs.

    The sense of professional embarrassment, moral and ethical frustration, and financial irony (given that laboratories are often seen as revenue generators for hospital facilities) substantially affects staff morale.

    Furthermore, it raises questions about institutional practices, especially considering the high level of training and expertise of Ghanaian Medical Laboratory Professionals.

    It is disheartening to hear the Ministry of Health suggest that outsourcing our laboratories to the highest bidders or relying on equipment placement and profit sharing alone with these hospitals will resolve Ghana’s health challenges, particularly as it attempts to separate the NHIS tariff for diagnostics.

    The case of the Taylor & Taylor Company Limited offers critical insights for the Hon. Minister.

    The first large-scale equipment placement initiative in the country was destined for failure due to a significant oversight, lacking a sustainable funding mechanism to ensure that the vendor would be compensated for their investment.

    Consequently, the funds generated from the equipment placement were diverted into a consolidated fund within the hospitals, which, as is often the case, was poorly managed and inadequately accounted for. To address these issues, the establishment of a Hospital Laboratory Account is essential.

    This initiative would enhance the efficiency, accountability, and sustainability of laboratory services within our institutions. Furthermore, it would effectively reduce diagnostic costs, modernize laboratory facilities, and equip them with the necessary tools, all of which align perfectly with the Ministry’s objectives (6,7).

    The Case for a Hospital Laboratory Account

    Establishing a Hospital Laboratory Account would enable laboratory units to generate, retain, and reinvest revenue from diagnostic services. Such a model, which is intended to follow the mechanisms of the Pharmacy account arrangement, would enhance efficiency, accountability, and sustainability of laboratory operations (8).

    The following are additional reasons why there is an urgent need for the creation of the account: Parliament of Ghana. Health Sector Reform and Sustainability Bill (Draft). Accra: Parliament;

    Sustainability of Laboratory Operations:

    Establishing a dedicated account will guarantee a continuous supply of essential reagents,

    consumables, and maintenance of equipment, independent of the often delayed central funding. This ring-fenced account, supported by legal provisions, would safeguard against political interference, even with changing government administrations.

    Unlike the current scenario, where a new government might replace existing contracts under the guise of “creating jobs for the boys,” this approach would prevent arbitrary shifts in staffing. It also avoids the risk of altering contractual agreements related to equipment placement at facilities or profit-sharing arrangements with facility management, which has been proposed by the ministry (9).

    Retooling and Infrastructure Upgrade:

    Funds accumulated through laboratory services could be used to procure modern diagnostic

    equipment, upgrade infrastructure, and improve service delivery. The recent direction by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, asking management to return funds that were used from the Revolving Drug Fund, is enough assurance that, should the Hospital Laboratory Account be created, there would be no opportunities for mismanagement, as has become the common practice of most hospitals (8,9,10).

    Enhanced Quality Assurance:

    Financial autonomy would allow laboratories to allocate resources to internal and external quality control programs, accreditation, and staff capacity building, ensuring standardization and reliability of laboratory results (8,9).

    Reduced Service Interruptions:

    With a revolving financial mechanism, laboratories can and would quickly respond to supply

    shortages, avoiding diagnostic service disruptions that affect patient care. It will also eliminate the levels of professional embarrassment, moral and ethical frustration, financial irony (considering laboratories remain the cash cow of hospital facilities), impact on staff morale and institutional reflection that are commonly witnessed in our healthcare facilities, considering the level of training and the pedigree of Ghanaian Medical Laboratory Professionals (comparable to only Nigeria in the sub region) (10).

    Improved Accountability and Financial Transparency:

    Like the pharmacy account, the laboratory account will promote transparency in revenue generation, procurement, and expenditure tracking (11).

    Support for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS):

    By ensuring the timely provision of laboratory services, the account will enhance the strengthening of the NHIS implementation and hospital reimbursement processes (12)

    Alignment with Health System Strengthening Goals:

    Establishing this account would ensure alignment with the Ministry of Health’s agenda to build resilient health systems and strengthen diagnostic capacity across public hospitals (13).

    Legal and Policy Considerations

    While no specific Act currently mandates the establishment of a Hospital Laboratory Account, it can be instituted through policy directives from the Ministry of Health, similar to the Revolving Drug Fund. The framework could be integrated into existing hospital financial management systems and aligned with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to ensure accountability and transparency. Clear guidelines on fund management, approved expenditures, and signatory authority that safeguard the integrity of the account (14,15).

    Expected Outcomes of Establishing the Hospital Laboratory Account

    The funds from the Hospital Laboratory Account is expected to provide, among others:

     A sustainable funding source for routine and specialized laboratory services.

    A reduction in equipment downtime and an improved diagnostic turnaround time.

    An enhanced laboratory accreditation, quality assurance, and staff motivation.

    An increased public confidence in laboratory services within public hospitals and

    An improved data availability for disease surveillance and health planning (16).

    Conclusion and Recommendations

    In conclusion, the establishment of a Hospital Laboratory Account is not only necessary but urgent. The Hospital Pharmacy Account system has proven effective in sustaining medicine availability and promoting financial autonomy in Ghanaian hospitals (17).

    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

  • I have no reason to criticise Mahama’s 10-month-old government – Ken Agyapong

    I have no reason to criticise Mahama’s 10-month-old government – Ken Agyapong

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, business mogul and former Assin Central MP,  Kennedy Agyapong, has responded to purported critics concerning his seeming silence since the Mahama led administration took power. 

    Rumours began to swirl within political circles that the straight talking NPP flagbearer hopeful could be in bed with the Mahama administration as he seeks payments for government contracts he may have been handed in the recent past NPP administration, 

    Speaking during an interview on Spear FM, Damongo, Ken Agyapong stated emphatically that he won’t criticise Mahama and the government because he has no reason to do so.

    According to him, he has no basis to criticise President Mahama and his administration that is barely 10 months citing the need for fairness. He said,

    “I have heard they are saying I’m not attacking Mahama because government owes me and I want to be paid that is why I’m not attacking Mahama’s government. Ten months in government and what do you expect Mahama to do that you want me to criticise him? We have to be fair,” Kennedy Agyapong said.

    “Ten months, even if it was cassava you planted, it would not have been ready for harvesting”.

    While he acknowledge the need to call a spade a spade, he however, highlighted his commitment to focus on the primaries set for January 2026.

    “I won’t criticise Mahama, I’m focusing on my primaries – Ken Agyapong. I’m not saying that when there is something wrong we should not say, but me, I’m focusing on my primaries,” he emphasised.

    Meanwhile, Kennedy Agyapong, picked the first spot on the party’s just-concluded ballot.

