Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza is engaging stakeholders in the road sector.
The press conference being held today will allow the sector minister to provide updates on the many road projects in the country.
He will also tackle issues with regard to outstanding payment to road contractors.
Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza has revealed that the government will settle GHC4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors.
Currently, the government owes road contractors GHC21 billion, according to the Roads Minister.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the government’s plan to begin paying debts owed to road contractors within this month.
This, he said, would help revive road construction projects that have been abandoned.
โThe Ministry of Finance has made dedicated financial allocations to address a substantial portion of the outstanding debts. We expect this to bring much-needed relief to the contractors and help accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure,โ the President stated.
He made these revelations during a meeting with members of the Council of State at the Presidency on Monday, July 7.
President Mahama emphasized his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under his administrationโs 24-hour economy agenda.
On his part, prioritising road construction and the swift resumption of stalled road projects holds the key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring adequate regional connectivity.
The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector.
The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have largely welcomed the president’s announcement, but they have called for transparency.
They have called on the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to ensure that contractors can plan and mobilize resources effectively.
In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government to clear outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers.
His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the governmentโs total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GHยข67.5 billion.
This amount comprises GHยข49.2 billion in unpaid Interim Payment Certificates and invoices from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as GHยข18.3 billion in outstanding Bank Transfer Advice at the Controller and Accountant-Generalโs Department.
Speaking to The Independent Ghana on Tuesday, Suhuyini admitted that while the government is committed to addressing some of these debts, it cannot clear the full amount immediately.
“They should have absolute confidence that we will settle some of the debts,” he assured. “However, we obviously cannot clear everything at once. The total financial commitment stands at about GHยข100 billion, with unpaid certificates alone amounting to GHยข21 billion. The decision to uncap the Road Fund is a step in the right direction, but it will only make GHยข2 billion availableโfar from enough to cover even the unpaid certificates.”
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance, a sector that has suffered due to poor upkeep. “The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance. This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer,” he explained.
Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is looking at a broader infrastructure push. “With GHยข10 to GHยข13 billion allocated under the โBig Pushโ initiative, several new road projects will commence while some outstanding debts will also be retired,” he added.
As Ghanaโs economy is valued at GHยข1.2 trillion, stakeholders are keen on seeing how the government will balance infrastructure development with financial obligations. if you look at the big push and the amount that is allocated, about GHC10 to GHC13 billion, many of the projects under the big push are road projects so that will enable us, you know, start new projects and also retire some of the old debts,” he said.
Ghana is set to receive US$367 million (SDRย 267.5 million) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its three-year US$3 billion program.
This comes after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 7 completed the fourth review of the US$3 billion, 36-monthย Extended Credit Facilityย (ECF) Arrangement, which was approvedย by the Board in May 2023.
Following the Executive Board discussion on Ghana, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:
โThe authorities are strongly committed to restoring fiscal discipline and addressing the structural weaknesses that led to the slippages. This should be supported by continued efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and streamline non-priority expenditure, while creating space for development priorities and enhanced social safety nets.”
This brings Ghanaโs total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$2.3 billion.
In April, the IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Ghanaโs economic program.
According to the IMF, the country’s economic recovery prompted the staff-level agreement and subsequent disbursement.
Ghana’s growth in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 was higher than expected, reflecting robust activity in the mining, agricultural, ICT, manufacturing, and construction sectors, the Fund noted.
“The external sector has seen considerable improvement, driven by solid exportsโparticularly gold and to a lesser extent, oilโand higher remittances. As a result, the accumulation of international reserves has far exceeded the ECF-supported program targets.”
Notwithstanding, Ghanaโs performance under the IMF-supported program deteriorated significantly at the end of 2024.
“Preliminary fiscal data point to slippages in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, on account of a large accumulation of payables. Inflation exceeded program targetsโthough recent data points to renewed rapid disinflation. Several reforms and policy actions were delayed across the fiscal, financial, and energy sectors,” the IMF noted.
In light of this, the current administration, led by President John Mahama, has adopted strong corrective measures to address the fiscal impact of 2024 slippages and ensure the fiscal program remains on track, including achievement of a 1ยฝ percent of GDP fiscal primary surplus in 2025.
The Fund indicates that this will be achieved through additional revenue mobilization and expenditure rationalizationโwhile protecting the vulnerable from the impact of policy adjustment.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has tightened its monetary policy stance to sustain a continued reduction in inflation and has been successful in rebuilding international reserves. The BoG has implemented risk containment measures to support banking system stability.
“It appropriately intensified monitoring and escalated measures at weak, undercapitalized banks to promote timely recapitalization; strengthen risk management frameworks and practices, including to reduce NPLs; and ensure effective governance. Looking ahead, the authorities are committed to sustaining their efforts to bolster financial stability,” the Fund revealed.
Creating an environment more conducive to private sector investment and enhancing governance and transparency remain key to boosting the economyโs potential and underpinning sustainable job creation, according to the Fund.
The Ghanaian authorities have also continued to make headway on their public debt restructuring. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghanaโs Official Creditors Committee (OCC) under the G20 Common Framework has been signed by all parties, and the focus is now on finalizing the bilateral agreements to implement the MoU.
The authorities are also pursuing good-faith efforts toward reaching agreements with other commercial creditors on debt treatments that are in line with program parameters and the comparability of treatment principles.
Against the backdrop of these policy actions and the progress on debt restructuring, Ghanaโs credit rating has been upgraded by key international credit rating agencies.
Fitch has upgraded Ghanaโs Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from โRestricted Defaultโ to โB-โ with a Stable Outlook.
Fitch credited the upgrade to the country’s successful restructuring of $13.1 billion in Eurobond debt, steady fiscal consolidation, and the countryโs improving macroeconomic outlook.
The agency also highlighted falling inflation, a strengthening cedi, and a rebound in investor confidence as key indicators of Ghanaโs economic turnaround.
