TIG Post

Author: Amanda Cartey

  • GIRSAL provides GHS1.18bn in loans to 17 financial institutions – BoG Governor

    GIRSAL provides GHS1.18bn in loans to 17 financial institutions – BoG Governor

    In the past five years, the Ghana Incentive-based Risk-sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) has provided credit guarantees exceeding GH¢604.53 million to 17 financial institutions, covering up to 70% of the loans.

    Through this credit guarantee program, GIRSAL has directed GH¢1.18 billion in loans, offered at relatively low interest rates, to approximately 137 agribusinesses across 72 districts in 15 regions.

    At the 5th Anniversary Launch and Rubber Value Chain Conference, Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, highlighted GIRSAL’s significant impact on the agriculture sector. He noted that GIRSAL has identified the rubber sector’s potential and is working to support local processors in entering the market.

    “In doing so, GIRSAL provided essential financing incentives to mitigate perceived risks thereby inducing local participation and growth in the sector. Through this intervention, the rubber sector has created permanent employment, generating some GH¢3.5 million per year in income to rural households. GIRSAL also empowered 451 local smallholder rubber farmers and service providers, contributing a total of GH¢30 million per annum in incomes to 12,616 individuals. These interventions in the rubber sector generated US$8 million in export proceed”, he mentioned.

    He continued that GIRSAL’s Technical and Advisory Services have also delivered training and capacity building programmes to mid-level staff, executives, and Board members of financial institutions. The direct technical support includes loan application assessments, loan facility restructuring and monitoring, strengthening of internal systems for agricultural lending, and the management of agricultural portfolios. These have been complemented by support from consultants and third-party organisations. GIRSAL has also extended business advisory services to develop and manage projects for its clients.

    Challenges in Agricultural Financing

    Notwithstanding these achievements, the Governor said participants in the agricultural value chain continue to face challenges in accessing finance.

    First, interest rates on loan to actors in agricultural value chain continue to be prohibitive due to the high perception of risks, combined with collateral requirements that are almost impossible to meet. The sector is also beset with risks that are beyond the control of actors in the value chain requiring some form of insurance schemes which may be inaccessible in most cases.

    In the face of these challenges, the Governor pointed out that significant innovation would be required to revolutionise the agricultural financing landscape to expand access beyond the traditional financing sources. This calls for modification of the financing models, its expansion, and adaption to meet the peculiar needs of the sector.

    Future of Agriculture Financing

    The Governor also called for digital platforms to connect farmers with investors, offer microloans, and streamline the application process.

    “Advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence would also help lenders assess creditworthiness more accurately by analysing data from various sources—such as credit reference bureaux, weather patterns, and historical yields—AI can be deployed to provide precise risk assessments and tailor financing solutions to individual needs”, he added.

    On Environmental and climate considerations , he said with climate change posing significant risks to agriculture, there is growing interest in financing projects that enhance climate resilience. This includes funding for sustainable practices, such as agroforestry and water-saving technologies.

    On economic and market dynamics, he said the development of advanced risk management tools, such as weather derivatives and crop insurance products, will become more integral to agricultural financing.

    In conclusion, the Governor said agricultural financing in Ghana is evolving with a mix of traditional and innovative approaches aimed at overcoming the sector’s inherent challenges.

    This he said the future of agricultural finance hinges on continued reform,  technological advancements and collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and international partners.

  • Okraku-Mantey reaffirms commitment to funeral tourism concept despite exclusion from NPP manifesto

    Okraku-Mantey reaffirms commitment to funeral tourism concept despite exclusion from NPP manifesto

    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has reaffirmed his endorsement of the funeral tourism concept he introduced in 2021.

    During the Joy FM Manifesto Debate on Creative Economy, Okraku-Mantey emphasized his continued support for the idea, even though it is not featured in the New Patriotic Party’s current manifesto.

    He cited the popularity of cemeteries as tourist attractions in countries such as Japan and suggested that, since Ghanaians already travel for funerals, integrating tourism into these events could draw more visitors and enhance the economy.

    “I still believe in funeral tourism. The month that we discussed funeral tourism as a topic when it went viral, I remember telling the whole Ghana that one of the popular tourist sites in Japan was their cemetery because it is the biggest.

    “And so when it comes to tourism, it is the prerogative of you the one who wants to sell a product that you have a story to tell, that could attract somebody to have to travel to, to have a purchase or watch, spend time and have experience with the product. So we are saying that Ghanaians already travel. We travel for funerals anyway. So why don’t we add tourism to it? I still believe in it any day any time,” he said.

    Background

    In a 2021 interview, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stated that Ghanaians have a strong affinity for funerals. He suggested that these events could serve as an opportunity for attendees to explore the diverse attractions available throughout Ghana’s 16 regions.

    “Ghanaians love funerals and it is fertile ground for tourism. When there are funerals, people gather at places. What we want to do with the Ghana Tourism Authority, GTA, is that whenever there are funerals, we’ll also find tourist attractions in those areas where the funerals occur so that when they finish, [we can] bus those who attend the funerals to key tourist sites. We’re going to serve a lot of Ghanaian dishes at the funerals, Ghanaian drinks, sobolo [hibiscus tea] and co,” he said during an interview with UTV.

  • Men are weak during sex and taking their bath – Ajagurajah

    Men are weak during sex and taking their bath – Ajagurajah

    Founder of Universal Spiritual Outreach and widely recognized as Bishop Ajagurajah of the Ajagurajah Movement, Prophet Kwabena Boakye Asiamah, has disclosed that men are particularly vulnerable during sex and while bathing.

    In a discussion on Kingdom FM, Bishop Ajagurajah explained that men usually take off their protective charms, like cowries tied around their waist, during sexual activities, which renders them defenseless.

    This vulnerability also extends to when a man is bathing.

    “The only time a man becomes vulnerable is when he is taking a bath or having sex. When you are bathing and you have cowries meant for protection, you will remove them; the same goes for when you are having sex,” he disclosed.

    He also mentioned that he refrains from washing his face to maintain his vigilance, advising that washing one’s face early in the morning before bathing can be risky.

    Furthermore, he cautioned against permitting religious leaders to pray over them while their heads are covered with a handkerchief.

    He claimed that some religious leaders use this practice to siphon away people’s fortunes.

  • Diddy denied bail, faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution

    Diddy denied bail, faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution

    Renowned hip-hop entrepreneur, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has had his bail request denied following his plea of not guilty in a sex-trafficking case.

    A federal judge in New York ordered that Combs remain in custody, citing concerns from prosecutors that he poses a “serious flight risk.”

    The 54-year-old musician was taken into custody on Monday evening. Prosecutors allege that Combs has been operating a criminal enterprise since at least 2008, using drugs and violence to coerce women into fulfilling his sexual demands.

    The 14-page indictment against him includes charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for prostitution.

    If found guilty on all charges, Combs faces a potential sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison.

    During his court appearance in Manhattan on Tuesday, Combs, dressed in a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, responded “Not guilty” when asked by US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky how he wished to plead.

    ‘Freak Offs’

    According to court documents, Mr Combs “wielded the power” of his status to “lure female victims… to engage in extended sex acts” called “Freak Offs”.

    “During Freak Offs, Combs distributed a variety of controlled substances to victims, in part to keep the victims obedient and compliant,” the indictment said.

    In a press conference, US prosecutor Damian Williams disclosed that during raids on Sean Combs’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles about six months ago, authorities seized firearms, ammunition, and more than 1,000 bottles of lubricant.

    Williams also reported that federal agents uncovered three semi-automatic rifles with altered serial numbers and a drum magazine.

    He indicated that additional charges could be forthcoming but did not provide further specifics.

    Sean Combs’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that the defense team has already filed an appeal against the judge’s bail denial, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

    “We believe in him wholeheartedly,” Mr Agnifilo told reporters at the Manhattan court.

    “He didn’t do these things. There’s no coercion and no crime. He’s not afraid of the charges.”

    Mr Agnifilo said Mr Combs was the target of “an unjust prosecution”

    US attorney lays out charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, as lawyer says he’s ‘innocent’

    In court documents, federal prosecutors said that Mr Combs had “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct”.

    Prosecutors accuse Mr Combs of “creating a criminal enterprise” whose members – under his direction – engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson and bribery.

    “On numerous occasions”, the documents said, Mr Combs assaulted women by “striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them”.

    The indictment does not detail the number of women alleged to be victims nor does it directly accuse Mr. Combs of personally committing unwanted sexual acts.

    The founder of Bad Boy Records, who has also been known as P. Diddy and Puff Daddy, has previously faced similar allegations.

    Last November, his former partner, singer Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, lodged a civil lawsuit against him, which included explicit accounts of violent abuse. Although Combs denied the claims, he settled the lawsuit the day after it was filed.

    In May, Mr. Combs issued a public apology following the release of video footage from a Los Angeles hotel that appeared to show him assaulting Ms. Ventura in a hallway.

    The indictment handed down on Tuesday alleges similar acts of violence by Combs.

    Ms. Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, chose not to comment on the recent arrest of Mr. Combs.

    This indictment comes amid a series of sexual assault allegations against Mr. Combs, a prominent figure in the rap industry.

    Four women, including Ms. Ventura, have filed lawsuits alleging both sexual and physical abuse against him.

    In a statement issued last December, Mr Combs defended himself against what he described as “sickening allegations” made by “individuals looking for a quick payday”.

    In June, he returned a ceremonial “Key to the City of New York” following a request from Mayor Eric Adams, who had bestowed the honour on him just nine months beforehand.

    A few days later, Howard University declared that it would be rescinding Mr. Combs’s honorary degree awarded in 2014.

    The artist is recognized for his role in launching the careers of prominent rappers and R&B artists like Usher, Mary J. Blige, and Notorious B.I.G. during the 1990s and 2000s.

  • Afia Pokua criticized for disparaging remarks about Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

    Afia Pokua criticized for disparaging remarks about Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

    Journalist at Agoo TV Okwahuman Afia Pokua, has has been significantly criticized over her remarks about Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which many have perceived as disrespectful.

    Addressing the conflict between Otumfuo and the Dormaahene, Afia Pokua criticized the Asantehene for allegedly remaining silent while his subjects engage in disputes and show disrespect to other tribes, including the Bonos.

    During her appearance on Onua FM’s ‘Bribi Gye Gye wo’ with Mona Gucci, she voiced her frustration, accusing Ashantis of considering themselves superior to other tribes.

    Afia Pokua called for the Ashantis to adopt a more humble attitude and urged the Asantehene to take action on these matters.

    She remarked, “Ashantis are behaving as though other tribes in Ghana are not human. This has been evident since we were young. Is the Asantehene saying he hasn’t heard what’s happening? If he can’t hear, he surely has people who do.”

    Madam Pokua also took issue with the Asantehene for his promptness in punishing individuals, including prominent politicians, yet not addressing the disrespect directed at other tribes.

