TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Kevin Prince Boateng admits he was jealous of his brother’s success

    Kevin Prince Boateng admits he was jealous of his brother’s success

    Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng is known to have a long-standing, strained relationship with his brother, Jerome Boateng, a former German international.

    Opening up about the genesis of their rift and the factors behind it, Kevin-Prince explained that the tension between them dates back to their childhood, when he felt left behind and lagging behind his brother, and continued into their teenage years, when Jerome was thriving in his football career while his own path was largely turbulent, leading to growing jealousy.

    He made these remarks during an interview with Andreas Poke, which was published on December 15. The distinction in their personalities has opened up about the long-standing strain in his relationship with his brother, Jerome Boateng.

    He mentioned that his brother was always very competitive with him, making it difficult for them to bond.

    “We never had a good relationship because we were very opposite, like he was very competitive with me. Then I saw him become a superstar, and I always felt that he didn’t deserve it. Because I was the one taking bad steps, he could follow me and avoid the bad steps, so I made the pathway for him, so I felt he didn’t deserve it,” Prince Boateng said.

    Despite the lingering tension, Kevin-Prince revealed he has tried to make amends.

    “Anyways, I went to ask him for forgiveness as well, that if I was ever jealous or if I didn’t want him to deserve it, I asked him for forgiveness, but we still don’t have a connection.”

    Kevin-Prince Boateng has shared the impact his current wife, Marsi (fourth marriage) had in his life particularly guiding him to discover a new path, that is his Christian faith and walk with Christ.

    In October 2023, Kevin shared a post of his baptism on his official Instagram account along with Bible verses, including John 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), to mark the occasion.

    Recounting how his faith journey began after his encounter with his wife, who led him to church for the first time in his life as a 36-year-old man at the time, Kevin detailed that it was the time for him to return to Berlin from Sydney when he got the invite from his wife to visit church.

    A decision which was so hard for him to make, as many voices in his head spoke against his going until he finally went. A few minutes into the service he caught himself sobbing so hard that he began to hope no one saw him. That was a turning point in his life.

    He said, “Never in my life have I been to church. I always said that when I go to church, my skin is going to burn. You know, that’s how I felt…. But my time to take off was Thursday to go back to Berlin. All my friends left. I stayed. Wow. I stayed, and I went to church. On the way to church; no, it’s spiritual. So many voices told me, “Don’t go. Don’t go. It’s not for you. Don’t worry about that. Why are you going? Just tell her you’re sick. You can’t come. You don’t go.

    And it’s like, I can’t do it. She said, “Yeah, of course you do it. Go inside. Don’t worry about it. It’s all good…..I said, “Can you stay on the phone?” You know, like a little 5-year-old. I said, “Please, can you stay on the phone while I walk in?” So I walk inside, and she stays on the phone. After five minutes, I don’t know what happened. Something inside of me, I stood up, lifted my hands, started crying in that church, always like peeking a little bit. It’s like, “No one should recognise me. Please, please. Look to the right. There’s another real man there crying, looking at me. We nodded our heads. I’m like, “Okay, it’s okay to cry here.” And I just cried. I don’t know. The spirit hit me so much; conviction and I felt so sorry….” he said during an interview with Josh Mansour’s UNSCRIPTED, which was aired on Thursday, November 27.

    He shared how his wife played late on purpose just to allow him to choose God for himself and not because of her. According to him, “So I rang her up. I said, “Where are you?. Yeah, sorry, I’m running a little bit late. She did it on purpose. She did it on purpose because she wanted me to go in there for Christ, not for her. You know, it’s all spiritual”, he added.

    Kevin also revealed that his wife after their encounter said for his transformation, a gesture he feels was worth it in his faith journey. He intention was not to have any romantic relationshi p with him but was just to draw him to God.

    He said, “My wife says, “You want to come to church?” She prayed that, “God, if you want me to help this man, I will help him.” She never saw me as a husband or nothing. She just knew God brought me into her life so that she would help me go through all my trauma and everything. So she said to God, “God, if you want me to help him and be there for him, he comes to church”.

  • Sharing videos, images of minors online will land you in jail – CSA warns public

    Sharing videos, images of minors online will land you in jail – CSA warns public

    The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern warning to the general public regarding the sharing of explicit videos and images of minors.

    The Authority announced this in a statement dated December 15, explaining that the warning on images and videos of minors followed the circulation of sexually explicit videos and photographs involving some Senior High School students.

    Referring to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the CSA stressed that it is criminal to circulate indecent minors’ content online.

    The statement read, “The public is hereby reminded that it is a crime to share indecent videos and images of children as specified in the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038),” adding that “Section 62 of the Act states that a person shall not take, produce, publish or stream, or possess indecent images or photographs of a child in a computer system or on an electronic device such as a mobile phone.”

    The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) is a Ghanaian law that establishes the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and provides the legal framework to regulate, promote, and develop cybersecurity in Ghana. It criminalises cyber-related offences (such as child exploitation online, hacking, and fraud), sets rules for protecting critical information infrastructure, and ensures the safe use of digital technologies.

    Hence, it urged all who have any of the videos shared with them to immediately delete them and report anyone who continues to share such content. Members of the public can call or text 292 or contact the Authority’s office to inform them.

    “The public is urged to immediately delete any such videos or photos when shared with them and to report individuals and bloggers who share such content to the cybersecurity/cybercrime incident reporting points of contact of the CSA. TEXT OR CALL 292 TO REPORT ANY CYBERCRIME / CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT, 0501603111, report@csa.gov.gh,” the statement added.

    Consequently, it warned that offenders found culpable will face a 5–10-year jail term.

    “Any person, blogger, or institution who is found circulating sexually explicit videos or photographs of children is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years and not more than ten (10) years.”

    Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has recommended that the proposed passage of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, should be informed by consensus-building, bipartisanship, and broad stakeholder engagement, and not political expediency.

    Since cybersecurity affects the general public, the Professor believes that there is a need for extensive consultations with key stakeholders and experts in the digital sector.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 1, Professor Khalid cautioned that, “With such legislation, I will always call for bipartisan support,” he said. “The cybersecurity network in the country, including professionals, civil society organisations, and others whose work directly relates to this field, ought to be consulted to chart the way forward.”

    Among the about nine stages a bill goes through to become law in Ghana, as stipulated by the dictates of the 1992 Constitution, Professor Khalid noted that legislative drafting is often one of the most complex stages of lawmaking, emphasising that the language used in bills must accurately reflect their intended purpose.

    “Legislation can be a very challenging process, and drafting is often the hardest part. Sometimes the intent of a law is not clearly captured on paper, which is why it’s important to involve skilled drafters in the process,” he detailed.

    He added that cybersecurity laws must not only be robust enough to address evolving digital threats but also carefully worded to avoid misinterpretation and unintended consequences.

    Ghana’s Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a proposed update to the existing Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038), aimed at expanding the powers of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) to regulate, investigate, and prosecute cyber-related offences. However, it has sparked significant public debate due to concerns over privacy, overreach, and industry impact.

    The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in Ghana. It was drafted in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for implementing cybersecurity standards and protecting Ghana’s digital space.

    The Bill has become a necessity due to the rising cases of cybercrime in the country. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in mid-October announced over GH¢19 million in losses to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 per cent increase in cybercrime compared to the same period last year.

    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.

  • Ghana Police interdicts 5 officers over unlawful use of uniform on social media

    Ghana Police interdicts 5 officers over unlawful use of uniform on social media

    Five (5) police men have been interdicted for “acts of misconduct”. This was announced in a statement dated December 16 and signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah on behalf of the Director-General of Public Affairs.

    According to the statement, these officers unlawfully used the service uniform on social media. The said officers, some of whose ranks range from sergeant to constable, were listed in the statement as

    “No. 45545 G/Sgt. Samuel Agbemanyale, No. 50300 G/Cpl. Isaac Mpere, No. 51816 G/Cpl. Samuel Agbo, No. 56563 G/Cpl. Charles Oduro, No. 14494 PW/Const. Elizabeth Dicka Korkor”, parts of the statement noted.

    Consequently, the interdicted officers have been referred to the Police “have been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for further investigation and appropriate disciplinary action”.

    The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) is a specialised unit within the Ghana Police Service that ensures police officers uphold professional standards, human rights, and democratic policing principles. It investigates complaints against police officers and monitors compliance with regulations.

    The interdiction of the five officers was based on Part IV of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350), specifically Section 17 (Misconduct and Unsatisfactory Service) and related disciplinary provisions.

    According to Section 17 of the Act, which spells out regulations on misconduct and unsatisfactory service, an act that violates police discipline, tarnishes the image of the Service, or breaches professional standards.

    Section 18 also lists the penalties offenders are likely to face when found culpable. It lists disciplinary measures such as reprimand, reduction in rank, suspension, or interdiction pending investigation and Section 20 spells out regulations on courts prohibited from entertaining certain actions. It reinforces that disciplinary matters are handled internally by the Police Administration, not civil courts.

    Also, two more police officers have been interdicted for extortion. According to a statement shared by the law enforcement agency earlier, the officers, namely Lance Corporal Philimon Agbevem and Lance Corporal Peter Gbadagbo, extorted GH¢3,820 from a motorbike rider.

    According to the statement, this extortion by the officers occurred on July 22, 2024. The police also assured that the suspects would be subject to due process of the law. The victim in the case made his claims in a video that went viral on social media. He claimed that despite reporting the incident to the Cantonments Police Station, no action was taken, prompting him to call for a thorough investigation. He also claimed he was assaulted and threatened with death by the officers who stopped him.

    Early, Ghana Police interdicted one of its officers who was caught on camera slapping a journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, during the rerun election at Ablekuma North.

    officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North.

    The Police assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter, and further updates will be communicated.

    It is unknown what exactly transpired between the reporter and a group of police officers that led to him being slapped.

    The Police officer’s action has been condemned by all, including the mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who witnessed the unfortunate incident.

    Engaging the media after the assault, Banahene Agyekum expressed distress and pain.

    “Yes, (I won’t be able to continue work today) because my right eye is shaking and I don’t know what happened to my forehead. I have to go for a medical checkup,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, six (6) Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers were interdicted in late November.

    This came after the service charged the officers for gross misconduct after a video of them surfaced online, which captured them verbally abusing a superior officer who was travelling in a commercial vehicle and identified himself as a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DC01).

    In an official statement dated November 28 and signed by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Barbara Sam (DSI), the service described the officers’ conduct as a “lack of civility and one that was supbar” their standards.The statement read, “The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has interdicted six officers for gross misconduct following the circulation of a viral video on social media in which the officers were seen verbally assaulting a superior officer. The Superior officer, who had identified himself as a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), was at the time travelling as a passenger on a commercial vehicle.

    The incident occurred on 25th November 2025 at the Offinso Inland Checkpoint, where the officers were on duty. The behaviour captured in the video, marked by verbal assault, lack of civility, and open disrespect toward a superior officer, falls far below the standards expected of personnel of the Service”.

    GIS condemned that, given their unflinching upholding of standards of professionalism and respect for civilians, the actions of the officers cannot be overlooked and will be treated with swift and decisive sanctions.

    “Such conduct is unacceptable, particularly given the Service’s continuous emphasis on professionalism and decorum in the handling of travellers and the execution of official duties. Their actions constitute a clear breach of the Ghana Immigration Service’s “Code of Conduct” and cannot be tolerated, the statement added.

    The Service apologised for any embarrassment caused to the public and assured citizens of its commitment to upholding high standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability.

    “The Service regrets any inconvenience and embarrassment caused to the general public and wishes to reassure the citizenry of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its mandate, adding that “Further updates will be provided upon the conclusion of investigations”.

  • National Service flags 8,105 names, suspends 1840 over payroll irregularities

    National Service flags 8,105 names, suspends 1840 over payroll irregularities

    Nearly 9,000 personnel have been flagged on the national service payroll following a recent internal investigation conducted by the National Service Authority (NSA).

    The investigation unearthed payroll irregularities in the system, resulting in the flagging of 8,105 personnel on the service’s payroll and 1840 of them were suspended pending investigations by relevant investigative bodies.

    These revelations were disclosed by the Director-General of the Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, during a press briefing on Monday, December 15. She explained that the irregularities were identified in three tertiary institutions: the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communication Technology University, and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.

    She mentioned that the investigations stemmed from the overwhelming number of student lists submitted by the said Universities and the number on their payroll system. This, she described as a huge cartel, which she believes the schools are complicit in.

    “The number of students who have officially graduated from the schools, and we compare that with the number of students that they have submitted to us. And so when you do that, you realise that some schools are complicit in this whole thing, and I must emphasise that it is a whole huge cartel.

    “Due to the outcome of a very detailed, thorough investigation, we made shocking discoveries that resulted in the flagging of 8,105 individuals in the system. Let me repeat, we made a shocking discovery that resulted in us flagging 8,105 individuals in the system, and 1,840 individuals have been completely suspended pending the conclusion of further investigations by the security agencies.

    “The investigations uncovered several serious irregularities being perpetuated in three tertiary institutions. University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communications Technology University, Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.

    Madam Seddoh continued that “The outcome of the investigation, 10 members of staff from the various institutions have been arrested and are under investigation with the security agencies.”

    Addressing concerns raised regarding the NSS portal, the Director explained that it was closed so the Authority could reorganise postings, verify genuine personnel, and ensure only those physically present at their duty stations remain on the system.

    “This timeline was not arbitrary. So, for the many people who think that it was just arbitrary on our part to shut the portal, that was not the intention.

    He added, “It is because there were so many other things that we have to do after this phase. It was a carefully structured process, and enforcing the deadline was also critical to ensure accurate deployment records, confirm the physical presence of personnel at their stations, and eliminate ghost or fraudulent registration. Because after this validation, we were to subject them again to a re-validation, and facilitate the timely payment of allowances to verified personnel.

    The discovery of these irregularities comes barely a week after the Auditor General surcharged former NSA bosses, Gifty Oware, Osei Assibey, ordering them to pay GHC 2.4 after a forensic audit fingered them in a fraudulent scheme.

    Former bosses of the National Service Authority (NSA) face fresh trouble as the Auditor-General’s (AG) office surcharges them in a bid to recover a whopping GH¢2.4 billion unlawfully paid from state coffers.

    According to the AG, the move was necessitated following a Technical and Forensic Audit of the National Service Authority (NSA) systems, which the office describes as a “well-orchestrated conspiracy”  with the Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, and his deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, being the masterminds behind the scheme.


    Consequently, the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, has written to the officers involved to pay back the GH¢2.4 billion instead of justification.

    Speaking during an exclusive interview with Graphic Newspaper, Mr Akuamoah Asiedu revealed that, following investigations, “The evidence points to a deliberate and coordinated effort to create channels for the illegal siphoning of funds meant for National Service Personnel (NSP)”

    Consequently, he emphatically stated that “We are duty-bound to use every power under the law, particularly Article 187(7) of the 1992 Constitution, to recover every pesewa for the state”, stressing that the article empowers his surchanre process to be independent of any criminal court proceedings.

    According to the article,  “The Auditor-General may disallow any item of expenditure which is contrary to law and surcharge – (a) the amount of any expenditure disallowed upon the person responsible for incurring or authorising the expenditure; or (b) the amount of any loss or deficiency upon any person by whose negligence or misconduct the loss or deficiency has been incurred.”

    It will, therefore, run concurrently with the Attorney-General’s prosecution of the same persons in the court of law.

    Among the fraudulent schemes was a virtual marketplace created to allow NSPs to purchase goods on credit and pay with deductions from their allowances.

    The forensic audit found that the platform was nothing but a sophisticated engine for generating ghost payments.

    “Our forensic analysis reveals that all the supposed NSPs who bought from this marketplace and had their allowances paid to the vendors did not exist. It was a complete fiction,” Mr Akuamoah Asiedu disclosed.

    Operating through the Ezwich and Ghanapay platforms, the scheme funnelled GH¢301.6 million to 32 vendor accounts.

    A staggering 56 per cent of the amount, approximately GH¢169 million, was paid to a single entity, Direct Savings and Loans Ltd, under vendor names “DSLCONSUM” or “NSSDSLCOUM” through 151 transactions.

    Also, the forensic report revealed that there were no formal agreements with vendors, no evidence of goods delivered, no board approval for the payments, and an initiative entirely outside the NSA’s mandate.

    A key suspect, a lady from Kumasi involved in the scheme, has allegedly confessed to consistently withdrawing the monies and handing them over to the Deputy Director-General of NSA, Oware-Mensah. The marketplace portal developer has also reportedly admitted his role.

  • Asantehene to submit Bawku peace mediation report to Mahama today

    Asantehene to submit Bawku peace mediation report to Mahama today

    President John Dramani Mahama was reported to have officially received the report on the Bawku Mediation on Thursday, December 11, at the Jubilee House in Accra.

    However, according to reports, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, would formally present the report today, Tuesday, December 16, as part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace, harmony and bring residents of the feuding communities a life of normalcy.

    The report, which is expected to outline key findings, progress made, and recommendations, is anticipated to guide the next phase of government action towards restoring sustainable peace and stability in Bawku.

    On December 1, Otumfuo Osei Tutu gave his judgment following months of mediation process of the long-standing Bawku conflict.

    As part of the mediation process, Otumfuo heard arguments, reviewed history, and consulted stakeholders; he will give a definitive judgment today, Monday, December 1, at the Manhyia Palace.

    Manhyia, on November 10, announced the verdict date in a statement. Ahead of a two-day mediation, work which formed a key part of his continuing work to bring the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups in Bawku together and resolve their long-running conflict.

    In April this year, President John Mahama tasked the Asantehene to resume mediation of the Bawku conflict with sessions scheduled for April 28 – May 1, 2025.

    Manhyia confirmed the resumption in a statement on April 15. The Asantehene began by meeting both representatives from both factions between April 28 and 30 to reopen dialogue and set the stage for meaningful engagement.

    However, the sessions were postponed due to the complexity of the dispute in the locality. However, the mediation continued on May 13, where the Asantehene mentioned that the period had caused some relative peace in the area. In June, the Asantehene was expected to meet with the Kusaug as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in Bawku.

    After June 2025, the mediation process did not immediately conclude. Instead, it entered a slower phase with calls for more government support, and eventually, the Asantehene set a final mediation date for late November and early December 2025.

    According to Manhyia, the December 1 session marked the culmination of extensive peace-building efforts.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces have announced an intensified security operation in the area to maintain law and order.

    In a speech by the Commander of the 11th Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces in the Upper East Region, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Boako, on Monday, December 15, he expressed confidence that the combined security and mediation efforts would bring an end to the violence.

    “We believe that as time goes on, with our monitoring, time will catch up with those miscreants. With the Otumfuo mediation and the meetings we had with the factions in Bawku last week, we believe that all these attacks will come to an end so that the community and its people can return to normalcy,” he said.

    Bawku, which had remained relatively peaceful for a period, saw conflict erupt once more in late 2024. The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

    His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities. The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

    Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

    Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

    He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict. “Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

    He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict.

    Meanwhile, the community of Binduri in the Upper East Region, along with surrounding districts, has recorded a series of murders in recent times, leaving residents in fear and panic.

    The victims were killed by unknown armed men, prompting the police to launch investigations to arrest the perpetrators. In a recent update, the Ghana Police Service has offered a one-million Ghana cedi reward for information leading to the arrest of Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri who has been labeled the prime suspect in the ongoing killings.

    This announcement comes after a man, his wife, and their three children were murdered in Binduri, leaving another child in critical condition. The surviving child is currently receiving treatment at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.

    Earlier, on October 27, an elderly man and his two children were also killed by unknown assailants. Preliminary police investigations have linked these incidents to Mark Agingre.

    The police have urged individuals with information on Mark Agingre’s whereabouts to contact 191, 18555, or report to the nearest police station.

    Authorities have assured the public that the prime suspect and all others involved in the gruesome murders will be brought to justice.

    Taking to Facebook on Saturday, November 8, the police wrote, “Suspect Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri, is wanted by the Police for his involvement in a series of brutal murders in the Binduri District and nearby communities in the Upper East Region.Suspect Agingre is wanted in connection with the murder of a man, his wife, and three children on 7th November 2025, which also left another child in critical condition at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.”

  • Otto Addo to announce Ghana’s final World Cup squad on June 1 -GFA

    Otto Addo to announce Ghana’s final World Cup squad on June 1 -GFA

    Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June next year.

    This was confirmed by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, in an interview with Accra-based radio station Asempa FM on December 15. He explained that all qualified nations are required by FIFA to announce their provisional squads on April 11, 2026, with final lists due before midnight on June 1, 2026.

    “All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026,” he said.

    He added that players performing well both domestically and abroad will be considered for selection.

    “Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up,” Asante Twum noted.

    Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia following the draw held at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was attended by high-profile figures including President Donald Trump, entertainers Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, as well as sports icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan.

    The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

    The 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Their best performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    Speaking during a media engagement, former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan expressed optimism about the team’s chances, acknowledging that the group is challenging but stating confidence that Ghana can progress.

    Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite being placed in a challenging Group L.

    “It’s a tricky group. We will do our possible best to qualify from the group stage,” Gyan, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, said.

    Gyan, who represented Ghana at three World Cups from 2006 to 2014, has six goals in the competition, making him the continent’s top scorer in World Cup history.

    One of the many concerns that has been expressed after Ghana fell in Group L following the group draw is the Black Stars’ falling in the same group (Group L) with England.

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo himself affirmed that among the 3 other teams, England remains the favourite. However, he added that, while that has been affirmed, he wouldn’t recommend that any of the other opponents, that is, Croatia and Panama, be underestimated

    During a media engagement, Addo emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration.

    “I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but as a coach, I’m looking at every game equally.”

    Addo highlighted Ghana’s opening match against Panama as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

    “I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, which will be very, very crucial. A strong start will make the other games a little easier psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then assess where we are,” he noted.

    Referring to the team’s stunning performance during the qualifiers and its preparations so far, Otto Addo mentioned that, “We did very well in the qualifiers. We didn’t lose a single official game, one draw, and the rest wins. It was a good year in 2025 after a difficult 2024,” he said, commending his squad for the union in the squad so far.

    He also commended the unity within the squad. “Even though we have a very young team, we did really well. There was good harmony and good union.”

    After Ghana discovered their group stage opponents, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, charged the national team’s technical team to make the squad selection based on competence and talent, rather than sentiment.

    Speaking during an interview with Sporty FM, the Buem Member of Parliament (MP) emphasised that Ghana must select the best players to make up the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament squad.

    “We must call up the best, as I have always insisted. A lot of it is emotional, but you also need technical capabilities and sound judgment. You have to decide based on performance and readiness, not just history or popularity. The country must go with its best,” he noted.

    He pledged his support for the coach in whatever decisions he makes to ensure the best outcome for the team.