    The exercise, conducted on Friday, October 10, was held to determine the order of names on the ballot paper ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 31, 2026.

    So far, Kwabena Agyepong, former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former MP for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong, had been cleared to campaign.

    Dr. Bryan Acheampong picked the second position, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia took the third position. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyepong took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

    Former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, officially filed his nomination forms on Tuesday, August 26.

    Party executives received the nomination forms from former Assin Central MP and presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong on Wednesday, August 27. Former Food and Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong also filed his nomination forms.

    In a separate development, Global Info Analytics late September,  predicted that Dr Bawumia, would lead in the primaries against his competitors, particularly Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    However, in barely two weeks, the Pan-African civil society organisation, Sanity Africa, which predicted the victory of Bernard Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the tightly contested Akwatia by-election, has released its Phase Two survey on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.

    According to the organisation’s recent survey, there has been a shift in the landscape as the party gears up towards the January 2026 primaries.

    The abridged October report suggests that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, popularly known as Ken, has strengthened his lead among NPP delegates, commanding 53.1% of voting intentions, which represents a 1.7 % point increase from the Phase One survey conducted in July.

    The former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB), trails with 39.0%, indicating a 3.2-point drop. Behind them are Dr Bryan Acheampong at 5.0% (up 1.9 points), Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum at 2.0% (down 1.0 point), and Ing. Kwabena A. Agyepong at 0.9% (rising from 0.3%).

    The results of the survey carried out between July and October 2025 came from a sample of 15,000 delegates from an estimated 218,000 in the expanded voter album across all 276 constituencies.

    It boasts a 99% confidence level with a ±5% margin of error. At the regional level, Ken Agyapong sits atop as a leading candidate in ten regions out of Ghana’s 16, including strongholds such as Ashanti (54.8%), Central (69.0%), and Eastern (54.8%).

    His biggest contender, Dr Bawumia, on the other hand, still holds his lead in the Northern sector, thus with an advantage in the rest of the six regions. He leads in the North East (70.0%) and Upper West (60.2%). Competitive races are unfolding in Bono East, Savannah, and Upper East, where margins remain slim.

    Notable shifts include Dr Bawumia widening his lead in the North East Region from 51.6% to 70.0%, while Ken strengthened his position in Volta (50.8%) and Bono (53.0%).

    Dr Bryan Acheampong registered significant gains in his home region of Eastern, rising to 21.7%. Sanity Africa noted that these shifts reflect evolving delegate sentiments influenced by campaign strategies and regional dynamics.

    The organisation emphasised that while Ken Agyapong currently has the upper hand, the contest remains fluid.

    Endorsements, messaging, and campaign strategies, it said, are expected to play critical roles in shaping the outcome.

    With Phase Three of the survey scheduled for release in January 2026, Sanity Africa concluded that Ken may be the one to beat, but the race is far from over.

    Meanwhile, Global InfoAnalytics tracking poll named former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the people’s preferred candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2028 general election against his closest contender, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The poll suggests that 57% of voters prefer Dr Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate, while 29% picked Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The other contenders, i.e., former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, secured 6%, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, polled 5%, while former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong, registered 3%.

    In the critical swing regions of Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr Bawumia also leads decisively with 57%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 32%. Dr Adutwum and Dr Acheampong each secured 4%, while Kwabena Agyapong obtained 3%.

    The survey further indicates that in a potential runoff between Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia would extend his lead with 62% against Agyapong’s 38%.

    Flagbearer aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has picked the first spot on the party’s just concluded ballot.

    The exercise conducted today, Friday, October 10, was to determine who takes which number on the ballot paper ahead of the presidential election on January 31, 2026.

    So far, Kwabena Agyepong, former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, have been cleared to campaign.

  • QNET victims: EOCO rescues 16 Ghanaians, 10 Ivorians in a joint human trafficking operation, apprehends suspects

    QNET victims: EOCO rescues 16 Ghanaians, 10 Ivorians in a joint human trafficking operation, apprehends suspects

    The Economic and Organised Crime Office (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.

    “EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.

    In July this year, EOCO and QNET signed a joint MoU to clamp down on criminal actors using the name of QNET to traffic persons,” the statement continued.

    EOCO further emphasised its commitment to protecting the public from organised crime and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the office directly via its official channels.

    Meanwhile, barely two months ago, the Ghana Police, in a collaborative intelligence-aided operation with the operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, rescued twenty (20) Ghanaians who were trafficked to the Uyo Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The twenty included 10 females and 10 males, all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals.

    The rescue was announced by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Timfon John, in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

    In the statement, she disclosed that the rescue operation was undertaken following an official request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.

    “On August 18, 2025, operatives of the command successfully rescued 20 Ghanians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    ‘’The human trafficking victims were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, after an operation that was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL, she revealed adding that “the raid led to the rescue of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals,” the statement read.

    The victims who were rescued in a well-fenced building around 4 pm, John revealed, appeared disoriented and unable to speak. Investigators believe their orientation and countenance suggest potential hypnotism hence their inability to assist with investigations.

    “Acting on credible information, operatives surrounded a well-fenced building at approximately 1617 hours on Monday, August 18, 2025

    ‘’The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they might have been hypnotised”, John added.

    However, investigations are underway “…and further developments will be communicated to the public as they become available,’’ the statement added.

    The Nigerian Police supported Operation mark about the third rescue operation successfully carried out by the Ghana Police Service this year.

    About four months ago, a group of two hundred and two (202) Ghanaians who were lured with fake promises such as lucrative job opportunities in foreign countries by a human trafficking and scam syndicate, Q-Net (QuestNet International), operating in Nigeria, were rescued and repatriated, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    “The traffickers lure unsuspecting compatriots under the pretext of facilitating their travel to France or other European countries for lucrative job opportunities”, he said.

    Also, in a separate development, Ghana Police, in a joint operation with the International Police (INTERPOL), launched a crack down on scammers in the country, arresting sixty-eight suspected individuals involved in romance scams and sextortion.

    In a release shared by INTERPOL on its official website, the international security agency revealed that the operation, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0 and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, discovered that these criminal syndicates caused USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered in cash.

    “Ghanaian authorities arrested 68 individuals, seized 835 devices and identified 108 victims. Their investigations revealed USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered,” excerpts of the statement revealed.

    According to INTERPOL, the operation was targeted at criminal networks exploiting social media and dating platforms to carry out romance scams and sextortion.

    “The crackdown targeted transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, particularly social media, to manipulate victims and defraud them financially. Specifically, the operation focused on romance scams, where perpetrators build online relationships to extract money from victims, and sextortion, in which victims are blackmailed with explicit images or videos,” the statement said.