    She noted that while the Asantehene had previously acted against figures such as Odike and Chairman Wontumi for their disrespect, he has remained silent on these wider concerns.

    Furthermore, she expressed concerns about Otumfuo’s swift resolution of conflicts between political parties like the NDC and NPP, contrasting this with his lack of action on his ongoing dispute with the Dormaahene.

    Afia Pokua questioned, “If it were an NDC-NPP conflict, he would have intervened, but on this matter, he has been silent.”

    She continued, “When a chief dies, their funeral is held within a week. The same would apply to Otumfuo’s funeral; it wouldn’t differ at all, it won’t last 40 days but just a week.”

    Her remarks have sparked a strong backlash from Ashantis on social media, including prominent personalities such as Kwaku Manu and Afia Schwarzenegger, who have criticized her intensely.

    They have targeted Afia Pokua and also criticized TV host Mona Gucci for permitting such disparaging comments about their king to be broadcast.

    @ghanafuonsem1

    ♬ original sound – ghanafuonsem1
  • I’m not in a committed relationship but I have fun with girls – King Promise

    I’m not in a committed relationship but I have fun with girls – King Promise

    Ghanaian artist King Promise recently opened up about his personal life.

    During an interview with Andy Dosty on Hitz FM on September 16, 2024, the “Terminator” singer revealed that he is currently single and relishing his independence.

    King Promise also mentioned that, despite not being in a serious relationship, he remains involved in casual encounters.

    “I’m single, I’m not in a relationship, it’s been a minute I was in a relationship. I’m having fun but I’m just not in a relationship,” he said.

    Promise also stated that he is attracted to women and still approaches them when he can.

    “I love girls, I don’t think it’s a hidden thing. I move to girls. And that’s fine. I’m not in a committed relationship. That’s the situation on the ground,” he maintained.

    In addition to discussing his relationship status, King Promise confirmed that he always uses condoms and advised his fans and the public to engage in safe sex.

  • Otumfuo removes Ejisu-Kyerekrom Dikro Opanin for violating sacred Great Oath

    Otumfuo removes Ejisu-Kyerekrom Dikro Opanin for violating sacred Great Oath

    Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II formally removed Opanin Kwaku Kyere from his position as the Ejisu-Kyerekrom Dikro after the latter was found guilty of breaching the Great Oath, a sacred principle of the Ashanti Kingdom.

    This destoolment which happened On Tuesday September 17, 2024 is a rare and significant action in Ashanti tradition, highlighting the gravity of the offense.

    The Great Oath is a symbol of trust, integrity, and loyalty within the Ashanti Kingdom and violating it represents a serious transgression against the community’s core values and principles.

    Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, known for his commitment to upholding Ashanti traditions and justice, led the destoolment process.

    The decision came after a thorough review of the evidence against Opanin Kwaku Kyere, with the Asantehene making it clear that such violations would not be tolerated during his leadership.

    This act reinforces the Asantehene’s dedication to maintaining the traditions and values that are central to the Ashanti Kingdom.

  • Ghana poised to become major food exporter as agric sector strengthens – BoG Governor

    Ghana poised to become major food exporter as agric sector strengthens – BoG Governor

    Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, has revealed that Ghana is set to become a leading food exporter, bolstered by the nation’s thriving agricultural sector.

    Speaking at the 5th-anniversary event of the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), Dr. Addison highlighted the crucial role agriculture plays in driving the country’s economy, especially in terms of job creation and ensuring food availability.

    He mentioned that food items make up 43.7% of Ghana’s consumer basket, illustrating the sector’s central role in securing the nation’s food supply.

    Dr. Addison stressed the importance of reducing the country’s reliance on food imports, which currently account for around 10% of all imports and amount to $1.5 billion.

    Cutting down on these imports, he added, would aid in safeguarding Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.

    Additionally, Dr. Addison emphasized the potential for export-oriented agriculture to boost Ghana’s foreign exchange revenues and position the country as a key contender in the global food export market.

    “Agricultural financing is a crucial component of Ghana’s development strategy due to the sector’s significant role in the economy, particularly in employment and food security. From a macroeconomic perspective, agriculture contributes about 24% of GDP and employs an estimated 40% of the workforce.”

    “Development within the agricultural sector is critical for the economy, given the weight of food items in the consumer basket, which accounts for 43.7%, making it a major driver of headline inflation in this country.”

    “It’s also important to note that, on average, food imports account for nearly 10% of total imports, amounting to about $1.5 billion in import values.”

    “The agricultural sector holds great potential to boost our country’s foreign exchange reserves. Firstly, as an import substitution strategy, increasing local food production can significantly reduce the food import bill and protect our foreign exchange reserves. Secondly, through an export promotion strategy, Ghana could emerge as a major food exporter, thereby improving the sector’s foreign exchange earnings.”

  • UG student files lawsuit challenging 2024 SRC elections Over disqualified candidates

    UG student files lawsuit challenging 2024 SRC elections Over disqualified candidates

    A level 200 student from the University of Ghana, Joseph Mawuli Asioh’s has taken legal action at the Adentan Circuit Court in Accra, targeting the institution, its senior leadership, and the Electoral Commissioner of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).

    Joseph Mawuli Asioh’s suit contests the participation of two disqualified candidates in the 2024 SRC elections, accusing the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs of procedural misconduct.

    The University of Ghana, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Dean of Student Affairs Professor Rosina Kyerematen, and SRC Electoral Commissioner Mudassir-Ibn Ibrahim have all been named as defendants in the case.

    Background

    The dispute arose when the SRC Vetting Committee disqualified two candidates, Emmanuel Owusu Amponsah and Maradona Adjei Yeboah (also known as Guru), for failing to meet the residential criteria outlined in the SRC Constitution.

    Following their disqualification, the two candidates appealed the decision to the SRC Court.

    The SRC Court ruled in favor of the Vetting Committee, maintaining the disqualification of the candidates.

    Despite this ruling, the plaintiff argues that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Awandare, directed the Dean of Students Affairs to convene the SRC Appeals Board to review the case.

    Although the Appeals Board typically handles appeals and lacks original jurisdiction, it controversially took up the matter.

    In what the plaintiff deems an unlawful decision, the Appeals Board overturned the ruling of the Judicial Board and reinstated the disqualified candidates, permitting them to participate in the upcoming SRC elections.

    Reliefs Sought

    Joseph Mawuli Asioh is seeking several declarations and orders from the court, including:

    a. A declaration that the decision of the Vetting Committee to disqualify the two candidates was lawful and binding.
    b. A declaration that the Appeals Board had no jurisdiction to overturn the Judicial Board’s ruling, especially in the absence of a formal appeal.
    c. An order to restrain the defendants from interfering with the SRC electoral process.
    d. An order preventing the inclusion of the disqualified candidates in the SRC elections.
    The plaintiff is also seeking costs, including solicitor’s fees.

    JoyNews understands that the defendants have been served with the writ of summons, and the case is expected to be heard in the Circuit Court in Adentan.

    Additionally, Mawuli has filed for an interlocutory injunction to prevent the disqualified candidates from participating in the elections until the court delivers a final ruling.

  • Mahama’s Beatrice Annan exposed for misleading public on Kintampo Waterfalls

    Mahama’s Beatrice Annan exposed for misleading public on Kintampo Waterfalls

    Deputy Spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama’s campaign, Beatrice Annan, has sited for misleading the public with information regarding the Kintampo Waterfalls in the Bono East Region.

    The private legal practitioner, posted a video of a muddy waterfall, allegedly filmed in 2024, and attributed the situation to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    However, fact-checking platform Dubawa has debunked her claims, revealing the information she shared on social media was inaccurate.

    Dubawa’s investigation confirmed that the video was actually recorded in 2023, not in 2024, as Annan suggested, making her post misleading.

    “Misleading. DUBAWA’s research revealed that the video of the muddied waterfall was that of the Kintampo waterfall. It was filmed in 2023, not 2024. Anas Sabit Anas, a journalist in the Brong Ahafo region where the waterfall is located, told DUBAWA that the water is clean and clear but occasionally muddied when torrential rains occur.”

    Read the full verdict below.

    Claim: Beatrice Annan, a deputy spokesperson of ex-Ghanaian President John Mahama, has shared a video of a muddied waterfall purportedly filmed in 2024, which she blamed on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Verdict: Misleading. DUBAWA’s research revealed that the video of the muddied waterfall was that of the Kintampo waterfall. It was filmed in 2023, not 2024. Anas Sabit Anas, a journalist in the Brong Ahafo region where the waterfall is located, told DUBAWA that the water is clean and clear but occasionally muddied when torrential rains occur.

  • 160K tons of cocoa lost in 2023/24 cocoa season due to smuggling – COCOBOD

    160K tons of cocoa lost in 2023/24 cocoa season due to smuggling – COCOBOD

    More than a third of Ghana’s 2023/24 cocoa production has been lost to smuggling, revealed a senior official from Cocobod during an interview with Reuters. Payment delays and lower local prices have driven some farmers to sell to increasingly advanced trafficking networks.

    With poor harvests in both Ghana and Ivory Coast—leading cocoa producers globally—the market is now facing a four-year supply shortfall, causing cocoa and chocolate prices to surge this year.

    Ivory Coast and Togo offer higher prices for cocoa due to a stable CFA franc and fewer regulations compared to Ghana.

    By June’s end, Ghana’s cocoa production had reached only 429,323 metric tons, amounting to less than 55% of the usual output at this stage, signaling the largest drop in over two decades.

    Charles Amenyaglo, head of special services at Cocobod and leader of the anti-smuggling task force, stated that smuggling-related losses surged more than threefold in the 2023/24 season.

    “Conservatively, I will say we lost 160,000 tons,” he said, adding that the task force also intercepted about 250 tons, up from 17 tons in 2022/23.

    “The data is alarming,” said Abubakar Omae, general secretary of Ghana’s cocoa and coffee farmers association.

    While more than 10 people have been sentenced to between three months and 10 years in prison for smuggling this year, Amenyaglo said Ghana’s military will soon be deployed to tackle smugglers.

    Smuggling rings, which offer farmers higher prices, began to take hold in 2022, when Ghana was at the height of an economic and currency crisis.

    Amenyaglo said significant quantities of cocoa were crossing into Togo, Burkina Faso and even Mali.

    “We’ve seen cocoa in tipper trucks covered by quarry chippings and in drums disguised as palm oil,” he said. “We’ve seen pontoon boats carting cocoa…but the shocker is when we saw a fuel tanker loaded with cocoa. The ‘Don’t tamper’ seal was still on.”

    Cocobod has failed to pay for beans on time during the season due to problems with the syndicated loan it uses to finance purchases.

    “This comes back to (the) money issue … If we’re liquid and actively on the field, smuggling can be curtailed,” said Samuel Adimado, president of the Ghanaian cocoa buyers’ group.

    Ghana began the 2024/25 season ahead of schedule, introducing a new funding model and raising the farmgate price by 45%.