    “…Wherever we find it, the coach has my support. Whoever is responsible for the team will have my support,” he added.

  • US govt confirms extradition of 9 Ghanaians this year

    US govt confirms extradition of 9 Ghanaians this year

    Conversations emerged particularly after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) began trial of one Ghana’s most persued official, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia.

    Many raised questions about the USA government’s position on extradition of Ghanaians in its country since the former Finance Minister has been pursed for about 11 months.

    Addressing these concerns, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Rolf Olson, during a media roundtable conversation with visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, William B. Stevens, on Friday, December 12, at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, emphasised that, the US government is always open to extradition requests from Ghana however, because the process is structured, and judicially driven, it usually takes time to complete.

    Mr Rolf Olson revealed that, since President Mahama took office this year, the US government has extradited nine Ghanaians, with the majority of the cases linked to romance scams or what is recently described as “elder crime”. 

    “Since President Muhammad took office at the beginning of the year, Ghana has extradited nine individuals to the United States. Most of them have been involved in cybercrime, or what is commonly referred to as elder crime. These individuals can victimise anyone, and perhaps they already have, though that remains to be established. If proven in court, they are the kind of people who should be in prison, not free to take advantage of others, particularly older persons.

    Although anyone could fall victim to such crimes, the idea of being targeted in this way is understandably horrifying,” he stressed.

    He continued that “We are always open to receiving extradition requests. That is an important part of any good bilateral relationship, and certainly of ours. The process of evaluating an extradition request on the American side is very well established, but it is not generally very quick. Once we receive a request, it goes through the various mechanisms we have in place,” he said.

    Meanwhile, during the trial at the Criminal Court 5 in Accra, the OSP told the courts that while Mr Ofori-Atta is currently outside Ghana and has cited health reasons for his absence, it has applied appropriate legal mechanisms, including summons and cooperation with international law enforcement where applicable, to ensure appearances as required by law.

    As of Monday, December 8, 2025, more than 3,100 people had signed a public petition addressed to the US Embassy in Accra demanding the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    US-based Ghanaian Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, started the petition on December 2, asking American authorities to work with the Ghanaian government to help extradite Mr Ofori-Atta, who has been officially charged with economic crimes and corruption-related offences.

    It requests that the Embassy help confirm Mr Ofori-Atta’s location, encourage cooperation between Ghanaian and US authorities, and speed up the processing of any official extradition request.

    However, commenting on whether or not the American government was willing to cooperate with local authorities to trigger any process in the US, Rolf Olson explained that processes for evaluating an extradition request on the American side are “very well-established and it is generally not very quick.”

    He added that if the US receives a request, it goes through the various mechanisms. “But the door is always open to requests. There is no individual case that can be prejudged because US judges make the decisions, so they can approve or disapprove a request.”

    Meanwhile, before Ofori Atta’s trial, the OSP announced on Monday, November 24, that it had postponed it to a later date.

    Although the OSP did not provide a reason for the adjournment, it indicated on the X platform on Monday that the new date would be made public.

    According to the OSP, “CR/0106/2026 Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & 7 Ors. This case has been adjourned as the Court would not sit on the originally scheduled date of 24 November 2025. A new date would be communicated to the Republic and the Accused Persons”.

    Although the OSP did not provide a reason for the recent adjournment, it indicated on the X platform on Monday that the new date will be made public.

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has emphasised that the Red Notice issued by the INTERPOL Commission for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains in force.

    According to the OSP, the former Finance Minister wrote to the INTERPOL Commission requesting the removal of the Red Notice placed on him. This information was disclosed by the OSP in a public notice issued on Wednesday, November 19.

    Parts of the notice read, “notified Ghanaian authorities that accused Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta had applied for from INTERPOL’s Red Notice.” The statement added that the OSP further gave a response to the INTERPOL commission on 22 October 2025.

    The OSP’s clarification comes after some media reports claimed that INTERPOL had removed the Red Notice from its website, adding that “the proceedings are still pending and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files is still studying the case.”

    Ofori-Atta appeared on Interpol’s website for “using public office for profit” after being declared wanted by the OSP in June. This was after he failed to appear before the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2.

    His lawyers are said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.

    The OSP, during an engagement with the press on Tuesday, June 3, noted the failure of the former minister to inform the OSP of changes in medical procedure that were to have happened in March of this year.

    “He has failed to show any medical report that shows he is a medical risk . We want him physically, and we insist on it,” the OSP said, while noting that Mr Ofori-Atta cannot indicate the mode of investigation. His conduct is totally unacceptable. We will no longer tolerate him,” the OSP added.

  • 2026 World Cup: Ghana-Germany to come off in March 2026

    2026 World Cup: Ghana-Germany to come off in March 2026

    As part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, Ghana is set to face Germany in an international friendly next year. 

    This was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a statement shared on its official site today, Monday, December 15.

    Drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will be looking to improve on previous campaigns at the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

    Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, mentioned that the friendly clash is set for Monday, March 30, in Stuttgart,Germany marking a notable test in the build-up to next year’s World Cup finals.

    Ghana’s World Cup campaign will begin against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

     Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    They will open the tournament with a clash with Panama on 17 June, take on England on 23 June, and conclude the group stage against Croatia with their matches scheduled to be held in Toronto, Foxborough, and Philadelphia.

    The Black Stars are set to play against England, Croatia, and Panama. This was revealed after the group draw was conducted on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, The high-profile ceremony attended by notable attendees, including President Donald, entertainers like Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and sports icons like Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana’s legendary footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

    Speaking during a media engagement, the former Ghanaian footballer expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the group. He acknowledged that although it is a bit tricky, he is confident Ghana will make it through successfully.

    Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite being placed in a challenging Group L.

    “It’s a tricky group. We will do our possible best to qualify from the group stage,” Gyan, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, said.

    Gyan, who represented Ghana at three World Cups from 2006 to 2014, has six goals in the competition, making him the continent’s top scorer in World Cup history.

    One of the many concerns that has been expressed after Ghana fell in Group L following the group draw is the Black Stars’ falling in the same group (Group L) with England.

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo himself affirmed that among the 3 other teams, England remains the favourite. However, he added that, while that has been affirmed, he wouldn’t recommend that any of the other opponents, that is, Croatia and Panama, be underestimated

    During a media engagement, Addo emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration.

    “I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but as a coach, I’m looking at every game equally.”

    Addo highlighted Ghana’s opening match against Panama as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

    “I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, which will be very, very crucial. A strong start will make the other games a little easier psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then assess where we are,” he noted.

    Referring to the team’s stunning performance during the qualifiers and its preparations so far, Otto Addo mentioned that, “We did very well in the qualifiers. We didn’t lose a single official game, one draw, and the rest wins. It was a good year in 2025 after a difficult 2024,” he said, commending his squad for the union in the squad so far.

    He also commended the unity within the squad. “Even though we have a very young team, we did really well. There was good harmony and good union.”

    After Ghana discovered their group stage opponents, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, charged the national team’s technical team to make the squad selection based on competence and talent, rather than sentiment.

    Speaking during an interview with Sporty FM, the Buem Member of Parliament (MP) emphasised that Ghana must select the best players to make up the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament squad.

    “We must call up the best, as I have always insisted. A lot of it is emotional, but you also need technical capabilities and sound judgment. You have to decide based on performance and readiness, not just history or popularity. The country must go with its best,” he noted.

    He pledged his support for the coach in whatever decisions he makes to ensure the best outcome for the team.

    “…Wherever we find it, the coach has my support. Whoever is responsible for the team will have my support,” he added.

    How many people are expected at the tournament?

    The FIFA World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance as announced by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

  • OMC announces cheaper fuel, LPG as cedi stabilises, global prices fall

    OMC announces cheaper fuel, LPG as cedi stabilises, global prices fall

    Ghanaians are set to experience economic relief this festive season as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) announce an imminent reduction in fuel prices.

    Speaking on JoyNews PM Express Business Edition on Friday, December 12, the Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Gabriel Kumi, announced the reduction, citing falling global product prices.

    According to him, indicators already point to clear reductions across petrol, diesel, and LPG, and consumers are expected to feel the relief from mid-December.

    He said, “Fortunately, Ghanaians are going to have a very good Christmas in terms of petroleum prices, because the indications already show that the prices of finished petroleum products are going down.”

    According to him, petrol and diesel have already recorded reductions of about 6 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

    He explained that diesel “has seen about a 10 percent decrease,” petrol “has already seen about a 6 percent decrease,” while LPG has recorded a “1 to 1.5 percent decrease.”

    The COMAC Chair said the only major condition for the reductions to materialise is the stability of the cedi.

    “If the cedi is held in check, then we can be sure that by December 16, prices of petroleum products will generally go down,” he said.

    Mr Kumi added that the reduction will “take us through Christmas,” as the second pricing window, which covers the festive period, is likely to deliver further reductions.

    He stressed that Ghana is “likely to see some decrease in the prices of petroleum products.”

    The announcement comes barely two weeks after OMCs implemented a slight price increase beginning Monday, December 1.

    In its latest outlook report, COMAC indicated that petrol prices at the pumps were projected to sell at GH¢12.91 per litre, representing an increase of between 1.97 percent and 3.30 percent.

    Diesel prices were projected to sell at GH¢13.37 per litre, representing an increase of between 2.85 percent and 5.15 percent, while Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was expected to sell at GH¢13.80 per kilogramme. COMAC attributed the adjustment to marginal increases in the prices of finished petroleum products on the international market, as well as other contributing factors.

    Earlier in June, some OMCs reduced prices of petroleum products at the pumps, marking the second reduction within that pricing window.

    Leading the trend, Star Oil announced on June 19, 2025, that it had slashed its petrol price from GH¢10.99 per litre to GH¢10.80. Diesel prices at the same outlets were also reduced from GH¢12.77 to GH¢12.13 per litre.

    Looking ahead, Allied Oil indicated that it would implement further reductions beginning June 20. Earlier in the month, on June 16, Allied sold petrol at GH¢10.97 per litre, but the new price dropped to GH¢10.75.

    Zen Petroleum also joined the trend, reducing its petrol price to GH¢10.75 per litre. Reports indicated that the reductions were driven by heightened competition among major OMCs, sparking a price war in the sector.

    Introduced in 2015, the government’s Price Deregulation Policy aimed to encourage competition and help reduce fuel prices beyond the influence of global oil market dynamics.

    Meanwhile, some OMCs have hinted that pump prices could increase from July 1, 2025, if the conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East continues. Since tensions escalated in the region, crude oil prices have surged from about US$66 to nearly US$76 per barrel.

    Despite this, some industry insiders argue that further strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi could help absorb a projected five percent or higher increase in crude oil prices.

    So far, petroleum prices have recorded more than six reductions this year, with industry data attributing much of the decline to the appreciation of the cedi.

    The escalating missile exchanges between Israel and Iran continue to push global crude oil prices upward, posing a potential threat to Ghana’s fuel costs and overall economic stability.

    President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministers for Finance and Energy, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and John Abdulai Jinapor, respectively, to closely monitor the unfolding conflict and propose proactive measures to safeguard the country’s recent economic gains from external shocks.

    However, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies has assured that the escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel will not immediately affect the local oil market.

    Speaking to the media, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr Riverson Oppong, explained that changes in global oil prices usually take some time to reflect at the local pumps.

    Meanwhile, a week-old air war between Israel and Iran has escalated, with no clear exit strategy in sight, as Israel bombed nuclear targets in Iran on Thursday, while Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel after striking an Israeli hospital overnight.

    The White House said President Donald Trump would decide within the next two weeks whether the United States would join the conflict.

    “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision on whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

    Separately, the government has introduced a new GH¢1 energy sector shortfall and debt repayment levy on petroleum products to settle energy sector shortfalls, reduce legacy debts, and stabilise power supply across the country, following parliamentary approval.

    President John Dramani Mahama assented to the levy on June 5 under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141). The Ghana Revenue Authority had earlier announced the implementation of the levy, but it was postponed following strong opposition from oil marketing companies and transport operators.

  • Auditor-General surcharges former NSA bosses Gifty Oware and Osei Assibey over GH¢2.4 billion fraud

    Auditor-General surcharges former NSA bosses Gifty Oware and Osei Assibey over GH¢2.4 billion fraud

    Former bosses of the National Service Authority (NSA) face fresh trouble as the Auditor-General’s (AG) office surcharges them in a bid to recover a whopping GH¢2.4 billion unlawfully paid from state coffers.

    According to the AG, the move was necessitated following a Technical and Forensic Audit of the National Service Authority (NSA) systems, which the office describes as a “well-orchestrated conspiracy”  with the Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, and his deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, being the masterminds behind the scheme.


    Consequently, the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, has written to the officers involved to pay back the GH¢2.4 billion instead of justification.

    Speaking during an exclusive interview with Graphic Newspaper, Mr Akuamoah Asiedu revealed that, following investigations, “The evidence points to a deliberate and coordinated effort to create channels for the illegal siphoning of funds meant for National Service Personnel (NSP)”

    Consequently, he emphatically stated that “We are duty-bound to use every power under the law, particularly Article 187(7) of the 1992 Constitution, to recover every pesewa for the state”, stressing that the article empowers his surchanre process to be independent of any criminal court proceedings.

    According to the article,  “The Auditor-General may disallow any item of expenditure which is contrary to law and surcharge – (a) the amount of any expenditure disallowed upon the person responsible for incurring or authorising the expenditure; or (b) the amount of any loss or deficiency upon any person by whose negligence or misconduct the loss or deficiency has been incurred.”

    It will, therefore, run concurrently with the Attorney-General’s prosecution of the same persons in the court of law.

    Among the fraudulent schemes was a virtual marketplace created to allow NSPs to purchase goods on credit and pay with deductions from their allowances.

    The forensic audit found that the platform was nothing but a sophisticated engine for generating ghost payments.

    “Our forensic analysis reveals that all the supposed NSPs who bought from this marketplace and had their allowances paid to the vendors did not exist. It was a complete fiction,” Mr Akuamoah Asiedu disclosed.

    Operating through the Ezwich and Ghanapay platforms, the scheme funnelled GH¢301.6 million to 32 vendor accounts.

    A staggering 56 per cent of the amount, approximately GH¢169 million, was paid to a single entity, Direct Savings and Loans Ltd, under vendor names “DSLCONSUM” or “NSSDSLCOUM” through 151 transactions.

    Also, the forensic report revealed that there were no formal agreements with vendors, no evidence of goods delivered, no board approval for the payments, and an initiative entirely outside the NSA’s mandate.

    A key suspect, a lady from Kumasi involved in the scheme, has allegedly confessed to consistently withdrawing the monies and handing them over to the Deputy Director-General of NSA, Oware-Mensah. The marketplace portal developer has also reportedly admitted his role.

    In a related development, the two former NSA bosses, Gifty Oware and Osei Assibey, are currently facing prosecution for causing financial loss to the state.

    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, authorising 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.

  • Extradition of accused Ghanaians in U.S may take time – U.S Embassy says as OSP ‘sweats’ to bring Ofori-Atta for trial

    Extradition of accused Ghanaians in U.S may take time – U.S Embassy says as OSP ‘sweats’ to bring Ofori-Atta for trial

    The long-awaited trial of Ghana’s former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta began on Thursday, December 11; however, it was done in absentia, sparking several questions about the US’s extradition process. It’s been 11 months since the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) put him on its wanted list with a 78-count indictment alleging corruption and financial loss to the state.

    Reacting to these concerns, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Rolf Olson, during a media roundtable conversation with visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, William B. Stevens, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, emphasised that, the US government is always open to extradition requests from Ghana however, because the process is structured, and judicially driven, it usually takes time to complete.

    “We are always open to receiving extradition requests. That is an important part of any good bilateral relationship, and certainly of ours. The process of evaluating an extradition request on the American side is very well established, but it is not generally very quick. Once we receive a request, it goes through the various mechanisms we have in place,” he said.

    Meanwhile, during the trial at the Criminal Court 5 in Accra, the OSP told the courts that while Mr Ofori-Atta is currently outside Ghana and has cited health reasons for his absence, it has applied appropriate legal mechanisms, including summons and cooperation with international law enforcement where applicable, to ensure appearances as required by law.

    As of Monday, December 8, 2025, more than 3,100 people had signed a public petition addressed to the US Embassy in Accra demanding the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    US-based Ghanaian Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, started the petition on December 2, asking American authorities to work with the Ghanaian government to help extradite Mr Ofori-Atta, who has been officially charged with economic crimes and corruption-related offences.

    It requests that the Embassy help confirm Mr Ofori-Atta’s location, encourage cooperation between Ghanaian and US authorities, and speed up the processing of any official extradition request.

    However, commenting on whether or not the American government was willing to cooperate with local authorities to trigger any process in the US, Rolf Olson explained that processes for evaluating an extradition request on the American side are “very well-established and it is generally not very quick.”

    He added that if the US receives a request, it goes through the various mechanisms. “But the door is always open to requests. There is no individual case that can be prejudged because US judges make the decisions, so they can approve or disapprove a request.”

    Mr Rolf Olson revealed that, since President Mahama took office this year, the US government has extradited nine Ghanaians, with the majority of the cases linked to romance scams or what is recently described as “elder crime”.

    “Since President Mahama took office at the beginning of the year, Ghana has extradited nine individuals to the United States. Most of them have been involved in cybercrime, or what is commonly referred to as elder crime. These individuals can victimise anyone, and perhaps they already have, though that remains to be established. If proven in court, they are the kind of people who should be in prison, not free to take advantage of others, particularly older persons.

    Although anyone could fall victim to such crimes, the idea of being targeted in this way is understandably horrifying,” he stressed.

    Meanwhile, before Ofori Atta’s trial, the OSP announced on Monday, November 24, that it had postponed it to a later date.

    Although the OSP did not provide a reason for the adjournment, it indicated on the X platform on Monday that the new date would be made public.

    According to the OSP, “CR/0106/2026 Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & 7 Ors. This case has been adjourned as the Court would not sit on the originally scheduled date of 24 November 2025. A new date would be communicated to the Republic and the Accused Persons”.

    Although the OSP did not provide a reason for the recent adjournment, it indicated on the X platform on Monday that the new date will be made public.

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has emphasised that the Red Notice issued by the INTERPOL Commission for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains in force.

    According to the OSP, the former Finance Minister wrote to the INTERPOL Commission requesting the removal of the Red Notice placed on him. This information was disclosed by the OSP in a public notice issued on Wednesday, November 19.

    Parts of the notice read, “notified Ghanaian authorities that accused Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta had applied for from INTERPOL’s Red Notice.” The statement added that the OSP further gave a response to the INTERPOL commission on 22 October 2025.

    The OSP’s clarification comes after some media reports claimed that INTERPOL had removed the Red Notice from its website, adding that “the proceedings are still pending and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files is still studying the case.”

    Ofori-Atta appeared on Interpol’s website for “using public office for profit” after being declared wanted by the OSP in June. This was after he failed to appear before the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2.

    His lawyers are said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.

    The OSP, during an engagement with the press on Tuesday, June 3, noted the failure of the former minister to inform the OSP of changes in medical procedure that were to have happened in March of this year.

    “He has failed to show any medical report that shows he is a medical risk .We want him physically, and we insist on it,” the OSP said, while noting that Mr Ofori-Atta cannot indicate the mode of investigation. His conduct is totally unacceptable. We will no longer tolerate him,” the OSP added.

  • Obuasi: Assailants kill man in brutal home invasion

    Obuasi: Assailants kill man in brutal home invasion

    A suspected high-priority homicide invasion, which has claimed the life of a 42-year-old man, has created fear in residents of Asonkore SSNIT in the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly. According to reports, a group of unidentified assailants attacked the deceased, Bismark Yaw Sarfo Danso, inside his own residence in the early hours of Saturday, December 13.

    The unfortunate incident happened around 1:30 am and 2:00 am when three armed men invaded and ransacked the home of the deceased, and murdered the man, after which they bolted with cash, a laptop, and other valuable items.

    The robbery attack is currently being treated as a suspected homicide by the police after the death of Mr Danso. The police have already launched an investigation into the case, leading to the detention of a close relative of the deceased for questioning as they ramp up efforts to find the suspects.

    The police have also apprehended the younger brother of the deceased for questioning. Consequently, the police command has urged anyone with information related to the case to inform them.

    Wife of the deceased, Comfort Mensah, confirmed the development, noting the quick response of law enforcement:

    Meanwhile, Mr Danso’s body has since been deposited at a mortuary in the Ashanti Region pending a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

    Obuasi East, a municipality known for its deep historical ties to the massive AngloGold Ashanti gold mine, has often struggled with sporadic crime linked to economic pressures.

    The Asonkore SSNIT area, a residential zone, is generally considered secure.

    About two months ago, residents of Domeabra Old Town in the Ga South Municipality were reported to be 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 occurred when six people, including a female, murdered 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.

    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.

  • University of Ghana announces a week extension for first semester 2025/2026 registration

    University of Ghana announces a week extension for first semester 2025/2026 registration

    Students of the University of Ghana will have a week more to do their academic registration, as the institution’s management has announced an extension for course registration.

    This comes after the school initially announced December 8 as the registration date.

    In a notice signed by the Academic Affairs Directorate, course registration for undergraduate students entering the First Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year will officially begin on Monday, 15th December 2025.

    The revised date, according to the school, is to allow more time for administrative preparations and ensure smooth registration for both fresh and continuing students. The Director of Academic Affairs, Mrs Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, “…  encourage students to take advantage of this earlier start to secure their courses and complete registration promptly,” the statement read.

    Although the start date has been revised, the registration deadlines for all student categories remain unchanged. Students are advised to consult the university’s academic calendar available online at https://www.ug.edu.gh/academics/calendar for further details.

    Provision was also made for students who may need assistance during the registration process; they are to contact respective offices, including the finance among others.

    “Academic issues: Contact your respective College Academic Office. Financial issues: Contact the Students’ Accounts Office”.

    Also, UG announced Monday, 29 December and Monday, 12 January as dates for bed allocation for continuing and freshers, respectively, urging students interested to take note.

    “Continuing students: Monday, 29th December 2025, Level 100 students: Monday, 12th January 202. “Fresh students interested in participating in the random bed assignment must opt in after completing their academic registration, the statement added.

    The Academic Affairs Directorate thanked students for their cooperation and expressed optimism for a smooth and successful registration period.

    Meanwhile, following the release of the provisional 2025 WASSCE results, the University of Ghana (UG) has informed prospective applicants to check and update their records on its admission portal.

    https://www.ug.edu.gh/sites/default/files/2025-12/2025-2026%20Academic%20Calendar%20-%20Undergraduate%20programme%20%28Main%20Campus%29%281%29.pdf

    After the WASSCE, some students buy admission forms before their WASSCE results are released. They apply using “awaiting results,” meaning they submit their details but leave the grades section blank.