    INTERPOL explained: “…For romance scams, the suspects had used fake profiles, forged identities and stolen images to deceive victims. The scammers extracted payments using a range of schemes, including fake courier and customs shipment fees. In sextortion cases, offenders secretly recorded intimate videos during explicit chats and used them for blackmail.”

  • Grenada open to employing Ghanaian nurses in new MoU with govt

    Grenada open to employing Ghanaian nurses in new MoU with govt

    The looming unemployment crisis in Ghana’s health sector is anticipated to be mitigated as Grenada expresses interest in employing some nurses and other allied healthcare professionals.

    This comes after the two countries, Ghana and Grenada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses to work in Grenada in an agreement which seeks to strengthen the healthcare systems of both countries while promoting cultural exchange and knowledge sharing in the medical field.

    Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

    President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech on Friday, October 17, during a state visit by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Presidency in Accra, lauded the international recognition of Ghanaian health care professionals and the benefits the agreement stands to bring to both countries. 

    He said, “In the health sector, Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries. Ghanaian health workers have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion. And we’re keen to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities.

    He added, “I’m pleased that just yesterday, Thursday, October 16, our Foreign Minister, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Honourable Joseph Andall, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana-Grenada Political Consultations. I’m confident that this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic, and cultural engagements between our two nations.”

    The signing of the MoU comes just days after the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh raised concerns about the balooning and looming unemployment crisis the sector is anticipated to face citing governments efforts to deal with the challenge.

    Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.

    The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.

    Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.

    He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.

    According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.

    “By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.

    In light of this, he detailed that the government is working on a recruitment strategy, including collaborations with other international bodies and countries to ship them out in a policy called “managed migration”. Thirteen (13) countries have so far responded; however, most of them prefer to work with specialists.

    “So there is a strategy going forward. What we are seeking to do now is that gradually, the government will be employing some of them as we move along,” he said.“We are also looking at what we call managed migration, how we will be able to export some of them. About 13 countries have responded, but the difficulty is that most of these countries that have responded need a specialist,” he added.

    He also revealed that Ghana would need not less than GHS6 billion annually to clear the existing backlog of unemployed health professionals.

    The comments come amid growing pressure from unemployed nurses and midwives demanding placement, and criticism from the Minority in Parliament over how the government is handling health sector employment.

    Ranking Member on the Health Committee speaking during a media engagement, stated that, “there is no need for Cabinet to approve anything. Again, there’s no need for this clearance. The government should come and tell the people the truth.”

    The Minority accused the government of taking health workers for granted, saying their patience had run out.

    They emphasized that financial clearance for 15,000 health workers was already secured under the previous NPP administration in July 2024.

    About 8,000 of those workers were paid, and the remaining 7,000 should have been paid as well , especially since they were posted before the December 2024 handover.

    However, Mr Akandoh, during his interview with Channel One’s Bernard Avle, stated that the previous administration led by Akufo-Addo did not make any budget for the over 13,000 nurses they recruited.

    The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the salary delays affecting thousands of nurses, teachers, and junior doctors are due to lapses under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Pelpuo blamed the NPP’s poor recruitment practices and fiscal indiscipline for the current plight of nurses and doctors.

    “The situation is currently unfair, but it is a culmination of events that took place in the last regime before the current regime took over. People were engaged to work without due process. For you to work and be paid, you need clearance to show that there is money in the account and that your employment has been approved. That didn’t happen in this respect,” he said.

    Ghana, in recent times, has witnessed several protests from government employees, specifically, teachers, nurses, and doctors. According to him, the former government handed over a poorly planned budget that didn’t make room to pay nurses, teachers, and doctors.

    As such, he called the protesting groups to call for calm as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will work to rectify the situation.

    “We are taking it up very seriously, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors who are caught up in the process that we are going to respond to them before the end of the year,” he stated.

  • We are ready – Private schools declare as they welcome 25,000 students under free SHS

    We are ready – Private schools declare as they welcome 25,000 students under free SHS

    Private senior high schools participating in the government’s pilot Free SHS expansion programme have declared their readiness to receive the first batch of students who have gained admission into their schools, effective Monday.

    During an appearance on Friday, October 17, the Spokesperson for the Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools (CHOPSS), Naphtali Kyei-Baffour, mentioned that approximately 25,000 students are expected to report to the seventy (70) schools participating in the nationwide pilot programme on Monday.

    He added that some students have already visited their schools to collect their prospectuses and complete registration ahead of full enrolment on Monday.

    “Yes, indeed, we are expecting several students to report to the SHSs. That is the 70 that are part of the piloting system we are doing. We are expecting to receive almost 25,000 of them. Some of them have started coming to collect their prospectus and are ready to join, just as they have been posted. We are ready, in terms of facilities, preparedness, and everything; we are ready to receive them. We are expecting that they come to the various schools from Monday,” he said.

    The expansion of the Free SHS programme to private schools forms part of the government’s efforts to ease congestion in public senior high schools and also gradually phase out the double-track system, which was introduced by the erstwhile government.

     According to the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, it is a fulfilment of the government’s manifesto promise, adding that it is a step to ensure eligible students gain admission without delays.

    The double-track system was introduced in 2018 by the erstwhile government to accommodate the surge in student enrollment due to the Free SHS policy, addressing overcrowding in public schools. Under this system, students were divided into two groups, Green Track and Gold Track, attending school in shifts, with one track in session while the other was on break.

    Executive Director of GNACOPS, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, recently stated that parents who opt to board their wards in these schools will pay the difference between the government’s contribution and the school’s boarding fees citing thaqt the pilot involves only day stuents.

    “For now, the pilot covers only day students, with government paying GH₵994 per child enrolled in participating private schools,” he clarified.

    This was after the Ministry of Education had announced plans to pay GH₵994 annually for each student placed in private senior high schools under the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.

    “Government is committed to providing a stipend to support the transition of students moving into private schools. That figure is negotiable, but for a start, this is the commitment we are making for this pilot inclusion.”

    This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools, marking a new phase in the inclusion of selected private institutions in the national Free SHS policy.

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu explained that the move is part of the government’s strategy to ensure equitable access to quality education in both public and private institutions. 

    President of CHOPSS, I.K. Mensah, has welcomed the initiative and indicated that discussions are ongoing to expand the programme and possibly revise the funding structure in future phases.

    The Free Senior High School policy was introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo-led government to make secondary education accessible to all eligible students without financial barriers.