    Farmers are optimistic that these changes will reduce smuggling, but they worry that a depreciating currency might diminish the benefits of the price increase.

    “We’ve invested a lot to raise cocoa production in Ghana, not for cocoa sectors in Togo or Ivory Coast to blossom,” Amenyaglo said.

  • UEW student sentenced to 13 months for defrauding woman seeking admission

    UEW student sentenced to 13 months for defrauding woman seeking admission

    A 13-month prison sentence has been handed to a 30-year-old University of Education, Winneba (UEW) student, Frank Anderson over defrauding by false pretenses, in violation of section 131 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act 29/60.

    He admitted his guilt and requested more time to repay the money, but Madam Josephine Fosua Appiah, the presiding judge, convicted him based on his plea and issued the sentence.

    Presenting the details of the case, Prosecutor Detective Police Inspector Dorinda Azuma stated that the complainant, Ms. Emeta Cecilia Odarno, is unemployed, while the convicted student, also a resident of Winneba, is 30-year-old Frank Anderson Junior.

    In 2023, Ms. Odarno sought assistance to gain admission into the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and reached out to a student, Simon Alhassan, who had connections with Anderson.

    Alhassan relayed her request to Anderson, who asked for GH₵2,500 to cover the cost of the admission form and secure her a place at the university.

    Ms. Odarno made the payment to Anderson via Alhassan.

    On August 6, 2024, Ms. Odarno received a PDF copy of an admission letter for the 2023/2024 academic year from Alhassan, who had received it from Anderson.

    When she attempted to pay her school fees, she faced issues with the index number provided on the letter.

    Seeking help, Ms. Odarno contacted another witness, Samuel Teye Dei, who reached out to Anderson. Anderson then instructed her to send GH₵2,300 for fees through Teye Dei, which she did.

    Anderson later sent a UEW receipt from Zenith Bank’s Winneba branch, dated February 7, 2024, to the complainant via Teye Dei.

    While attending lectures, Ms. Odarno discovered that the receipt was fake after verifying it at the Students Center, where it was confirmed that her admission letter was forged and her name was not in the system.

    She reported the incident to the police, which led to Anderson’s arrest. During the investigation, Anderson refunded GH₵2,230 electronically to Mohammed Samuel Alhassan, Simon Alhassan’s twin brother. An additional GH₵4,850 was recovered from him.

    Upon completing the investigation, Anderson was formally charged and brought before the court.

  • Suspected thief beaten, tied to light pole over motorbike theft

    Suspected thief beaten, tied to light pole over motorbike theft

    A young man suspected of stealing motorbikes in the Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region had his luck run out when he was apprehended by furious locals.

    In a video shared on the social media platform X, the alleged thief was seen enduring harsh treatment, including repeated punches to his stomach by a large man while he was handcuffed to an electric pole.

    Unable to withstand the excruciating pain, the suspect was heard begging for mercy as his assailants continued the assault.

    In a separate incident in Accra, a motorbike rider involved in phone snatching barely escaped with his life in Dansoman after seizing someone’s phone.

    However, his motorbike, which he abandoned while fleeing with the stolen phone, was set on fire by bystanders who had witnessed the theft.

  • Sierra Leone sex worker shares agony of working on the streets

    Sierra Leone sex worker shares agony of working on the streets

    A young single mother Isata, in her early twenties, a young single mother embodies the grim realities faced by sex workers in Sierra Leone.

    She has endured beatings, robberies, kidnappings, and has been trafficked across borders, rescued, only to be trafficked and saved once more.

    Throughout these ordeals, she developed an addiction to kush, a harmful street drug ravaging communities across West Africa.

    BBC Africa Eye spent four years documenting the lives of a group of sex workers in Makeni, a city roughly 200km (124 miles) away from Freetown, the capital.

    Situated in a diamond-rich region, Makeni is scarred by the legacy of Sierra Leone’s civil war, a conflict whose devastating effects are still being felt today.

    Isata is one of many sex workers in Makeni. Like the other women we interviewed, she chose to identify herself by her first name only.

    “All the sacrifices I’m making, I do it for my daughter. I have been through so much pain on the streets,” she said.

    “I met a man in the club. He tore my clothes. He took money from my bra. I was trying to fight my way out. He hit me on the back of the head with his gun. He wanted to kill me.”

    It’s a perilous existence—some of the women we encounter have contracted HIV.

    Others have lost their lives.

    Yet, many believe they have little to no other options.

    In a dimly lit swampland in the city, two sex workers showed us a spot with empty grain sacks scattered across the ground.

    One of the young women, Mabinty, explained that this is where they work, side by side, seeing up to 10 men each night.

    The men pay them a dollar per encounter.

    Mabinty is trying to earn enough to care for her children. She had six, but three passed away.

    Her remaining three children are in school.

    “One child has just sat his exams. I don’t have money to pay for him to go to school, unless I sell sex. These are my sufferings,” she said.

    Thousands of women are estimated to have turned to sex work across Sierra Leone.
    Many of them are young women orphaned by the war, which claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people and displaced almost half the country’s population by the time it ended in 2002.

    Charity groups say the number of young girls working in the sex trade has further increased as the country grapples with the economic fallout of the Ebola outbreak and the coronavirus pandemic.

    Like many crises, these have disproportionately impacted women.

    Prostitution is not illegal in the country, but the women are seen as outcasts and receive little support from the government or society.

    Not long after we met Isata in 2020, she was kidnapped by a criminal gang and forced into sex slavery in The Gambia, Senegal and finally Mali.

    She managed to get hold of a phone and described her life there.

    “The way they approach us, it is like they want to kill us unless we accept,” she said.

    “I am suffering so much.”

    BBC Africa Eye was then able to track her down and a UN body, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), helped Isata return to Sierra Leone.

    She gave up sex work but, when we saw her in 2021, she was struggling to make enough money to take care of her daughter, by cooking in a local kitchen.

    The next time we got an update on Isata, in 2023, she had returned to prostitution after becoming hooked on kush – a psychoactive blend of addictive substances sold cheaply, that can contain human bones.

    The drug has become such a problem in Sierra Leone, the president has declared it a national emergency.

    In the grip of addiction, Isata left behind her youngest child – a son just four months old.

    He was being looked after by Isata’s mother, Poseh.

    “The stress of the street life led her to smoking kush. It’s the stress,” Poseh said.

    Nata is also a single mother in her twenties.

    She has three daughters.

    We met her at home, where she was getting ready to go out and work.

    “I want my children to do well in life. I hope my prayers will be answered by God,” she said.

    Her daughter watched her mum apply her make-up. She told us she wanted to become a lawyer when she is older.

    “To help my mum,” she said.

    Across town, we met another young girl, Rugiatu, aged around 10.

    Her mother Gina was also a sex worker. She was murdered in 2020 at just 19 years old.

    Rugiatu now lives with her elderly grandmother.

    “My mum and dad are dead now. I am only left with my grandma. If my gran dies, all I can do is go and beg in the street,” Rugiatu said.

    “I don’t want them to kill me on the street too.”

    When we next saw Nata, she was unrecognisable. She, too, has become hooked on kush.

    “I am not happy to be like this, but I don’t want to think much,” she tells us.
    “Sometimes I cry when I remember. That why I am smoking, to forget.”

    Her three daughters have had to go and live with relatives.

    Then, in early 2024, there was more bad news from Isata.

    She had been trafficked again, as part of a group of women who were promised nanny work in Ghana but were instead taken to Mali and forced to sell sex in a gold-mining area.

    “I want to be taken home. I’m begging, I regret everything,” Isata tells us over the phone.

    She said she became worried when the man who promised the nannying work dodged police checkpoints and border posts at every stage of the journey.

    “He handed us over to a Nigerian woman called Joy,” she said.

    “We asked: ‘You told us we are going to Ghana for nanny work, is this Ghana?’”
    “Joy asked us: ‘Were we not told we are coming to do sex work?’ Then I said: ‘No’.”

    “She said: ‘Go and get some money’ and give it her.”

    Like many trafficked women, Isata was told she must work to pay her traffickers a large sum of money to buy back her freedom.

    Her traffickers demanded she pay $1,700 (£1,300), a sum that would require her to have sex with hundreds of men to accumulate. They gave her just three months to settle the amount.

    According to the IOM—the UN agency that aids victims of trafficking—thousands of Sierra Leoneans, including children, fall prey to trafficking each year.

    Many are either kidnapped or lured with false promises of better job opportunities abroad, only to be sold into forced labor or sexual exploitation across various countries in the continent.

    Sadly, many never return home.

    Thankfully, Isata has managed to escape and is now back in Makeni, where she lives with her mother and two children.

  • Video: What Delay said about how McBrown reacted to reminiscing moments with Okyeame Kwame

    Video: What Delay said about how McBrown reacted to reminiscing moments with Okyeame Kwame

    Delay has commented on Nana Ama McBrown’s reaction when Flowking Stone discussed her previous relationship with his brother, Okyeame Kwame.

    On an episode of Onua Showtime, Flowking Stone recounted how McBrown frequently visited their home and spent time with Okyeame Kwame, sharing his memories of their past interactions.

    Flowking Stone mentioned that he was often assigned tasks, such as fetching water, after McBrown and Okyeame Kwame had spent long periods secluded together.

    While Flowking Stone was speaking, McBrown appeared both amused and bashful, initially attempting to retreat backstage but eventually returning.

    Delay noted that McBrown’s reaction to Flowking Stone’s remarks was emotionally charged.

    In the ‘Instaglam’ segment of her show, Delay highlighted how McBrown seemed to be touched with nostalgia, displaying a glowing expression and smiles as she reflected on her past romance.

    Delay stated, “When McBrown remembered those experiences, it was like she was blown away. You could see that old-school love is really strong. Her face lit up, and she couldn’t help but blush. She lost self-control in the moment.”

    Delay added, “Matters of the heart are truly intense. Only those involved can truly understand the depth of their feelings.”

    Watch the video below:

  • Video: Mahama condemns chiefs, pastors, imams, others for supporting NPP

    Video: Mahama condemns chiefs, pastors, imams, others for supporting NPP

    Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has publicly condemned Ghanaian chiefs, pastors, imams, traditional leaders, and various civil society groups for endorsing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    In a video posted on social media, the former President criticized these leaders during a campaign stop at Alogblogshie Anglican Church in Accra. Mahama expressed his belief that instead of praising Bawumia, these leaders should have criticized him for what Mahama describes as the NPP’s poor governance.

    “Pastors, imams, chiefs, and civil society organizations exist in this nation, and they support the NPP rather than criticizing it. It seems as though we are the evil guys when NDC says something. Instead, they should band together with us to inform the government that it’s time for you to leave because of your immorality toward Ghanaians. However, you’ll see Chiefs praising NPP for their excellent work.

    “Pastors are seen praying for Bawumia in the churches, saying things like, ‘We bless you and may God give you victory,’ and ‘the government has done a good job.’ He approaches the traditionalists, and they ask their ancestors to lead him (Bawumia) and pour wine into their shrines,” the former President said.