The Fund insists that staying the course of macroeconomic policy adjustment and reforms is essential to fully and durably restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while fostering a sustainable increase in economic growth and poverty reduction.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has filed an interlocutory injunction application to restrain the Electoral Commission (EC) from proceeding with the rerun election in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Addressing the press on July 3, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, noted that the NPP will challenge the EC’s decision they deem as “whimsical, capricious” in court.
โThe NDC knows that they lost the election. We are in the NPP, shall stop at nothing in our quest to ensure that the power that has been respected and upheld by the democratic rights and sovereign will of the people of Ablekuma North, as expressed by them on December 7, 2024, is upheld.”
“Therefore, we have caused our legal directorate to challenge the directive in court. We shall file in court and challenge the whimsical, capricious directive by the EC,โ he said.
Prior to the presser, the party’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, in an interview on Channel One News, noted that the decision is unjustifiable as only three polling stations remained to be declared.
โI am not happy with it. We are not going to accept this decision. My reason is very simple. We have gone through all the collation, and we are at three polling stations for us to complete the collation and declaration, and so what changed? We had the EC coming to Parliament, swearing under oath that we have only three polling stations left, and consistently, that is what it has been so far,โ she explained.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Parliament to summon the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) to answer questions on its decision to hold rerun elections in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 3, the Minority leader described the EC’s decision as unfair. He suggested that the Commission was being intimidated to take such a decision.
โWe are being told there will be a rerun in some polling stations. It is unfair and unjust. I donโt want to believe recent public comments by a senior politician are whatโs pushing the EC, perhaps to secure their job. It is not fair,โ he said.
โMaybe today this helps one side, but tomorrow, it could be the otherโs turn. Mr. Speaker, I humbly urge that the EC be scheduled to appear before this House. They must explain why, after earlier taking a firm position, they have now changed course.โ
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga argued otherwise, stating that โlet us not politicise this.”
“Let us not say that just because a chairman made a statement, the EC has been intimidated,โ he said.
The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
“It is instructive to note that, the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned polling station resultsโagents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those polling stations,” the Commission noted in a statement.
The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.
The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, 12th June, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new developments regarding the said constituency.
The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last meeting remained unchanged.
The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun in thirty-seven (37) polling stations because scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were used to collate the results, were provided by the NPP.
The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding polling stations be collated and a winner declared, since the NDC agents had verified and confirmed the scanned polling station results they presented.
Ablekuma North remains the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, months after the 2024 general elections, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.
On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.
However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.
Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.
These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.
By January 6, only seven polling station results remained uncollated. Yet the process came to a standstill as the EC began engaging both major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Both the NPP and the NDC have declared victory in the December parliamentary elections.
The NPP maintains that its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, emerged the winner based on Electoral Commission figures, while the NDC insists that Ewurabena Aubyn was rightfully elected by the people.
Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman noted the Commission will only resort to a re-run after all measures have been exhausted.
โSo, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we donโt have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,โ he said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, warned that the continued delay poses a serious threat to Ghanaโs democratic reputation and the integrity of its electoral system.
He cautioned that how the dispute is handled will shape public trust in Ghanaโs electoral processes well beyond the current cycle.
โThis is a pivotal moment. The way we handle the collation in Ablekuma North will resonate across the country. It will set the tone, not only for this election, but also for public confidence in the years to come,โ Dr. Yohuno stated.
Meanwhile, the EC has called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.
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Suspended Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has in her fact of case noted that her suspension by President Mahama was carried out in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on Tuesday, April 22, by President John Dramani Mahama following the establishment of a prima facie case based on separate petitions calling for her removal. The action was in accordance with Article 146(6) of Ghanaโs 1992 Constitution and comes after consultations with the Council of State.
However, the Chief Justice in her fact of case noted that the president’s purported prima facie determination contained no reasons or justification and was entirely devoid of the elements of judicial or quasi-judicial reasoning expected under the Constitution.
“It failed to meet the standard of a judicious and objective assessment and, as such, is arbitrary, capricious, and constitutionally infirm,” the statement added.
The Chief Justice seeks several reliefs in her statement of case.
They are โa declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 17(1) and (2), 19(13) and (14), 146(7) and (8), 281(1) and 295(1) of the Constitution, a Chief Justice has the right to a public hearing in proceedings before a committee appointed by the President to inquire into a petition presented for the removal of the Chief Justice.
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 17(1) and (2), 19[13) and (14),23, 146(7) and (8), 281(1) and 295(1) of the Constitution, the right of a Chief Justice to a public hearing and allthe incidents of a fair hearing may only be excluded in the interest of public morality, public safety, or public order.
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 17(1) and (2), 19(13) and (14), 23, 146(7) and (8), 281(1) and 295(1) of the Constitution, a Chief Justice who is called upon to participate in a hearing conducted by a committee constituted under article 146(6) tom inquire into the merits of a petition seeking the removal from office of the Chief Justice can waive the privilege of โin camera proceedings.
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 19(13), 23, 146(1), (2), (4) and (6) a and 296 of the Constitution, a determination of prima facie case in respect of a petition for the removal of a Chief Justice or a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature is a quasi-judicial process requiring a judicious evaluation, culminating in a reasoned decision.
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 19(13), 23, 146/1), (2), (4)and(6) and 296 ofthe Constitution, the purported prima facie finding in respect of three petitions presented for the removal of the Chief Justice and served on the Plaintiff by a letter dated 22nd April, 2025, does not amount to a proper determination of a prima facie case and is therefore null, void and of noeffect;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 19(13), 23, 146(1),(2),(4) and (6) and 296 ofthe Constitution, the purported prima facie finding in respect of three petitions presented for the removal of the Chief Justice and served on the Plaintiff by a letter dated 22ad April, 2025, does not amount to a proper determination of a prima facie case and is therefore nul, void and of no effect;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 19(13), 23, 146(1), (2), (4) and (6) and 296 of the Constitution, the purported finding by the President that a prima facie case has been made against the Plaintiffand served on the President by a letter dated 22nd April, 2025, was arbitrary, capricious, in violation of the right of the Plaintiff to a fair trial, and therefore unconstitutional, void and of no effect;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 146(1), (2), (4), 125(3) and (4), 127(1) and (2) and 296 of the Constitution, the purported determination by the President that a prima facie case has been established against the Plaintiff as conveyed in the letter dated 22nd April 2025, together with the warrant of suspension of the Plaintif, constitute an unjustified attempt to remove the Plaintiff as Head of Ghanaโs Judiciary and thus, an undue infringement on the independence of the Judiciary;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of article 146(6) and (7) of the Constitution,the failure to serve the Plaintiffwith a judicious determination of a prima facie case before appointing a committee to purportedly inquire into the petitions for the removal of the Plaintiff as Chief Justice constitutes a violation of the Plaintiffs right to substantive administrative justice and fair hearing, rendering the entire proceedings initiated null and void;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of article 146(6) and (7) and 296(a) and (b) of the Constitution, the 2nd defendant, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, is not qualified to be a chairman or member of the committee set up by the President to inquire into the petions against the Plaintif on account of having adjudicated and given various rulings in favour of one of the petitioners, Daniel Ofori in actions fled in the Supreme Court.