    The policy was aimed at helping students who struggled to pay tuition, boarding, and other school-related expenses. However, the policy came with its challenges, such as overcrowding and congestion in schools, pressure on infrastructure and facilities, and increased pressure on teachers.

    This increased the number of enrollments in the senior high schools that were listed under the Free SHS policy. About 3.5 million students have benefited from the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program since its launch.

    The immediate-past government revealed that it had spent over GH¢12 billion on the implementation of the Free SHS policy since its inception. Meanwhile, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged a reassessment of Ghana’s Free SHS initiative, recommending that households with sufficient means contribute financially so that government support can be directed toward students in real need.

    During a meeting with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the Asantehene suggested a shared funding model, akin to previous arrangements where financial aid was granted to bright but disadvantaged students, while those with the ability to pay covered their own expenses.

    “Those who can afford to pay, let’s have a second look at the policy. If someone can afford it, let’s allow them to pay. In the old times, when you passed, the bursary would look for good but needy students and award them scholarships, and those who could afford to pay did so.”

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has recognised the positive impact of the Free SHS policy but stressed the importance of a national discussion to tackle its shortcomings and secure its future.

    “This Free SHS we are talking about, although we have implemented it, if we have a dialogue and find out that it will result in students coming home now and then because there is no food, then it is not fit for purpose.”

    He also pointed out several pressing concerns affecting secondary schools, including overcrowded dormitories, a lack of well-equipped science and ICT laboratories, irregular food supplies, and insufficient school buses.

    “Our dormitories are overcrowded and lack science and ICT labs. Sometimes, PTA makes contributions to support. The lack of school buses and the shortage of food should all be looked at. Let us implement it well so that students will stay in school and have enough to eat.”

  • FIFA rankings: Ghana move 2 spots up after impressive World Cup display

    FIFA rankings: Ghana move 2 spots up after impressive World Cup display

    The last FIFA ranking, which was released about a month ago, placed Ghana a spot higher, from 76th to 75th, following the Black Stars’ matches against Mali and Chad. The team earned three extra points from those games.

    They have now moved two places in the latest FIFA World Ranking, following their last performance in the qualifiers. The four-time African champions now sit 73rd in the world after a successful October international window.

    Despite this progress on the global stage, Ghana remain 14th in Africa. In July, Ghana’s Black Stars fell about six places in FIFA’s rankings at the time.

    This was after their loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September during the international break.

    In the ranking released on July 10, Ghana ranked 76th in the FIFA World Rankings. This leaves the former African giant out of the top 10 national teams as they continue the push to rejoin the continent’s elite.

    According to the July ranking, Argentina still held its spot as number one, followed by Spain, France, and then England, with Brazil taking the fifth spot.

    In Africa, Morocco sat on top with its 12th position on the global level with 1,698.72 points. Senegal also moved a spot up from its 19th position last year. Egypt dropped to 34 on the global scale but remained 3rd in Africa despite its slight dip from the 32nd position, which was caused by a quiet international window with no matches played since March.

    Meanwhile, other teams gained points through qualifiers and friendlies, allowing them to climb higher in the rankings.

    Algeria (36th), Nigeria (44th) and the Ivory Coast (45th) follow closely, despite the latter’s recent AFCON success.Tunisia (49th), Cameroon (51st), Mali (54th) and South Africa (57th) round out the African top ten, with Ghana sitting just outside the group.

    Meanwhile, 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.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will embark on an Asian tour to face South Korea and Japan as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    This was officially announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on October 9, in a press release following Ghana’s 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Otto Addo has hinted that, based on the team’s current ranking by the global football governing body, FIFA, Ghana is likely to face strong opponents at next year’s tournament.

    Speaking to Citi Sports ahead of the tournament draw on December 5, Addo stated that “I know that at the moment Ghana is not ranked high, so probably we will get a tough group, so we have to expect that we get tougher opponents in our group and we have to deal with it,” the 49-year-old added.

    However, Addo remained optimistic, citing his excitement about the team’s prospects and commitment to conquering the group stage.

    “We will see what we will get, and I’m excited about that. For me, the most important thing is to overcome the group stage,” he added.

    With this qualification, Addo has become the first coach in Ghanaian football history to lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup appearances, having guided the team to the 2022 edition in Qatar.

    In a separate interview, Otto Addo has responded to growing concerns regarding his player selection for the global football tournament, the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Speaking during an interview with 3Sports, which was aired on Tuesday, October 15, Otto Addo explicitly stated that players who have ignored their calls despite continuous efforts from the national team’s technical staff since 2021 should not expect any call-up now that the Black Stars have secured their ticket to the World Cup.

    “We will look at each case one by one. There are players I have been chasing since 2021, who didn’t reply to our calls or want to come. It’s a different thing if we haven’t approached you and now you want to come. But if we have been approaching you all the way and you said no, and now we are at the World Cup, so you want to come, that’s a different matter,” Addo said.

    His remarks follow reports that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are considering switching allegiance to play for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    On his part, unity and commitment from and among the players have played a significant role in the team’s performance, hence the need to check a player’s commitment before giving them an opportunity.

    “I think Ghana should always have a certain pride. As a country, we need to check the commitment of each player. We have very good unity, and we don’t want to destroy it by bringing in players who don’t commit,” he added.

  • 2026 WC: Otto Addo hints Ghana likely to face tough opponents at group stage

    2026 WC: Otto Addo hints Ghana likely to face tough opponents at group stage

    President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    This comes after 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.

    However, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has hinted that, based on the team’s current ranking by the global football governing body, FIFA, Ghana is likely to face strong opponents at next year’s tournament.

    Speaking to Citi Sports ahead of the tournament draw on December 5, Addo stated that “I know that at the moment Ghana is not ranked high, so probably we will get a tough group, so we have to expect that we get tougher opponents in our group and we have to deal with it,” the 49-year-old added. 

    However, Addo remained optimistic, citing his excitement about the team’s prospects and commitment to conquering the group stage.

    “We will see what we will get, and I’m excited about that. For me, the most important thing is to overcome the group stage,” he added.

    With this qualification, Addo has become the first coach in Ghanaian football history to lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup appearances, having guided the team to the 2022 edition in Qatar.

    In a separate interview, Otto Addo has responded to growing concerns regarding his player selection for the global football tournament, the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Speaking during an interview with 3Sports, which was aired on Tuesday, October 15, Otto Addo explicitly stated that players who have ignored their calls despite continuous efforts from the national team’s technical staff since 2021 should not expect any call-up now that the Black Stars have secured their ticket to the World Cup.