  • ‘Diddy’ Combs arrested in federal sex trafficking probe in New York

    ‘Diddy’ Combs arrested in federal sex trafficking probe in New York

    Information provided by federal authorities to CBS, a US partner of the BBC has it that, Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been taken into custody in New York City on undisclosed federal charges,

    The arrest in Manhattan comes after authorities conducted raids on two of his properties in Los Angeles and Miami in March as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking.

    Marc Agnifilo, Mr. Combs’s attorney, expressed disappointment over the arrest, insisting that his client is innocent.

    Combs has been confronted with multiple allegations, ranging from sexual assault to abuse, including claims from his former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, all of which he has denied.

    The arrest is linked to a continuing investigation by US homeland security officials, according to several law enforcement sources speaking to CBS.

    Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, confirmed the arrest in a statement released Monday night.

    “Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY,” the prosecutor said.

    He said the office plans to unseal the indictment on Tuesday morning and we “will have more to say at that time”.

    Combs faces a number of civil lawsuits, including allegations that he raped an underage girl and tried to “groom” a producer and force him to have sex with another man.

    His attorney said on Monday night that Mr Combs was looking forward to “clearing his name in court”.

    “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution,” Mr Agnifilo said in a written statement to the BBC.

    “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the black community.”

    The rapper’s legal problems began in November 2023 when Ms Ventura filed her lawsuit.

    Two other women filed lawsuits that same week alleging abuse and assault – including one who said Mr Combs had choked her for so long that she passed out.

    He denied all the allegations at the time and a spokesperson for the rapper called the lawsuits a “money grab”.

    Then in December, another civil lawsuit alleged a woman had been “sex trafficked” by Mr Combs and two other men when she was 17 years old.

    In February this year, new accusations came to light in a civil lawsuit filed by his former producer Rodney Jones Jr, who said Mr Combs made unwanted sexual advances and tried to “groom” him into having sex with others.

    Mr Combs denied the allegations but one month later, his properties were raided. The musician was stopped at an airport in Miami as he was preparing to leave for the Bahamas and handed over electronics to authorities.

    Many of the lawsuits came shortly before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily allowed people who said they were sexually abused to file claims, even after the statute of limitations had expired.

    In May, CCTV footage posted by CNN appeared to show the rap mogul attacking and beating Ms Ventura, an episode that was chronicled in her civil suit.

    Mr Combs – who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love – is one of rap’s most successful moguls.

  • Housemaids are now scarce in Accra because of Free SHS – Bawumia

    Housemaids are now scarce in Accra because of Free SHS – Bawumia

    Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy has significantly reduced the availability of housemaids for employment, as more girls are now taking advantage of the initiative.

    He explained that parents are increasingly prioritizing their daughters’ education, aiming for them to reach the highest academic levels.

    As a result, the Free SHS policy has created opportunities for these aspirations to be fulfilled, leading to a noticeable drop in the number of housemaids available in Accra.

    “Those  living in Accra, many of middle class cannot even find maids now, it’s a problem for them because the parents of the maids have come and taken them back to school.”

    The current secondary school enrollment ratio stands at 100 boys to 106 girls, marking progress toward gender parity.

    Speaking at a community stakeholder engagement in Amasaman, Ga West Municipality on Monday, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted that the Free SHS initiative has benefitted 5.7 million children to date. He noted that secondary school enrollment had risen from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.4 million, with an additional 600,000 students enrolled through the policy.

    This engagement is part of Dr. Bawumia’s constituency-driven campaign, which allows the NPP Flagbearer to hear the concerns of local communities and devise strategies to address them under his leadership.

    Held at ICGC’s Shalom Temple in Amasaman, the event brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, artisans, and youth groups for candid discussions.

    Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his plan to reduce public transport costs by 40% through the introduction of electric buses and cut electricity costs by 50% by generating 2,000 megawatts of solar power within the first four years of his administration.

    He also emphasized the success of the Free SHS program, the expansion of vocational education and training (WET), and the digital transformation of public institutions such as the DVLA, Passport Office, and Registrar General’s Department, which has led to improved service delivery.

    Additionally, the NPP Flagbearer restated his commitment to a new tax regime, promising tax amnesty for businesses and individuals, a 10-year validity driver’s license with renewal every five years, and the procurement of 50,000 CCTV cameras for installation in district and regional capitals to enhance security and reduce crime.

    4o

  • Prisoners escape as floods wreak havoc on Nigerian prison

    Prisoners escape as floods wreak havoc on Nigerian prison

    Nigerian officials have reported that over 270 prisoners remain unaccounted for after a prison break triggered by severe flooding in Maiduguri, a city in the northeast.

    So far, seven inmates have been recaptured.

    The flooding occurred after a dam collapsed due to heavy rainfalls.

    In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, hundreds of thousands have been displaced by the rising floodwaters, with at least 30 lives lost.

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state described the scale of the destruction as “unimaginable.”

    ‘I thought I would die with my six children’ – dam collapse survivor
    This is the first time that the Nigerian authorities have admitted to the numbers who fled custody.

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) announced on Sunday that following damage to the medium-security prison’s walls, inmates were being transferred when some escaped during the “relocation to a secure facility.”

    Earlier, Governor Zulum informed the BBC that members of the Boko Haram militant group were among those who escaped.

    However, the exact number of fugitives linked to jihadist activities remains unclear.

    NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar reassured the public that efforts are underway, in collaboration with security agencies, to recapture the escapees. Photos of the missing prisoners have been released, and the public is urged to remain calm as the prison break poses no threat to public safety.

  • Ghana records 160,000-tonne loss to cocoa smuggling in 2023/24 season – Report

    Ghana records 160,000-tonne loss to cocoa smuggling in 2023/24 season – Report

    Ghana COCOBOD has revealed that approximately 160,000 tonnes of cocoa were lost to smuggling during the 2023/2024 crop season, according to a report from Reuters.

    Charles Amenyaglo, the Director of Special Services at the cocoa authority, highlighted the severe impact of smuggling, stating that the country’s cocoa production loss was more than three times the total output for the 2023/2024 season.

    “Conservatively, I will say we lost 160,000 tonnes,” he informed Reuters, noting that a joint task force intercepted around 250 tonnes of smuggled cocoa beans, a significant increase from the 17 tonnes seized during the 2022/2023 season.

    Amenyaglo also mentioned that COCOBOD is collaborating with the Ghana Armed Forces to address the rising cases of cocoa smuggling to neighboring nations.

    Ivory Coast and Ghana produce about 60% of the world’s cocoa beans, but smuggling activities have affected output, pushing up market prices and contributing to the surge in chocolate costs this year.

    COCOBOD’s data indicated that Ghana harvested 429,323 metric tonnes of cocoa by the end of June, starting from the season’s onset in September, which accounted for less than 55% of the typical yield.

    Reuters also reported that the 2023/2024 season marked the steepest decline in cocoa production in the last two decades.

    In response, Ghana’s COCOBOD has set the farmgate price for cocoa farmers at GH¢48,000 per tonne, or GH¢3,000 per 64-kilogram bag, for the upcoming 2024/2025 crop season.

    This new rate reflects a 45% increase from April 2024 and a 129% rise compared to September 2023.

    The price hike follows COCOBOD’s discussions with the government aimed at boosting the producer price to discourage smuggling and enhance the livelihoods of cocoa farmers as the new season gets underway.

  • Fraud cases rise by 5% in 2023, losses reach GHS88m – BoG Report

    Fraud cases rise by 5% in 2023, losses reach GHS88m – BoG Report

    Data from banks, Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs), and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) shows a 5% rise in fraud cases, with incidents increasing to 15,865 in 2023 from 15,164 in 2022, according to the Bank of Ghana’s annual Fraud Report.

    The report, aimed at raising awareness of fraud and its trends within the year to uphold the banking system’s integrity, revealed a total loss of approximately GH¢88 million in 2023, up from GH¢82 million in 2022, marking a 7% increase.

    A closer look at the 2023 figures showed that fraudulent withdrawals, cyber/email fraud, and cash suppression were areas with significant growth. The report also flagged SIM swap fraud, where fraudsters take over SIM cards linked to bank accounts and steal funds, especially from those using mobile banking apps tied to mobile money wallets.

    While attempted fraud in the banking and SDI sectors fell by 59% in 2023 compared to 2022, the loss value associated with these cases jumped by 29%, from GH¢56 million to GH¢72 million. The report attributed the surge in loss value to major fraud cases involving foreign currencies, which, when converted to cedi, inflated the overall figure.

    In the PSP sector, fraud cases rose by 20%, from 12,166 incidents in 2022 to 14,655 in 2023. However, the sector saw a 38% drop in losses, with the total value falling to GH¢16 million in 2023, down from GH¢26 million the previous year.

    While banks and SDIs recorded higher losses, the PSP sector saw a decline in its loss value for the year. The BoG stated that it continues to work with institutions facing high levels of fraud to create action plans to address the issue.

    The central bank has also strengthened its engagement with stakeholders to boost efforts in combating cyber-related fraud. Additionally, the report outlined new directives for banks, SDIs, and PSPs, which are expected to help reduce fraud incidents if implemented effectively.

  • Cedi continues to depreciate against major currencies, reaches GHS16.15 to a dollar

    Cedi continues to depreciate against major currencies, reaches GHS16.15 to a dollar

    Ghana’s cedi continues to face consistent depreciation against key foreign currencies like the US dollar.

    Despite experiencing some temporary stability in July this year, as inflation pressures eased, the cedi has remained under strain throughout 2024.

    GhanaWeb Business reports, as of 10:00 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024, that the cedi is now trading at GH¢16.15 per dollar, with the British pound at GH¢21.22 and the Euro at GH¢17.94 in major forex bureaus across the country.

    Additionally, Bloomberg recently noted that the cedi has weakened by 0.1% to GH¢15.67 per dollar, which could further exacerbate the challenges faced by the Ghanaian economy due to rising business pricing strategies.

    Over the past month, the cedi has declined by nearly 1% against the dollar, with its value dropping by around 24% over the year, as reported by Bloomberg.

    Moreover, Ghana’s dollar bonds maturing in 2032 saw a 0.2 cent increase, reaching 52.36 cents on the dollar at 11:38 AM on September 11, 2024, in London.

  • Chinese govt to support Africa with over $50m in the next 3 years

    Chinese govt to support Africa with over $50m in the next 3 years

    The Chinese government plans to offer $50.6 billion in financial aid over the next three years to African nations to implement the 10 key initiatives agreed upon during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held recently in China, according to Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa.

    During a press briefing at his residence in Accra on Wednesday, September 12, 2024, he discussed the outcomes of the FOCAC summit.

    Defa stated that President Xi Jinping informed the 53 African leaders who participated in the forum that $29.5 billion of the support would be in the form of credit lines, $11.3 billion in various types of assistance, and at least $9.8 billion would come through investments by Chinese companies in Africa.