โAn order prohibiting the 2nd defendant, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, from presiding as Chairman of the commitee or participating in the proceedings of the committee set up to inquire into the petitions against the Plaintiff,
โAn order prohibiting the 3rd defendant, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, from siting as a member of or participating in the proceedings of the committee set up to inquire into the petitions against the Plaintif.
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 23, 127(1) and (2), 146/(6) and (7) and 296(a) and (b) of the Constitution, the appointment of the 3rd defendant, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, as a member of the commitee set up by the President to inquire into the petitions against the Plaintiff, at a time when he had already sat as a member of a panel of the Supreme Court constituted uander article 128(2) of the Constitution to hear an application for interlocutory injunction fled by a Ghanaian citizen challenging the โarticle 146 proceedingsโ initiated against the Plaintif, violates the independence of the Judiciary;
โA declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 146(1), (2), (4), 23 and 296 of the Constitution and sections 1, 2, and 4 of the Oaths Act, 1972,the 4h, 5th and 6ih defendants are not qualified to undertake the functions entrusted on them as members of the committee set up by the President to inquire into the petitions against the Plaintiff.
โAn order restraining the commite set up by the President to inquire into the three petitions against the Chief Justice composed of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants from proceeding to carry out the terms of reference of the commitee set up under article 146(6) as laid out in the letter dated 22nd April, 2025 and any other order(s) as to this Honourable Court may seem meetโ.
The suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has refuted the claims outlined in petitions calling for her removal. She has described them as baseless and untrue, adding that she has evidence to prove her innocence.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, June 25, she noted that the ongoing proceedings set a dangerous precedent for judges in the country, adding that it violates CI 47.
“The clear danger is that in light of flagrant violation of CI 47, the very rules the Committee claims to be using, and the darkness of the current proceedings being held in camera, my lawyers and I can come to the end of proceedings; the evidence will show that every allegation in the Petitions that were given to me by the President on 27th March 2025 is unfounded and untrue.”
She raised concerns about transparency concerning the venue for the hearings being conducted.
“It is clear that the choice of venue, against the background of the secrecy of proceedings, was intended to intimidate me and to prevent any citizen of Ghana from knowing how the proceedings are being conducted,” she added.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo reiterated allegations of unconstitutionality with regard to the process of her removal, as well as infringement of her rights during the hearing by the committee set up by the president.
She expressed her displeasure over the use of the Adu Lodge during hearings as well as the alleged refusal of the committee to give her copies of the petitions presented to them by the President.
“There has never been a hearing for the removal of the Chief Justice. One would have therefore hoped that if such a process becomes necessary, it will provide good guidance and precedent for nation building.
Unfortunately, every step of the removal process being undertaken against me is being done in a manner that breaks every rule on how justice is delivered in our country
This is why I find the need to draw the nationโs attention to the serious violations of the constitution and law in the process and the danger it holds for the development of the nationโsย democracy.”
Background
On May 21, Justice Torkornoo filed an injunction application, which, among other things, questioned the constitutionality of the committeeโs formation and the legality of her suspension announced in April.
The five-member committee includes Justice Gabriel Scott PwamangโSupreme Court Justice (Chairman), Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-AsieduโSupreme Court Justice, Daniel Yaw DomelevoโFormer Auditor-General Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces Representative Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.Justice Torkornoo requested the apex court to bar Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Adib-Asiedu from sitting on the case, citing a conflict of interest.
She again argued that Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu also served as a Supreme Court panel member who presided over a related injunction application.
The suspended Chief Justice also raised questions about the eligibility of the three remaining committee members, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, under Articles 146 (1), (2), (4), 23, and 296 of the Constitution and sections of the Oaths Act, 1972.Article 23โThis article guarantees administrative justice, stating that all administrative bodies and officials must act fairly and reasonably and comply with the law.
Article 296โThis provision regulates the exercise of discretionary power by public officials, requiring them to act fairly, transparently, and without bias. It prevents arbitrary decision-making and ensures that discretion is exercised within legal limits.
Oaths Act, 1972โThis law governs the oaths of office taken by public officials, ensuring they uphold their duties with integrity.
The Attorney-General, in response to Madam Torkonooโs interlocutory injunction, also filed an affidavit on May 26, stating that there is no basis in law for the two Supreme Court judges to be restrained from participating in the petition probe.
The Supreme Court on May 28 dismissed a supplementary affidavit filed on May 26, where the suspended Chief Justice made allegations of rights abuse by the committee.
Justice Torkonoo alleged she was subjected to mental torture at the hearing. According to her, upon her arrival at the venue set for her hearing, she was made to go through a body search, her phones and laptops were collected, and her spouse and children were denied access to the room.
According to the apex court, the events referenced happened before the committee investigated the petitions for her removal โ proceedings that, by law, are expected to be held in camera.
Making a case for the chair of the committee, Justice Pwamang, argued that his participation in cases put before the courts by one of the petitioners cannot constitute evidence of bias.
Regarding Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu, the Attorney-General indicated that he did not participate in the injunction hearing and can therefore not be barred.