    “We will look at each case one by one. There are players I have been chasing since 2021, who didn’t reply to our calls or want to come. It’s a different thing if we haven’t approached you and now you want to come. But if we have been approaching you all the way and you said no, and now we are at the World Cup, so you want to come, that’s a different matter,” Addo said.

    His remarks follow reports that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are considering switching allegiance to play for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    On his part, unity and commitment from and among the players have played a significant role in the team’s performance, hence the need to check a player’s commitment before giving them an opportunity.

    “I think Ghana should always have a certain pride. As a country, we need to check the commitment of each player. We have very good unity, and we don’t want to destroy it by bringing in players who don’t commit,” he added.

    About Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah

    Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are both English-born footballers of Ghanaian descent. Hudson-Odoi plays for Nottingham Forest, while Nketiah plays for Crystal Palace.

    News about their joining Black Star surfaced around 2021-2023; however, it died out after reports of the players’ request for more time to ponder over the offer and make a decision.

    However, this month, it was reported that, following Ghana’s heavy win against the Central African Republic, these players have expressed their readiness to join the team in Ghana.

    Nketiah, during an appearance on The Beautiful Game podcast openly declared, “If Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”

    Oddoi, on the other hand, in June 2021, ahead of the 2022 World Cup, was allegedly contacted by the Ghana FA officials about switching allegiance. Soon after, he visited Ghana that summer, and he met with President Akufo-Addo and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, who urged him to consider playing for the Black Stars, but Hudson-Odoi did not commit.

    Subsequently, in November 2021, Oddoi, during a BBC Interview “I think obviously when you’re young and you’ve played for England, that’s something that you’re always proud of… but I feel like Ghana is my home as well.”

    He added that he was “open to anything” and would make a decision when the time was right.

    Also, Hudson-Odoi did not respond to Ghana’s invitations for AFCON 2023 qualifiers. But Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku confirmed in early 2023 that Hudson-Odoi had been contacted but had not completed the FIFA nationality switch.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will embark on an Asian tour to face South Korea and Japan as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    This was officially announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on October 9, in a press release following Ghana’s 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

  • Otto Addo still Ghana’s coach – Randy Abbey responds to dismissal claims

    Otto Addo still Ghana’s coach – Randy Abbey responds to dismissal claims

    Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr Randy Abbey, has intimated that Black Stars head coach Otoo Addo remains the team’s coach, stressing that “his employers have not said they are done with him”.

    Otto Addo’s second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.

    In reaction, Dr Abbey, speaking during an engagement with Asempa FM, acknowledged the public’s concerns but stated that, as it stands, the employers of the former Dortmund coach haven’t expressed their disinterest in Otto Addo’s role as head coach, hence the need to shift all focus on celebrating the feat he has attained.

    “From the time we came in, look at the statistics. Otto Addo is the head coach of the Black Stars, and that has not changed. I don’t have any issues with the ongoing discussions. He has a contract, and his contract has not ended. His employers have not said they are done with him. He has qualified for the World Cup, and he must be celebrated for that, but every Ghanaian deserves to have an opinion, and Otto Addo remains the Black Stars coach,” Dr Abbey said.

    Responding to a question about whether the committee had identified any weaknesses within Addo’s technical set-up, Dr Abbey replied, “Except God, everyone has weaknesses.”

    The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, earlier noted that the dismissal of Otto Addo is not a solo decision he can make, but several factors will need to be considered before a decision about the coach’s future is made.

    “If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” “I pay him, but it is not my decision alone. The GFA has a role to play, and it is not about this or not and going forward, we will have all these conversations,” Mr Adams said during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, emphasised that Addo remains the head coach and deserves full support from all Ghanaians.

    Ivory Coast sacked their coach during AFCON, and their assistant coach, Emerse Faé, led them to win the AFCON. If you are determined, you will bring success. At this moment, he is our coach, and we have to support him.”

    Meanwhile, Otto Addo has reacted to questions surrounding his future with the team.

    Ahead of Ghana’s final game for the 2026 World Cup clash with Comoros, in an interview with the Ghana FA website, the former Dortmund talent coach intimated that his focus is to make Ghanaians happy and not to worry about keeping his job, a situation he has no control over.

    “What happens after is not in my hands. I hope that a lot of people, if we win, can go to America. We have to win this game. This is what we are looking at. If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy,” he said.

    Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5. FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to 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.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

    Ghana’s qualification marks their fifth appearance at the World Cup, following previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Among African nations, only Cameroon (8), Morocco (7), Tunisia (7), and Nigeria (6) have made more appearances on the world stage.

    The Black Stars accrued 25 points after their final World Cup qualifier. Initially sitting in third place after two rounds of matches, Ghana began their campaign against Madagascar on November 17, 2023, securing a 1–0 home victory on Matchday 1, before suffering a 1–0 away loss to Comoros on Matchday 2, November 21, 2023. The team bounced back strongly on March 21, delivering a convincing 4–0 win over Chad.

    This set the tone for another win against Madagascar on March 24. Ghana defeated Madagascar 3–0 in Morocco, with a brace from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus bringing the team’s points to 15. They remained atop the group until their last game on October 12.

    Also, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher, beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

  • Era of protocol, ‘who you know’ recruitment style won’t be tolerated under this NDC government  – Asiedu Nketiah

    Era of protocol, ‘who you know’ recruitment style won’t be tolerated under this NDC government  – Asiedu Nketiah

    Receruitment into the Ghana Forces (GAF) is currently underway since the service opened their portal on the first day of this month, October 1 with a decentralised regional enlistment style. Recruitment is now being conducted at the regional level, with the enlistment exercise taking place across all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.

    Addressing party supporters in the Akatsi North Constituency on Thursday, October 16, as part of his thank-you tour, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, reiterated the party’s commitment to fairness in public recruitment.

    He noted that the long-standing practice of politically driven recruitment, commonly referred to as the ‘who-you-know’ system, where people are enlisted based on their surnames or political affiliation — will not be condoned under the Mahama-led administration.

    This he said forms part of government’s effort to attain “security institutions are properly balanced; not just balanced, but very balanced” encouraging all interested personnels to apply.

    He said the proposed reforms are aimed at restoring professionalism, equity, and regional balance within the country’s security institutions.

    “We are departing from a system where people were recruited based on their surnames, where one’s name determined their chances of selection. We are doing away with that and making sure our security services are truly representative and fair.

    “All future recruitment will now take place at the regional level. We have already started with the Armed Forces, and very soon, the other security agencies will open their portals for registration. I encourage those of you who consider yourselves capable to do well to apply”he said.

    Meanwhile, GFA on Monday, September 29, issued a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun announcing the opening of their recruitment portal.

    According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers.