    Additionally, President Jinping said China would back Africa’s issuance of panda bonds within China to foster tangible cooperation across various sectors.

    The summit, considered the largest diplomatic engagement between China and Africa, aims to strengthen and deepen the partnership between the two regions.

    It seeks to deliver significant social and economic benefits to the people of both Africa and China.

    China is looking to build on its longstanding partnership with Africa, which is grounded in mutual respect and shared goals for prosperity.

    Ambassador Defa further noted that President Jinping reaffirmed his commitment to deepening ties with Ghana, aiming to boost political trust and foster collaboration in diverse sectors.

    He added that China is eager to broaden its cooperation with Ghana, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, energy, mineral resources, and infrastructure, while expressing hopes that Ghana will continue to provide favorable conditions for Chinese businesses and citizens.

    Defa also mentioned that President Jinping highlighted the FOCAC Beijing Summit’s role in summarizing the historical experiences of China-Africa relations and laying out a roadmap for joint modernization efforts, leading the way for collaboration within the Global South.

    The 10 cooperation initiatives between China and Africa include a focus on cultural exchange, with plans to create a platform for sharing governance experiences, establish a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and invite 1,000 African political party members to China to enhance dialogue.

    The second major initiative is the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity, which includes opening up China’s market further and offering zero-tariff treatment to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that have diplomatic ties with China, transforming China’s vast market into a significant opportunity for Africa.

    Additionally, the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation, aimed at pushing forward the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, launching an “African SMEs empowerment programme”, and jointly building a digital technology cooperation centre.

    The fourth action is the Partnership Action for Connectivity, including putting in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.

    The Partnership Action for Development Cooperation, aimed to implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects to deliver more fruits of development to African people.

    Besides, the Partnership Action for Health, un­der which China would be sending 2,000 medical personnel to Africa to support the development of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Furthermore, the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods is another action under the partnership, in which China would be providing Africa with emergency food assistance, building standardised agriculture demonstration areas, and creating at least one million jobs for Africa.

  • Govt achieves first T-Bill oversubscription in 10 weeks, increases 91-day bill yield

    Govt achieves first T-Bill oversubscription in 10 weeks, increases 91-day bill yield

    Government has for the first time in 10 weeks, seen an oversubscription in its treasury bill auction, though it came at a higher cost for the 91-day bill, which attracted bids worth GH¢4.689 billion before reaching its target.

    According to data from the Bank of Ghana, the government secured GH¢5.529 billion from all bids submitted, exceeding its target by 2.40%. All the bids were accepted.

    The majority of the bids, amounting to GH¢4.689 billion (roughly 84% of the total), were for the 91-day bill. The 182-day bill attracted about GH¢594 million in bids, while the 364-day bill received GH¢245.74 million.

    Interest rates showed a mixed performance across the board. The yield on the 91-day bill rose slightly to 24.91%, compared to the previous week’s 24.90%.

    In contrast, the 182-day bill rate dipped by 2 basis points to 26.78%, while the 364-day bill saw a slight decrease to 28.07% from the prior week’s 27.91%.

    With inflation easing slightly last week, there’s potential for interest rates to decrease, though the adjustment is likely to be gradual.

    SECURITIESBIDS TENDERED (GH¢)BIDS ACCEPTED (GH¢)
    91 Day Bill4.689 billion4.689 billion
    182 Day Bill594.37 million594.37 million
    364 Day Bill245.74 million245.74 million
       
    Total5.529 billion5.529 billion
    Target5.400 billion 

  • We’ll intensify our networks in underserved communities to improve power supply – ECG MD

    We’ll intensify our networks in underserved communities to improve power supply – ECG MD

    Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has detailed the company’s strategy to address growing demand and boost capacity for consistent power delivery to both residential and industrial clients.

    He revealed that ECG is focusing on a capital injection initiative, which involves increasing revenue from customers receiving power.

    In an interview featured in ECG’s August 2024 newsletter, the Managing Director stated, “We also need to increase our revenue areas by expanding and intensifying our networks in underserved communities. Intensification will also lead to better delivery of power supply, which will, in turn, boost revenues.”

    “Early Power just started generating and adding 200MW to the grid to increase capacity to meet growing demand. We are also exploring extending some of the contracts for some of the plants whose contracts are ending soon. However, this time, the agreements will focus on the purchase of energy only with no ‘take or pay’ clause, just like we agreed with Aksa in 2023,” Dubik Mahama explained.

    He indicated that the company is investigating the acquisition of batteries to store surplus power generated by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) during off-peak hours, with the aim of providing this stored energy during high-demand periods.

    “If we are successful, this will be revolutionary for the company,” the ECG Managing Director stated.

  • Fuel prices anticipated to decrease for fourth consecutive time

    Fuel prices anticipated to decrease for fourth consecutive time

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) expects fuel prices to drop in the upcoming pricing window beginning Monday, September 16, 2024.

    COPEC predicts an average reduction of approximately 4% for petrol, diesel, and LPG, providing consumers with some relief amidst the continued global volatility in petroleum prices.

    “Unless there are unforeseen significant changes in global Petroleum FOB prices, the downstream petroleum market indicates that the pump retail prices of Petrol, Diesel, and LPG will decrease, benefiting consumers in the next pricing window beginning September 16, 2024,” COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah stated.

    COPEC’s forecast indicates that the average retail price of petrol is expected to fall to GH¢12.956 per liter. Diesel and LPG prices are projected to decrease to GH¢13.642 per liter and GH¢15.345 per kilogram, respectively.

    These anticipated reductions are due to a drop in international petroleum product prices, with crude oil reaching its lowest level this year.

    COPEC has also called on the government to take significant steps to lower taxes on fuel products, particularly LPG, to improve affordability and encourage its use.

    This move could help address deforestation issues linked to the use of firewood.

    Furthermore, COPEC suggested reviving the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to reduce reliance on imported refined fuels and to avoid problems such as fuel contamination.

  • Ghana Link Network introduces weighbridge system to check cargo measurement at the ports

    Ghana Link Network introduces weighbridge system to check cargo measurement at the ports

    Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. has finished installing four new weighbridges at Tema Port’s GPHA Terminal 1 and two at the Atlantic Terminal Services in Takoradi.

    These weighbridges measure the gross, tare, and net weights of cargo. Some models are multi-deck, providing additional axle weight measurements for trucks, which is particularly valuable to the Highway Authority.

    Integrated into the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), this advancement marks a significant step in modernizing Ghana’s ports and improving revenue collection.

    The new system benefits various stakeholders, including the Customs Division, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Ghana Highway Authority, by providing crucial weight data to safeguard the nation’s road infrastructure.

    Operational at both the Atlantic Terminal in Takoradi and Tema Port, the weighbridges ensure accurate measurement of import and export cargo weights, essential for precise duty and tax calculations.

    “Our goal with this new module is to bring greater transparency and efficiency to Ghana’s import processes,” he stated. “By providing accurate weight measurements, we’re not only enhancing revenue collection but also contributing to fair trade practices,” Norvan Acquah-Hayford, Public Relations Manager at Ghana Link Network Services, said.

    The introduction of the weighbridge system comes at a pivotal moment for Ghana, as the country’s ports managed over 25 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2022. This highlights the significant impact that even minor enhancements in measurement accuracy can have.

    The system is not only focused on boosting revenue but also tackles the persistent problem of road damage from overloaded trucks. By delivering precise weight data to the Ghana Highway Authority, it will assist in enforcing load limits and potentially reduce road repair costs significantly.

    This new weighbridge module is integrated with the ICUMS, which Ghana Link implemented in 2020 to modernize the port operations previously in place. ICUMS has been recognized for enhancing customs efficiency and revenue collection, despite initial hurdles.

    Experts view the addition of the weighbridge module as a natural progression in Ghana’s digital transformation. It also supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting intra-African trade. With its commitment to accurate and transparent weight measurements, Ghana is setting a benchmark that could inspire similar practices across the continent.

  • Ghana ranked 6th Afican country with highest cost of living

    Ghana ranked 6th Afican country with highest cost of living

    Ghana is ranked 6th in Africa out of 16 countries for the highest Cost of Living and Rent Index, with a score of 21.0 points, according to Numbeo.

    The country also holds 6th place in the Groceries Index, scoring 33.9 points.

    Cameroon tops the continent with the highest Cost of Living and Rent Index, scoring 27.5, followed by Nigeria in 2nd place with 27.1.

    Zimbabwe and Mauritius share 3rd place with a score of 24.1, while South Africa is 5th.

    In terms of local purchasing power, South Africa leads with a score of 102.8, followed by Botswana in 2nd place with 64.4.

    Mauritius and Libya occupy the 3rd and 4th positions with scores of 43.2 and 42.0, respectively.

    Ghana ranks 12th among the 16 African countries for purchasing power.

    Purchasing power is a key indicator of a country’s economic health and stability. A low purchasing power often points to economic difficulties, whereas a high purchasing power suggests strong consumer spending and potential growth in industries and businesses.

    COUNTRYCOST OF LIVING PLUS RENT INDEXGROCERIES INDEXPURCHASING POWER
    Cameroon27.534.610.5
    Nigeria27.037.511.1
    Zimbabwe24.135.526.1
    Mauritius24.140.743.2
    South Africa23.529.7102.8
    Ghana21.033.918.4
    Kenya19.831.034.2
  • Asiedu Nketiah slams Central Region for failing to vote for party’s regional candidates

    Asiedu Nketiah slams Central Region for failing to vote for party’s regional candidates

    The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has reprimanded Central Region residents for their insufficient electoral support for the party.

    In a TikTok video from an NDC event held in the Central Region, Asiedu Nketiah criticized the local residents for failing to back the party with their votes, even though the party has regularly chosen its flagbearer or running mate from their region.

    “Today, I have come to look directly into the faces of you, residents of the Central Region, and speak the truth. What I want you people to know is that you are royals in the NDC, but you are behaving like people who don’t value their worth. This party was founded by celebrated personalities from the Central Region, including Kwamena Ahwoi, Kwesi Botchwey, Ato Ahwoi, and others.

    “In our first election, we chose someone (K.N. Arkaah) from the Central Region as our running mate. In our second election, we selected Prof. Mills as our running mate, and in our third election, Prof. Mills became our flagbearer. In our fourth and fifth elections, Prof. Mills was our flagbearer. He won and became President.

    When he died, John Mahama took over and selected someone (P.K. Amissah-Arthur) from the Central Region to be Vice President. After Amissah-Arthur, today, we have Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang from the Central Region as our running mate and soon-to-be Vice President,” said the former Deputy Minister for Agriculture during the Rawlings regime.