    Consequently, following the release of the results, the University, in a statement dated November 29, which was signed by the institution’s Director of Academic Affairs, Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, has advised that they revisit the portal and upload and do a final check for accuracy, particularly of their full names and date of birth, before the formal admission process begins.

    The statement read, “Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, applicants for undergraduate admission to the University of Ghana (UG) are advised to log in again to the UG applications portal to: 1. Review the accuracy of entries, particularly: Full Name and Date of Birth; Examination records (Index Number, Exam Month, Exam Year)”.

    UG advised students to be guided in their selection of programmes so they do not choose options they don’t qualify for. It also added that admissions are still open for applicants who wish to apply.

    “Refer to the UG 2024/2025 entry cut-off aggregates for various programmes at https://admissions.ug.edu.gh/undergraduate/cut-off

    and make realistic choices. Please note that applications for 2025/2026 admissions are still open, and interested persons may purchase e-vouchers at designated banks or through the USSD code 8879# on all mobile telecommunication networks”, UG noted.

    Both existing and new applicants have until 5 pm on December 5 to complete their applications.

    “The application portal will be closed at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025”, the statement added.

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) released the provisional results of the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Saturday, November 29.

    The results show that a massive surge in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 performance.

    According to the provisional results released by WAEC, the percentage of students who failed Social Studies increased steeply from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% increase.

    The other core subjects, that is, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw a doubling of their previous failure rate.

    For Integrated Science, the failure rate increased by 8.93%; that is 2024 rate was 7.12% and in 2025 it increased to 16.05%.

    The failure rate for the English Language also rose from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher.

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a steep drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Maths, while 114,872 (26.77%) failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The Core subjects are foundational: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies are the backbone of Ghana’s education system. Failure in these means students lack the basic skills needed for higher education or employment.

    The failure of core subjects by candidates this year comes with several major concerns. Career opportunity-wise, social consequences and the impact it is likely to have on the country’s economy.

    Students with F9 grades or who failed in any of the core subjects now have their dreams of pursuing higher education, whether in Ghana or abroad, truncated. They will also be limited in securing many formal jobs, which will in turn create long-term barriers to social mobility.

    It goes a long way in terms of the effect it has on national development as well as a large cohort of underqualified youth weakens the skilled workforce, affecting productivity and innovation. High failure rates can lead to frustration, unemployment, and in some cases, social unrest. Also, if failure rates are concentrated in certain regions or schools, it highlights inequality in access to quality teaching and resources.

    Aside from these disturbing failures, WAEC’s data shows a massive crackdown on examination malpractice.

    The Ghana Examinations Committee approved severe sanctions against thousands of candidates and dozens of educational personnel.

    The subject results of 6,295 candidates have been cancelled over their smuggling of unauthorised materials like notes, textbooks, and printed material into the examination hall.

    Also, the entire results of 653 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling mobile phones into the examination hall, while the subject results of 908 candidates and the entire results of 158 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into various suspected offences.

    Results for candidates from 185 schools were withheld for alleged collusion.

  • Abu Trica’s arrest only the beginning as Sam George hints at 3 more suspects

    Abu Trica’s arrest only the beginning as Sam George hints at 3 more suspects

    The government has warned that more arrests will follow as it intensifies efforts to crack down on cybercrime.

    This was announced by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during a media engagement.

    He made these remarks while addressing the arrest and detention of a popular Snapchat personality, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, revealing the imminence of three more arrests.

    “There are three more we’re picking up in the next few days,” Sam George noted.

    According to the Ningo Prampram MP, his arrest formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns.

    Speaking in an interview, Mr George said the arrest of Abu Trica formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns. He revealed that the Cyber Security Authority had recently picked up a suspect believed to be living a visibly successful lifestyle without a clear source of income.

    “Just yesterday, one of my agencies, the Cyber Security Authority, picked up an individual who is supposed to be successful. There’s no peace with that kind of success,” the minister said.

    Abu Trica’s arrest

    On December 12, it was reported that 31-year-old Ghanaian from Swedru, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, had been arrested after he allegedly tricked elderly victims in the United States (U.S) into sending him money by pretending to be in a romantic relationship with them. He was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 12.

    Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. He risks being jailed for 20 years.

    According to the indictment, Kumi had been working with a criminal group since 2023, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create fake profiles and lure victims into online romantic relationships.

    The indictment further added that Abu Trica and his team contacted the elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms, where they requested money or valuables to sort out urgent medical bills, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. The criminal group’s co-conspirators in Ghana then received funds and valuables defrauded from the elderly victims.

    The Attorney General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the National Intelligence Bureau, among others, aided the U.S. in tracing Abu Trica. Meanwhile, these agencies are working to arrest co-conspirators and recover the defrauded funds.

    In October, four Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Oduro Boateng aka “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed aka “Pascal,” Derrick Van Yeboah aka “Van,” and Patrick Kwame Asare aka “Borgar”—were charged for their roles in an international criminal organization that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises.

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging them.

    Boateng, 36; Ahmed, 40; Van Yeboah, 40; and Asare, 39, are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah were extradited and arrived in the U.S. on August 7 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare, on the other hand, remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

    “As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick Van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

    “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”

    “The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.

    “Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”

    The indictment revealed that Boateng, Ahmed, Van Yeboah, and Asare were high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.

    Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with people who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy.

    Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims.

    The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims.

    After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa, where they were largely funnelled to individuals called “chairmen,” who directed the activities of other members of the conspiracy. Boateng and Ahmed were considered chairmen of the organization.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

  • C/R: Don’t sit behind the steering wheel after drinking – Chief cautions drivers

    C/R: Don’t sit behind the steering wheel after drinking – Chief cautions drivers

    The Nyimfahen of Ekumfi Arkra, Nana Yaw Amandzie (I), has issued a solemn and authoritative caution to drivers, emphatically urging them to desist from sitting behind the steering wheel after consuming even a single tot of alcohol.

    According to the revered chief, the consequences of such negligence are often dire and irreversible.

    Speaking to Coastal News reporter, Apostle Oheneba Arhin, on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, Nana Amandzie underscored that although the Christmas season is traditionally a period of merrymaking, jubilation, and communal bonding, it must be characterized by responsible celebration.

    He urged drivers to abstain entirely from alcohol, conduct comprehensive checks on their vehicles,particularly brakes, lighting systems, and tyres,and avoid overspeeding.

    He lamented that many revelers fall ill during the Yuletide due to excessive excitement and overindulgence, a situation he described as both unwise and preventable.

    Nana Amandzie went further to deliver a poignant message to the youth, whom he described as the custodians of the nation’s future and invaluable human capital. He admonished them to be exceedingly vigilant during the festive period, especially with the kinds of food they consume. He cautioned that unrestrained alcohol intake poses significant health and safety risks and should therefore be avoided completely. However, he stressed that if anyone must drink at all, it should be done only after eating adequately to minimize its adverse effects.

    In his concluding remarks, Nana Amandzie expressed profound gratitude to the chiefs of Ekumfi, particularly the Paramount Chief, Odeefo Akyen, for their unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and continuous support towards the holistic development of the Ekumfi enclave. He commended their unity of purpose, describing it as a catalyst for sustainable growth within the district.

    Nana Yaw Amandzie (I) is widely revered as a distinguished politician, accomplished philanthropist, visionary businessman, entrepreneur, and a relentless advocate for community transformation.

    Over the years, he has made monumental contributions to education, healthcare, and several other critical sectors across the Ekumfi District. His benevolence, leadership acumen, and passion for societal advancement have earned him admiration from many constituents, who strongly believe he may one day emerge as a true redeemer,a messiah figure,destined to uplift the people of Ekumfi.

    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

  • Livestream: Daddy Lumba’s funeral underway in Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium

    Livestream: Daddy Lumba’s funeral underway in Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium

    The final funeral rights of Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu affectionately referred to as Daddy Lumba is currently underway in Kumasi at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.

    Lumba died at age 60 in Accra at the bank hospital in July 26.Shortly after his death, a dispute arose between his maternal and paternal side, and also between his two wives. On the family’s side, the maternal side accused the paternal head of excluding them from funeral planning and fund management.

    This dispute stretched from around August to early December until the Accra High Court granted an injunction stopping the funeral scheduled for December 13 barring Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body, citing exclusion of the immediate family from arrangements.

    However, the court later recalled lawyers ordering the party seeking the opposition of the funeral being held on today to deposit GH¢2 million by 2:00 p.m. to cover costs if the burial was delayed. The court noted that, failure to meet the deadline meant that the funeral would proceed as planned.

    The opposing party missed the deadline hence Lumba’s funeral today.

    See the live coverage below:

  • Non-interest banking: BoG sets 60% convertible currency capital requirements for foreign banks

    Non-interest banking: BoG sets 60% convertible currency capital requirements for foreign banks

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) on 9 December released its Exposure Draft of the Guideline for the Regulation and Supervision of Non-Interest Banking Institutions (NIBI).

    In the guidelines, the central bank announced a 60% convertible currency capital requirement for foreign banks under non-interest banking and deployed it strictly into Shariah-compliant financial instruments.

    The announcement was made publicly on the BoG’s official website.

    Parts of the guideline which are listed under the sub-topic, “Minimum Paid-Up Capital and Fees” in the 25-page document, read “In the case of foreign ownership of a NIBI, not less than 60% of the required

    capitalisation or contribution shall be brought into Ghana in convertible currency. The capital shall be invested in non-interest-bearing instruments,” while the central bank reiterated its authority to decide and announce, in an official notice, how much starting capital and what application fees Non-Interest Financial Institutions must have before they can operate.


    “Pursuant to its regulatory authority, the Bank shall determine and specify, through official notice, the requisite minimum paid-up capital and application fees for all Non-Interest Financial Institutions,” BoG added.

    Currently, Ghana has no operating non-interest bank. The first time an official proposal for the establishment of one was made was in 2017 by the then Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama. He announced that a proposal was being prepared for submission to Parliament to pave the way for implementation.

    Consequently, as the country moves to allow NIBIs, the central bank says this approach is to ensure stability, guard against currency and liquidity risks, and strengthen the resilience of operators within an industry that continues to attract new entrants.

    Also, before an entity can apply for a non-interest banking license, it is expected of it to write to the BoG governor indicating the type of license being requested.

     “An application for a NIB licence shall be made in writing to the Governor, Bank of Ghana. The application shall indicate the type of NIB licence being applied for (full-fledged or window). The application shall be accompanied by the documentation specified by the Bank. As part of the licensing procedure, NIBIs may have technical partners that shall be approved by the Bank.

    GUIDELINE-FOR-THE-REGULATION-AND-SUPERVISION-OF-NON-INTEREST-BANKING-091225Download

    On licensing requirements, BoG detailed that only institutions formed under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) will be granted the right to operate, while persons interested in operating the same will only be required to do so when approved by its outfit.

    “Pursuant to Act 774, Act 930, and Act 1032, a person who seeks to carry on a NIB business shall be a body corporate formed under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act

    992). No person shall carry on the business of NIB unless licensed by the Bank. A person who seeks to carry on a NIB business shall apply in writing to the Bank for a licence”, the document noted.

    The guideline, anchored in Act 930 and Act 1032, mandates that all non-interest operators conduct their financial, investment, trading, and commercial activities strictly in line with recognised non-interest financial principles.

    It also outlines governance standards, permissible financing contracts, and the operational framework for the Non-Interest Financial Advisory Council and the Non-Interest Banking Advisory Committee.

    BoG continued that licensing conditions for non-interest banking may be revised and could impact pending applications, adding that reliance on external agencies and verification requirements may also slow the approval process.

    It said, “The above conditions for non-interest banking licenses are subject to review and

    could affect the pending application. The Bank relies on other agencies, both local and external, in the processing of applications, and this could cause delays in the processing of applications.

    Where a document submitted to the Bank is not in the English language, the

    document shall be accompanied by a certified translation in English. The Bank may require that the information supplied can be verified, certified or otherwise authenticated in the manner that it may determine”.

    Final licences will only be issued after institutions settle the required licensing fees, and all operators will pay annual supervisory fees by January 31.

    The BoG will also reserve the discretion to impose additional capital buffers where necessary.

    For institutions that intend to run a fully fledged NIBI, BoG expounded that, “The name of the institution shall be a duly registered name under Act 992. In addition, the documentation shall comply with sections 13, 21 and 23 of Act 992. The names, addresses, occupation, curriculum vitae, including business and professional history, certified financial positions and corporate affiliations of the members. 

    “A list of all shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners of the applicant, and for each, their names, the respective values of the shares they hold in the applicant (and whether such shares are fully paid up), addresses, occupations (in case of individuals), authorised business (in case of corporate bodies), professional or business history, certified financial positions, Tax Identification Number (TIN), tax clearance certificate and corporate affiliations.”

    Meanwhile, about four months ago, BoG announced a ‘name and shame’ approach to promote responsible borrowing among wilful loan defaulters in a new directive. The financial institution announced this in a formal directive issued to all regulated financial institutions on August 14.

    In the new directive, the Bank of Ghana instructed all regulated financial institutions to publish the names of individuals who deliberately refuse to repay loans (wilful loan defaulters), despite having the means, twice a year in national newspapers and on their websites.

    “All banks and other regulated lenders will be required to publish the names of such defaulters twice a year, on June 30 and December 31, in at least two national newspapers and on their official websites, using a format provided by the BoG.”

    These measures form part of BoG’s latest regulatory actions to curb rising non-performing loans (NPLs) and reduce risks to the profitability, liquidity, and solvency of the banking sector. The central bank has already notified all regulated financial institutions of the directives and published explanatory notes for the public.

  • Allow Supreme Court resolve alleged infringement of Muslim students’ rights at Wesley Girls – President Mahama

    Allow Supreme Court resolve alleged infringement of Muslim students’ rights at Wesley Girls – President Mahama

    President John Mahama has added his voice to the ongoing controversies surrounding a growing dispute about the rights of Muslim students in mission schools. 

    The growing dispute started when reports surfaced that Wesley Girls Senior High School was restricting Muslim students from practising their faith, i.e., fasting, prayers. On November 28, Imam Sahamudeen Bamba publicly reignited the controversy, accusing Wesley Girls’ SHS of continuing to restrict Muslim students. His accusations come on the back of a pending lawsuit which was filed at the Supreme Court of Ghana by lawyer Shafic Osman, challenging Wesley Girls’ SHS for allegedly restricting Muslim students from fasting and wearing hijabs.

    Following Sahamudeen’s allegations, he openly called on President Mahama to intervene. Consequently, the President, speaking during a meeting with the National Peace Council on Wednesday, December 10, expressed his surprise at the tensions, citing that an MoU signed by these missionary schools clearly spell out the institution’s acceptance of recognition of diversity. 

    Hence, President Mahama expressed confidence in the Supreme Court’s ruling, saying, “There is a matter before the Supreme Court which is yet to be determined. If you read what the faith-based organisations agreed in their own MoU, I don’t see any point of dispute.

    “They all accept that if there is a mission school, it has its faith orientation, but within that faith orientation, there must be recognition of diversity. It is right there in the MoU. I don’t want to suggest it, but I think the Supreme Court has its work cut out for it because the same people signed that MoU, so I don’t see what the contention there is”.

    The President also referred to a part of the MoU that spelt out regulations about fasting for both the Christian and Islamic religions. According to him, the agreement was that in cases where a student, by religious obligation, sought to fast, it would be subject to the approval of their parents. Once approved, any repercussions or health implications resulting from the fast would be the responsibility of the parents and not the school.

    “And there is even a section that talks about fasting because Christians fast and Muslims fast. You can find a Christian student in a Muslim school and a Muslim in a Christian school. And it says that yes, the student can fast if the parents approve. And if there are any health consequences from the fasting, the responsibility shall be that of the parent and not the school”, the President said.

    It will be recalled that, in 2024, the National Peace Council facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between faith-based organisations and the Ghana Education Service, which was aimed at regulating and managing religious diversity in mission schools, covering practices like fasting, worship spaces, and dress codes.

    He went on to commend the Peace Council for their facilitation to ensure, maintain and peace and harmony in our respective SHS.

    “So I think that it is something we can be proud of, and I want to congratulate the Peace Council for being the facilitators of that understanding between the faith-based schools,” he added.

    In a related development, the Methodist Church of Ghana denied allegations that regulations governing the Wesley Girls’ High School (WGHS) treat students unfairly based on their religion.

    In a statement issued on Friday, November 28, the Church said the school continues to uphold unity and discipline by welcoming students from all walks of life.

    The statement emphasized that students are expected to adhere to the school’s traditions, regardless of their background or personal beliefs, and noted that these traditions have shaped WGHS into the respected institution it is today.

    Wading into the conversation, the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) noted that all schools must embrace each and every student’s religious beliefs and ensure no faith is given preference over another.

    According to a statement on Tuesday, November 25, NCPTA added that schools that undermine the rights of students across the country are violating Articles 12, 17, and 21(1)(c) of the Constitution.

    “As public entities, all schools and their administrators must uphold the supremacy of the Constitution,” parts of the statement read.

    As per Articles 12, 17 and 21(1)(c) “the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in this Chapter shall be respected and upheld by the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary and all other organs of government and its agencies and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons in Ghana, and shall be enforceable by the Courts as provided for in this Constitution.

    “Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender, shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this Chapter, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.

    But Attorney General (A-G) and Minister, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has declared his support for the religious policy practised at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School (SHS).

    The A-G has stated that Wesley Girls’ School is not obliged to accommodate other religious practices. He added that Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, being a Methodist Church of Ghana institution, has the right to uphold its Methodist values.

  • Six dead, dozens injured in Obuasi trailer–urban bus crash

    Six dead, dozens injured in Obuasi trailer–urban bus crash

    An accident resulting from the crash of a trailer into a Hyundai Urvan has claimed the lives of six individuals and injured a dozen others.

    The fatal accident occurred in the hours of  8:30 pm on Wednesday, December 10, on the Obuasi-kyekyewere road within the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti region.

    According to reports, the trailer lost control upon reaching Aboagye Motors near the Obuasi court junction, resulting in a crash with the Hyundai Urvan, leading to the death of six individuals and several others injured.

    So far, the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Obuasi government hospital, and the injured are receiving treatment at the hospital. 

    Investigations have currently been launched into the possible cause of the accident.

    Barely 5 days ago, a tragic crash between the Akuse Junction and the VRA Junction claimed the lives of two female prison officers, while two male prison officers sustained multiple injuries. The unfortunate incident, which happened early on Saturday, December 6, has plunged the Akuse township into grief. 

    Meanwhile, the two male officers were reported to have been receiving treatment at the hospital.

    Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities resulting from road crashes. In the first half of 2025, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand, five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase.

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year. Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes.

    As a result of these incidents, eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries. Additionally, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country.

    According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes. Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.

    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education. The NRSA has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend.

    The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure safety on the roads and to address related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction: (a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;

    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both.

    (c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years; (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.

    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person: (a) causes anything to be on or over a road; (b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or (c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.

    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.

    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to statistics from the facility.

    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.

    “A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.

    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • Semenyo named favourite to replace Salah if he exits Anfield

    Semenyo named favourite to replace Salah if he exits Anfield

    Ghana international,  Antoine Semenyo, has been named a favourite by former England legend, Michael Owen, to replace ‘Egyptian King’, Mohammed Salah, if he bids farewell to Liverpool in the next transfer window.

    Salah’s recent rants about his sideline by the club’s manager, Arne Slot and his allegations that “Someone doesn’t want me in the club” have sparked speculations about his future at Anfield.

    Following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, which marked the third consecutive  Premier League match that Salah was benched, Mohamed Salah gave an explosive interview on Saturday, 6 December, where he accused the club of “throwing me under the bus” and declared that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot was “broken”.

    Another case, which intensified speculations of his possible exit, was when he was left out of the squad entirely. Salah is also set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, with his absence potentially extending into January, fuelling speculation about a possible mid-season departure.

    Consequently, Michael Owen believes Bournemouth’s Semenyo is a good fit after Salah bids goodbye.

    He praised Semenyo’s rapid development at Bournemouth, noting his six Premier League goals this season and growing impact on matches.

    “He is a brilliant player,” Owen said. “He scores goals – and we don’t know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement.”

    The Egyptian forward, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, is also expected to miss the Reds’ upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton this weekend.

    Semenyo says he pays little attention to transfer speculations highlighting his commitment and focus on his current club.

    Following his impressive form this season, he attracted the attention of several European clubs according to reports.Those clubs include, Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid. 

    However,  addressing these links, duing an interview with Sky Sports which was aired on October 30,  Antione mentioned that, he has seen the reports, but denied the purported links , saying he is enjoying his stay at Bournemouth.

    “I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals, and whatever happens in the future happens,” he noted.

    Semenyo explained that he was convinced to stay after being encouraged by the club’s vision and summer recruitment.

    “When they all left in the summer, there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.

    “How we finished off the season last year was so good, and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve brought in as well. I wasn’t too sure at the start, but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment,” he added.

    Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 10 Premier League matches. According to The Telegraph, AFC Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both clubs Man Utd and Spurs 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.

    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 be 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.

  • Sperm from donor with cancer-causing gene was used to conceive almost 200 children

    Sperm from donor with cancer-causing gene was used to conceive almost 200 children

    A sperm donor who unknowingly harboured a genetic mutation that dramatically raises the risk of cancer has fathered at least 197 children across Europe, a major investigation has revealed.

    Some children have already died and only a minority who inherit the mutation will escape cancer in their lifetimes.

    The sperm was not sold to UK clinics, but the BBC can confirm a “very small” number of British families, who have been informed, used the donor’s sperm while having fertility treatment in Denmark.

    Denmark’s European Sperm Bank, which sold the sperm, said families affected had their “deepest sympathy” and admitted the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries.

    The investigation has been conducted by 14 public service broadcasters, including the BBC, as part of the European Broadcasting Union’s Investigative Journalism Network.

    The sperm came from an anonymous man who was paid to donate as a student, starting in 2005. His sperm was then used by women for around 17 years.

    He is healthy and passed the donor screening checks. However, the DNA in some of his cells mutated before he was born.

    It damaged the TP53 gene – which has the crucial role of preventing the body’s cells turning cancerous.

    Most of the donor’s body does not contain the dangerous form of TP53, but up to 20% of his sperm do.

    However, any children made from affected sperm will have the mutation in every cell of their body.

    This is known as Li Fraumeni syndrome and comes with an up to 90% chance of developing cancer, particularly during childhood as well as breast cancer later in life.

    “It is a dreadful diagnosis,” Prof Clare Turnbull, a cancer geneticist at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, told the BBC. “It’s a very challenging diagnosis to land on a family, there is a lifelong burden of living with that risk, it’s clearly devastating.”