The Attorney-General further noted that members of the committee have all taken the necessary oath of office, contrary to claims by the Chief Justice.
So far, the Supreme Court has dismissed four suits filed against the petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.
Justice Torkornoo was appointed as Ghanaโs 15th Chief Justice in June 2023, succeeding Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. Her appointment marked her as the third woman to serve in the role in Ghanaโs history.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved over $120 million in new funding to strengthen climate resilience in Ghana, the Maldives, and Mauritania.
At the request of the three countries, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) developed these projects to help vulnerable communities anticipate and adapt to increasingly severe impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions, climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems and improved water security.
Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), said: โThe approval of these projects demonstrates how GCF is supporting country ownership of national climate action priorities in Ghana, Maldives, and Mauritania. These investments will positively impact key areas of climate resilience in all three countries.โ
The initiatives are a major step forward in deploying adaptation finance where it is most needed โ particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Sahel region. They are expected to benefit more than 3.5 million people.
โThese new projects reflect UNEPโs deep commitment to supporting countries on the frontlines of climate change,โ said Martin Krause, Director of UNEPโs Climate Change Division. โOur focus is on contextualizing climate solutions to the benefit of the most vulnerable nations and communities with tailored, locally led, and science-based solutions.โ
Ghana
Northern Ghana faces increasingly erratic rainfall and long dry seasons that have led to chronic food shortages, drying water bodies, and the destruction of infrastructure from flooding. Smallholder farmers, reliant on rainfed subsistence agriculture, are especially vulnerable. High temperatures reduce the landโs water-retention capacity, and extreme rain events risk dam collapse and downstream flooding.
In response, the new USD 70 million project โ including a USD 63 million GCF grant โ aims to build the resilience of agroecosystems and rural livelihoods. The initiative will support 120 communities across eight districts in the North East, Upper East, and Upper West regions. Activities include improving access to climate data and early warnings, enabling dry season farming through water storage solutions, and restoring 28,000 hectares of degraded land to improve soil health, improve water retention and reduce flood risks.
Implemented by the Government of Ghana through the Environmental Protection Agency and Ghana Meteorological Agency, the project will benefit 619,000 people directly, while early warning alerts will reach up to 2.9 million people. Around 120,000 individuals will experience improved food security as a result of climate-resilient farming practices.
Maldives
Maldives is the worldโs most exposed country to climate change. Comprising 1,192 islands, nearly 80% of which lie less than one meter above sea level, Maldives faces the constant threat from rising sea levels. In addition to rising seas, the country is vulnerable to more frequent and severe storm surges, floods, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change. These hazards are already disrupting critical economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism, affecting the entire population of Maldives. The poorest, most marginalised and remote communities, and women and children are particularly susceptible.
To strengthen the countryโs ability to adapt to these threats and reduce vulnerability to climate change, UNEP, in coordination with several national and international partners, developed the project, Toward Risk-Aware and Climate-Resilient Communities (TRACT) โ Strengthening Climate Services and Impact-Based Multi-Hazard Early Warning in the Maldives.
The USD 25 million project โ expected to benefit more than half a million people โ will be implemented over five years under the lead of UNEP. It aligns with the goal of the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous climate events through early warning systems by 2027 and it will deliver on the Maldivesโ roadmap to achieve the EW4All Initiative, developed by the Government of Maldives and international partners to guide the scaling up of early warning systems in the country.
Mauritania
In the fragile zone between the Sahara and Sahel, prolonged droughts, sand encroachment, and water scarcity are threatening lives and livelihoods. Mauritania has seen accelerating dune movement, siltation of water sources, and growing pressure on socio-economic infrastructure such as roads and schools. Agricultural output remains extremely low, with the country importing up to 85% of its food.
With a USD 33 million investment โ including a USD 30 million GCF grant โ the new UNEP project will restore ecosystems and secure livelihoods in four vulnerable hubs: Aoujeft, Rachid, Tamcheket, and Nema. It will support green-grey infrastructure to fix dunes and control sand encroachment, improve access to water for farming and land rehabilitation, and scale up climate-resilient agriculture to boost food security and incomes.
Led by Mauritaniaโs Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the project will directly benefit 85,000 people and improve resilience for 145,000 more. It will also protect 2,100 hectares of land and support the countryโs contributions to the Great Green Wall โ a multilateral African initiative to combat desertification and build climate resilience across the continent.
Source: UN Environment Programme
Some final-year students of the University of Ghana, Legon, are calling for the suspension of the National Annual Delegates Conference at the UG Sports Stadium from July 17 to 19, to be held by the New Patriotic Party.
The students are set to petition the university’s Sports Directorate over concerns that the gathering could escalate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appearing before Parliament to provide an update on the resurgence of COVID-19 in the country on Tuesday, July 1, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh noted that as of July 1, 107 out of 316 suspected cases within the University of Ghana community have been confirmed as COVID-19.
Currently, no deaths have been reported, and no individual is currently on admissions.
Honourable Akandoh noted that the outbreak is limited to the University of Ghana community, adding that “it has not spread widely to other parts of Accra or the rest of the country.”
He noted that these cases have been traced to a familiar variantโthe Omicron sub-variant.The cases were detected through Ghanaโs influenza surveillance system and confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
This national network of sentinel sites operates across all 16 regions.
He therefore assure Ghanaians that, should there be any cases
outside the university campus, “our surveillance system remains
active and ready to detect and respond effectively.”
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has revealed that the current COVID-19 cases recorded in the University of Ghana are of mild magnitude.
The Health Services Directorate of the University of Ghana has reactivated its COVID-19 Response Protocols, including screening and triage measures at health facilities.
The preventive measures include wearing face masks properly, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces, and washing hands frequently with soap under running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Subsequently, all staff, students, and visitors are strongly advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection and community spread.
In light of this, management of the University of Ghana, Legon, has suspended all social gatherings on campus, excluding official university activities and lectures, to quell the spread of COVID-19 cases
The head of Biology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Professor Kofi Bonnie, has warned that the rainy season could trigger the resurgence of COVID-19. Speaking to Joy News, the virologist explained that influenza-like illnesses surge during rainy days.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It usually spreads between people in close contact.
COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness and death. Although a person can still get COVID-19 after vaccination, they are more likely to have mild or no symptoms.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 5 to 6 days after exposure and can last between 1 and 14 days, ranging from common symptoms like fever, chills, and sore throat to less common ones such as muscle aches, severe fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, sore eyes, dizziness, a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, numbness, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, altered taste or smell, and difficulty sleeping.
In 2020, COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern. In March of the period in question, Ghana recorded its first case.
Akwatia Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has passed away, according to reports.
It is unknown when the legislator who sides with the Minority in Parliament passed on.
The Minority Leadership is yet to engage the public over the demise of its member.
Last month, the apex court overturned a ruling by the Koforidua High Court that convicted Mr Kumi of contempt of court.
The court, on Wednesday, June 11, by a 4โ1 majority, granted the legislator’s application to overturn the High Court’s ruling.
On January 3, 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued an interim injunction restraining Ernest Yaw Kumi from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia.
The injunction stemmed from a legal challenge by Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate and former MP, who contested the election results.
Boakye-Yiadom had filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC), Kumi, and the Clerk to Parliament, disputing the outcome of the polls. Official results had declared Kumi victorious with 19,269 votes, while Boakye-Yiadom secured 17,206 votes.
Despite the courtโs order, Kumi went ahead with his swearing-in on January 7, 2025. His legal team, led by Lawyer Gary Nimako, later sought to overturn the injunction, but the court dismissed their application.
On February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for Kumiโs arrest, citing his absence from contempt proceedings and his failure to comply with the earlier injunction.
Reacting to the development, the Minority in Parliament has condemned the courtโs decision, arguing that it was excessive. Speaking to the media, Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib expressed strong disagreement with the ruling.
In Parliament, Mr Kumi who was a first-time member in the 9th Parliament, served on both the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and the House Committee.
A by-election as a result of the death of a member of Parliament shall be taken not less than ten days and not more than thirty days from the date of nomination.
Minister for Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has inaugurated the Board members of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSia).
The swearing-in ceremony took place on July 3 in Accra.
The Board of NaCCA will be chaired by Professor Vincent Assanful. Other members of the board include Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu, Professor Augustine Ocloo, Professor Azeko Tahiru Salifu, Mrs. Comfort Ashiagbor, Professor Ernest Kofi Davies, Mr. Leonard Attivor, Mrs. Ernesticia Lartey Asuinura, and Professor Samuel Ofori Obuobisah Bekoe.
Maabobor Kor Jacob Aaworb-Nang Ph.D, will chair the NaSIA Board. The other members of the board are Dr. Monique Armstrong-Baidoo, Dr. Christian Addai Poku, Prof. Samuel Ofori Obuobisah Bekoe, Mr. Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, Mr. Divine Worlanyo Agbenyo, Mr. Michael Akanvibe Ayuraboya, Ms. Emilia Affi Agbenyo, Dr. Issahaque Munawaru, Jennifer Tachi, Esq., and Ing. Prof. Tahiru Salifu Azeko.
To both boards, the Education Minister called for prioritization of foundational learning.
He noted that there is the need to be more attentive to the social and emotional well-being of the students.
Honourable Iddrisu thus advocated for the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and coding in the primary level of education.
The Chairperson of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSia), Professor Vincent Assanful and Maabobor Kor Jacob Aaworb-Nang, Ph.D., respectively, affirmed their commitment to work with key stakeholders to ensure that quality standards of pre-tertiary education are met.
Honorable Iddrisu further cautioned against the use of weapons by students in schools, describing the trend as deeply worrying and a threat to the safety and well-being of both learners and teachers.
He emphasized the need to ensure that students adhere to the rules and regulations of the various schools and underscored the need for a collaborative effort to address rising incidents of violence in schools.
In recent years, the country has seen a surge in violent acts by students in second-cycle institutions.
These actions have led to the loss of lives as well as the destruction of properties.
Authorities have called on the government to empower school authorities to immediately dismiss any student who attacks or causes physical injury of any kind to a teacher or any member of staff.
The Ghana Army School of Ammunition and Explosives (GASAE), on July 3, concluded its Weapons Marking and Registration Course 1/25 with a closing ceremony held at the Yogiba Grunshie Mess, Michel Camp.
The initiative, which was held in collaboration with the Hazardous Areas Life Support Organization (HALO Trust), aimed at strengthening national weapons and ammunition life-cycle management.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the course aligns with the country’s efforts to meet international standards in arms accountability and to ensure full traceability of military weapons within the force and other security institutions.
Course participants drawn from GAF units as well as the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NaCSA) received comprehensive training in workshop layout design, weapons marking techniques, safe storage procedures and the use of weapons marking machines.
Weapons Marketing Specialist at the HALO Trust, Mr David Hutchison lauded the participants for their dedication and professionalism.
He noted that the course plays an integral role in advancing the shared goal of strengthening human security through effective weapons and ammunition management capacity development.
In his closing address, Commander GASAE, Colonel Francis Laapo, highlighted the need for robust weapons identification and control in the context of Ghanaโs evolving security environment.
He said the Ghana Armed Forces is undergoing a transformation that demands stringent control to ensure weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.
Colonel Laapo announced that henceforth weapons would be marked at GAF Headquarters before distribution to improve arms traceability and accountability.
Colonel Laapo said the course represents a forward-looking step in pursuit of effective and sustainable arms control measures through inter-agency cooperation and capacity building.
He urged participants to preserve the knowledge and certificates acquired, as their role in enforcing arms management protocols would be vital in ensuring Ghanaโs internal security.
The HALO Trust is the worldโs largest humanitarian landmine clearance organization leading efforts to protect and save lives and restore communities and livelihoods of those threatened by the deadly debris of war.
Founded in 1988 and backed by the UN, US, and UK governments, HALO locates and destroys landmines, cluster bombs, explosive items, and dangerous stockpiles of weapons and ammunition, as well as educating locals on how to stay safe in contaminated areas.