    He continued, “So, you have a lot of valuable assets, but you are discarding them. Why are you throwing out your intestines and replacing them with rubbish? There are regions in Ghana where the flagbearer of a party comes from, and ever since, the people of those regions have consistently voted for that party. But you, the people of the Central Region, who helped form the NDC, in all eight elections held in this Fourth Republic, there has not been one in which a person from the Central Region wasn’t a flagbearer or running mate. Yet, during elections, you vote against the NDC. Think about this carefully. If you don’t make it to Heaven, don’t blame Jesus.”

  • NDC to begin stakeholder engagement to combat galamsey

    NDC to begin stakeholder engagement to combat galamsey

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled plans to collaborate with a range of stakeholders in its fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as part of its commitment to protecting Ghana’s environment.

    In a statement released on Sunday, September 15, Alhassan Suhuyini, the Minority’s Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, detailed the party’s intention to work with traditional leaders, local communities, environmental organizations, and industry experts to implement sustainable solutions from the party’s 2024 manifesto aimed at curbing the galamsey issue.

    The NDC believes that a cooperative approach is crucial for effectively addressing illegal mining and mitigating its severe impact on the country’s natural resources.

    The party stressed that combating galamsey requires a multi-faceted strategy, including enhanced enforcement, promotion of responsible mining practices, and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining.

    The NDC recognized the major challenges posed by galamsey, such as water pollution, deforestation, and the destruction of farmlands, which continue to threaten both the environment and the well-being of many Ghanaians.

    Through stakeholder engagement, the party aims to cultivate a shared sense of responsibility in addressing the crisis.

    The NDC also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s current efforts to tackle galamsey.

    They emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to operate free from political interference in their fight against illegal mining.

    The party believes that involving stakeholders will help restore public trust and ensure accountability for all parties involved in either perpetuating or combating the galamsey menace.

    The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environment for future generations and believes that a broad, inclusive approach is essential for eradicating illegal mining activities permanently.

    The party pledged to continue advocating for stronger policies and community-based initiatives that promote sustainable environmental practices while addressing the socio-economic factors driving illegal mining.

    “Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection.”

    “We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.”

    Minority Press ReleaseDownload
  • Identify govt officials involved in galamsey and prosecute them – Alhassan Suhuyini

    Identify govt officials involved in galamsey and prosecute them – Alhassan Suhuyini

    Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to investigate and prosecute government officials involved in Ghana’s illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.

    Mr Suhuyini expressed frustration over what he perceives as the president’s failure to demonstrate political will in addressing illegal mining, despite repeated promises to combat the environmental devastation it causes.

    He argues that the galamsey battle cannot be won unless government insiders allegedly supporting the practice are held accountable.

    The MP claimed that various government officials, including regional ministers and district chief executives, have been implicated in illegal mining—whether through direct involvement or by ignoring the issue.

    These appointees, the MP pointed out, hold considerable power within their regions, making it challenging for law enforcement to effectively intervene.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, September 15, Suhuyini emphasized that prosecuting such officials would signal the government’s commitment to ending galamsey and safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

    He also stressed the severe consequences of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests, criticizing the government’s approach of focusing primarily on small-scale miners while overlooking the role of influential individuals and business elites.

    Suhuyini underscored the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining, such as water contamination and loss of livelihoods, calling for immediate action.

    He called on civil society groups, traditional leaders, and the media to continue pressuring the government on its handling of the galamsey issue, urging Ghanaians to stay alert and speak out against the environmental destruction. Suhuyini believes that ending galamsey requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, with strong leadership from the presidency as the starting point.

    “The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems.”

    “We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities.”

    “This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.”

  • Level 200 KNUST student dies in accident at Taifa

    Level 200 KNUST student dies in accident at Taifa

    A second-year Communication Design student from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Charles Sekyi Nhyira, has sadly passed away following a devastating road accident at Taifa.

    The accident, which occurred on Thursday, September 12, 2024, took place as Charles was on his way back from celebrating his birthday.

    Reports suggest that excessive speed played a role in the crash, resulting in severe injuries.

    Although he was rushed to the hospital, Charles tragically succumbed to his injuries.

    He was preparing to enter his third year at KNUST before the fatal accident cut his life short.

    The heartbreaking news has left the university community in mourning, with fellow students and friends deeply grieving the loss of a bright and talented individual.

  • Students in Benin trapped in a collapsed school building amid heavy rain

    Students in Benin trapped in a collapsed school building amid heavy rain

    Several University of Benin (UNIBEN) students are reportedly trapped inside a collapsed storey building in Edo State.

    According to Sahara Reporters, the incident took place on Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, a popular student residential area.

    The building gave way after a heavy downpour on Saturday morning in Benin City.

    Rescue efforts are currently underway.

    A student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that a university rescue team had managed to free some of the trapped individuals, though many sustained serious injuries.

    According to a witness, the injured victims were swiftly transported to the hospital for treatment.

    “The rescue team is still searching for one victim who remains trapped inside the rubble. It was reported that the victim called from inside the building, pleading for help, and efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them,” the student said.

    The Dean of Students at UNIBEN is said to be present at the site, overseeing the rescue operations in collaboration with the university’s team.

    At the time of reporting, the university administration has not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the exact number of people impacted by the incident.

  • Ohemaa Mercy’s divorce is linked to her financial success – Brother Sammy

    Ohemaa Mercy’s divorce is linked to her financial success – Brother Sammy

    Gospel musician Brother Sammy has challenged Ohemaa Mercy’s assertion that she received a divine message instructing her to divorce her husband.

    During an interview on United Showbiz on UTV on Saturday, September 14, 2024, Brother Sammy voiced his disapproval of Ohemaa Mercy’s decision.

    He questioned the validity of her claim about hearing God’s voice and suggested that financial reasons were the true cause of the divorce.

    “Ohemaa got the divorce because she has gotten money and did not want the ex-husband to enjoy,” he alleged.

    Brother Sammy also expressed concerns about the impact of Ohemaa Mercy’s actions on younger ministers. He wondered how she would address those who look up to her if they come to her with similar issues.

    “What will she say to the younger ministers who look up to her, when they come to tell her that they have also heard the voice of God to get a divorce? If we go on that tangent, everybody will then say they have heard clearly from God that they should get a divorce,” he remarked.

    In a previous interview, Ohemaa Mercy disclosed that her choice to divorce was based on a divine revelation.

    She asserted that she received a message from the Lord directing her to end her marriage. Ohemaa Mercy described this spiritual experience as profound, leaving her with no uncertainty about her course of action.

    She stressed that her decision was driven by a sincere commitment to follow God’s will, rather than personal benefit. This revelation has been central to her explanation for the divorce, intended to assure her followers that her choice was spiritually motivated.

    As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how Ohemaa Mercy will respond to these criticisms and what impact this controversy will have on her career and ministry.

  • Fans support Stonebwoy for refusing to dance to Shatta Wale’s music

    Fans support Stonebwoy for refusing to dance to Shatta Wale’s music

    Fans of dancehall superstar Stonebwoy have rallied to his defense after a video surfaced showing him refusing to dance to Shatta Wale’s music.

    At an event attended by Stonebwoy and his wife, Dr. Louisa, the DJ played only Shatta Wale’s songs, stirring up some tension.

    Despite the attention, Stonebwoy and his wife chose not to acknowledge or react to the music in any way.

    But the comments in the post shared below has a section of Ghanaians supporting Stonebwoy.

    The fans wrote on Instagram…

    “To those complaining about him not jamming to Shatta’s song, when someone disses your mom and dad , go dine and wine with them ok? Have you seen any brand singing the praises of its competitor? Especially when they are fighting for the same market.”

    “Even if he had sang along, people would still go ahead and say he is a hypocrite and he is not singing from his heart. Whatever you do, people will talk so do what makes you comfortable”

    “Is it by force to dance or sing nebu’s gbee song..😂😂😂”

    “Someone has openly said he hate him why should he jam to his songs???”

    “Is it force to dance to Wale’s song?? Don’t know why some people will not mind their business and read meaning into every situation.”

    Watch the video below…

  • My streams, social media engagement have increased after Otumfuo’s recognition – Kinaata

    My streams, social media engagement have increased after Otumfuo’s recognition – Kinaata

    Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata has expressed his appreciation for the considerable advantages he has gained following a mention by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

    Kinaata revealed that the Asantehene’s acknowledgment has notably boosted his social media metrics and revenue.

    In a social media post, he lauded Otumfuo for bringing attention to him, stating, “Since being mentioned, my numbers have soared—streams, views, and social media engagement. Opemso, medaase. Piaaww!”

    The rapper has been enthusiastically celebrating this significant recognition on social media with frequent posts.

    What the Otumfuo said

    During the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Kofi Kinaata was praised in a speech by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

    The Asantehene underscored the value of recognizing Ghana’s worth by referencing the phrase ‘Obi nya wayɛ’ from Kinaata’s popular song ‘Susuka.’

    He pointed out that despite numerous challenges, many countries look up to Ghana, urging citizens to contemplate the wisdom in Kinaata’s lyrics.

  • I can’t compose a song for any political party – Akwaboah

    I can’t compose a song for any political party – Akwaboah

    Highlife musician Akwaboah has stated that while he is open to performing at political party events, he will not compose music specifically for them.

    He explained that he prefers to create music that serves the broader interests of Ghana.

    Political parties often utilize the talents of entertainers during election campaigns.

    “If you call me to perform, I would, but if it is to compose a song, no, I can’t. I would rather compose for Ghana as a whole.”

    He explained to OKAY FM that writing a song for a political party could have adverse effects on him, particularly if the party does not win.

    Ghana Weekend reported that he felt it would be more advantageous to write a song focused on the development of the entire nation.

    “If I do a song for Ghana and the country progresses, it would benefit all of us, but if I compose a song for a single political party and it doesn’t work out, it would affect me negatively,” he explained.

  • Delay’s leaves Charlie Dior in deep thought after “will you ever marry?” question

    Delay’s leaves Charlie Dior in deep thought after “will you ever marry?” question

    Ghanaian fashion critic Charlie Dior was left deep in thought after media personality Deloris Frimpong Manso, better known as Delay, posed a personal question on the Delay Show.

    During the interview that aired on Saturday, September 14, 2024, Delay’s direct and probing questions made Charlie Dior pause.

    One topic of discussion was whether he envisioned marriage in his future.

    Caught off guard by the question, Charlie took a moment of silence to reflect.

    After some contemplation, he confidently expressed his desire to have children someday.

    Here is the conversation that took place between Delay and Charlie Dior:

    Delay: Do you want to have kids?

    Charlie Dior: Yes, I love kids. I want like a little accessory here and there that I will be moving with.

    Delay: Do you see yourself ever getting married?

    Charlie Dior: (Pauses for a moment while thinking through the question.) My parents have been together for a long time. They grew up loving each other and they’re really in love, it’s beautiful and when they fight too…. So, I don’t know and I’m not there yet. When I get there, I will cross that bridge but I love love.

    While Charlie Dior admitted he has never been in love, he expressed a desire to date in the future. This led Delay to inquire whether he would choose to date a man or a woman.