    MRI scans of the body and the brain are needed every year, as well as abdominal ultrasounds, to try to spot tumours. Women often choose to have their breasts removed to lower their risk of cancer.

    The European Sperm Bank said the “donor himself and his family members are not ill” and such a mutation is “not detected preventatively by genetic screening”. They said they “immediately blocked” the donor once the problem with his sperm was discovered.

    Children have died

    Doctors who were seeing children with cancer linked to sperm donation raised concerns at the European Society of Human Genetics this year.

    They reported they had found 23 with the variant out of 67 children known at the time. Ten had already been diagnosed with cancer.

    Through Freedom of Information requests and interviews with doctors and patients we can reveal substantially more children were born to the donor.

    The figure is at least 197 children, but that may not be the final number as data has not been obtained from all countries.

    It is also unknown how many of these children inherited the dangerous variant.

    Dr Edwige Kasper, a cancer geneticist at Rouen University Hospital, in France, who presented the initial data, told the investigation: “We have many children that have already developed a cancer.

    “We have some children that have developed already two different cancers and some of them have already died at a very early age.”

    Céline, not her real name, is a single-mother in France whose child was conceived with the donor’s sperm 14 years ago and has the mutation.

    She got a call from the fertility clinic she used in Belgium urging her to get her daughter screened.

    She says she has “absolutely no hard feelings” towards the donor but says it was unacceptable she was given sperm that “wasn’t clean, that wasn’t safe, that carried a risk”.

    And she knows cancer will be looming over them for the rest of their lives.

    “We don’t know when, we don’t know which one, and we don’t know how many,” she says.

    “I understand that there’s a high chance it’s going to happen and when it does, we’ll fight and if there are several, we’ll fight several times.”

    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

  • Infantino in hot water, accused of breaching FIFA neutrality rules with Trump award

    Infantino in hot water, accused of breaching FIFA neutrality rules with Trump award

    FairSquare, a UK-based human rights and governance watchdog that monitors issues around political repression, corruption, and accountability in global institutions, has petitioned FIFA’s ethics committee to investigate the football governing body’s President, Gianni Infantino, over his breach of political neutrality regulations.

    According to the FIFA Code of Ethics (Article 15 – Duty of Neutrality), FIFA officials must remain neutral in matters of politics and religion. They are prohibited from making political endorsements or using FIFA platforms to promote political figures.

    This comes after Infantino awarded the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC, last week, as well as subsequent comments during media appearances, which suggest his support for the president.

    Consequently, after the FIFA president’s Infantino, awarded Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Prize and publicly endorsed him for the Nobel Peace Prize, he has been accused of political bias.

    In a letter of complaint sighted by BBC Sport, the human rights group alleged that Infantino has “committed four clear breaches” of FIFA’s neutrality rules.

    “The award of a prize of this nature to a sitting political leader is, in and of itself, a clear breach of FIFA’s duty of neutrality. The FIFA president does not have the authority to unilaterally dictate the organisation’s mission, strategic direction, policies and values.”

    According to BBC Sport, it has reached out to FIFA for comments.

    Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s programme director, added: “This complaint is about a lot more than Infantino’s support for President Donald Trump’s political agenda.

    “More broadly, this is about how FIFA’s absurd governance structure has allowed Gianni Infantino to openly flout the organisation’s rules and act in ways that are both dangerous and directly contrary to the interests of the world’s most popular sport.”

    Meanwhile, The next World Cup is in 2026 and is set to be hosted in three countries, including the USA, Mexico and Canada, and the USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.” 

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that, ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    “Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” the Secretary noted.

    At the same press briefing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that about 10 million people could come to the US to watch World Cup matches.

    “With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa,” he said.

    The announcement of priority visa appointments has been welcomed by many, including the US Travel Association, a tourism industry trade group. “The expedited process for FIFA ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security. This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times, putting the U.S. on a stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year,” the group’s CEO, Geoff Freeman, said in a statement.

    The announcement comes after citizens of countries that have already booked their place at the tournament have long wait times for visa appointments.

    In Colombia, travellers applying for US visas are currently waiting around 11 months for an interview appointment, according to data published by the US State Department, the agency which processes visa applications.

    The average wait time in Mexico City is nine and a half months, while non-Canadian citizen residents of Toronto can expect a wait of 14 months for appointments.

    If those wait times hold, the World Cup will have already been played and the golden trophy already awarded by the time fans from some countries have their visas approved or denied.

    However, it’s currently unclear whether the new appointment rules will cover ticket-holders from countries whose citizens are mostly or entirely banned from travelling to the US. In June, Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering the US, citing an effort to manage security threats

    Iran, whose football team has qualified for the World Cup, is among the countries affected by the ban. The June executive order exempts athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, although their fans could still face a ban.

  • Ghana to table UN motion recognising slave trade as the greatest crime in history

    Ghana to table UN motion recognising slave trade as the greatest crime in history

    It has been roughly 170-175 years since the slave trade truly ceased in practice, but 218 years since the slave trade was legally abolished. Over two centuries down the line, President John Mahama has mentioned his intention to table a motion in the UN next year asking the world to recognise the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.

    He made this revelation during a televised interview with a Chinese media house, China Global Television Network (CGTN), as part of Ghana–China’s 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Despite it being recognised ‘the greatest crime against humanity, President Mahama cited the free labour some Africans, including Ghanaians, were forced to offer, which he believes has significantly contributed to the Western World we see now.

    “…..Suffered two serious crimes against humanity. The first was the slave trade, and I believe that that was the greatest crime against humanity, where between 12 and 15 million Africans were taken from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas and Europe, and their labour was used to build what today is modern Western civilisation. This labour was unpaid. They were not remunerated for the work they did in the sugarcane fields, in building the railways, in building the roads, the bridges and all that. We believe that, first and foremost, it should be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity, and we must condemn the activity of slavery. That’s the first step, for us to accept. And so Ghana wants to move a motion in the UN next year asking the world to recognise the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity,” President Mahama said.

    During the same engagement, he praised China for its longstanding and highly beneficial relationship with Ghana, highlighting the Asian country’s massive contributions to the local economy. While other countries have contributed to Ghana’s development and growth in terms of infrastructure, President Mahama says, China stands tall, crediting China for major power, water and road projects in Ghana.

    President Mahama detailed that“ China has been pivotal in Africa’s infrastructural development”. He continued that China’s support to Ghana in constructing a processing plant has aided the country in producing the bulk of the gas used to fire our power production in Ghana.

    He said, “I can speak for Ghana. Um, we discovered huge quantities of gas offshore, and we decided that we wanted to use that gas for power, but you need to process that gas before you can generate power in a thermal plant. And so, China invested almost a billion dollars to set up our first gas processing plant at a place called Atuabo in Ghana. Up till today, it produces the biggest part of gas to fire our power production in Ghana, and so that is a symbol of the cooperation between China and Ghana.

    We have our second-largest hydroelectric power dam at a place called Bui. Yeah, that was also a power plant that was built by China. Everywhere you look, you can find the footprints of China. Accra is our capital and the biggest city. Forty million gallons of the water, clean drinking water that is treated and pumped to Accra every day, is a result of a facility that was provided by China to expand the Pong water treatment plant.

    “And so yes, China has been a partner when it comes to infrastructure development. I cannot talk about the roads, as for roads and bridges, there are so many of them. Yeah. And stadiums, markets. I would say that China has been pivotal in Africa’s infrastructural development. In other places, they built railways that interconnect cities”.

    The president revealed that it is for such partnerships that some African countries have been able to invest in important infrastructure and advance their development goals. 

    President Mahama added that, “China has been a true friend of Africa, and I believe that under the Belt and Road Initiative and under FOCAC, major infrastructural projects that are transformative have occurred in many African countries”.

    He went on to charge Chinese industries to come and support Ghanaian ones to add value to raw products in Ghana to export back into the Chinese markets.

    “We’re looking on the Ghanaian side for Chinese industries to come and help us add value to the products that we have, so that we can export back into the Chinese market. Apart from that, there’s the important issue of harmonisation of standards. Um, China has about 40 standards, and so we need to harmonise our standards with the Chinese standards,” highlighting the importance of the Ghana-China“zero tariffs policy, which was announced two months ago.

    “The zero-tariff policy is now kicking in, and so I believe that it will create a conducive atmosphere for us to grow that trade even more”, he detailed. 

  • See what the constitution says about Presidential term in Ghana

    See what the constitution says about Presidential term in Ghana

    Members of the opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insist that President Mahama intends to seek a third term. Even though the President, in late August, reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s two-term presidential limit, making it clear that he has no intention of extending his tenure, the Minority contends the incumbent government is plotting a dubious move to keep President Mahama in power in the next term.

    During a bilateral meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of his three-day state visit, he dismissed allegations that his government is plotting to stay beyond the constitutional limit, reiterating that he will not be on the ballot in 2028.

    After months of holding onto these claims, the Minority Caucus yesterday staged a protest in Parliament, chanting “No Third Term, Mahama! We want peace, Mahama” citing growing calls for a third term for the incumbent President Mahama from some members of NDC particularly on social media.

    The Minority leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, in reaction to their protests, described the Minority’s actions as political mischief, intended to stir public fear and distract from substantive national issues.

    What does Ghana’s 1992 constitution say about the Presidential term in Ghana?

    Per the constitution, a president has at most two terms to serve the country. A term comprises four years. 

    Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution indicates the following:

    (1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

    (2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

    (3) The office of President shall become vacant—

    (a) on the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of this article; or

    (b) if the incumbent dies or resigns from office or ceases to hold office under article 69 of this Constitution.

    (4) The President may, by writing signed by him, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, resign from his office as President.(1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

    (2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.


  • Pres Mahama 3rd term: Minority’s claims absurd and a waste of time – Kwakye Ofosu 

    Pres Mahama 3rd term: Minority’s claims absurd and a waste of time – Kwakye Ofosu 

    Yesterday, Tuesday, December 9, the Minority Caucus staged a protest in Parliament, chanting “No Third Term, Mahama! We want peace, Mahama”.They cited growing calls for a third term for the incumbent President John Dramani Mahama from some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    This is not the first time they have made such claims. In early May, when President Mahama nominated seven justices to the Supreme Court, Minority leader Afenyo-Markin mentioned that the move “reveals a deeper, more dangerous political ambition, a third-term agenda in disguise.”

    However, yesterday’s display in Parliament marked the first organised parliamentary action against the alleged third-term agenda.

    Speaking in reaction to this, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during an appearance on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, December 9, rebuffed the claims, labelling them as“absurd” and unfounded. According to him, President Mahama, over the years, has proven himself as an ardent democrat.

    “It’s an absurd fantasy they’re getting themselves into. The NPP have whipped itself into needless frenzy. President Mahama has stated emphatically that he will respect the Ghanaian Constitution. Because he’s a consummate democrat, there’s no third term anywhere for him or any other person as far as the constitution is concerned. Anyone can say what they want.

    He continued that, even though some netizens have called for a third term, President Mahama has explicitly stated that he is not interested.

    “The fact that some people have gone on Facebook to say he should go for a third term doesn’t mean that will happen. The man himself has said he’s not interested.”

    He urged the opposition to stop what he described as “needless speculation,” adding, “So NPP should stop wasting their time and everybody’s time, and purporting to be angry. The President has not expressed any intent. Any talk about it is a complete waste of everybody’s time.”

    In late August, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s two-term presidential limit, making it clear that he has no intention of extending his tenure. He dismissed allegations that his government is plotting to stay beyond the constitutional limit and reiterated that he will not be on the ballot in 2028.

    President Mahama made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of his three-day state visit.

    He said this position places him in a stronger position to enforce fiscal discipline and curb the recurring election-year overspending that has contributed to Ghana’s cyclical economic crises.

    According to him, he has no reason to bend fiscal rules and embezzle state funds just to win elections, assuring that this is his last term as president.

    “I will not be a candidate in the next elections, and therefore I can hold the line when it comes to fiscal discipline,” he assured.

    His remarks came amid claims by some critics at the time, particularly members of the opposition party, NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, who alleged that the attempts to sack the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo were part of a broader scheme to reinterpret Article 66(2) of Ghana’s Constitution to allow the president to contest another term.

    Kodua claimed that some individuals were pushing the idea that the two-term limit only applies to consecutive terms, which would allow Mahama, whose terms were non-consecutive, to run again.

    “I am telling you, certain people plan to interpret Article 66(2) of the Constitution to mean that the two-term limit refers to two successive terms. Therefore, because Mahama contested and lost before winning later, they argue that he is eligible to contest again since his terms were not successive. Mark today’s date, April 24, 2025; we will return to this issue. If that were not the case, the Chief Justice would not have been asked to stay home based on a frivolous petition, he stated during an appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on April 24, 2025.

    These claims were widely rejected by Mahama himself and by senior figures in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the constitutional two-term limit.

    However, these claims were largely rejected by the government, which assured Ghanaians of its respect for the public mandate.

    Additionally, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), publicly rejected the idea of Mahama seeking a third term, saying:

    “No, please. We have never run our party in ways that conflict with the national constitution. And we don’t intend to do that.”

    Per the Constitution, a president has at most two terms to serve the country. A term comprises four years. 

    Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution indicates the following:

    (1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

    (2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

    (3) The office of the President shall become vacant—

    (a) on the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of this article; or

    (b) if the incumbent dies or resigns from office or ceases to hold office under Article 69 of this Constitution.

    (4) The President may, by writing signed by him, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, resign from his office as President. (1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

    (2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

    The late President Atta-Mills, who won the 2008 elections, passed away in July 2012, and as such, his then Vice President, Mahama, became President due to the vacancy left.

    He completed Mills’ tenure and, in 2013, managed to win the elections to be elected President. He lost the seat to the now President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 elections. As such, he governed Ghana for one term, and per the constitution, he is entitled to another as he laces his boots for the 2024 elections.

    Mahama won the 2024 elections; as such, he would not be able to contest the 2028 elections.

    Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia lost the 2024 presidential election, with John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing 6,328,397 valid votes, representing 56.55%, against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.

  • Cedi’s stability: BoG spent $10bn on forex market interventions from January to December

    Cedi’s stability: BoG spent $10bn on forex market interventions from January to December

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) began forex injections in January 2025, just a few weeks after the incumbent government assumed power. This was in response to the massive depreciation of the local currency against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar, in 2024, during which the cedi lost about 24–25% of its value.

    The injections were carried out through scheduled auctions held every week, where commercial banks purchase the forex and pass it to businesses and importers who need it, as part of efforts to stabilise the cedi. Officials describe this process as a “dollar intervention.”

    According to reports, BoG injected into the market almost every month from January to December, totalling approximately $10 billion. In January, the forex intervention became a necessity due to pressures from the festive season and high demand for imports.

    How interventions are funded
     The intervention has been funded by the BoG’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). The programme, launched by the Bank of Ghana in 2021, buys locally produced gold directly from mining companies and aggregators. Its goal is to use gold as a reserve asset to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, stabilise the cedi, and reduce reliance on imported dollars.

    According to analysts, as reported by Joy Business, the Central Bank has so far not depleted the country’s reserves following the execution of the programme. Ghana’s reserves, as of October 2025, had hit a record $11.4 billion, with strong indications that the year could close above $12 billion. The latest Economic and Financial Data from the Central Bank showed that Ghana’s international reserves stood at $9.1 billion in December 2024.

    The BoG has channelled portions of the gold windfall into reserve accumulation, upcoming debt repayments, and dollar support for the market. In October alone, the Bank injected $1.15 billion under the FX Intermediation Programme. The dollar auction was conducted on a market-neutral, spot basis. Market watchers believe these interventions helped drive the cedi’s record appreciation in October 2025.

    Data from the Bank of Ghana shows the cedi appreciated by 13.9% against the dollar as of the end of October 2025, and by 32.2% year-to-date.

    According to the Bank, future foreign exchange interventions will follow a “structured discretion-under-constraint” approach. This ensures interventions do not target specific exchange rate levels but instead address market failures, such as the absence of hedging tools for major risks.

    “Reserve accumulation and intermediation objectives will be achieved through transparent and well-communicated operations,” the Bank of Ghana said in a recent statement.

    In November, the BoG announced that it was set to release about $1 billion into Ghana’s foreign exchange (FX) market. The financial institution stated that the injection would be done twice every week, with the central bank holding two separate auctions and selling $300 million to licensed commercial banks through spot sales.

    However, the amount for the following months will depend on market conditions, i.e., how strong or weak the cedi is. The BoG highlighted its commitment to transparency, stressing that it will publish all information about its forex operations and interventions so the public is informed. In October 2025, the BoG injected $1.15 billion into the market.

    This was not the first injection by the Bank of Ghana in 2025. News about the interventions emerged when the cedi began to stabilise in the first quarter of the year, following the President’s confirmation during his first official meeting with the press in September. He noted that the BoG had withdrawn its intervention in the forex market, stressing the need to balance support for exporters without overburdening importers.

    The IMF, in its country report, confirmed that the central bank injected $1.4 billion in the first quarter of the year. In March 2025, an additional $264 million was released specifically to counter volatility and reinforce the cedi’s strength.

    Subsequently, a substantial injection of $1.15 billion was made in October following the launch of the BoG’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in July, which partly involves selling some of the gold it acquires to raise foreign exchange and then injecting it into the country’s forex market to stabilise the cedi.

    In January 2025, the Bank of Ghana injected about $900 million into the forex market. This heavy start was necessary to counter the surge in post-holiday demand and import pressures. In February, another strong intervention of roughly $850 million was aimed at stabilising interbank rates and keeping the cedi steady.

    By March, injections rose to approximately $950 million, bringing the cumulative total for the first quarter to about $2.7 billion. In April, the Bank released around $800 million as seasonal import demand continued to weigh on the currency. May saw a slight moderation, with about $750 million injected, reflecting some improvement in reserves. In June, interventions dropped further to $700 million, yet by mid-year, the cumulative injections had already reached $5 billion.

    The second half of the year began with renewed pressure from oil import bills, prompting the Bank to inject about $850 million in July. In August, another $800 million was released to stabilise the market ahead of expected inflows from the cocoa syndicated loan. September required stronger action, with about $900 million injected to offset depreciation pressures.

    In October, volatility in the cedi demanded sustained interventions, leading to another $850 million injection. By November, the Bank moderated its support to $750 million as donor inflows provided some relief. Finally, in December, year-end demand and festive imports pushed the Bank to inject about $900 million, bringing the cumulative total for the year to an estimated $10 billion.

  • China has been a true partner in Ghana’s development – President Mahama

    China has been a true partner in Ghana’s development – President Mahama

    President John Mahama has praised China for its longstanding and highly beneficial relationship with Ghana, highlighting the Asian country’s massive contributions to the local economy. While other countries have contributed to Ghana’s development and growth in terms of infrastructure, President Mahama says China stands tall, crediting China for major power, water and road projects in Ghana.

    Speaking during a media interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) as part of Ghana–China’s 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties, President Mahama detailed that “China has been pivotal in Africa’s infrastructural development”. He continued that China’s support to Ghana in constructing a processing plant has aided the country in producing the bulk of the gas used to fire our power production in Ghana.

    He said, “I can speak for Ghana. We discovered huge quantities of gas offshore, and we decided that we wanted to use that gas for power, but you need to process that gas before you can generate power in a thermal plant. And so, China invested almost a billion dollars to set up our first gas processing plant at a place called Atuabo in Ghana. Up till today, it produces the biggest part of gas to fire our power production in Ghana, and so that is a symbol of the cooperation between China and Ghana.

    We have our second-largest hydroelectric power dam at a place called Bui. Yeah, that was also a power plant that was built by China. Everywhere you look, you can find the footprints of China. Accra is our capital and the biggest city. Forty million gallons of the water, clean drinking water that is treated and pumped to Accra every day, is a result of a facility that was provided by China to expand the Pon water treatment plant. And so yes, China has been a partner when it comes to infrastructure development. I cannot talk about the roads; as for roads and bridges, there are so many of them. Yeah. And stadiums, markets. I would say that China has been pivotal in Africa’s infrastructural development. In other places, they built railways that interconnect cities.”

    The president revealed that it is for such partnerships that some African countries have been able to invest in important infrastructure and advance their development goals.
    President Mahama added that, “China has been a true friend of Africa, and I believe that under the Belt and Road Initiative and under FOCAC, major infrastructural projects that are transformative have occurred in many African countries.”
    He went on to charge Chinese industries to come and support Ghanaian ones to add value to raw products in Ghana to export back into the Chinese markets.

    “We’re looking on the Ghanaian side for Chinese industries to come and help us add value to the products that we have, so that we can export back into the Chinese market. Apart from that, there’s the important issue of harmonisation of standards. Um, China has about 40 standards, and so we need to harmonise our standards with the Chinese standards,” highlighting the importance of the Ghana–China “zero tariffs policy”, which was announced two months ago.

    “The zero-tariff policy is now kicking in, and so I believe that it will create a conducive atmosphere for us to grow that trade even more,” he detailed.

    Also, the President reiterated that Ghana will next year move a motion at the United Nations General Assembly asking the world to recognise the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.

    “…… Suffered two serious crimes against humanity. The first was the slave trade, and I believe that that was the greatest crime against humanity, where between 12 and 15 million Africans were taken from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas and Europe, and their labour was used to build what today is modern Western civilisation. This labour was unpaid. They were not remunerated for the work they did in the sugarcane fields, in building the railways, in building the roads, the bridges and all that. We believe that, first and foremost, it should be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity, and we must condemn the activity of slavery. That’s the first step, for us to accept. And so Ghana wants to move a motion in the UN next year asking the world to recognise the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.”

    Chinese President’s remarks on zero-tariff policy

    The Chinese government announced its intention to offer zero tariffs to some fifty-three African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with the Asian superpower, which forms part of China’s broader push to position itself as Africa’s principal trade and investment partner amid escalating global trade tensions.

    In a letter released on June 11 to African foreign ministers, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the zero-tariff policy aims to deepen China–Africa cooperation, promote modernisation across the continent, and support African countries in expanding their exports to China.

    Speaking during a bilateral meeting (Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, October 13, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana in building a modern economy. He expressed his outfit’s readiness to work with Ghana to deepen cooperation across all sectors and to make greater contributions toward building an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

    Xi emphasised that China and Ghana should jointly implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, explore diversified cooperation models and expand collaboration in mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, thereby promoting high-quality development of bilateral cooperation. He said the two sides should also jointly uphold the Global Governance Initiative and work toward building a fairer and equitable global governance system.

  • E/R: GWL drags 15 defaulters to court in GH¢32m large-scale recovery campaign

    E/R: GWL drags 15 defaulters to court in GH¢32m large-scale recovery campaign

    The Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL) in the Eastern Region has arranged for 15 defaulting customers to appear in court in a few days. This forms part of the company’s large-scale legal campaign to recover more than GHC32 million owed by long-term defaulters. The debt, the nation’s water supply insists, undermines the effectiveness of their operations and improves water service delivery.