Per its website, HALO currently employs over 9,000 locally recruited staff in 26 countries and territories around the world who have paved the way for the development and long-term stability of their homelands.
The Northern Regional Police Command has begun investigations into the death of a second-year student of the Bimbilla Senior High School, 18-year-old Fatima, who was struck by a stray bullet during the Fire Festival in Bimbilla.
The Fire Festival in Bimbilla, within the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region, which began joyously, turned catastrophic following the death of the Senior High School student on Saturday, July 5.
The source of the gunshot remains unknown. Meanwhile, the bereaved family is demanding justice for the death of their loved one, who has been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
This unfortunate incident occurred when the procession was moving from the regent’s palace to the Wampu Dam, where the fire was to be thrown.
“I was at the palace when we heard the incident, so we rushed to the hospital, and the dead body was brought to the hospital. I even helped in removing the dead body,” a reporter with Beat FM, Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah said.
According to reports, Fatima and a friend were at the festival without the knowledge of her parents, who had instructed them not to be present.
“When we asked, the lady told us the girl was from one area called Bayawaya in Bimbilla, and the name is Fatima. She said before they came out, the parents didn’t want them to come out, so they hid and sneaked to the scene,” Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah said.
Prior to the incident, the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons cautioned against the display and misuse of firearms.
“The Fire Festival is a cherished cultural event meant to foster unity, joy, and traditionโnot violence or fear. The reckless use of firearms during celebrations poses grave risks, including accidental shootings, injuries, and fatalities,” a statement from the Commission read.
The Fire Festival is one of Ghana’s most vibrant traditional events, featuring energetic processions with fire torches, rhythmic drumming, spirited dancing, and communal feasting.
Last month, the Accra Regional Police Command warned the general public against the use of live ammunition during the lifting of the customary ban on drumming and noise-making in the Greater Accra Region.
Police Command observed that some participants, especially sections of the youth, have resorted to firing live ammunition instead of using gunpowder or blank rounds.
The recent surging deaths of citizens during traditional festivals could compel the government to ban the use of live ammunition during such events to safeguard lives.
Parliamentarians will henceforth hold sittings on Mondays and Saturdays, beginning today, according to the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
This decision has been taken by the House to allow for the maturity of some Legislative Instruments (L.I.) before Parliament adjourns sine die.
The Majority Leader made this known on the floor of Parliament when he presented the Business Statement for the seventh week to end on July 12.
Some bills may be introduced for first reading. He noted that those that will be considered urgent could be taken through the various stages in a day in accordance with Standing Order 160.
In May, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, revealed that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, is set to undergo its first reading
โThree private members billsโthe Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025, the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025โhave completed the processes as required by the standing orders and are expected to be presented for a first reading during the course of this meeting,โ he stated.
When passed, the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, as well as individuals and organizations promoting such activities.
It is likely the bill could be considered urgent by the House following the use of some national landmarks by South African homosexuals, an action that has been criticised by many.
The Majority Leader who is also the Chairman of the Business Committee further noted that Papers may be laid during the week and reports from committees may also be presented to the House for consideration.
โMotions may be debated and their consequential Resolutions, if any, taken during the week. In accordance with Standing Order 216(2) and subject to Standing Order 67, the Committee submits to the House, the order in which the business shall be taken,โ he stated.
Meanwhile, some 55 ministers and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, are expected to appear before the House to respond to questions during the week.
Commenting on the Business Statement, the Minority Leader, Hon. Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, urged the Majority Leader to schedule the Electoral Commissioner, Madam Jean Mensa, to brief the House on the rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has challenged the Electoral Commission over its decision to hold rerun elections in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North Constituency on July 11.
Addressing the press on July 3, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, noted that the NPP will challenge the directive they deem as “whimsical, capricious” in court.
โThe NDC knows that they lost the election. We are in the NPP, shall stop at nothing in our quest to ensure that the power that has been respected and upheld by the democratic rights and sovereign will of the people of Ablekuma North, as expressed by them on December 7, 2024, is upheld.”
“Therefore, we have caused our legal directorate to challenge the directive in court. We shall file in court and challenge the whimsical, capricious directive by the EC,โ he said.
The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
President Mahama will launch a special task force to clamp down on illicit gold-smuggling activities in the country tomorrow, July 8, 2025.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, revealed this information to the general public.
โThis event would be the inauguration of the GoldBod task force. So, 8th of July at 8:30 a.m. at the National Security Secretariat, popularly called Blue Gate โ there is a yard in thereโฆ and the media are cordially invited,โ he revealed.
The task force would be given a special mandate with specific powers as police officers to wage war against smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country.
This, Mr Gyamfi asserts, would save the government from any leakages in revenue mobilisation in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.
โ(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and the needed forex for our economy and the development of our countryโ he announced.
He thus cautioned traders to secure the appropriate licence to engage in any form of gold trading in the country, saying, โBut for those who are hell bent on trading illegally without the licenses, we are serving notice that we are coming after youโ.
Earlier, the GoldBod CEO on June 5 also warned that persons who trade without licenses would be prosecuted, adding that his outfit takes no bribes before the said licenses are issued.
During a meeting with the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers, Mr Gyamfi stated that “I donโt take or demand bribes before I issue a licence.”
The acting CEO noted that the process for registering has been made seamless and is devoid of corruption. “We have removed the human interface element, and so there is no corruption, bribery, inducements, or favouritism. It is a very transparent and competitive process, and once you qualify, you get the license,” he added.
Lauding his outfitโs results-oriented reforms and initiatives since his takeover as CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, during a media engagement, revealed that GoldBod has exceeded the $5 billion mark in gold export value for the first half of 2025, surpassing the $4.6 billion recorded for the entire year of 2024.
He expressed optimism that GoldBod would hit the 60-tonne export mark by the end of July 2025, driven by stronger compliance, improved oversight, and the streamlined licensing regime under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
โIn the whole of 2024, gold exports stood at 66 tons with an export value of $4.6 billion. We have done only six months, and yet we have crossed the $4.6 billion. We have gone beyond $5 billion, and in terms of volumes, we have done 50 tons and over, and we are optimistic that by the end of next month, we will have hit 60 tons,โ he said.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has revealed that in June and July, its anti-cocoa smuggling taskforce made significant strides in cracking down on the activities of syndicates involved in cocoa smuggling.