    Watch the interview here:

  • Mark Okraku-Mantey urges creatives to take advantage of AI to remain relevant

    Mark Okraku-Mantey urges creatives to take advantage of AI to remain relevant

    The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has urged Ghana’s creative industry professionals to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in order to stay competitive in the global market.

    During the 5th edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable, themed ‘Manifesto Debate On Creative Economy,’ Mr. Okraku-Mantey emphasized the need for creative experts, especially in music and film production, to incorporate AI into their work.

    “If you think digital, automatically AI comes to mind, especially in the arts, particularly music,” Okraku-Mantey said.

    He pointed out the growing reliance on AI in music production, cautioning that traditional roles like sound engineering might become irrelevant if industry professionals fail to adapt swiftly.

    He encouraged creatives to embrace technology proactively rather than wait to react to changes.

    “The digitalisation centre in Ghana must sensitise people, and our schools must ensure that the AI concept becomes part of our DNA so we don’t often become reactive,” he stated.

    He criticized the local creative sector for adopting new technologies only after they have become outdated, a practice that has stunted the industry’s growth.

    Mr. Okraku-Mantey also stressed the importance of creative schools in equipping students to navigate the evolving digital landscape, urging them to prioritize AI education to ensure graduates are prepared for global competition.

    “AI is a global product, so if you delay, you might end up getting out of business,” he warned.

    The Showbiz Roundtable, which included industry stakeholders, centered on how policies could influence the future of Ghana’s creative economy, with AI and digitalization being the main topics of discussion.

  • Mr. Beautiful narrates how Agya Koo avoided him over competition

    Mr. Beautiful narrates how Agya Koo avoided him over competition

    Ghanaian actor Mr. Beautiful has shared that Agya Koo once strongly disliked him.

    According to Mr. Beautiful, Agya Koo considered him a threat to his dominance in the Kumawood film industry.

    “Truth is, Agya Koo made local movies popular because of his soaring popularity at the time. When Santo died, Agya Koo filled the void. I love Agya Koo, but the truth is that when Agya Koo became popular, he wanted to be the only one in the limelight.

    “To the extent that Agya Koo could put a production on hold when he was traveling outside the country. If you ignored the directive, he would blacklist that producer. Producers were gravely concerned about his attitude, so fortunately, Miracle Films came for me and paired me with him for my first movie.

    “Besides, Agya Koo and I had known each other during the concert party days, and at the time, he was happy to see me on the set of Sika Nibre, featuring McBrown and Agya Koo. That movie was a hit.

    “We had about three or four movies to shoot together, but he refused to shoot and only agreed on the condition that I was dropped from the cast. We even had to change a storyline for one movie. Some of the producers were concerned about his attitude, but it went on and on.”

    Mr. Beautiful also said that Agya Koo deliberately avoided being cast alongside him as a lead character due to fears of being overshadowed.

    “Agya Koo didn’t want to be cast alongside me as a lead character because he knew I would ride on his wings, and that was a smart move because he didn’t want me to become big like himself, to reduce his influence and monopoly at the time.

    “The producers told me that Agya Koo had refused to shoot with me because he felt threatened by me.”

    To avoid Agya Koo treating Akrobeto similarly when he later joined Kumawood after returning from Belgium, Miracle Films adopted a strategy of making Akrobeto wash Agya Koo’s cars so the two could build a strong bond.

    “There’s no doubt Agya Koo is very talented, but this particular character of his forced the producers to devise a strategy to take him out. It got to a point that nobody wanted to use him,” Mr. Beautiful added.

  • Stop spreading falsehoods about cross-dressers or I’ll expose you – Angel Maxine to Amanda Jissih

    Stop spreading falsehoods about cross-dressers or I’ll expose you – Angel Maxine to Amanda Jissih

    Ghanaian musician and transgender activist, Angel Maxine, has issued a warning to entertainment pundit Amanda Jissih over her remarks about cross-dressers in the country.

    Maxine challenged Amanda to provide proof for her claims that cross-dressers are gay, urging her to stop making baseless statements.

    In a stern message, Maxine cautioned Amanda that if she continued spreading falsehoods publicly, she might be forced to expose Amanda’s secrets, which could harm her reputation.

    In a video shared by Marigyata on Instagram, Maxine criticized Amanda for focusing on cross-dressers instead of addressing pressing issues like illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

    “Amanda, I heard your ignorant comments about LGBT+ to revive your dying career. Why not use your platform to fight galamsey? You’re irrelevant and only showing how uninformed you are. You claim cross-dressers are what?”

    “Do you want us to expose you on social media? Do you know the secrets I have about you since you made that statement? Don’t try it. Do you have proof that cross-dressers are gay?” Maxine said in Twi.

  • Dan-Afari Yeboah announces plans to take ownership of ‘What Do You Know?’ tv show

    Dan-Afari Yeboah announces plans to take ownership of ‘What Do You Know?’ tv show

    Long-time quizmaster of GTV’s beloved “What Do You Know?” has revealed his intention to take full control of the show.

    Despite hosting the quiz for over forty years, there have been questions about why he has not yet taken over its production from the GTV team.

    In a recent conversation with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli on the “Prime Morning” show, Yeboah explained that the show initially had a single sponsor who later withdrew. In response to public suggestions, he now aims to fully acquire the program from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and introduce new sponsorship opportunities.

    “Many people ask this question, and I think that it will facilitate my desire now to see how we can go and take it. In a fullness of time, which will soon arrive, we must take hold of the programme,” he said.

    Held in high esteem, none of the channel’s members, particularly the marketing department, have made an effort to promote the show to potential investors.

    The seasoned moderator shared reasons why he has not been able to take absolute control of the show, saying that it is because he doubles as a practicing lawyer. More of his concentration is towards his job as a legal practitioner.

    Mr. Yeboah mentioned that his remuneration has not been satisfactory yet he keeps going due to his passion for the work.

    Despite the insufficiency of the salary he is being paid, the quizmaster stated that he has never been induced financially to leak questions to some contestants.

    “They know the capacity, reputation, and durability of the quizmaster in terms of integrity, and they dare not. Honestly speaking, nobody has approached me because they know the manner in which I conduct myself and the programme. So, I must confess, nobody in my whole life as quizmaster has made the approach to see me and do any underhand deal to get questions transferred to them so that they come to sit before the quizmaster and answer questions,” he further noted.

    He asserted that such a devious act would have diminished the enthusiasm with which the programme is conducted, defeating its purpose.

    Mr. Yeboah continued to add that the sincerity and sanctity of the team members have sustained the show in terms of consistency and relevance up to date.

    ‘What Do U Know?’ is one of the flagship shows on GTV and has been running for close to fifty years. Dan-Afari Yeboah was introduced to the show as a quizmaster for approximately forty years.
    The show gained wider recognition and views when Mr. Yeboah took over due to his style of moderation.

  • Marriage is not meant for everyone – Pastor

    Marriage is not meant for everyone – Pastor

    Marriage counselor Rev. Dr. Nanayaa Owusu-Prempeh has highlighted that marriage is not a necessity for everyone, challenging the common misconception that it is.

    She referred to Biblical teachings, specifically Apostle Paul’s preference for celibacy while acknowledging that marriage might be preferable for those lacking self-control to prevent sin.

    In an interview on TV3’s Confession show, Rev. Dr. Owusu-Prempeh urged society to stop judging those who choose not to marry, emphasizing that marriage is not compulsory.

    She also pointed out that individuals who decide against marriage should be aware of the potential challenges, such as the absence of children to support them later in life.

    “We are not all supposed to get married. Marriage is a choice. As Christians, we have role models, such as Apostle Paul, who chose not to marry. In 1 Corinthians 7, he says he wished no man would have a wife, but if you cannot control yourself, you should marry.

    “Yes, it’s better to marry than to masturbate or burn with passion. You should not condemn people who choose not to marry, but they shouldn’t expect my child to run errands for them because they chose not to marry,” she said.

  • Report ranks Kenyans as second most generous people globally

    Report ranks Kenyans as second most generous people globally

    Kenya scored 63 points in the World Giving Index 2024, placing it just behind Indonesia, which earned 74 points.

    The survey, which posed three questions about recent charitable actions, revealed that 82% of Kenyans reported helping a stranger or someone they didn’t know.

    This makes Kenyans particularly generous, with a high likelihood of receiving assistance from them in times of need, even if you’re abroad.

    In the World Giving Index 2024, Kenya is ranked second globally for the generosity of its citizens. This ranking is based on a 2023 survey of 145,702 people across 142 countries, covering over 95% of the world’s population.

    The 14th edition of the index highlights not only the consistency in volunteering time but also an increase in financial donations and aid to strangers.

    Indonesia retained the top spot with 74 points for the seventh consecutive year, having surpassed Myanmar in 2017.

    “As many as nine in 10 Indonesians donated money to charity, and more than six in 10 volunteered their time,” the survey said.

    Kenya took the second place with 63 points against the global average index score of 40 points.

    An average of the positive responses was calculated for each country, giving an index score and a global ranking.

    Singapore came third but tied on 61 points with fourth placed The Gambia, followed by Nigeria (60 points); United States (59); Ukraine (57) while Australia, United Arab Emirates and Malta came in 8th, 9th and 10th respectively with 54 points each.

    “A higher index score indicates that more of that country’s population is engaged with giving. The lowest possible score is zero points, and the highest possible score is 100 points,” the report notes.

    The survey posed three key questions about recent charitable activities:

    • Have you contributed money to charity?
    • Have you assisted a stranger or someone you didn’t know who was in need?
    • Have you volunteered your time with an organization?

    Regarding assistance to strangers, Kenyans led with 82% of respondents affirming they had done so. They were followed by Bangladeshis and Nigerians (81%), Liberians (80%), and people from Senegal, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia (78%). Ukraine, Malawi, and Niger each had 71% of respondents providing help.

    While Kenyans did not make the top 10 for monetary donations, they ranked fourth for time volunteered, with 52% of respondents indicating they had given their time.

    Indonesia topped the charts in both financial contributions and time volunteered, with approval ratings of 90% and 65%, respectively.

    Poland was at the bottom of the list with only 23% of citizens reporting they had helped a stranger, 15% having donated money, and 7% having volunteered their time.

    Regionally, Oceania, North America, and Southeast Asia emerged as the most generous regions, each scoring well above the global average of 40 points. Oceania in the Asia Pacific led with 52 points. In Europe, Western Europe topped with 43 points, North America led the Americas with 48 points, and Western Africa led Africa with 42 points. East Africa, including Kenya, was second in generosity with 41 points, followed by Middle Africa, Southern Africa, and Northern Africa with 39, 35, and 33 points, respectively.

    Overall, the likelihood of people helping strangers increased from 49% in 2014 to 61% in 2023. Monetary donations grew slightly from 31% to 35%, while the rate of time volunteered rose from 21% to 24%.

    “The global index score is at its joint-highest level,only previously matched during the pandemic,” the report said.