    Ing. Paul C. Akpanya, Regional Chief Manager of Ghana Water Ltd. (Eastern Region), made this statement on Tuesday, December 9, in Koforidua, Eastern Region, during the launch of GWCL’s large-scale legal campaign to recover over GHC32 million owed by long-term defaulters.

    According to him, the 15 defaulters fall under Phase One of the campaign, with more rigorous and lawful measures expected to be adopted in the coming days to retrieve the debts.

    “We will go the extra mile within the remit of the law to recover every arrear owed the company. This is essential for sustaining our operations and improving service delivery to the public,” he said.

    GWL’s legal team said more names will be added as the campaign intensifies, targeting customers who have ignored repeated reminders, accumulated long-term arrears, or continued to refuse payment even after disconnection.

    The action also covers individuals and businesses that have opted to rely on alternative water sources, such as boreholes and wells, without settling their outstanding bills.

    The first batch of cases filed includes a mix of commercial and residential customers:

    Jilcom (Suhum Roundabout Shell Station), Petroleum & Construction Ltd., Constance Baafi, Ebenezer Larbi Opare, Yomboi EA Adu, Dora James Okyere, KAMA Group of Companies (Regional Director of Health), Paulina Donkor, Richard Boadu, Felicia Okyere Darko, F. A. Mpare, Taylor Posiah & Oduro, Patrick Ernest Obeng, Kwame.

    This is not the first time Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has threatened or taken legal action against defaulters. The company has a history of warning customers and even announcing plans to prosecute defaulters as far back as 2023 and 2024, before the current campaign this December 2025.

    In April 2023, GWCL issued a public warning that it will prosecute defaulting consumers who fail to settle their debts. The company stated that outstanding arrears were undermining its operations and that legal action was inevitable if payments were not made.

    Fast forward exactly a year later, 2024, the water supplier issued another warning announcing that it would publish the names of defaulting customers by the end of May 2024 if they failed to pay. Officials stressed that if this measure failed, they would not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against debtors.

    Meanwhile, GWCL’s naming approach is similar to that of BoG’s in dealing with loan defaulters.

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG)  announced a ‘name and shame’ approach to promote responsible borrowing among wilful loan defaulters in a new directive. The financial institution announced this in a formal directive issued to all regulated financial institutions on August 14.

    In the new directive, the Bank of Ghana instructed all regulated financial institutions to publish the names of individuals who deliberately refuse to repay loans (wilful loan defaulters), despite having the means, twice a year in national newspapers and on their websites.

    “All banks and other regulated lenders will be required to publish the names of such defaulters twice a year, on June 30 and December 31, in at least two national newspapers and on their official websites, using a format provided by the BoG.”

    These measures form part of BoG’s latest regulatory actions to curb rising non-performing loans (NPLs) and reduce risks to the profitability, liquidity, and solvency of the banking sector. The central bank has already notified all regulated financial institutions of the directives and published explanatory notes for the public.

    Also, not only will the names of the defaulters be published, but they will also be barred from getting any loans from any accredited financial institution for up to about half a decade.

    “People in Ghana who deliberately refuse to repay loans… could soon be banned from borrowing from any licensed bank or financial institution for up to five years.” Borrowers who default on more than two occasions will face a five-year credit ban.

    “Borrowers listed as wilful defaulters on two or more occasions within ten years will face a mandatory five-year ban, or longer if the calculated prohibition period exceeds that duration,” it added. The restrictions also target directors of companies found to have engaged in fund diversion, misrepresentation, falsified accounts, or fraudulent transactions.

    “Directors of companies that are wilful defaulters, where RFIs have identified siphoning/diversion of funds, misrepresentation, falsification of accounts, and fraudulent transactions with the directors’ consent or connivance, shall also be deemed wilful defaulters and prohibited from accessing credit for the same period as the defaulting company,” it said.

    Who is a wilful defaulter

    According to the Bank of Ghana, “A wilful defaulter is defined as a borrower who deliberately breaks loan agreements… or obtains it through fake documents or false collateral.”

    According to the new directive, the BoG outlined the conditions under which an action will be classified as wilful default. BoG explained that a wilful default would be deemed to have occurred if any of the following events were noted:

    i. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations to the RFI even when they have the capacity to honour the said obligation;

    ii. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations to the RFI and has siphoned or diverted the funds for other purposes;

    iii. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations to the RFI and has provided falsified or misrepresented collateral or any other documentation in support of the loan application, thereby securing the facility through fraudulent means;

    iv. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations to two (2) or more RFIs concurrently. However, the borrower may be exempted as a wilful defaulter if evidence is provided to the RFI that their inability to meet repayment obligations is due to loss of employment, force majeure, or disability;

    v. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations and has relocated without the RFI’s knowledge of the new address; or

    vi. The borrower has defaulted on their repayment obligations to the RFI and has, without the RFI’s knowledge or consent, disposed of or removed the movable or immovable assets pledged as security for the facility.

  • World Cup: Pick the best, don’t make sentimental selections – Kofi Adams to Black Stars leadership

    World Cup: Pick the best, don’t make sentimental selections – Kofi Adams to Black Stars leadership

    The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has charged the national team’s technical team to make the squad selection based on competence and talent, rather than sentiment. His remarks come on the back of Ghana’s draw with England, Panama, and Croatia. 

    Speaking during an interview with Sporty FM, the Buem Member of Parliament (MP) emphasised that Ghana must select the best players to make up the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament squad.   

    “We must call up the best, as I have always insisted. A lot of it is emotional, but you also need technical capabilities and sound judgment. You have to decide based on performance and readiness, not just history or popularity. The country must go with its best,” he noted.

    He pledged his support for the coach in whatever decisions he makes to ensure the best outcome for the team.

    “…Wherever we find it, the coach has my support. Whoever is responsible for the team will have my support,” he added.

    Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, opening their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, Canada.

    Meanwhile, one of the many concerns that has been expressed after Ghana fell in Group L following the group draw, which was held on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, is the Black Stars’ falling in the same group (Group L) with England.

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo himself affirmed that among the 3 other teams, England remains the favourite. However, he added that, while that has been affirmed, he wouldn’t recommend that any of the other opponents, that is, Croatia and Panama, be underestimated

    During a media engagement, Addo emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration.

    “I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but as a coach, I’m looking at every game equally.”

    Addo highlighted Ghana’s opening match against Panama as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

    “I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, which will be very, very crucial. A strong start will make the other games a little easier psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then assess where we are,” he noted.

    Referring to the team’s stunning performance during the qualifiers and its preparations so far, Otto Addo mentioned that, “We did very well in the qualifiers. We didn’t lose a single official game, one draw, and the rest wins. It was a good year in 2025 after a difficult 2024,” he said, commending his squad for the union in the squad so far.

    He also commended the unity within the squad. “Even though we have a very young team, we did really well. There was good harmony and good union.”

    Asamoah Gyan on Ghana’s draw

    Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament. 

    After a group-stage exit in Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.

    The high-profile ceremony attended by notable attendees, including President Donald, entertainers like Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and sports icons like Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana’s legendary footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

    Speaking during a media engagement, the former Ghanaian footballer expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the group. He acknowledged that although it is a bit tricky, he is confident Ghana will make it through successfully.

    Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite being placed in a challenging Group L.

    “It’s a tricky group. We will do our possible best to qualify from the group stage,” Gyan, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, said.

    Speaking during a media engagement, the former Ghanaian footballer expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the group. He acknowledged that although it is a bit tricky, he is confident Ghana will make it through successfully.

    Govt’s allocation to Black Stars for World Cup

    The government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m)  to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that, 

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

     Expected turnout for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    The FIFA World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance, as announced by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

  • GNFS saves GHS35k worth of goods in storeroom fire at Mampong-Akuapem

    GNFS saves GHS35k worth of goods in storeroom fire at Mampong-Akuapem

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has salvaged items worth about GH¢35,000 from a fire that ravaged a storeroom at House No. 342 in Mampong-Akuapem on Monday, December 8.

    According to reports firefighters from the Akropong Fire Station, led by ADO I Dicka Carlos Sackitey, arrived at the scene at about 10:16 a.m. Upon their arrival at the scene, they met the storeroom’s engulfed in flames.

    The affected room contained disposable cups, takeaway bags, plastic bottles, and other packaging materials.

    Fire officers quickly deployed water from a Dual Purpose Tender, bringing the blaze under control within minutes and completely extinguishing it in about an hour.

    The cause of the fire according to preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started from a wooden chair stored among other personal belongings before spreading to the ceiling area.

    Although four wooden chairs, some timber rafters, and roofing sheets were destroyed, firefighters managed to save the majority of the items, preventing what could have been a much greater loss.

    Meanwhile, Ghana has recorded several fire incidents in the first eleven months of the year. Last month, a four-bedroom apartment at Aboabo Number 2 in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ashanti Region, was razed by fire on Wednesday, November 27. A young man in the community, who tried to help extinguish the fire, was electrocuted in the process.

    Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the area, Haruna Abdul Rashid, disclosed that the victim is currently in the hospital receiving treatment. He revealed that, to prevent further spread, officers from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) arrived at the scene to turn off the transformer.

    In the early hours of Wednesday, November 26, an 8-year-old girl lost her life after a devastating fire swept through Dansoman Market. The little girl was trapped in the intense fire and was unable to escape as the blaze engulfed the area. Her charred body has been handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Several wooden structures and shops, along with their contents, were destroyed in the aftermath of the incident. However, adjacent structures were saved due to the timely intervention of firefighters. According to an update by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a crew from the Dansoman Fire Station arrived at the scene two minutes after receiving a distress call at 00:02 hours. However, the fire was already at an advanced stage before their arrival.

    Due to the nature of the fire, eight fire engines were brought in to support two private water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined by the authorities.

    On Saturday, November 22, a fire incident engulfed the Charkieh Plastics Factory site at Weija Junction, Greater Accra. To contain the fire, the Ghana National Fire Service dispatched a coordinated effort involving seven fire stations to reduce the severity of the outbreak.

    Last month, the Kwapong Nursing Training College in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region was destroyed by fire. The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 31, saw students rushing to safety. Authorities are working to ascertain the cause of the fire.

    The newly opened China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, was also destroyed by fire. Inaugurated in May 2025, the mall was left with no items to be recovered. No casualties have been recorded, and the cause of the fire is yet to be made known to the public.

    Earlier this month, a fire ravaged Kantamanto at the Tazani Lane section in Accra. Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were razed after a fire broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13.

    The GNFS confirmed in an update on its official page on Sunday, September 14: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”

    The Service added, “Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation, one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, and are reported to be in stable condition.”

    In a related development, several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra were destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31. Reports indicated that victims were unable to salvage their belongings while awaiting emergency response. The cause of that fire is yet to be established.

    Earlier this month, another fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama–Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25. Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.

    On August 4, a fire ravaged the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre at Cantonments. According to the GNFS, the blaze destroyed the contents of the first floor, though the ground floor and about eight offices, including the East Wing section, were salvaged.

    The first fire engine from the GNFS Headquarters arrived at 01:04 hours to find a fully developed fire spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds. Five additional appliances from Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, and Ministries fire stations, as well as the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters, were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations.

    Although the blaze was brought under control at 03:32 hours, firefighting efforts continued until 06:35 hours to suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties. No injuries were recorded, but the Service has launched an investigation into the cause.

    Another inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures at the Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flats on Sunday, August 3. The blaze consumed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and structures worth several thousand cedis.

    The GNFS reported that while battling the fire, one firefighter sustained a minor leg injury. The Service received the distress call at 12:36 hours, and the first crew from the Madina Fire Station arrived within four minutes. Four additional fire engines from Legon, Abelemkpe, and GNFS Headquarters later joined to contain the blaze.

    Thanks to the swift response, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours. Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

    A fire broke out at Madina Ritz Junction. Initial reports claimed that a two-month-old baby died in the incident, but the GNFS later clarified otherwise.

  • Let’s not underestimate any team – Otto Addo says ahead of 2026 World Cup

    Let’s not underestimate any team – Otto Addo says ahead of 2026 World Cup

    One of the many concerns that has been expressed after Ghana fell in Group L following the group draw, which was held on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, is the Black Stars’ falling in the same group (Group L) with England.

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo himself affirmed that among the 3 other teams, England remains the favourite. However, he added that, while that has been affirmed, he wouldn’t recommend that any of the other opponents, that is, Croatia and Panama, be underestimated

    During a media engagement, Addo emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration.

    “I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but as a coach, I’m looking at every game equally.”

    Addo highlighted Ghana’s opening match against Panama as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

    “I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, which will be very, very crucial. A strong start will make the other games a little easier psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then assess where we are,” he noted.

    Referring to the team’s stunning performance during the qualifiers and its preparations so far, Otto Addo mentioned that, “We did very well in the qualifiers. We didn’t lose a single official game, one draw, and the rest wins. It was a good year in 2025 after a difficult 2024,” he said, commending his squad for the union in the squad so far.

    He also commended the unity within the squad. “Even though we have a very young team, we did really well. There was good harmony and good union.”

    Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament. 

    They will open the tournament with a clash with Panama on 17 June, take on England on 23 June, and conclude the group stage against Croatia.

    After a group-stage exit in Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.

    The official ball to be used for the World Cup, on the other hand, has been unveiled by FIFA.

    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.

    Less visible are technological advancements that include deep seams designed to produce “optimal in-flight stability” and embossed icons that improve grip in wet or humid conditions.

    A motion sensor chip will relay information on the ball’s movement, sending data to the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Trionda also has micro-embossed icons for enhanced grip in varied climates. It has been tested across all 16 host cities for altitude, humidity, and temperature.

    Meanwhile,  the football governing body announced that the World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance. This was revealed by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that, ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    Ghana qualified for the World Cup after finishing its Group I campaign with 25 points. They topped a zone that included Mali, Madagascar, Chad, the Central African Republic and Comoros.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m)  to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that, 

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

  • World Cup draw: Asamoah Gyan says Ghana’s group a bit tricky

    World Cup draw: Asamoah Gyan says Ghana’s group a bit tricky

    Ghana is set to play against England, Croatia, and Panama. This was revealed after the group draw was conducted on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, with their matches scheduled to be held in Toronto, Foxborough, and Philadelphia.

    The high-profile ceremony attended by notable attendees, including President Donald, entertainers like Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and sports icons like Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana’s legendary footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

    Speaking during a media engagement, the former Ghanaian footballer expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the group. He acknowledged that although it is a bit tricky, he is confident Ghana will make it through successfully.

    Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite being placed in a challenging Group L.

    “It’s a tricky group. We will do our possible best to qualify from the group stage,” Gyan, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, said.

    Gyan, who represented Ghana at three World Cups from 2006 to 2014, has six goals in the competition, making him the continent’s top scorer in World Cup history.

    Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament. 

    They will open the tournament with a clash with Panama on 17 June, take on England on 23 June, and conclude the group stage against Croatia.

    After a group-stage exit in Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.

    The official ball to be used for the World Cup, on the other hand, has been unveiled by FIFA.

    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.

    Less visible are technological advancements that include deep seams designed to produce “optimal in-flight stability” and embossed icons that improve grip in wet or humid conditions.

    A motion sensor chip will relay information on the ball’s movement, sending data to the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Trionda also has micro-embossed icons for enhanced grip in varied climates. It has been tested across all 16 host cities for altitude, humidity, and temperature.

    Meanwhile,  the football governing body announced that the World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance. This was revealed by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that,

    ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    Ghana qualified for the World Cup after finishing its Group I campaign with 25 points. They topped a zone that included Mali, Madagascar, Chad, the Central African Republic and Comoros.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m)  to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that, 

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

  • 2026 World Cup: Otto Addo confirms England as the strongest team in the group

    2026 World Cup: Otto Addo confirms England as the strongest team in the group

    On Friday, December 5, Ghana found out which teams it will play against at the group level in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the group draw was conducted on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. 

    It’s confirmed that the Black Stars are in Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, with their matches scheduled to be held in Toronto, Foxborough, and Philadelphia.

    Among these countries, Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo believes England is the favourite to finish atop the group.

    Speaking during an interview with Ghanafa.org former Dutch talent coach stated that “For sure, England is the favourite in that group”.

    While he acknowledged England as favourites in Group L, he, however, mentioned that he doesn’t treat any of the teams lightly.

    “I look forward to every game as special.”Very important for us that we don’t underrate any team…. but for me as a coach, to be honest, I’m looking at every game equally,” he noted.

    England were 2018 World Cup finalists, while Croatia reached the semi-finals in the Qatar edition, and Panama will be making only their second appearance in World Cup history.

    Ghana will open their tournament against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, before facing England and Croatia on 23 and 27 June, respectively.

    The Black Stars have been eliminated at the group stage in each of their last two World Cup appearances.

    Ghana qualified for the World Cup after finishing its Group I campaign with 25 points. They topped a zone that included Mali, Madagascar, Chad, the Central African Republic and Comoros.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m)  to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that, 

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

    According to him, government commitment to the Sports sector has yielded what he describes as “impressive results”.

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

    With the current state of the country’s sports sector, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that, while it has been a long-standing act, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    Speaking during an interview with Peace FM, Mr Adams revealed that, while no allocation will be made for flying fans to the tournament, the government will offer other support, but not financial, citing that anyone who intends to go to the World Cup will have to find their own resources.

    He said the country’s economic challenges as the main reason for the government’s decision not to finance fan travel.

    “Well, there is no game or tournament we don’t go with supporters, but whether I will take them or someone else will take them is a different ball game,” he said.

    Mr Adams says there is a need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

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

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

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

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

    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”.

  • Video,photos of how Baba Yara Stadium looks like ahead of Daddy Lumba’s funeral today

    Video,photos of how Baba Yara Stadium looks like ahead of Daddy Lumba’s funeral today

    Five months on,finally the greenlight has been given for the final funeral rights of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately called, Daddy Lumba to come of today at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Accra.

    A widely loved Ghanaian highlife legend’s death followed about five months of family clash over who had authority to organize the burial service. Yesterday after a missed deadline by one of the disputing parties, the funeral preparations began and a huge crowd thronged the stadium even during dawn as the set up for the ceremony was underway.

    See scenes from the video below:

    The cameras of JoyNews spotted traders busily selling T-shirts of different colours with Daddy Lumba images embossed on them.

    The Final Journey

    Daddy Lumba, whose musical career spanned over thirty years and yielded more than 30 hit albums, left an indelible mark on Ghanaian music.

    Today’s service is Ghana’s opportunity to collectively honour the man who gave the nation songs that defined generations, from poignant ballads like Sese Wo Suban to popular anthems like Aben Wo Aha.

  • Unfortunately we cannot make any changes – Health Minister on doctors postings

    Unfortunately we cannot make any changes – Health Minister on doctors postings

    It’s been nearly a month since the deployment of medical officers to health facilities nationwide. The Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh, on November 3, announced that about 80% of the newly deployed doctors were earmarked for districts.

    However, a report released by the Ghana Health Service on November 28 showed a low to zero turnout, particularly in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions, raising concerns of a looming healthcare staffing crisis and further strain on already underserved facilities.

    The report shows that an overwhelming 305 doctors, or 66%, have still not shown up. This means that 7 out of 10 doctors failed to report to their assigned regions.

    Reacting to this, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh, in a press briefing on Tuesday, December 2, explained that most often, it is reported that medical officers posted to rural centres appeal to be reassigned to the cities due to the lack of adequate infrastructure, medical facilities, and equipment, among other challenges that make postings to these areas unattractive to them.

    Addressing that, the Minister explicitly stated that this time, no changes will be made to any posting. He said, “After which, we will do what we call validation. Unfortunately, there is no way we can do anything here, unfortunately”.

    He continued that discussions are already underway with the respective authorities in their districts to ensure their smooth stay to help them offer excellent medical services to the people.

    “And so we will give them 1 more week to report while we are also engaging the stakeholders in their respective districts, DCE, Regional ministers, Chiefs, Members of Parliament (MP), to facilitate their stay in their district to be able to give their best. We’ve started that by engaging them myself. Govt will also look at how we can incentivise them to help them give their best. I believe our doctors will respond to this call”, he mentioned.

    Also, he announced a week’s ultimatum for all medical officers who have yet to report to their respective posts to report. According to GHS regulations, newly posted medical officers are required to report to their designated health facilities within two weeks of receiving their posting letters, where failure to do so is considered a breach of regulations subject to penalties.

    “The update on the posting of new medical officers across the country is not encouraging. However, I wish to emphasise that the government’s policy of sending officers to the districts should not be misconstrued or perceived as punishment. But it should be seen as an equitable distribution of our health workforce, and we are reporting the medical doctors where they are needed most, and therefore, I’m confident that these newly posted medical doctors will respond to our call to save and serve mother Ghana.

    I have seen from the update that regions Upper West and East were recording zero, and have recorded 0 turnout. We will give them an additional week to appeal to them to report to their various facilities where they have been posted”, the Minister noted.

    GHS data on the medical officers’ turnout nationwide

    Meanwhile, according to the GES data, urban facilities in Greater Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Eastern region, are recording the highest turnout, with many doctors reporting to their posts, representing over 60% of the total turnout, to the neglect of rural centres. Several health centres in rural areas still wait in hopes of the appearance of medical officers deployed to their districts.

    Out of the 20 medical officers allocated to Greater Accra, 16 have reported, with only 4 left to show up. representing an 80 percent turnout. In the Ashanti Region, there were 33 allocations, and so far, 25 have reported, representing a 76 percent turnout. Also, the 36 allocations to the Eastern Region had 23, representing a 64 percent turnout.

    On the other hand, regions in the North have recorded an abysmal turnout. North East so far has recorded a zero turnout after a 19 medical officers’ allocation. The Upper West Region also had no reporting despite an allocation of 32. Oti, with 21 allocations, saw only one officer reporting (4.8%), Western North recorded two out of 31, representing a 6.5% turnout, and Savannah had seven officers reporting out of 19 allocated, representing a 36.8%. In the other low-performing regions, Upper East recorded seven reports out of 35 allocations, representing a 20% turnout, while the Northern Region saw seven out of 32 officers reporting, representing 21.9% percent.

    Following this, GHS encouraged Regions to intensify engagements with the medical officers to improve the current numbers. The low turnout recorded in Ghana’s rural centres, particularly in the |Northern sectors, is nothing new as it is a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s health sector. Over the years, doctors have refused or delayed postings to rural and deprived areas, mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of accommodation, and limited career opportunities.

    Consequently, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his healthcare manifesto and policy statements, some reforms his government intends to make in the health sector to make postings to these rural areas attractive. Part of these include providing affordable accommodation at health facilities, offering home ownership schemes, and introducing risk exposure insurance for health workers.