    “The enlistment/recruitment exercise will be announced through the official Ghana Armed Forces platforms such as gafonline.mil.gh, gafrecruitment.mil.gh, in addition to the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers,” GAF noted.

    GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

    The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.

    Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

    Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment.

    Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

    In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence. He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been slashed by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.

    He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.

    “Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised.

    The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.

    “All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.

  • NSA scandal: Assibey Antwi, Gifty Oware to make first court appearance today

    NSA scandal: Assibey Antwi, Gifty Oware to make first court appearance today

    Former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, and his deputy, Gifty Oware, will make their first court appearance today, Friday, 17th October.

    This comes after the duo were formally charged earlier this week by the Attorney General for allegedly stealing and causing financial losses to the state.

    Osei Assibey Antwi has been slapped with fourteen serious charges.

    The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that he approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.

    He is additionally charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, said to have occurred between August 2023 and May 2024.

    Prosecutors say Mr Antwi diverted project funds, authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.

    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.

    In total, the alleged offences connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02.

    Gifty Oware-Mensah, on the other hand, has been charged with five offences, including Stealing, Willfully Causing Financial Loss, Using Public Office for Profit, and Money Laundering.

    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centred on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform, a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.

    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database.

    She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.

    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, which resulted in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director.

    Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel.Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87.

    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.

    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, it has been postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.

    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.

    According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million can not be accounted for.

    Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.

    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.“The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana.“Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.

    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.

    The finding revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.

    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.

    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.

    After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released. In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter.

    The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority.

    The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GHȼ50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Brim North District, Eastern Region.

    Meanwhile, a new posting and management system designed to automate allowance payments and eliminate ghost names from the national service payroll has been introduced by the National Service Authority (NSA).

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, said, the enhanced digital platform integrates directly with Ghana’s national identification database to verify personnel identities and ages against tertiary institution records, effectively eliminating ghost names and duplicate entries.

    He told the media on Tuesday, October 7, the system introduces end-to-end automation, from posting to allowance processing, to ensure only verified personnel are paid.

    “The payroll is automatically generated from verified and appraised personnel data, ensuring that only eligible and validated service personnel receive their allowances.

    “The system checks, cross-checks, and confirms all records before processing payments,” she explained.

    Ruth Dela Seddoh disclosed that attendance monitoring has been upgraded through geofencing technology, which ensures personnel can only check in when they are physically at their designated workplaces, an initiative designed to curb absenteeism and eliminate proxy attendance.

    Apart from payroll improvements, the upgraded system incorporates a smart placement algorithm that automatically assigns personnel to institutions based on their qualifications, regional choices, and institutional requirements.

    The platform also simplifies approval processes, attendance validation, and report submission, minimizing delays and the need for manual handling.

    Every service personnel will now have access to a customized dashboard showing their posting information, institution details, duty records, and a digital certificate with a QR code for instant authentication.

    Institutions, on the other hand, will benefit from a new interface that enables them to request, supervise, and assess personnel with greater ease.

    Madam Seddoh emphasized that the redesigned platform marks a significant stride toward promoting transparency, accountability, and digital efficiency in the administration of national service.

    “Every click, every activity, and every approval is digitally recorded. It’s a complete audit trail that protects everyone and ensures consistency, transparency, and trust,” she said.

    The new system will link with the NSS Connect mobile app to deliver instant updates, alerts, and access to official information.

  • Otto Addo warns foreign-born players not to expect call-ups if they ignored earlier calls

    Otto Addo warns foreign-born players not to expect call-ups if they ignored earlier calls

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has responded to swirling concerns regarding his player selection for the global football tournament, FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Speaking during an interview with 3Sports, which was aired on Tuesday, October 15, Otto Addo explicitly stated that players who have ignored their calls despite continuous efforts from the national team’s technical staff since 2021 should not expect any call-up now that the Black Stars have secured their ticket to the World Cup.

    “We will look at each case one by one. There are players I have been chasing since 2021, who didn’t reply to our calls or want to come. It’s a different thing if we haven’t approached you and now you want to come. But if we have been approaching you all the way and you said no, and now we are at the World Cup, so you want to come, that’s a different matter,” Addo said.

    His remarks follow reports that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are considering switching allegiance to play for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    On his part, unity and commitment from and among the players have played a significant role in the team’s performance, hence the need to check a player’s commitment before giving them an opportunity.

    “I think Ghana should always have a certain pride. As a country, we need to check the commitment of each player. We have very good unity, and we don’t want to destroy it by bringing in players who don’t have commitment,” he added.

    About Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah

    Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are both English-born footballers of Ghanaian descent. Hudson-Odoi plays for Nottingham Forest, while Nketiah plays for Crystal Palace.

    News about their joining Black Star surfaced around 2021-2023; however, it died out after reports of the players’ request for more time to ponder over the offer and make a decision.

    However, this month, it was reported that, following Ghana’s heavy win against the Central African Republic, these players have expressed their readiness to join the team in Ghana.

    Nketiah, during an appearance on The Beautiful Game podcast openly declared, “If Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”

    Oddoi, on the other hand, in June 2021, ahead of the 2022 World Cup, was allegedly contacted by the Ghana FA officials about switching allegiance. Soon after, he visited Ghana that summer, and he met with President Akufo-Addo and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, who urged him to consider playing for the Black Stars, but Hudson-Odoi did not commit.

    Subsequently, in November 2021, Oddoi, during a BBC Interview “I think obviously when you’re young and you’ve played for England, that’s something that you’re always proud of… but I feel like Ghana is my home as well.”

    He added that he was “open to anything” and would make a decision when the time was right.

    Also, Hudson-Odoi did not respond to Ghana’s invitations for AFCON 2023 qualifiers. But Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku confirmed in early 2023 that Hudson-Odoi had been contacted but had not completed the FIFA nationality switch.

    Meanwhile, 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.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will embark on an Asian tour to face South Korea and Japan as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    This was officially announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA)  on October 9, in a press release following Ghana’s 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic.

    The first clash is scheduled for November 14 in Toyota as part of the prestigious Kirin Cup, against Japan, before they travel to Seoul to face South Korea three days later, on November 17.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus 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.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team, 

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    The Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents during the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

  • 70 state institutions spending within approved budgetary limits – Finance Ministry

    70 state institutions spending within approved budgetary limits – Finance Ministry

    The Mahama-led administration assumed power with a cost-cutting agenda, and part of the measures it put in place include the issuance of Public Financial Management (PFM) Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures.

    The PFM Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures are a set of strict fiscal guidelines issued on May 2 by the Finance Minister to prevent overspending, reduce arrears, and enforce budget discipline across Ghana’s public sector.