The two months saw the seizure of some 216 bags of cocoa beans that were being smuggled across the border to Togo.
This was possible due to four separate operations at Zebila and Bolga in the Upper East Region.
The most recent activity led by the taskforce was on Saturday, July 5. The taskforce intercepted 15 bags of cocoa beans at Maame Wata in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, also bound for Togo.
Several suspects have been arrested and are currently assisting police with investigations.
Last year, Reuters reported that Ghana lost about 160,000 tonnes of cocoa to smuggling during the 2023/2024 crop season.
Presently, COCOBOD is working with Parliament to strengthen laws on cocoa smuggling. This is to introduce harsher sanctions to deter many from engaging in such unlawful acts.
The Bank of Ghanaโs Summary of Macroeconomic and Financial Data for March 2025ย revealed that cocoa exports soared by 126 per cent.
Meanwhile, COCOBOD has urged Ghanaians to support its efforts to stop cocoa smuggling and help safeguard the vital national resource.
“Report suspicious persons to the nearest police station or the Ghana Cocoa Board. Together, we can protect the livelihood of our hardworking farmers and sustain Ghanaโs cocoa legacy,” the Board noted in a post on Facebook.
Presently, COCOBOD is grappling with a staggering debt of GHยข32.5 billion, with GHยข9.7 billion due by the end of September, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed.
Delivering the 2025 State of the Nation Address in Parliament, he painted a bleak picture of the cocoa sectorโs finances, warning of massive revenue losses for both COCOBOD and Ghanaian farmers.
According to Mahama, COCOBODโs financial woes deepened in the 2023/24 crop season when it failed to supply 333,767 metric tonnes of cocoa that had been pre-sold at $2,600 per tonne.
Some 738 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis were seized by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) at the Swissport Terminal in Accra on July 5.
These compressed parcels were hidden in some boxes that were labelled “assorted food items.” The boxes were being transported to the United Kingdom.
According to reports, two suspects have been arrested for their involvement in the transportation of the suspected drugs.
Currently at large are two other key suspects, Lincoln Nii OKAIJA (born March 27, 1979) and Kate DAVIDSON, alias โEsi.โ
The authorities have called on members of the general public to provide them any relevant information that could aid the capture of the suspects.
Penalties for drug trafficking in Ghana are severe, with the Narcotic Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Act of 1990 (PNDCL 236) stipulating a minimum of ten years imprisonment for offences related to possession, importation, or exportation of narcotic drugs without lawful authority.
In April this year, a major drug bust at Ghanaโs Swiss Port led to the arrest of four individuals after the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) uncovered a large consignment of suspected cocaine
During the intelligence-driven operation, NACOC officials intercepted seventy-three (73) neatly concealed slabs of a substance suspected to be cocaine.
The illicit cargo, weighing approximately 89.74 kilograms, was reportedly en route to the Netherlands before it was seized.
The arrest was part of ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to crack down on transnational drug trafficking through the countryโs ports.
In the same month, a total of 189 cadets were officially inducted into service to support Ghanaโs ongoing efforts to combat narcotic drug trafficking and related crimes.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested Malcom Fraizer for the murder of a man following a violent altercation in Accra.
The arrest on July 1 followed intelligence gathered by the National Operations Directorate (NOD) Intelligence Unit at the Police Headquarters.
The unit identified the suspectโs hideout after a video related to the incident surfaced online.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on 1st April 2025. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to engaging the deceased in a physical confrontation after learning that the victim was allegedly dating his ex-wife.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting investigations.
In early July, the police arrested two individuals for their involvement in the murder of a Lebanese national.
The deceased, Omar Mikati (58) was murdered on Friday, June 20, at his residence at East Legon, Accra.
The deceased was found dead in a pool of blood. A dispatched team from the Crime Scene Management Unit (CSMU) at the Police Headquarters collected relevant forensic evidence to commence the investigation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the perpetrator(s) fled the scene with the deceasedโs Samsung mobile phone.
They, however, left behind other items, including two iPhones and a GCB ATM card bearing the name Paul Twumasi Ankrah.
Further probing led to the arrest of Paul Twumasi Ankrah at Samsam Medie, who implicated his accomplice, one Asiedu Henning, alias Nana Kofi Anum.
On July 2, Asiedu Henning was arrested in an intelligence-led operation at his hideout in Kutunse.
He led police to a location where the CSMU team processed the scene and retrieved a knife that had been disposed of by the suspects. The exhibit knife is being processed for forensic analysis.
Both accused persons were put before the Adabraka District Court 1, where they have been remanded into Police custody to reappear on Tuesday, July 8.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been conveyed to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
An armed robber, Paul Avortide, has been jailed for 19 years with hard labour for robbery.
The 25-year-old convict, on May 21, at about 4:00 am, at Tsikpota near New Housing, Ho, with a machete in his hand, threatened a pregnant woman by the name of Ogechi Chidiebere, a Nigerian resident in Ho.
The convict, Paul Avortide robbed the victim of her Ghยข 3,000 and her Tecno Spark 30c mobile phone valued at Ghยข2,500 when she was on her way to attend antenatal care at the Ho Municipal Hospital.
On June 19, at about 6:00 pm, the Regional Police Intelligence team arrested Harmony Nbonu at the Ho Main Market, who was in possession of the stolen phone.
During interrogations, he mentioned Paul Avortide as the one who sold the phone to him at the cost of Ghยข 850.00.
Coordinated efforts between the Police and the suspect, Hormony Nbonu, led to the arrest of the convict, Paul Avortide, at Matse, a suburb of Ho, when he was running away from Ho Township.
After police investigations, Paul Avortide was charged with the offence of robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences ACT. 1960 (ACT 29) as amended by the Criminal Offences (Amendment) ACT, 2003 (ACT 646).