    The doctor–patient ratio in Ghana is about 1:10,450, with most doctors concentrated in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, while areas like the Upper West and Northern regions have historically faced severe shortages, leaving rural populations underserved.

    The posting of these doctors came about a month after the President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour, disclosed that approximately 800 doctors are jobless because they are waiting to be posted to various institutions to commence work.

  • Analysis: After allocating over ₵1bn, parliament now turns on the OSP

    Analysis: After allocating over ₵1bn, parliament now turns on the OSP

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor has returned to the centre of national debate, this time over questions of effectiveness and recent controversy.

    Tensions rose after the arrest of lawyer Martin Kpebu for what the office described as “obstructing an officer in the lawful execution of their duties”.

    Mr. Kpebu has in recent weeks criticised the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, for failing to prevent former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta from leaving the country. He now argues that the difficulty in securing Mr Ofori Atta’s extradition is grounds for the removal of Mr Agyabeng.

    Given his vocal position, the arrest has generated suspicion about the motives of the Office.

    These concerns quickly reached parliament. Both the Speaker and the Majority Leader questioned the effectiveness of the Special Prosecutor and the relevance of the institution to the fight against corruption.

    What began as an effort to replace the Special Prosecutor, with 3 petitions already before the Chief Justice and an additional petition reportedly being prepared by Mr Kpebu, has widened into what appears to be a bipartisan call to consider scrapping the office entirely.

    The OSP was created in 2018 as Ghana’s focal institution for corruption and corruption related offences. It draws its prosecutorial powers from the Attorney General, which allows the office to prosecute independently.

    The rationale was simple. A specialised institution insulated from political influence, led by a Special Prosecutor with a 7 year nonrenewable tenure, would be better positioned to investigate corruption across successive administrations.

    The fixed tenure was meant to guarantee continuity and limit political pressure during transitions.

    Parliament now argues that the substantial resources allocated to the office have yielded little in return.

    From 2018 to the end of 2026, the OSP will have been allocated more than ₵1.18 billion.

    For 2026, the office requested ₵310 million but was allocated ₵158 million.

    In comparison, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has received a little over ₵300 million between 2018 and 2026 and CHRAJ has received ₵529 million over the same period.

    The Attorney General’s office has received about ₵2.6 billion, although that amount covers a range of agencies including legal education, the Registrar of Companies, the Law Administration Department and EOCO.

    Budget allocations tell only part of the story.

    In practice, the OSP struggled to receive its approved funds. Between 2018 and 2023, the office received less than half of what parliament allocated.

    Even when funds were released, operational challenges prevented their effective use. The OSP lacked permanent accommodation, had incomplete staffing and could not undertake procurement because it did not have the required Entity Tender Committee.

    These start up constraints significantly limited the institution’s early performance.

    Conditions improved in 2024 when the OSP received 95% of its allocated ₵149 million. The office has since argued that a larger allocation is needed for effective operations.

    Parliament’s committee on legal affairs agreed with this assessment, although fiscal pressures prevented approval of the full amount.

    In 2025, the OSP secured its first convictions. There are now 7 in total, although 6 arise from a single payroll fraud case.

    The seventh relates to the trial involving Charles Bissue, former secretary of the Inter Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining. One of the accused persons in that case secured a plea bargain and is reportedly cooperating with prosecutors in the continuing proceedings against Mr Bissue.


    These outcomes have not met public expectations. When the OSP was created, many Ghanaians anticipated high profile convictions.

    Several such cases are now at different stages in the OSP’s pipeline. These include matters involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, the controversial GRA and SML contract linked to former Commissioner Ammishaddai Owusu Amoah and the former NPA Chief Executive Dr Mustapha Abdul Hamid.

    Until such cases reach clear outcomes, criticism of the office will continue.

    Whether the OSP survives the current pressure will depend on parliament’s next steps, especially given the ruling NDC’s super majority and a Majority Leader who has stated his position openly.

    The institution was created to strengthen the fight against corruption. It now faces the prospect of abolition before having the opportunity to demonstrate what it can achieve when fully resourced and fully operational.

    Author: Caleb Wuninti Ziblim, JoyNews Research | caleb.ziblim@myjoyonline.com

    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, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • We are coming for you wherever you are – IGP warns criminals after 40 armoured cars boost from government

    We are coming for you wherever you are – IGP warns criminals after 40 armoured cars boost from government

    The Ghana Police Service have announced its readiness to face any criminal network and criminal activities with rigour after the boost that comes with the government handing over forty armoured vehicles.

    President Mahama handed over the vehicles yesterday, Thursday, December 4, in a handing-over ceremony held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, and in response to this, the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohunu,  in an acceptance speech, sent a word of caution to all who seek to disrupt national security and peace that his outfit will relentlessly pursue and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activities.

    “Let me use this opportunity to send a strong word of caution to persons who have decided to threaten the security of this country: we are coming for you. You can run all you want and hide wherever you wish, but we will surely get you,” taunting the police service’s achievements so far under his leadership.

    “We have made several breakthroughs. In addition to numerous robbery attempts that have been foiled through sustained intelligence operations, we have successfully arrested suspects who operated under the illusion that they could get away with crime. These include the suspect behind the rural bank robberies, the robbery of the Radiance Filling Station, the robbery at Enfasatia, attacks on mobile vendors, the Wire and Bullet serial murders, vehicle theft syndicates, and perpetrators behind fake online food-delivery platforms,” he mentioned.

    The IGP, also assured that the vehicles would be strategically deployed and properly maintained to achieve their intended objectives, commending the government for its intervention.

    “We wish to sincerely express our profound gratitude to the government for thinking about us and prioritising our welfare. Our assurance to you is that the vehicles will be well-maintained and strategically deployed to achieve the intended objectives,” he said.

    He also assured the president that with vehicles, his outfit will tear down any criminal syndicate and launch a “robust and targeted operation throughout the country”.

    “Your Excellency, these vehicles are going to completely change the face and dynamics of police operations. With these vehicles, we are going to launch very bold, robust, and targeted operations throughout the country. We will dismantle any existing criminal networks, most of whom have gone into hiding due to our intensified activities against them”, he noted.

    President Mahama, in his speech, commended the police for their hard work and efforts in bringing criminals to book, citing their resolve in tackling several cases of murder, armed robberies and other crimes in the country.

    He said, “And you have dealt with them, people who robbed banks and attacked people’s residences.

    You have chalked up many victories in bringing them to justice. Let me commend the CID, too.

    In the past, there were many unsolved murders. I’m happy to note that recently, many of the murders that occurred have been resolved. With good police intelligence, you’ve been able to bring the suspects to book”.

    He noted that the 40 armoured vehicles given to the Service are only the first of many his government will hand over to the law enforcement agency, adding that two tow trucks and patrol pickups will also be supplied to police districts.

    “These 40 vehicles are just the first batch of what you will be receiving. By the end of this month, you will receive two tow trucks so that anytime any of these vehicles becomes immobilised anywhere, you can pick it up and bring it back to base. You will also get 10 covert operational vehicles, which I have been cautioned not to talk about. It is only you who will know you have them. In addition, we want to give every police district a normal pickup for patrol duties”, the President said.

    The event also saw the presence of  Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak and numerous senior police officers, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies.

    The Interior Minister, speaking at the commissioning, also mentioned that the enhanced security capacity of security services in the country should block all chances of criminal networks from operating and doing so effectively.

    “Your time is up. The state is prepared. The police are prepared. The tools are ready. The intelligence is improving. And the public is increasingly vigilant.”

    He said that security agencies will deal decisively with those involved in violent and organised crime. “Whether it is armed robbery, banditry, illegal mining, violence, trafficking, kidnapping, gang activities or terrorism, know that we will find you, we will stop you, and you will face the full force of the law”, adding that Ghana, being described as a peaceful country, doesn’t mean it is defenceless.

    “Ghana is a peaceful nation, but we are not defenceless.”

    The Minister explained that the new armoured vehicles would be deployed based on crime data and operational needs. He said the Interior Ministry will work closely with the Police Administration to ensure the vehicles are used effectively.

    “Some will support high crime zones, others will reinforce highway patrol, others will be integrated into rapid response teams and special operations. Deployment will be guided by intelligence, operational need and proper chain of command,” he said.

    He also highlighted the shift towards a more technology-driven policing model, supported by a new real-time crime centre being developed under the Inspector-General of Police.

    “We are moving towards a policing model that is predictive, data-driven and technology-enabled. In this new era, crime will be confronted not only with courage, but with smart intelligence and modern tools.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service rebuffed claims that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has passed away. News of his alleged death emerged online shortly after President John Dramani Mahama granted his two‑year retirement extension beyond his mandatory retirement age in late November.

    He earned this extension due to his justification on grounds of continuity, stability, and ongoing reforms within the Ghana Police Service.

    Following the rumours, the Ghana Police Service, in a swift response, took to their official X (formerly Twitter page) on November 30 and denied them, urging the public to disregard what it described as completely false, adding that IGP Yohonu is “alive and well”.

    “We wish to categorically state that these reports are false. The IGP is alive and well and going about his duties as expected. We urge our officers, family members, loved ones, and the general public to disregard these reports,” parts of the post read.

  • Martin Kpebu suspects OSP’s actions partisan to make NDC govt unpopular

    Martin Kpebu suspects OSP’s actions partisan to make NDC govt unpopular

    Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu believes that, the OSP’s actions are politically inspired since he was appointed by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo led administration.

    Following his release from custody on Wednesday, December 3 he suggested that, the recent actions and controversies surounding the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng may be part of a ploy by the anti-corruption institution to mar the reputation of the incumbent National Democrartic Congress (NDC) government.

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) invited Kpebu to its office to provide evidence of some corruption allegations he had made against the anti-corruption office. And according to him, his invitation over his speech cannot be interpreted as a ploy by the NDC government to stifle free speech hence he believes that, Agyebeng’s actions are politically motivated.

    “Kissi Agyebeng is an Akufo-Addo appointee, so you can’t say government is criminalizing free speech. Maybe all these arrests are to make the NDC government unpopular because NPP appointees can do it to spite government,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show.

    Kpebu had a fracas with security personnel at the OSP’s premise which later caused his arrest. He was detained for nearly five hours, transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and later released on bail , with conditions requiring landed property and one surety.

    Speaking to the media, Mr. Kpebu described his arrest as extremely risky and life-threatening. According to him, the OSP deliberately arrested him without any legitimate cause, as he did not do anything to warrant his arrest.

    “I didn’t do anything that deserves an arrest, so somehow it was like a dream, like a fairytale, so my spirits were still up. What they have actually done is that this is a suicide mission that Kissi Agyebeng’s OSP has embarked on. He can pretend he has nothing to do with it, but he is the head,” Kpebu stated.

    Mr. Kpebu suggests that he was verbally assaulted by a soldier, who called him stupid and he was also mistreated at the OSP’s premises by security. In giving the main reason behind his invitation and all events surrounding his arrest, the OSP noted that Mr. Kpebu insulted officers and called Kissi Agyebeng “a nobody who will be removed soon”.

    The OSP indicated that “This is not the first, or even the second, time Mr. Kpebu has acted improperly toward OSP security personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties. After each incident, he publicly presents a completely different version of events”.

    Find below OSP’s full text:

    A pattern of misconduct

    This is not the first—or even the second—time Mr. Kpebu has acted improperly toward OSP security personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties. After each incident, he publicly presents a completely different version of events.

    Having monitored his conduct for some time, it became clear that unless his interactions were recorded, he would misrepresent the facts.

    A notable example is his false claim that there were 16 petitions calling for the removal of the Special Prosecutor. When confronted by KSM on his show, he admitted that he merely repeated what he heard someone say on Newsfile, without verifying it. It is concerning that a lawyer would make such a statement without checking the facts.

    The Investigation is separate from his allegations

    The confrontation at the OSP has nothing to do with the ongoing inquiry into the unsubstantiated allegations he made against the SP and the Office. He continues to claim that he is “gathering evidence” and will eventually present it to an OSP Board—despite knowing there is currently no board in place.

    This behaviour follows a familiar pattern: he refuses to cooperate, demands that certain officers be removed from the panel, gets his wish, and then introduces a new obstacle. Fortunately, the investigators have continued their work professionally despite his lack of cooperation and abusive conduct.

    Misleading the public about investigators

    Mr. Kpebu repeatedly misleads the public by claiming that those handling the case are “junior staff,” when in reality their ranks are equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police.

    He also falsely claims that “the OSP is investigating itself,” which shows either a misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of institutional processes.

    Fact-finding committees exist to establish facts—not to pronounce guilt or innocence. Police misconduct is not investigated by fire service officers; GRA misconduct is not investigated by immigration officers; and alleged misconduct in one university is not investigated by another. The principle is the same.

    What actually happened at the OSP premises

    Events at the GateUpon arriving, Mr. Kpebu parked his vehicle and stepped outside the gate to conduct an interview. He always does this, brings in media men to speak to them before entering and after exiting.Security personnel cautioned him to move away from the entrance, so he moved to the fried yam seller’s spot and continued speaking to the media.Afterwards, he entered the compound alone. The guards reminded him that photography and videography are not permitted around the premises.

    Escalation and ArrestHe reacted angrily to the reminder and insulted the guards. They issued a formal warning about his conduct, but he insisted he could act as he pleased and threatened to report them.He told them they are nobodies, even their boss, the head of the agency, is nobody and will be removed soon.His continued insults and obstructive behaviour led to his arrest for the offence of obstruction of officers in the performance of their duties.He was informed of his arrest on suspicion of obstruction, in accordance with the law. The arrest was executed without force, and there is no internal record of any assault or mistreatment.Bail, Processing, and Conduct of Counsel

    Bail Granted: Following the arrest, bail was granted according to standard administrative procedures. The conditions were explained to him and his counsel. However, one of the lawyers refused to leave the premises until Mr. Kpebu was brought back.She insulted officers and caused a scene, all of which was recorded. Despite her behaviour, officers removed her gently and without force. Their professionalism deserves commendation.

    Transfer to Holding AreaMr. Kpebu was transferred to a secured holding area as part of normal processing. Public concerns have been raised about the detention location, but internal records show that all transfers followed protocol. At no point was he denied access to counsel or due process.No Trap. Just AccountabilityFinally, the claim that the OSP “fell into a trap” is unfounded. The Office has not fallen for any trap. It has simply applied the law to protect its personnel and maintain order on its premises.The message is clear: connections, public influence, or media prominence do not place anyone above the law. If this was intended as a trap, then the OSP passed—because it acted strictly within legal and procedural bounds.Such unruly behaviour would result in an immediate arrest at any law enforcement facility. Could he attempt this at the Police Headquarters or the NIB Headquarters?Mr. Kpebu is expected to report this morning at 11am after bail was granted last night for further investigations of the offence of obstruction of justice.A different date will be announced for continuation of enquiry into his allegation of corruption.

  • Neglect of basic education to be blamed for poor WASSCE results – President Mahama 

    Neglect of basic education to be blamed for poor WASSCE results – President Mahama 

    The provisional 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, released on Saturday, November 29, are described as the worst performance in the last four years, especially in Mathematics and Social Studies.

    Adding his voice to these concerns, President Mahama, speaking during an engagement, attributed the steep decline in student performance to years of neglect at the basic education level in the last seven years.

    According to him, the poor results reflect deep weaknesses in foundational learning, worsened by persistent delays in the release of the capitation grant and the inability to guarantee quality teaching at the basic level. He emphasised the need to prioritise foundational learning, warning that failure to do so will only produce candidates who lack quality and will ultimately be unable to contribute meaningfully to national productivity.

    “It emphasises the issue of foundational learning. One of the major things that has taken place in the last several years is the neglect of basic education, the inability to send the capitation grant, and the failure to ensure that we have quality teachers at the foundational or basic level. Because it is that level that prepares the child for secondary and tertiary education, and once you don’t get that level right, you will simply send the child through a conveyor belt like a factory, and when he comes out at the end, quality control will pick him out and say this one did not do well. So our focus must be on foundational learning,” President Mahama said.

    He described the situation as a serious concern for the government, parents, and the wider public, explaining that he has instructed the Minister of Education and other stakeholders to conduct a detailed analysis of the examiners’ report to determine what triggered the dramatic drop in performance, especially given that the same teachers and learning conditions were in place.

    “It has become an issue of great concern to the government, parents, and the public at large. I was speaking with the minister, and I have asked them to do an analysis of the examiner’s report and try to decipher what could have gone so disastrously wrong. It is mind-boggling that with the same teachers and the same factors in play, just from one batch to another, one batch performs so disastrously. We need to get to the bottom of it.”

    About the 2025 WASSCE results

    The results show a massive surge in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 performance.

    According to the provisional results released by WAEC, the percentage of students who failed Social Studies increased sharply from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% rise. The other core subjects, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw their failure rates double, with Integrated Science rising from 7.12% in 2024 to 16.05% in 2025 and English Language from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher.

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a sharp drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Mathematics, while 114,872, or 26.77%, failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The core subjects are foundational, with English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies forming the backbone of Ghana’s education system. Failure in these subjects means students lack the basic skills needed for higher education or employment.

    The mass failure comes with several major concerns relating to career opportunities, social consequences, and the country’s economic future. Students with F9 grades or those who failed any core subject now have their dreams of pursuing higher education, whether in Ghana or abroad, truncated.

    They will also face limitations in securing many formal jobs, creating long-term barriers to social mobility. A large cohort of underqualified youth weakens the skilled workforce, affecting productivity and innovation. High failure rates can lead to frustration, unemployment, and in some cases, social unrest. If failure rates are concentrated in certain regions or schools, it further highlights inequality in access to quality teaching and resources.

    Aside from these disturbing results, WAEC data shows a massive crackdown on examination malpractice. The Ghana Examinations Committee approved severe sanctions against thousands of candidates and dozens of educational personnel.

    The subject results of 6,295 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling unauthorised materials, including notes, textbooks, and printed material, into examination halls. The entire results of 653 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling mobile phones into the exam hall. 

    The subject results of 908 candidates and the entire results of 158 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into suspected offences, and results for candidates from 185 schools have also been withheld for alleged collusion. In addition, 35 persons, including 19 teachers, who compromised the integrity of the examination, face legal and disciplinary action, and already 19 of those individuals have been arraigned before the court and convicted with fines or prison terms.

    Before the exams, the Ghana Education Service (GES) warned 2025 candidates sitting for the WASSCE against examination malpractice, cautioning that offenders could face a 12- to 15-year jail term. This was announced by the Dormaa Central Municipal Public Relations Officer of the GES in the Bono Region, Nana Kumi Agyemang, during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency. According to him, offenders risk having their entire results cancelled or withheld.

    He also revealed that 2,179 candidates, comprising 1,075 males and 1,104 females from four Senior High Schools, are writing the exams in the municipality, including Christ Apostolic Church SHS, Dormaa SHS, Adehyeman SHS, and Salvation Army SHS.

  • President Mahama delivers 40 armoured cars to Ghana Police, promises 2 toll cars by month’s end

    President Mahama delivers 40 armoured cars to Ghana Police, promises 2 toll cars by month’s end

     Ghana Police’s operational capacity, safety, and deterrence power are set for a significant boost as the government delivers 40 new armoured vehicles.

    In a handing-over ceremony held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, December 4, President Mahama, in his speech, commended the police for their hard work and efforts in bringing criminals to book, citing their resolve in tackling several cases of murder, armed robberies and other crimes in the country.

    He said, “And you have dealt with them, people who robbed banks and attacked people’s residences.

    You have chalked up many victories in bringing them to justice. Let me commend the CID, too.

    In the past, there were many unsolved murders. I’m happy to note that recently, many of the murders that occurred have been resolved. With good police intelligence, you’ve been able to bring the suspects to book”

    He noted that the 40 armoured vehicles given to the Service are only the first of many his government will hand over to the law enforcement agency, adding that two tow trucks and patrol pickups will also be supplied to police districts.

    “These 40 vehicles are just the first batch of what you will be receiving.

    By the end of this month, you will receive two tow trucks so that anytime any of these vehicles becomes immobilised anywhere, you can pick it up and bring it back to base. You will also get 10 covert operational vehicles, which I have been cautioned not to talk about. It is only you who will know you have them. In addition, we want to give every police district a normal pickup for patrol duties”, the President said.

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu, in an acceptance speech, assured the president that with vehicles, his outfit will tear down any criminal syndicate and launch a “robust and targeted operation throughout the country”.

    “Your Excellency, these vehicles are going to completely change the face and dynamics of police operations. With these vehicles, we are going to launch very bold, robust, and targeted operations throughout the country. We will dismantle any existing criminal networks, most of whom have gone into hiding due to our intensified activities against them”, he noted.

    He also sent a warning to individuals threatening national security, declaring that the Police Service will relentlessly pursue and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activities.

    “Let me use this opportunity to send a strong word of caution to persons who have decided to threaten the security of this country: we are coming for you. You can run all you want and hide wherever you wish, but we will surely get you,” taunting the police service’s achievements so far under his leadership.

    “We have made several breakthroughs. In addition to numerous robbery attempts that have been foiled through sustained intelligence operations, we have successfully arrested suspects who operated under the illusion that they could get away with crime. These include the suspect behind the rural bank robberies, the robbery of the Radiance Filling Station, the robbery at Enfasatia, attacks on mobile vendors, the Wire and Bullet serial murders, vehicle theft syndicates, and perpetrators behind fake online food-delivery platforms”.

    IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, also assured that the vehicles would be strategically deployed and properly maintained to achieve their intended objectives, commending the government for its intervention.

    “We wish to sincerely express our profound gratitude to the government for thinking about us and prioritising our welfare. Our assurance to you is that the vehicles will be well-maintained and strategically deployed to achieve the intended objectives,” he said.

    The event also saw the presence of  Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak and numerous senior police officers, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies.

    The Interior Minister, speaking at the commissioning, also mentioned that the enhanced security capacity of security services in ythe country should block all chances of criminal networks from operating and doing so effectively.

    “Your time is up. The state is prepared. The police are prepared. The tools are ready. The intelligence is improving. And the public is increasingly vigilant.”

    He said that security agencies will deal decisively with those involved in violent and organised crime. “Whether it is armed robbery, banditry, illegal mining, violence, trafficking, kidnapping, gang activities or terrorism, know that we will find you, we will stop you, and you will face the full force of the law” adding that Ghana, being described as a peaceful country, doesn’t mean it is defenceless.

    “Ghana is a peaceful nation, but we are not defenceless.”

    The Minister explained that the new armoured vehicles would be deployed based on crime data and operational needs. He said the Interior Ministry will work closely with the Police Administration to ensure the vehicles are used effectively.

    “Some will support high crime zones, others will reinforce highway patrol, others will be integrated into rapid response teams and special operations. Deployment will be guided by intelligence, operational need and proper chain of command,” he said.