    Following its issuance, seventy-eight (78) state-owned institutions have shown compliance, as reported by the Finance Ministry. 

    The compliance update follows the submission of quarterly commitment control review reports to the Internal Audit Agency (IAA).

    The Ministry’s guidelines were designed to ensure that public entities commit and spend within approved budgetary limits, prevent the accumulation of arrears, and enhance transparency in the management of public funds.

    According to the quarterly report, institutions that have complied with the fiscal guidelines include GoldBod, Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana Enterprise Agency, Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission, Rent Control Department, State Interests and Governance Authority, Venture Capital Trust Fund, and Department of Parks and Gardens.

    Others include NaCCA, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, some Ministries, some Colleges of Education and Municipal, Metropolitan District Assemblies (MMDAs).

    The high level of compliance means that more government institutions are now following the rules on how public money should be spent. It also shows better teamwork between internal auditors and officers who approve spending.

    Next, the government plans to track spending in real time, deal with agencies that still break the rules, and make public finance more transparent and accountable.

    This effort is part of a larger government program to keep the economy stable, reduce wasteful spending, and make sure public funds are managed honestly and efficiently.

    Meanwhile, the government’s “reset agenda” is an economic recovery and social transformation strategy adopted by the current government to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.

    Some of the cost-cutting initiatives implemented by the government since assuming office include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56, four short of his 60-minister cap.

    Also, the president in June ordered the discontinuation of all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

    Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews yesterday, Mr Kwakye revealed that the ban on the use of DSTV and other satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House will eventually be extended to all other government agencies and institutions.

    He noted that while the decision might appear “trivial,” an internal review revealed that satellite TV subscriptions were accounting for a considerable share of operational expenses.

    “I can reveal to you that if you come to this house, there’s no office in this house that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television,” he said.

    “You would say that that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”

    “You can turn on the television that you see here, you will find that I’m only limited to local television stations. It is something that will be extended to all government agencies to ensure that we don’t waste the taxpayers’ money,” he added.

    Also, in July, President Mahama ordered the cancellation of fuel allowances and coupons for all political appointees. He explained that it was targeted at cutting discretionary spending and redirecting funds to priority sectors like health and education.

    Other cost-cutting initiatives include a reduction in office renovation and furnishing budgets, suspension of non-essential foreign travel, and a freeze on new government vehicle purchases.

    The order to reduce office renovation was issued by the Finance Minister as part of the PFM Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures on May 2.

    The Minister ordered MDAs that existing assets must be reused or refurbished internally, with no new procurement unless justified.

    The government placed a moratorium on the purchase of new official vehicles across MDAs and SOEs.

    Exceptions are only granted for security and emergency services, subject to Finance Ministry approval.

    His cost-cutting measures have earned praise from individuals and institutions alike. In July, Policy Think Tank, IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe said: “The reduction in ministerial appointments and cancellation of discretionary perks like DSTV and fuel coupons are commendable steps. It signals a shift toward responsible governance.”

    However, he urged the government to extend the cuts to procurement and contract auditing. Also, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII)commended the government for the ban on fuel coupons and foreign travel, calling it a “positive signal to curb wasteful spending.”

    The Minority, on the other hand, questioned the government, expressing doubt on the authenticity of the government’s purported move. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on March 12, 2025, former Information Minister and current Member of Parliament for Ayirebi Constituency, Oppong-Nkrumah, stated:

    “There has been no cut in the budget. When you look at the numbers, you’ll see that the government is spending more, not less.”

    He said, “they claim they have cut costs, but the numbers tell a different story.”

  • GoldBod accrues $8bn from Small-Scale Gold exports from Jan-Oct 2025

    GoldBod accrues $8bn from Small-Scale Gold exports from Jan-Oct 2025

    Ghana GoldBoard (GoldBod) has reported a significant revenue accrued from small-scale gold export between  January and  October 15.

    The sector has earned US$8 billion in foreign exchange within ten months, according to data from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

    The data reports that small-scale miners exported 81,719.23 kilograms of gold during the period, valued at US$8.06 billion. This marks a sharp increase from US$4.61 billion recorded in 2024 and nearly quadruples the US$2.19 billion achieved in 2023.

    Also, the data shows that gold export increased by 29% between 2024 and 2025, thus from 63,647 kilograms to 81,719 kilograms. When compared to 2023, GoldBod’s earnings have grown more than threefold.

    The data highlights a consistent upward trend in both gold volume and export value over the three years, reflecting improved regulation, transparency, and compliance within Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

    The data also showed a robust month-on-month growth in the second quarter of the year, with a revenue of  US$1.17 billion recorded in May, US$957.9 million in June, and US$897.6 million in April.

    The country’s official gold buying and distribution authority has linked its significant gains to its partnership with PMMC and strengthened oversight of small-scale gold exports and other related gold-purchasing and regulations. The GoldBod-PMMC collaboration has proved efficient since mid-April 2025, when the former began operations, absorbing the functions of the latter.

    The collaboration has been instrumental in curbing illicit trade and ensuring that proceeds from gold sales are properly repatriated into the Ghanaian economy.

    Meanwhile, GoldBod has been quite instrumental in dealing with leakages in Ghana’s gold trading by regulating the affairs of licensed traders.

    It functions under the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana.

    GoldBod announced the suspension of the licence of a Tier 2 licensed gold buying company in Tarkwa over breach of several gold laws.

    In a statement dated Wednesday, September 16, the governing body overseeing all gold trading and export activities in Ghana informed the public that the company’s license has been suspended and all its shops closed.

    “The Ghana Gold Board (“GoldBod”) wishes to inform the general public that it has suspended the license and closed all trading shops of NK Benak Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect,” the statement stated.

    The suspension comes on the heels of the company’s breach of several gold trading laws, leading to the arrest of its CEO, who is currently facing prosecution.

    “This action has been taken on grounds of NK Benak Enterprise’s complicity in several gold-related offences, which have led to the arrest of the sole proprietor, Bernard Nkrumah, and his prosecution before the High Court,” GoldBod added.

    Consequently, Bernak has lost the right to trade with all other licensed gold trading companies. GoldBod emphasised in the statement, highlighting the commitment to ensuring the appropriate enforcement of all gold trading laws to ensure transparency.

    “Notice is hereby given to all licensed traders, miners, and the general public to desist from trading and/or engaging in any form of gold transaction with NK Benak Enterprise forthwith. GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” it added.

    This is not the first gold trading company that has been suspended by GoldBod over breach of trading laws. In late August, GoldBod announced it had suspended the license of Evanex Gold Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect. They took this action following an adverse investigative finding of illegal gold pricing made against the company, contrary to the terms and conditions of the license of the company.