    “We continue to call upon governments, policymakers and international funders to ensure the building blocks are in place to enable cross-border giving, and to create sustainable, resilient local giving structures.”

  • Halt tax waivers on imported bitumen – GOIL director demands

    Halt tax waivers on imported bitumen – GOIL director demands

    Group CEO and Managing Director of GOIL Ghana PLC, Kwame Osei Prempeh, has called on the government to halt tax exemptions on imported bitumen for local contractors.

    His appeal follows the inauguration of Ghana’s largest bitumen processing facility in Tema, a collaboration between GOIL PLC and Côte d’Ivoire’s Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB).

    At the commissioning event, Mr. Prempeh highlighted the importance of implementing policies that prioritize locally sourced bitumen for road construction.

    He contended that eliminating tax breaks for imported bitumen would enhance quality standards and reduce the entry of subpar materials into the market.

    “Your Excellency, for the country to derive much benefit from projects such as this, we humbly request that a policy that requires road contractors to source their Bitumen locally be put in place and enforced. Therefore, the practice where contractors are given tax waivers should be discouraged. Ghana stands to gain if measures are put in place to prevent low grades of Bitumen being imported into the country.”

    “Mr. President every effort must be made to prevent influx of Bitumen into the country through unapproved routes which will deny the country of the much-needed revenue” he stated.

    The facility features a storage capacity of 7,500 metric tons and will transform base bitumen from Côte d’Ivoire into high-grade polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) and bitumen emulsions.

    These products are crucial for constructing robust road infrastructure, providing superior performance in extreme weather and under heavy traffic conditions.

    This cutting-edge plant is set to transform Ghana’s road construction industry, fostering industrial development by decreasing reliance on imported bitumen.

    It also seeks to establish Ghana as a key player in the West African bitumen market.

  • Yoni therapist reveals drastic weight loss linked to excessive sexual activity

    Yoni therapist reveals drastic weight loss linked to excessive sexual activity

    A Yoni massage therapist, Ransford Afari, has revealed that he experienced drastic weight loss due to his frequent sexual activity with his former Liberian girlfriend.

    In an interview on GhOne’s “Dealing with Sex Maniacs,” covered by MyNewsGh.com, Afari admitted that he once thought frequent sex was beneficial for his health.

    He shared that his daily sexual encounters with his Liberian girlfriend led to noticeable weight loss.

    “I’ve dated a couple of people, and I used to have a girlfriend who was a Liberian during their war.

    “Until I met my Liberian girlfriend, I didn’t know the frequency of sex could be a problem.

    “I didn’t have an issue with it, but my neighbours noticed it. They realized I was losing weight,” he revealed.

    “They used to tease me, saying the girl would kill me. I never thought she was a sex addict because we were having sex regularly, and I thought it was healthy since I was young and had the strength. That was until I started reading about the side effects of excessive sex,” the therapist added.

  • Gospel artist Oxmart Prah unveils captivating new single titled “Invitation”

    Gospel artist Oxmart Prah unveils captivating new single titled “Invitation”

    Ghanaian gospel artist Oxmart Prah, who resides in South Africa, has unveiled his new single, “Invitation,” a deeply moving anthem that resonates with the universal longing for a spiritual connection.

    The track is complemented by a compelling live video now accessible on YouTube.

    “Invitation” serves as a heartfelt plea for spiritual revival, complete surrender, and an earnest desire for God’s presence.

    Drawing from the belief that humanity must engage with the divine to achieve its true purpose, the song highlights that, despite our successes or journeys, we all require God’s support, wisdom, and direction.

    Oxmart references scriptures such as Acts 1:8 and 1 Chronicles 4:9 to underscore the necessity of seeking divine strength.

    He encourages listeners to find authentic joy and purpose through a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, advocating for a life filled with peace, joy, and love, rather than merely chasing after material happiness.

    “We can’t achieve true fulfillment without His presence,” says Oxmart.

    “This song is a reminder that we must constantly seek His guidance and invite Him into every aspect of our lives.”

    Oxmart Prah, a multifaceted artist with experience in fashion design, music production, and ministry, infuses his music with a distinctive combination of skill and fervor.

    He has contributed his talents as a keyboardist, drummer, and worship leader across various organizations and institutions.

    Having lived his early life in Kumasi, Ghana, and now based in South Africa, Oxmart’s music has a global reach. “Invitation” is set to inspire audiences worldwide with its powerful message and soulful melodies.

  • History on how Ghana’s iconic minibus System “trotro” was derived

    History on how Ghana’s iconic minibus System “trotro” was derived

    Step outside your house and walk to the roadside. How many minutes will it take before you spot the familiar sight of a minibus, or ‘tro-tro,’ complete with its often impatient driver and eager ‘mate’?

    In Ghana, the term “tro-tro” has a fascinating origin. It comes from the Ga language word “tro,” which means three pence—the fare charged during the colonial days. These mass transit vehicles, which charged passengers three pence per trip, have retained the name ever since.

    The history of tro-tros dates back to the 1960s. Motor vehicles were first introduced in Ghana, then the British colony of the Gold Coast, in the early 20th century.

    The wealthiest urban passengers drove private cars or hired taxis. The city’s most mobile residents, travelling to and from the market, rode the municipal bus system approved by the Accra Town Council in 1927.

    However, these British-style buses were designed solely for passenger transport, making it difficult for market women carrying goods.

    Cocoa farmers preferred trucks, mainly made of wood and a few metal parts because they saw them as a good investment, allowing them to transport their produce directly to the coast.

    Over time, many owners of these vehicles saw that they could make money transporting not just produce but people, especially market women to popular destinations.

    The mammy lorries provided a better solution, transporting passengers and goods simultaneously.

    The emergence of tro-tros in the late 1950s, first operated by the Ga driver Anane, extended the activities of colonial-era passenger lorries.

    Post-independence leaders recognized tro-tros as lawful public transport, operating alongside municipal buses.

    Tro-tros charged higher but set fares for travel within Accra’s municipal boundaries.

    Individual owners/operators often ran their vehicles like small businesses.

    When the cost of maintaining the vehicle or buying petrol increased, so did the fares.

    Today, the tro-tro system is an essential part of Ghanaian society, tro-tros are a melting pot of Ghanaian society.

    Businessmen sit beside schoolchildren, the unemployed and marketwomen.

    Since many Ghanaians can’t afford taxis or cars, tro-tros have become a vital public service.

    These minivans, which can carry up to twenty passengers, are as common on Ghanaian roads as potholes.

    The prevalence of these vehicles has become a major source of employment in the country.

    Unable to find formal sector jobs, young men often turn to the tro-tro sector for income.

    Even pensioners drive tro-tros to supplement their small public pensions.

    Businessmen import, modify and rent out these vehicles while they enjoy the passive income.

    Using a tro-tro in Ghana is a puzzling yet easy practice, there’s no schedule or map outlining routes; you simply wait by the roadside for the right one to come along.

    Tro-tros don’t have signs indicating their destinations, so passengers must decode the system themselves.

    For instance, if you want to go to “Circle” (Accra’s central bus station), you stand by the road and make a circle in the air with your finger. When a tro-tro operator (or “mate”) sees you and yells “circle, circle, circle,” you know it’s heading your way.

    The tro-tro stops, you hop on, and off you go. It’s a simple system once you understand it, but frustrating if you don’t.

    For many, tro-tros are associated with poverty.

    Passengers complain about the smell of the driver’s assistant (or “mate”), that of other passengers, the vehicle’s state, and the road’s danger.

    Government officials criticize tro-tro drivers for overspeeding and high fares, and newspapers are full of accident stories.

    However, tro-tros are more than just a mode of transport; they are a vibrant part of Ghanaian culture,

    They are a window to the resilience and spirit of the people who use them every day.

    Source: GhanaWeb

  • GHS3,000 price for 64kg cocoa bag not enough – Joyce Blessing

    GHS3,000 price for 64kg cocoa bag not enough – Joyce Blessing

    Ghanaian gospel musician Joyce Blessing, who has ventured into cocoa farming, believes that the GH¢3,000 price for a 64kg bag of cocoa could have been higher.

    She highlighted that cocoa farmers are working diligently and emphasized the need for the government to offer better compensation for the 64 kg.

    The Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) has announced a rise in the cocoa producer price to GH¢48,000 per tonne for the 2024/2025 season, reflecting a 129% increase from the previous September. This adjustment sets the new price for a 64-kg bag of cocoa at GH¢3,000.

    In response to the updated price, Joyce Blessing acknowledged the effort but expressed that more could have been done.

    She argued that cocoa, a significant commodity for the country, warrants greater recognition and support for the farmers’ contributions.

    “We want them to give us more. The GH¢3,000 is not bad, but it is my wish that they will add more to it. It is one of our biggest resources as a country. We use cocoa for several things. Ghana is popular across the globe because of our cocoa, and so we have to do more for the farmers. The GH¢3,000 is just a peanut, and so I would appeal to the government to increase it.”

    On the mid-morning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she shared that cocoa farming is a family tradition passed down through generations, beginning with her grandfather and extending to her father, mother, and other relatives. She mentioned that she plans to pass this legacy on to her own children as well.

    “My mother, father, and grandfather were all cocoa farmers, and it has been passed on every generation to our current generation. The farms operated by my grandfather are still operating, and so I decided to take up the challenge.

    “I am a proud cocoa farmer, and as I grow older, my children will also take over,” she told host Sokoohemaa Kukua.

  • Sarkodie outshines Lil Wayne in stage performance – Andy Dosty

    Sarkodie outshines Lil Wayne in stage performance – Andy Dosty

    Daybreak Hitz host, Andy Dosty has sparked conversation with his recent remarks about Sarkodie and American rapper Lil Wayne.

    He expressed that while Lil Wayne is a talented rapper with an impressive track record, he doesn’t compare to Sarkodie.

    During a discussion on the show’s headline segment, Andy Dosty emphasized that Sarkodie outshines Lil Wayne in terms of performance.

    “He is a good rapper, a great performing artiste when it comes to records but on stage, I wasn’t impressed. He is one of my favourite rappers and musicians in the world.”

    He added: “Lil Wayne is not a rapper, he is a complete musician. Sarkodie is a much better performer than Lil Wayne”.

    Andy Dosty also weighed in on the debate over Lil Wayne being passed over in favor of Kendrick Lamar for the 2025 NFL Super Bowl halftime performance.

    “Lil Wayne won’t do Jack. Take my word for it, he wouldn’t do anything if he’s put on that stage, I tell you. Usher, Rihanna, And Michael Jackson being the top of them all, have you seen their shows?”

    “There may be some good directors to direct the show but Lil Wayne, no”, he said on Hitz FM.

    He expressed his disappointment after attending a Lil Wayne concert in the USA alongside Kwabena Appiah, the CEO of State Housing Company, during a previous trip.

    “I have seen him perform before but I didn’t see anything. I got home angry that day. I was with the boss of State Housing Nana Appiah”, he stated.