    He also highlighted the shift towards a more technology-driven policing model, supported by a new real-time crime centre being developed under the Inspector-General of Police.

    “We are moving towards a policing model that is predictive, data-driven and technology-enabled. In this new era, crime will be confronted not only with courage, but with smart intelligence and modern tools.”

  • Defence Minister presents contract agreements for four helicopters and presidential jet to Parliament 

    Defence Minister presents contract agreements for four helicopters and presidential jet to Parliament 

    The government announced plans on November 13 to purchase three new helicopters for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and also purchase one new jet for the president, just a few days after the investigation report on the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight gallant Ghanaian men. 

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, December 3, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, laid before the house the contract agreement of the government and the companies from whom the purchase will be made.

    The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was presiding, referred them to the joint committees of Defence and Interior for consideration and report. He also directed it to the leadership of the Finance Committee for consideration and report to the House.

    The first is the contract agreement between the government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Defence, and Airbus Helicopters (SAS), France, for an amount of €125.97 million for the supply of one H160 and three H175 helicopters for the GAF.

    The second is the sale and purchase contract agreement between the government of Ghana and Dassault.

    Following the approval of the GH₵1.70 billion budget for the jet and helicopters, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who also doubles as the North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed the house saying that, the Minority could be certain that if President John Dramani Mahama “starts or even attempts” to charter ultra-luxury jets like his predecessor did, “you will certainly hear my voice”.

    During the erstwhile government’s tenure, President Akufo-Addo announced his intention to purchase a new jet, which was heavily criticised by Ablakwa as insensitive, given the country’s hardships and poor financial state at the time. He embarked on media tours and made several statements as to why purchasing a presidential jet was not right at the time.

    Consequently, following his silence on the jet the president is set to purchase, the Minority has accused him of double standards, citing that his strong stance against Akufo-Addo’s plan was politically motivated and far from objective.

    In response to them, he said, “You are not hearing my voice now because what I used to complain about is not happening”.

    According to him, a comparison of the budget the Akufo-Addo-led administration presented and that of what Ato Forson has at the Finance Ministry, the former government’s budget could have bought Ghana “ a brand new jet”.

    “So you should be commending me, and you should actually be apologising to the people of this country that if President Akufo-Addo had listened to the honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, we would not have wasted resources as we have done. “

    “President Mahama has now put us on a prudent path where instead of just chattering and wasting taxpayer resources, he is rather going to engage in an investment that will serve the Ghana Armed Forces well,” he said.

    Supporting the approval of the budget estimates for the Foreign Affairs Ministry earlier, the Second Deputy Minority Leader, Habib Iddrisu, said the Minority was of the view that the ministry should be given enough resources.

    He said the Foreign Minister asked for over GH₵3 billion as the budget for his ministry in 2026, yet he was only given less than 50 percent of what he asked for.

    “But the majority of the money, over GH₵13 billion, is going to be used to buy four helicopters and two luxury jets- one long reach and one medium range- and you have said nothing about it.

    “But you were very vocal that the President is flying first class, but we think they should cancel the money for the four helicopters and the two luxury jets that they will buy and give the money to the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he said.

    Accusing Mr Ablakwa of being very quiet on the purchase of the helicopters and presidential jets, Mr Iddrisu drew the attention of the Foreign Affairs Minister that “anytime he ever finds himself here in 2029, he should know in future prosperity will catch up with him”.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s presidential jet touched down on Monday, November 10. The jet, France’s Dassault Falcon Service, had been in  Le Bourget, France, for the past month for its mandatory 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour inspection since March. The Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE remained grounded, with new faults discovered each time it was scheduled to be dispatched back home.

    However, Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Sunday, November 16, shared that the jet had arrived in Accra, Ghana. 

    Parts of his post read: “Ghana’s presidential jet has been delivered safely back into the custody of the Ghana Air Force since Monday, the 10th of November. Exactly 8 months after it was sent to the Dassault Falcon Service MRO base at Paris Le Bourget (PLB).”

    He reiterated Mr Brogya’s explanation in Parliament earlier that the faults that were detected required manufacturer-level intervention and prolonged the maintenance schedule, as the repairs could only be executed at that specific Dassault-authorised site.

    “Whilst at PLB, it underwent a MANDATORY 24-month and 1600-hour technical inspection. During this extensive inspection, severe defects affecting the fuel tank and a turbofan were discovered, triggering prolonged repairs that could only be done with manufacturer assistance at that specific Dassault facility.” 

    Following this, “all the complex repairs, final tests (including leak tests, engine ground runs, and acceptance flights) have been completed. The long delay in completing the repairs was due to some apparent difficulty sourcing certain OEM-certified spare parts. The aircraft has, however, been given the all clear by DFS now.”

    However, the Bureau of Public Safety (BSP) has called for an independent certification and audit into the airworthiness of Ghana’s presidential jet, which has reportedly returned from maintenance.

    The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) in Ghana is a non-profit civil society organisation that advocates for public safety, security, health, and environmental protection.

    Speaking in an interview with Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, November 16, the Executive Secretary of BSP, Nana Yaw Akwada warned that despite the safety confirmations and certifications by the French aircraft company that conducted the maintenance works on the the Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE, there is a need for an independent and fully transparent certification before declaring the aircraft safe for presidential use.

    “It is good news to hear that the jet is back, but before we can make any concrete statement on its safety or otherwise, it’s very important that we have an independent certification body to let us understand objectively what was established in relation to what the Ghana Armed Forces communicated to us,” he said.

  • Full text: OSP clarifies Martin Kpebu’s arrest, detention

    Full text: OSP clarifies Martin Kpebu’s arrest, detention

    Outspoken private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu and the Special Prosecutor have been making headlines in the last few days. It all started when the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) invited Kpebu to its office to provide evidence of some corruption allegations he had made against the anti-corruption office.

    However, folllowing Kpebu’s arrival at the OSP’s office premises, two distinct reports of a fracus occured.

    The account of Kpebu suggests that he was verbally assaulted by a soldier, who called him stupid and also mistreated at the OSP’s premises by security.

    OSP, on the other hand, claims, Kpebu insulted officers and called Kissi Agyebeng “a nobody who will be removed soon”.

    He was detained for nearly five hours, transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and later released on bail

    Following his release, the OSP released a statement detailing the main reason behind his invitation and all events surrounding his arrest.

    Find below OSP’s full text:

    A pattern of misconduct

    This is not the first—or even the second—time Mr. Kpebu has acted improperly toward OSP security personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties. After each incident, he publicly presents a completely different version of events.

    Having monitored his conduct for some time, it became clear that unless his interactions were recorded, he would misrepresent the facts.

    A notable example is his false claim that there were 16 petitions calling for the removal of the Special Prosecutor. When confronted by KSM on his show, he admitted that he merely repeated what he heard someone say on Newsfile, without verifying it. It is concerning that a lawyer would make such a statement without checking the facts.

    The Investigation is separate from his allegations

    The confrontation at the OSP has nothing to do with the ongoing inquiry into the unsubstantiated allegations he made against the SP and the Office. He continues to claim that he is “gathering evidence” and will eventually present it to an OSP Board—despite knowing there is currently no board in place.

    This behaviour follows a familiar pattern: he refuses to cooperate, demands that certain officers be removed from the panel, gets his wish, and then introduces a new obstacle. Fortunately, the investigators have continued their work professionally despite his lack of cooperation and abusive conduct.

    Misleading the public about investigators

    Mr. Kpebu repeatedly misleads the public by claiming that those handling the case are “junior staff,” when in reality their ranks are equivalent to Deputy Commissioners of Police.

    He also falsely claims that “the OSP is investigating itself,” which shows either a misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of institutional processes.

    Fact-finding committees exist to establish facts—not to pronounce guilt or innocence. Police misconduct is not investigated by fire service officers; GRA misconduct is not investigated by immigration officers; and alleged misconduct in one university is not investigated by another. The principle is the same.

    What actually happened at the OSP premises

    1. Events at the Gate

    Upon arriving, Mr. Kpebu parked his vehicle and stepped outside the gate to conduct an interview. He always does this, brings in media men to speak to them before entering and after exiting.

    Security personnel cautioned him to move away from the entrance, so he moved to the fried yam seller’s spot and continued speaking to the media.

    Afterwards, he entered the compound alone. The guards reminded him that photography and videography are not permitted around the premises.

    2. Escalation and Arrest

    He reacted angrily to the reminder and insulted the guards. They issued a formal warning about his conduct, but he insisted he could act as he pleased and threatened to report them.

    He told them they are nobodies, even their boss, the head of the agency, is nobody and will be removed soon.

    His continued insults and obstructive behaviour led to his arrest for the offence of obstruction of officers in the performance of their duties.

    He was informed of his arrest on suspicion of obstruction, in accordance with the law. The arrest was executed without force, and there is no internal record of any assault or mistreatment.

    Bail, Processing, and Conduct of Counsel

    1. Bail Granted

    Following the arrest, bail was granted according to standard administrative procedures. The conditions were explained to him and his counsel. However, one of the lawyers refused to leave the premises until Mr. Kpebu was brought back.

    She insulted officers and caused a scene, all of which was recorded. Despite her behaviour, officers removed her gently and without force. Their professionalism deserves commendation.

    2. Transfer to Holding Area

    Mr. Kpebu was transferred to a secured holding area as part of normal processing. Public concerns have been raised about the detention location, but internal records show that all transfers followed protocol. At no point was he denied access to counsel or due process.

    No Trap — Just Accountability

    Finally, the claim that the OSP “fell into a trap” is unfounded. The Office has not fallen for any trap. It has simply applied the law to protect its personnel and maintain order on its premises.

    The message is clear: connections, public influence, or media prominence do not place anyone above the law. If this was intended as a trap, then the OSP passed—because it acted strictly within legal and procedural bounds.

    Such unruly behaviour would result in an immediate arrest at any law enforcement facility. Could he attempt this at the Police Headquarters or the NIB Headquarters?

    Mr. Kpebu is expected to report this morning at 11am after bail was granted last night for further investigations of the offence of obstruction of justice.

    A different date will be announced for continuation of enquiry into his allegation of corruption.

  • At 6.3% inflation, it’s clear: IMF projections don’t deliver results; competent economic management does

    At 6.3% inflation, it’s clear: IMF projections don’t deliver results; competent economic management does

    I’ve read from our friends in the NPP, a suggestion that Ghana’s present single-digit inflation is not necessarily an achievement of the current administration because the IMF had already projected that the country would reach around 8% inflation by 2025. The argument seems to imply that the steep decline in inflation was automatic, a predetermined outcome of external forecasts, not the product of deliberate economic management. But a closer look at Ghana’s economic performance between 2017 and 2024, especially the large gaps between IMF projections and actual results, as well as the many missed targets under the previous government, shows clearly that forecasts on paper rarely deliver themselves. Ghana’s economic history demonstrates that projections do not guarantee results; only disciplined management and credible policymaking can turn forecasts into reality.

    To understand this better, it is important to examine the nature of IMF projections. They are not prophecies. They are conditional forecasts, indicative of what might happen if governments implement policies decisively, maintain fiscal discipline, and if external conditions remain stable. Ghana’s experience demonstrates just how fragile these assumptions can be. For example, IMF debt sustainability assessments consistently underestimated Ghana’s debt path. By 2022, Ghana’s actual public debt had exceeded earlier IMF projections by tens of percentage points of GDP. The IMF itself admitted that it underestimated the pace of debt accumulation due to the rapid depreciation of the cedi, rising interest costs, rollover pressures, and persistent fiscal overruns between 2018 and 2022. These were not minor deviations; they were massive miscalculations that ultimately pushed Ghana into another IMF programme.

    The same pattern is seen in inflation forecasts. In 2019, the IMF projected that Ghana’s inflation would steadily decline toward 6% in the medium term. Yet by 2022, inflation spiralled past 30%, then beyond 40%, and eventually above 50%. Clearly, no IMF model anticipated the scale of Ghana’s inflation crisis. This drastic variance shows that projections can be completely derailed by policy slippages, global shocks, and structural weaknesses in the economy. If IMF projections were self-fulfilling, Ghana would never have experienced inflation anywhere near 50%.

    In fact, as recently as last month, the IMF projected that Ghana would end 2025 with inflation at around 12%, not 8%, citing global uncertainties and vulnerabilities in emerging markets. This was reported widely in the media. But this is where the argument collapses for those claiming the IMF “predicted” our current performance: the IMF forecasted 12% inflation, yet Ghana’s actual inflation has already fallen to 6.3%, the lowest level in many years. The Ghana Statistical Service reported an 11-month consecutive decline, reaching 6.3% in November 2025, far outperforming IMF expectations.

    This alone proves the point: projections are not destiny. Policy is. The IMF forecasted 12%, but deliberate policy implementation delivered 6%. I anticipate, Ghana’s year-end inflation will not be more than 9%, contrary to the projections of the IMF.
    That gap between forecast and outcome is the clearest evidence that the current macroeconomic results came from real work, not from any prediction in Washington.

    The same story is reflected in growth projections. Before COVID-19, the IMF repeatedly projected that Ghana’s economy would continue growing strongly at 5–7%. Yet in 2020, real GDP growth collapsed to nearly zero. These forecasts assumed a stable fiscal environment and strong buffers, assumptions that did not hold. Later growth outcomes were similarly weaker than projected, which reinforces the central argument: projections only hold when governments act with discipline, consistency, and competence.

    It was not only the IMF that missed targets. The previous NPP government repeatedly missed its own projections across growth, revenue, inflation, deficits, and debt. In 2018, it projected growth of over 6.8%, but the outturn was lower. In 2020, it projected a growth of 6.8%, but the final figure was around 0.5%. The 2020 deficit target was 4.7% of GDP, yet the actual deficit ballooned to more than 11%. In 2022, the government projected a deficit of about 7%, revised it down to 6.6% mid-year, and still ended the year with a deficit closer to 10%. Revenue targets were also missed consistently, and the revenue-to-GDP ratio actually declined between 2017 and 2021. These failures, led to Ghana’s return to the IMF in 2023, debt restructuring, loss of market access, and macroeconomic instability.

    Taken together, these examples point to a single unmissable conclusion: projections do not produce results. They are hopes and not achievements. Ghana’s economic history shows that without disciplined fiscal management, effective monetary coordination, and credible structural reforms, projections collapse under the weight of reality. Ghana missed IMF projections. Ghana missed government projections. Ghana missed medium-term fiscal and debt targets. And Ghana missed revenue mobilisation plans. The problem was never the forecasts; it was the failure to implement the policies required to meet them.

    It is, therefore, misleading, even intellectually dishonest, to claim that Ghana’s return to single-digit inflation can be dismissed simply because the IMF once wrote a projection on paper. The only time a forecast becomes reality is when policymakers take the necessary steps to make it happen.

    That is why the real debate should not be about who predicted what. It should be about who delivered results despite the predictions. Ghana’s economic past proves this truth. And Ghana’s economic future will depend on it even more.

    Richmond Eduku
    Finance & Energy Policy Analyst

    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, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Posting to rural areas not a punishment – Mintah Akandoh to newly posted doctors

    Posting to rural areas not a punishment – Mintah Akandoh to newly posted doctors

    About 70% of newly posted medical officers have yet to report to their designated posts. The latest report released on November 28 by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) shows a low to zero turnout, particularly in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions, raising concerns of a looming healthcare staffing crisis and further strain on already underserved facilities.

    The report shows that an overwhelming 305 doctors, or 66%, have still not shown up. This means that 7 out of 10 doctors failed to report to their assigned regions.

    According to the data, urban facilities in Greater Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Eastern region, are recording the highest turnout, with many doctors reporting to their posts, representing over 60% of the total turnout, to the neglect of rural centres. Several health centres in rural areas still wait in hopes of the appearance of medical officers deployed to their districts.

    Regions in the North have recorded an abysmal turnout. North East so far has recorded a zero turnout after a 19 medical officers’ allocation. The Upper West Region also had no reporting despite an allocation of 32. Oti, with 21 allocations, saw only one officer reporting (4.8%), Western North recorded two out of 31, representing a 6.5% turnout, and Savannah had seven officers reporting out of 19 allocated, representing a 36.8%. In the other low-performing regions, Upper East recorded seven reports out of 35 allocations, representing a 20% turnout, while the Northern Region saw seven out of 32 officers reporting, representing 21.9% percent.

    Reacting to this, Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh, in a press briefing yesterday, Tuesday, December 2, noted that postings to these areas were not a punishment but to ensure an equitable distribution of medical officers nationwide.

    “The update on the posting of new medical officers across the country is not encouraging. However, I wish to emphasise that the government’s policy of sending officers to the districts should not be misconstrued or perceived as punishment. But it should be seen as an equitable distribution of our health workforce, and we are reporting the medical doctors where they are needed most, and therefore, I’m confident that these newly posted med docs will respond to our call to save and serve mother Ghana.

    Have seen from the update that regions Upper West and East were recording zero, and have recorded 0 turnout. We will give them an additional week to appeal to them to report to their various facilities where they have been posted”, the Minister noted. 

    Most often, it is reported that medical officers posted to rural centres appeal to be reassigned to the cities due to the lack of adequate infrastructure, medical facilities, and equipment, among other challenges that make postings to these areas unattractive to them.

    Addressing that, the Minister explicitly stated that this time, no changes will be made to any posting. He said, “After which, we will do what we call validation. Unfortunately, there is no way we can do anything here, unfortunately”.

    He continued that discussions are already underway with the respective authorities in their districts to ensure their smooth stay to help them offer excellent medical services to the people.

    “And so we will give them 1 more week to report while we are also engaging the stakeholders in their respective districts, DCE, Regional ministers, Chiefs, Members of Parliament (MP), to facilitate their stay in their district to be able to give their best. We’ve started that by engaging them myself. Govt will also look at how we can incentivise them to help them give their best. I believe our doctors will respond to this call”, he mentioned.

    The low turnout recorded in Ghana’s rural centres, particularly in the |Northern sectors, is nothing new as it is a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s health sector. Over the years, doctors have refused or delayed postings to rural and deprived areas, mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of accommodation, and limited career opportunities.

    Consequently, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his healthcare manifesto and policy statements, some reforms his government intends to make in the health sector to make postings to these rural areas attractive. Part of these include providing affordable accommodation at health facilities, offering home ownership schemes, and introducing risk exposure insurance for health workers.

    The doctor–patient ratio in Ghana is about 1:10,450, with most doctors concentrated in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, while areas like the Upper West and Northern regions have historically faced severe shortages, leaving rural populations underserved.

    The posting of these doctors came about a month after the President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour, disclosed that approximately 800 doctors are jobless because they are waiting to be posted to various institutions to commence work.

  • Medical officers have 1 week grace period to report to post – Health Minister

    Medical officers have 1 week grace period to report to post – Health Minister

    Health Minister Mintah Akandah has announced that medical officers who have not yet reported to their various posts, especially those assigned to district facilities, have one week left to do so.

    This directive follows a report released on November 28 by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which revealed that about 70% of newly posted doctors have still not reported to their stations. In total, 305 doctors, representing 66% of the cohort, have not shown up, meaning 7 out of every 10 doctors failed to report to their assigned regions.

    According to GHS regulations, newly posted medical officers are required to report to their designated health facilities within two weeks of receiving their posting letters.

    Earlier in November, the Health Ministry announced the nationwide allocation of doctors, with about 80% of them earmarked for district health facilities. By November 5, the Ministry confirmed it had begun processing about 700 junior medical doctors for posting.

    However, nearly three weeks after postings were issued, almost a full month, only a few have reported. Particularly alarming, though not entirely surprising, is the zero to low turnout in the Upper West and Upper East Regions, where staffing shortages remain most severe.

    Reacting to this, the Minister, in a press briefing, urged the medical officers to report to the post and not regard the posting as a punishment but as a move to ensure equity and improve access to all citizens nationwide.

    “The update on the posting of new medical officers across the country is not encouraging. However, I wish to emphasise that the government’s policy of sending officers to the districts should not be misconstrued or perceived as punishment. But it should be seen as an equitable distribution of our health workforce, and we are reporting the medical doctors where they are needed most, and therefore, I’m confident that these newly posted med docs will respond to our call to save and serve mother Ghana.

    Have seen from the update that regions Upper West and East were recording zero, and have recorded 0 turnout. We will give them an additional week to appeal to them to report to their various facilities where they have been posted”, the Minister noted. 

    Most often, it is reported that medical officers posted to rural centres appeal to be reassigned to the cities due to the lack of adequate infrastructure, medical facilities, and equipment, among other challenges that make postings to these areas unattractive to them.

    Addressing that, the Minister explicitly stated that this time, no changes will be made to any posting. He said, “After which, we will do what we call validation. Unfortunately, there is no way we can do anything here, unfortunately”.

    He continued that discussions are already underway with the respective authorities in their districts to ensure their smooth stay to help them offer excellent medical services to the people.

    “And so we will give them 1 more week to report while we are also engaging the stakeholders in their respective districts, DCE, Regional ministers, Chiefs, Members of Parliament (MP), to facilitate their stay in their district to be able to give their best. We’ve started that by engaging them myself. Govt will also look at how we can incentivise them to help them give their best. I believe our doctors will respond to this call”, he mentioned.

    Meanwhile, according to the GES data, urban facilities in Greater Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Eastern region, are recording the highest turnout, with many doctors reporting to their posts, representing over 60% of the total turnout, to the neglect of rural centres. Several health centres in rural areas still wait in hopes of the appearance of medical officers deployed to their districts.

    Out of the 20 medical officers allocated to Greater Accra, 16 have reported, with only 4 left to show up. representing an 80 percent turnout. In the Ashanti Region, there were 33 allocations, and so far, 25 have reported, representing a 76 percent turnout. Also, the 36 allocations to the Eastern Region had 23, representing a 64 percent turnout.

    On the other hand, regions in the North have recorded an abysmal turnout. North East so far has recorded a zero turnout after a 19 medical officers’ allocation. The Upper West Region also had no reporting despite an allocation of 32. Oti, with 21 allocations, saw only one officer reporting (4.8%), Western North recorded two out of 31, representing a 6.5% turnout, and Savannah had seven officers reporting out of 19 allocated, representing a 36.8%. In the other low-performing regions, Upper East recorded seven reports out of 35 allocations, representing a 20% turnout, while the Northern Region saw seven out of 32 officers reporting, representing 21.9% percent.

    Following this, GHS encouraged Regions to intensify engagements with the medical officers to improve the current numbers.

    The low turnout recorded in Ghana’s rural centres, particularly in the |Northern sectors, is nothing new as it is a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s health sector. Over the years, doctors have refused or delayed postings to rural and deprived areas, mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of accommodation, and limited career opportunities.