    The GoldBod has thereby cautioned licensed traders, miners, and the general public against trading or engaging in any form of gold transaction with Evanex Gold Enterprise forthwith.

    “GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” a statement issued by GoldBod read.

    GoldBod’s works has earned praise among neighbouring and internatioal partners.

    At the 2025 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, which is currently underway in Washington, finance ministers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Sudan, and others endorsed GoldBod as a model for resource-driven growth.

    Consequently, a high-level delegation from the Kimberly Process management in Mozambique visited GoldBod and embarked on a two-day study of the institution’s model and the country’s experience in establishing and managing institutions that regulate gold trading and certification.

    The Kimberly Process management is a government institution under the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy responsible for ensuring the legality of rough diamonds, precious metals, and gems in Mozambique.

    The exchange programme focused on the work of the Ghana Gold Buying and Distribution Company (Goldbod), which has become a central player in the nation’s mineral economy. The delegation was welcomed and given an overview of the agency’s regulatory framework and operations by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Richard Nunekpeku Esq.

    History of GoldBod

    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament (ACT 1140) in the year 2025 to oversee, regulate and undertake the buying, selling, assaying, refining, exporting and other related activities in respect of Gold and other Precious Minerals in Ghana.

    The GoldBod per section 78 of ACT 1140, took over the rights, obligations, assets, liabilities and workforce of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, which is an offshoot of the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board.

    In 1963, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was established and charged with the responsibility of purchasing and marketing Ghana’s diamonds.

    In 1965, by a Legislative Instrument (LI) 401, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was incorporated as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).

    Upon the promulgation of the diamonds decree (NRCD 32) in 1972, LI 916 was enacted to change the company’s name to Diamond Marketing Corporation.

    In 1989, PNDC Law 219 was enacted to yet again change the Company’s name to the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation with enhanced functions to grade, assay, value gold, diamonds and other precious minerals of the country.

    In the year 2000, the Corporation was converted by the Statutory Corporations Conversion to Companies Act (ACT 461) to a Limited Liability Company to operate under the Ghana Companies Code Act (ACT 179) 1963, as Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, with the same functions.

    In the year 2016, the PMMC was appointed the national assayer by the government of Ghana.

    To strengthen industry regulation and optimize national benefits, the Ghana GoldBod was established on 2 April, 2025 by the government of Ghana to restructure and streamline the precious mineral trading sector of Ghana.

    The GoldBod initiative is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations and aims at maximising foreign exchange inflows, gold reserve accumulation and value addition for sustainable growth and transformation.

  • 180,000 health workers could be jobless by 2027 – Health Minister

    180,000 health workers could be jobless by 2027 – Health Minister

    Ghana’s Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who also doubles as Juaboso Constituency Member of Parliament, has warned of a looming crisis of unemployment brooding in Ghana’s health sector.

    Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.

    The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.

    Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.

    He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.

    According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.

    “By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.

    In light of this, he detailed that the government is working on a recruitment strategy, including collaborations with other international bodies and countries to ship them out in a policy called “managed migration”. Thirteen (13) countries have so far responded; however, most of them prefer to work with specialists. 

    “So there is a strategy going forward. What we are seeking to do now is that gradually, the government will be employing some of them as we move along,” he said.“We are also looking at what we call managed migration, how we will be able to export some of them. About 13 countries have responded, but the difficulty is that most of these countries that have responded need a specialist,” he added.

    He also revealed that Ghana would need not less than GHS6 billion annually to clear the existing backlog of unemployed health professionals.

    The comments come amid growing pressure from unemployed nurses and midwives demanding placement, and criticism from the Minority in Parliament over how the government is handling health sector employment.

    Ranking Member on the Health Committee speaking during a media engagement, stated that, “there is no need for Cabinet to approve anything. Again, there’s no need for this clearance. The government should come and tell the people the truth.”

    The Minority accused the government of taking health workers for granted, saying their patience had run out.

    They emphasized that financial clearance for 15,000 health workers was already secured under the previous NPP administration in July 2024.

    About 8,000 of those workers were paid, and the remaining 7,000 should have been paid as well , especially since they were posted before the December 2024 handover.

    However, Mr Akandoh, during his interview with Channel One’s Bernard Avle, stated that the previous administration led by Akufo-Addo did not make any budget for the over 13,000 nurses they recruited.

    The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the salary delays affecting thousands of nurses, teachers, and junior doctors are due to lapses under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Pelpuo blamed the NPP’s poor recruitment practices and fiscal indiscipline for the current plight of nurses and doctors.

    “The situation is currently unfair, but it is a culmination of events that took place in the last regime before the current regime took over. People were engaged to work without due process. For you to work and be paid, you need clearance to show that there is money in the account and that your employment has been approved. That didn’t happen in this respect,” he said.

    Ghana, in recent times, has witnessed several protests from government employees, specifically, teachers, nurses, and doctors. According to him, the former government handed over a poorly planned budget that didn’t make room to pay nurses, teachers, and doctors.

    As such, he called the protesting groups to call for calm as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will work to rectify the situation.

    “We are taking it up very seriously, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors who are caught up in the process that we are going to respond to them before the end of the year,” he stated.

    On Tuesday, September 30, Newly Posted Teachers group, comprising of graduates from Colleges of Education and universities submitted their petition to the Finance Ministry, which calls on the government to clear debts owed them.

    The group initially declared their intention to hit the streets over salaries owed them on Tuesday, September 23. However, speaking to Citi News, the group’s Lead Convener, Simon Kofi Nartey, noted that the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities are yet to respond to their earlier petitions, thus rescheduling the protest to September 30.

    Simon Kofi Nartey called on the government to settle their 12 months and 8 months, respectively, within the given ultimatum. According to him, the group will have no option but to hit the streets if the government does not treat their demands with urgency.

    “It is rather unfortunate that, as we speak, nothing has been done about the concerns we raised at our press conference. We have no option but to take to the streets to let Ghanaians know what is happening. We have already met with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command and agreed on September 30 for the demonstration,” he said.

    Also on October 3, the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) declared its intention to withdrawn nationwide over unpaid salaries and alleged untreatment from the government.

    However, the group made U-turn over its nationwide strike, which was expected to commence on Tuesday, October 6. The decision to suspend the withdrawal of services follows constructive discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other key stakeholders.

    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Association’s leadership on Monday, October 6.According to the statement, “After careful consideration and following assurances from the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders, the Association has decided to suspend its planned industrial action to allow for the full implementation of the agreed resolutions”.