    Consequently, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his healthcare manifesto and policy statements, some reforms his government intends to make in the health sector to make postings to these rural areas attractive. Part of these include providing affordable accommodation at health facilities, offering home ownership schemes, and introducing risk exposure insurance for health workers.

    The doctor–patient ratio in Ghana is about 1:10,450, with most doctors concentrated in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, while areas like the Upper West and Northern regions have historically faced severe shortages, leaving rural populations underserved.

    The posting of these doctors came about a month after the President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour, disclosed that approximately 800 doctors are jobless because they are waiting to be posted to various institutions to commence work.

  • Total value of MoMo transactions hit GHS3.6 trillion by October 2025

    Total value of MoMo transactions hit GHS3.6 trillion by October 2025

    Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that mobile money (MoMo) transactions have increased by GH¢137.4 billion in October year-on-year.
    As at the end of October, MoMo transactions had hit a record GH¢3.6 trillion. This was revealed in the Central Bank’s latest Economic and Financial Data released after last week’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

    The figure represents the total reported by telecom operators to the Bank of Ghana covering transactions from January to October 2025. The report also indicated a month-on-month increase in transactions, with a record GH¢406 billion increase from September to October, highlighting that more people are using mobile money and moving more money as the year goes on.

    In the first 10 months of 2024, the total value of mobile money transactions hit GH¢2.368 trillion.
    The 2025 figure, therefore, marks a significant jump over last year’s performance. For context, total transactions for the same period in 2023 stood at GH¢1.367 trillion. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, mobile money transactions amounted to GH¢1.775 trillion.

    This increase has been attributed to growing preference for MoMo among Ghanaians used for payments. Also, several institutions have now accepted MoMo as a mode of payment for goods and services, while BoG and other commercial banks have intensified efforts to promote a cashless economy with the introduction of their e-banking services, among others.

    Consequently, analysts have asserted that these developments have contributed to the surge in total transaction value. On the performance of MoMo, BoG’s data shows that as of October 2025, total registered mobile money accounts stood at 79.1 million, with 25.3 million active. The sector employs about 949,000 registered agents. Total transactions from January to October 2025 reached 893 million. Regarding mobile money interoperability, GH¢40 billion was transferred across platforms within the same period.

    BoG, in its latest Summary of Economic and Financial Data, reported that mobile money transactions for the month of August amounted to GH¢354.1 billion.
    Comparing the figure to the GH¢355.4 billion recorded in the month of June, there is a slight dip in what the month of August recorded.

    Nonetheless, the data underscores the progressive dominance of mobile money payments in the country’s financial ecosystem.
    The number of transactions climbed to 831 million in August, up from 778 million in July, reflecting the steady rise in the use of digital payment channels.

    Registered mobile money accounts also grew to 77.7 million, with 25.1 million active accounts, highlighting progress in financial inclusion across Ghana.
    Industry analysts say that although the overall value of transactions eased marginally, the consistent growth in transaction volumes and active users demonstrates deepening trust in mobile money for everyday payments, remittances, and business transactions.

    In the first two months of the year, the mobile money industry saw a strong start with transactions hitting GH¢649.2 billion.
    This marked a significant 64.68% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when mobile money transactions totaled GH¢394.2 billion.

    Data from the Bank of Ghana reveals that mobile money transactions in January 2025 amounted to GH¢333 billion. However, the figure dropped slightly to GH¢316.2 billion in February 2025.

    The surge in transactions comes despite the presence of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), which was scrapped by the new government last week. Analysts predict that with the levy removed, mobile money transactions could see further growth, strengthening Ghana’s financial technology ecosystem.

    Meanwhile, mobile money usage continues to expand, with the number of registered accounts rising to 74.1 million, up from 66.9 million in early 2024. Despite this growth, only 411,000 out of 896,000 registered agents were actively processing transactions.

    In 2024, Ghana recorded an all-time high of GH¢3.0192 trillion in mobile money transactions, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 57.90%.

    Earlier this year, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) clarified that MTN Ghana’s MobileMoney Limited has not been authorised to facilitate cross-border transactions with MTN Nigeria.
    Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, the Central Bank emphasized that no such licence has been issued for international money transfers between the two subsidiaries.

    In a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacks approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative is being piloted under its supervision. The initiative, BrijX, a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana, has been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.

    “Bank of Ghana has taken note of media publications suggesting that MTN Ghana has been licensed to conduct cross-border transactions with MTN in Nigeria. The Bank hereby states that MobileMoney Limited, providers of MoMo from MTN, has not been licensed or authorised to conduct cross-border transactions,” the statement read.

    Unlike traditional remittance services, BrijX operates as a digital marketplace, allowing direct currency swaps between the Ghanaian cedi and the Nigerian naira without the need for forex transactions or the physical movement of funds. The platform integrates with banks, mobile money providers, and other licensed Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to enable seamless currency exchanges.

    The BoG noted that BrijX, which commenced live testing in February 2025, initially involves MTN MoMo users and will soon be extended to G-Money customers. The pilot is subject to stringent regulatory controls, including transaction limits, restricted participation, a defined testing period, and strict adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.

    Following the pilot phase, the BoG was to evaluate BrijX’s performance to determine its compliance with Ghana’s financial regulations and its potential for wider adoption.

    Reaffirming its commitment to secure and efficient financial services, the BoG assured stakeholders that it remains dedicated to fostering innovation while maintaining strong consumer-protection measures.

    General Secretary of the Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana, Evans Otumfuo, has revealed that the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) led to the collapse of nearly 17,000 mobile money businesses nationwide.

    In an interview with the media on Wednesday, Otumfuo stated that excessive taxation drained the working capital of many agents, ultimately forcing them out of business.
    Following an internal survey, the association discovered that numerous agents shut down their operations due to repeated deductions on transactions, whether conducted through banks or among fellow agents.

    “Momo agents at one point were subjected to various forms of levy deductions. We lost our working capital. It hasn’t been in the interest of our business so far. We received the cancellation of the E-Levy as good news, and we really look forward to its implementation,” he said.

  • GES announces end of Ghana-only WASSCE from 2026

    GES announces end of Ghana-only WASSCE from 2026

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that Ghana will rejoin the international West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), starting from the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

    In 2020, the Akufo-Addo-led administration introduced the “Ghana-only WASSCE” under the then Education Minister, Yaw Osei-Adutwum. In the last five years, Ghanaian Senior High School candidates sat a localized version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), separate from the international May/June exams written by Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

    Also, it was reported that, due to COVID-19, which became a global plague, Ghana adjusted its exam calendar to fit its own reopening schedule for schools, which differed from other WAEC member countries.

    At the time, the government explained that the move was to deal with cross-border leakages of exam papers, which were undermining credibility. By isolating Ghana’s exam, they could better control distribution and monitoring.

    However, following the release of the 2025 provisional results by the education regulator, GES announced in a statement dated December 1, explaining facts surrounding the 2025 WASSCE results.

    The statement revealed that: “As Ghana moves away from the Ghana-only WASSCE introduced under the previous administration to take the international WASSCE, written by all West African member countries in May/June 2026…”

    Consequently, it urged candidates to adequately prepare for the exams in the coming year, as it seeks to adopt the necessary measures to uphold the integrity of the exams without compromise.

    “…the Management of GES admonishes students to prepare very well for the examination. Management of GES will not compromise the integrity of examinations. GES will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, heads of schools, teachers, students, parents, communities, Civil Society Organisations, and WAEC, to improve teaching and learning and the integrity of the examination,” parts of the statement read.

    While GES, in its statement, didn’t explain the reason behind the return to the international WASSCE in 2026, according to WAEC, students in all five member countries write the same WASSCE because it ensures uniform standards of assessment, comparability of results, and credibility across the sub-region.

    It also helps students move freely across any of the West African countries to pursue higher education using their exam certificates and, later, even secure job opportunities since their certificates are recognized equally.

    Meanwhile, GES’ statement wasn’t only intended to announce the return to the international WASSCE next year, but also to address some remarks made by the former Education Minister, Dr. Adutwum, when the 2025 WASSCE results were released.

    Dr. Adutwum, in reaction to the abysmal performance by the students, particularly across the four core subjects, blamed the government. According to reports, Dr. Adutwum suggested that “the performance of students in the 2025 WASSCE was due to unsupportive management practices of GES,” adding that the government’s cancellation of allowances for teachers is a contributory factor to the students’ performance.

    GES, in response, stated that: “Management takes note of attempts by Dr. Yaw Osei-Adutwum, immediate past Minister for Education, to attribute the performance of students in the 2025 WASSCE to unsupportive management practices of GES. It is not true that the GES has cancelled any allowances due teachers, as claimed by Dr. Adutwum in his engagement with some media houses. Indeed, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has publicly clarified reasons for the non-payment of the November allowances for teachers.”

    It went on to charge the public to treat Dr. Adutwum’s remarks as a move to deflect attention from his failures in handling the examination process.

    “GES urges the public to disregard the statements made by the former Minister, Dr. Adutwum, regarding the 2025 WASSCE results and treat them as an attempt to shift focus from his shortcomings in managing the examination process,” the education agency added.

    It continued that: “Management of GES views the 2025 WASSCE results as a true reflection of the academic performance of the candidates. The outcome is a credible representation of students’ abilities. It is essential to appreciate that the outcome is a direct demonstration of the trend towards restoring the integrity of the examination process. A credible examination system serves the best interests of our students, our schools, and the nation.”

    WAEC released the provisional results of the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Saturday, November 29.

    The results show a massive surge in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 performance.

    According to the provisional results released by WAEC, the percentage of students who failed Social Studies increased steeply from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% increase.

    The other core subjects, that is, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw a doubling of their previous failure rates.

    For Integrated Science, the failure rate increased by 8.93%; that is, the 2024 rate was 7.12%, and in 2025 it increased to 16.05%.

    The failure rate for the English Language also rose from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher.

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a steep drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Maths, while 114,872 (26.77%) failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The core subjects are foundational: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies are the backbone of Ghana’s education system. Failure in these means students lack the basic skills needed for higher education or employment.

    The failure of core subjects by candidates this year comes with several major concerns, including career opportunities, social consequences, and the likely impact on the country’s economy.

  • GHS reports over 70% of newly deployed doctors failed to report at post

    GHS reports over 70% of newly deployed doctors failed to report at post

    In early November, the Health Ministry announced the allocation of doctors nationwide, with about 80% of the earmarked for district health facilities.

    Fast forward to November 5, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh revealed that his outfit was processing about 700 junior medical doctors for posting.

    According to the statutes of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), newly posted medical officers are generally expected to report to their assigned health facility within two weeks of receiving their posting letter. 

    However, a recent report dated November 28 released by the health authority shows that about 70% of the newly posted doctors have yet to report to their new posts.

    An overwhelming 305 doctors, or 66%, have still not shown up. This means that 7 out of 10 doctors failed to report to their assigned regions.

    According to the data, urban facilities in Greater Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Eastern region, are recording the highest turnout, with many doctors reporting to their posts, representing over 60% of the total turnout, to the neglect of rural centres. Several health centres in rural areas still wait in hopes of the appearance of medical officers deployed to their districts.

    Out of the 20 medical officers allocated to Greater Accra, 16  have reported, with only 4 left to show up. representing an 80 percent turnout. In the Ashanti Region, there were 33 allocations, and so far, 25 have reported, representing a 76 percent turnout. Also, the 36 allocations to the Eastern Region had 23, representing a 64 percent turnout.

    On the other hand, regions in the North have recorded an abysmal turnout. North East so far has recorded a zero turnout after a 19 medical officers’ allocation. The Upper West Region also had no reporting despite an allocation of 32. Oti, with 21 allocations, saw only one officer reporting (4.8%), Western North recorded two out of 31, representing a 6.5% turnout, and Savannah had seven officers reporting out of 19 allocated, representing a 36.8%. In the other low-performing regions, Upper East recorded seven reports out of 35 allocations, representing a 20% turnout, while the Northern Region saw seven out of 32 officers reporting, representing 21.9% percent.

    Following this, GHS have encouraged Regions to intensify engagements with the medical officers to improve the current numbers.

    The low turnout recorded in Ghana’s rural centres, particularly in the |Northern sectors, is nothing new as it is a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s health sector. Over the years, doctors have refused or delayed postings to rural and deprived areas, mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of accommodation, and limited career opportunities. 

    Consequently, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his healthcare manifesto and policy statements, some reforms his government intends to make in the health sector to make postings to these rural areas attractive. Part of these include providing affordable accommodation at health facilities, offering home ownership schemes, and introducing risk exposure insurance for health workers.

    The doctor–patient ratio in Ghana is about 1:10,450, with most doctors concentrated in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, while areas like the Upper West and Northern regions have historically faced severe shortages, leaving rural populations underserved.

    The posting of these doctors came about a month after the President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour, disclosed that approximately 800 doctors are jobless because they are waiting to be posted to various institutions to commence work.

    Dr Frank Serebour, told Channel One TV in an interview sighted by GhanaWeb on Friday, October 3, 2025, that failure to resolve the situation could compel these yet to be posted doctors to seek opportunities abroad.

    “We still have about 800 doctors who are also at home who need to be posted, because if we don’t post them, this is the avenue we create, and then people begin to look for other areas to go.

    “If we are not careful before we want to employ them, we won’t find them. So, I think it’s also a call for these doctors to be posted,” he said.

    The GMA president appealed to the government to process the salaries of newly posted doctors promptly, emphasising that further delays could worsen their discontent.

    “Once you finish school and you start work, everybody knows that you are supposed to be on a salary. So, I believe we will be able to resolve this matter amicably without the nuances of the strike action kicking off,” he added.

    Meanwhile, a nationwide withdrawal of services by the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) was declared on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, over unpaid salaries and stalled postings.

    A statement signed by its President, Dr Louisa Afia Nkrumah, and General Secretary, Dr Rhoda Wun-Nam Amadu, disclosed that on Friday, October 10, emergency services will be withdrawn until further notice. It noted that all patients who are currently in the hospital will continue to receive treatment until they are discharged.

    Explaining further, the statement said over 200 junior doctors have been left unpaid for 10 to 14 months. The statement added that some medical officers have been suspended without explanation, although they were previously on the government payroll.

    “Despite goodwill shown towards the government, no solutions have been offered. The continued exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read.

  • OSP vs Manasseh: Sammy Darko provides clarity

    OSP vs Manasseh: Sammy Darko provides clarity

    Manasseh, the investigative journalist, has been an interesting figure for some time. His new claim—that the OSP has taken credit for his work and that he must therefore “fight” the OSP—is quite surprising.

    To date, he has abandoned almost all his allegations except two:

    -That the OSP began the SML investigation on 29 January; and

    -That because he was invited in February, the investigation must have started in February.

    To support this, he displays what he describes as a “Diary of Action” from one team, arguing that since he was contacted in February, that must mark the beginning of the investigation. The assumption that he is somehow the centre of, or alter ego of, the SML investigation is unusual. The investigation did not revolve around him. Once he submitted a petition based on his journalistic work, the matter became that of the Republic. Those with the mandate to conduct criminal investigations took over. He was invited as a person of interest when necessary—not as the focus of the entire inquiry.

    Second, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta was directed to appear before the OSP on 24 January 2025. This alone indicates that substantial investigative work had already been done before any invitations were issued. Establishing probable cause requires groundwork. As if that were not enough, he further argues that because the OSP identified Mr. Ernest Akore later, the investigation must have begun only in February. He should rather appreciate that through thorough investigative work, the OSP uncovered Mr. Akore’s role, identified him as a suspect, and he is now an accused person. Both Mr. Ofori-Atta and Mr. Akore are subjects of an extradition request.

    Third, what makes his claim even more puzzling is that as early as January 2024, a news portal he once edited—and under his own hand—reported that the OSP had begun the SML investigation. The same individual now insists the OSP did not start early, preferring instead to rely on a single team’s diary of action, while he has no knowledge of how many teams worked on SML, how many experts were consulted, or the volume of engagements undertaken before concluding that the suspects had a case to answer. If he wishes to give accused persons an advantage, that is his choice—but a whole prosecutorial body will not humour him. The OSP will present its evidence before the court, not before media houses that continue to amplify his claims.

    He also appears to suggest that the OSP should arrest before investigating. The Office has long moved away from that outdated approach and does not conduct “pen-and-paper” or arrest-first investigations.

    What, then, is the complaint? First, he said the work was delayed—but the investigation has been completed. He said prosecution was delayed—but prosecution is now underway. Now that the Republic is focused on the trial, he joins a coordinated effort to create the impression that the investigation started late, at a time when we are prosecuting eight high-profile individuals who possess significant resources to challenge the Republic. Ken and his colleagues must be delighted with the narrative he is pushing.

    Whether the investigation began early or late, the facts remain simple: it has been completed; people are standing trial; contracts have been cancelled; and significant public funds have been saved—US$173 million in oil revenue, US$2.6 billion in gold revenue. Furthermore, based on the actions of the eight individuals involved, the Republic was at risk of losing US$2.7 billion over five years. One wonders whether his discomfort stems from the exposure of the magnitude of the potential losses.

    Finally, the recognition he seeks was already given when the OSP published the investigative report. Allow the Republic to prosecute its case with its witnesses. If you cannot assist the process, refrain from distorting it—unless the intention is to undermine the trial rather than support accountability.

    And by the way, he now wants credit given to former President Nana Akufo-Addo for cancelling the contract. That is simply inaccurate. In December 2024, Nana Akufo-Addo, through his lawyers, authorised the GRA to allow SML to continue upstream operations. It is the cancellation by President Mahama that terminated the contract. That is why SML is currently appealing to the new administration to reconsider.

    I hope these clarifications help.

    By:

    Sammy Darko

    Director of the Strategy, Research, and Communication Division at the Office of the Special Prosecutor

    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

  • She was interested in leading me to Christ – Kevin-Prince Boateng on how meeting his wife changed his life

    She was interested in leading me to Christ – Kevin-Prince Boateng on how meeting his wife changed his life

    Former Ghana international footballer, Kevin-Prince Boateng has shared the impact his current wife, Marsi (fourth marriage) had in his life particularly guiding him to discover a new path, that is his Christian faith and walk with Christ.

    Kevin in October 2023 shared a post of his baptism on his official Instagram account along with Bible verses,  including John 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), to mark the occasion.

    Recounting how his faith journey began after his encounter with his wife who led him to church for the first time in his life as a 36 year-old man at the time Kevin detailed that it was the time for him to return to Berlin from Sydney when he got the invite from his wife to visit church.

    A decision which was so hard for him to make as many voices in his head spoke against his going until, he finally went. Few minutes into the service he caught himself sobbing so hard that he bagn to hope no one saw him. That was a turning point in his life.

    He said, “Never in my life have I been to church. I always said when I go to church, my skin is going to burn. You know, that’s how I felt…. But my time to take off was Thursday to go back to Berlin. All my friends left. I stayed. Wow. I stayed and I went to church. On the way to church; no, it’s spiritual. So many voices told me, “Don’t go. Don’t go. It’s not for you. Don’t worry about that. Why are you going? Just tell her you’re sick. You can’t come. You don’t go.

    And it’s like, I can’t do it. She said, “Yeah, of course you do it. Go inside. Don’t worry about it. It’s all good…..I said, “Can you stay on the phone?” You know, like a little 5-year-old. I said, “Please, can you stay on the phone while I walk in?” So I walk inside, she stays on the phone. After five minutes, I don’t know what happened. Something inside of me, I stood up, lifted my hands, started crying in that church, always like peeking a little bit. It’s like, “No one should recognize me. Please, please. Look to the right. There’s another real man there crying, looking at me. We nodded our heads. I’m like, “Okay, it’s okay to cry here.” And I just cried. I don’t know. The spirit hit me so much; conviction and I felt so sorry….”he said during an interview with Josh Mansour’s UNSCRIPTED which was aired on Thursday November 27.

    He shared how his wife played late on purpose just to allow him choose God for himself and not because of her. According to him, “So I rang her up. I said, “Where are you?. Yeah, sorry, I’m running a little bit late. She did it on purpose. She did it on purpose because she wanted me to go in there for Christ, not for her. You know, it’s all spiritual”, he added.

    Kevin also revealed that his wife after their encounter said for his transformation, a gesture he feels was worth it in his faith journey. He intention was not to have any romantic relationshi p with him but was just to draw him to God.

    He said, “My wife says, “You want to come to church?” She prayed that, “God, if you want me to help this man, I will help him.” She never saw me as a husband or nothing. She just knew God brought me into her life so that she would help me go through all my trauma and everything. So she said to God, “God, if you want me to help him and be there for him, he comes to church”. 

    One of the highlights for him was his encounter with an usher who met him at the entrance of the church when he was still deciding if he should enter the church or retreat.

    “So I walk inside…..and I see this woman coming to me, “Hi.” I was like, “Wow, why are they so nice?” You know, we’re not used to that, you know? I’m so dark. Like I come in there like this, you know. I put on a turtleneck so they don’t see my tattoos. I was like kind of ashamed of that”.

    His new life in Christ he says has given him a new perspective, openned him up to easily forgive and cherish family more. It was common knowledge during his peak days in football that, he had strained relations with his parents particularly his dad, a Ghanaian. 

    His dad was barely present in their lives and his mom who he stayed with until he was fifteen didn’t make their home such a good place to be because they were always exposed to alcohol.

    Despite the pains and discontent he felt for his dad and the years of struggling to deal with him, he finally was able to let go and now with excitement and love, he is able to call his dad, and even bear him up in prayers.


    “He renews your heart. Doing that, you have to forgive; otherwise he can’t forgive you. You have to stop these things you did before. Die to sin. So I was drinking, I was like lustful and all that stuff. So he took that away from me. But then he made me go and ask for forgiveness, forgive people. But I met my father. I sat down with him. That was early stages. But I knew I needed to meet with him. And I don’t have a good relationship with him. 

    “We don’t talk and I wish him nothing but the best because God is going to meet him where he is, you know. So I’m in peace with that. Every time I pray for my whole family, I pray for him that he’s going to find the right way. And there’s only one way. But it’s the most important thing because we live with a grudge or something”.

    About Kevin

    Born in Berlin, West Germany, Boateng’s football journey began in Hertha Berlin’s youth ranks, and he eventually made his way into the senior team in 2005. Despite his modest beginnings, he went on to represent some of Europe’s top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.

    Boateng’s impressive career also saw him don the jerseys of AC Milan, Schalke 04, Barcelona, Fiorentina, and Monza, before returning to Hertha Berlin for a final stint.

    Throughout his career, Boateng amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, DFB Pokal, and La Liga titles.

    On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, earning a total of 15 caps and scoring two goals for his national team.

    He first got married in 2007, but divorced. His current marriage to Marsi in 2025 marks his fourth.They have no children together yet as a couple but Kevin has two children with his first and second wife. His 3rd marriage lasted about 14 months.