Harmony Nbonu, on the other hand, was charged with the offence of Dishonestly Receiving Contrary to Section 146 of the Criminal Offences ACT, 1960 (ACT 29).
The two were arraigned before Ho Circuit Court presided over by His Honour, Osman Abdul Hakeem, Esq on Tuesday, July 1.
The first accused person (A1), Paul Avortide, pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to a prison term of 19 years in Hard Labour .
The second accused person, (A2), Harmony Nbonu was acquitted and discharged.
The convict has since been handed over to the Ho Regional Prison authorities to begin to serve his prison term.
The Fire Festival in Bimbilla, within the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region, which began joyously, turned catastrophic following the death of a Senior High School student.
A second-year student of the Bimbilla Senior High School, Fatima, was struck by a stray bullet, leading to her untimely demise on Saturday, July 5.
This unfortunate incident occurred when the procession was moving from the regent’s palace to the Wampu Dam, where the fire was to be thrown.
“I was at the palace when we heard the incident, so we rushed to the hospital, and the dead body was brought to the hospital. I even helped in removing the dead body,” a reporter with Beat FM, Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah said.
According to reports, Fatima and a friend were at the festival without the knowledge of her parents, who had instructed them not to be present.
“When we asked, the lady told us the girl was from one area called Bayawaya in Bimbilla, and the name is Fatima. She said before they came out, the parents didn’t want them to come out, so they hid and sneaked to the scene,” Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah said.
The source of the gunshot remains unknown. Also, the Police are yet to commence an investigation into the matter.
Prior to the incident, the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons cautioned against the display and misuse of firearms.
“The Fire Festival is a cherished cultural event meant to foster unity, joy, and traditionโnot violence or fear. The reckless use of firearms during celebrations poses grave risks, including accidental shootings, injuries, and fatalities,” a statement from the Commission read.
The Fire Festival is one of Ghana’s most vibrant traditional events, featuring energetic processions with fire torches, rhythmic drumming, spirited dancing, and communal feasting.
Last month, the Accra Regional Police Command warned the general public against the use of live ammunition during the lifting of the customary ban on drumming and noise-making in the Greater Accra Region.
Police Command observed that some participants, especially sections of the youth, have resorted to firing live ammunition instead of using gunpowder or blank rounds.
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that his government will ensure financial challenges do not bar Ghanaian students from attaining higher education after completing Senior High School (SHS).
โLet it be known across this land that, from today, no Ghanaian child will be denied tertiary education simply because they cannot afford the academic fees,” he said during the launch of the government’s flagship initiative, the No Fees Stress policy.
The event was held on Friday, July 4, at the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua.
President Mahama noted that his administration cares about restoring dignity to the Ghanaian student.
โThis policy is not about welfare. It is about fairness. It is about affirming that the right to education is not a privilege for the wealthy, but a shared national inheritance,” he added.
Prior to the launch, Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, while speaking at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) said more than 100,000 students have finalized their applications.
โThe government continues to implement funding models that improve access to quality education. One of these is the No Fees Stress policy, under which first-year students in public institutions are exempt from paying academic user fees.
โData from the Students Loan Trust Fund, which manages the programme, shows that by mid-June, nearly 130,000 students had accessed the portal, with over 100,000 completing their applications,โ she said.
The โNo-Fee Stressโ initiative was a major campaign promise by then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama, who pledged to absorb academic fees for all Level 100 students within the first 120 days of his administration.
To support the rollout of the โNo-Fee Stressโ policy, GHยข499.8 million has been allocated under the 2025 national budget, which was presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday, March 11.
Meanwhile, 35,608 tertiary students across 130 public and private institutions nationwide have received financial support from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The SLTF, conversely, has reiterated its resolve to release funds on time to allow students to gain admission into their preferred tertiary institutions without financial hindrance.
Earlier this year, the Fund approved financial aid for 9,433 students enrolled in 62 public and private tertiary institutions nationwide.
The Ministry of Education has made accessible a registration portal to help first-year students at public tertiary institutions in Ghana apply for financial assistance under the governmentโs new No-Fees-Stress Policy.
Launching the portal on Monday, April 29, Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu described the policy as a bold and strategic move by the government to improve access to tertiary education and invest in the countryโs future workforce.
The SLTF explained that the new system will make it easier for eligible students to register, submit their details, and be assessed for financial support.
The government’s flagship initiative, the No Fees Stress policy, was launched on Friday, July 4, by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
The event was held at the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua. In his address, the President stated that his government would ensure financial challenges do not bar Ghanaian students from attaining higher education after completing Senior High School (SHS).
โLet it be known across this land that, from today, no Ghanaian child will be denied tertiary education simply because they cannot afford the academic fees,” he said.
President Mahama noted that his administration cares about restoring dignity to the Ghanaian student.
โThis policy is not about welfare. It is about fairness. It is about affirming that the right to education is not a privilege for the wealthy, but a shared national inheritance,” he added.
Prior to the launch, Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, while speaking at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) said more than 100,000 students have finalized their applications.
โThe government continues to implement funding models that improve access to quality education. One of these is the No Fees Stress policy, under which first-year students in public institutions are exempt from paying academic user fees.
โData from the Students Loan Trust Fund, which manages the programme, shows that by mid-June, nearly 130,000 students had accessed the portal, with over 100,000 completing their applications,โ she said.
The โNo-Fee Stressโ initiative was a major campaign promise by then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama, who pledged to absorb academic fees for all Level 100 students within the first 120 days of his administration.
To support the rollout of the โNo-Fee Stressโ policy, GHยข499.8 million has been allocated under the 2025 national budget, which was presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday, March 11.
Meanwhile, 35,608 tertiary students across 130 public and private institutions nationwide have received financial support from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The SLTF, conversely, has reiterated its resolve to release funds on time to allow students to gain admission into their preferred tertiary institutions without financial hindrance.
Earlier this year, the Fund approved financial aid for 9,433 students enrolled in 62 public and private tertiary institutions nationwide.
The Ministry of Education has made accessible a registration portal to help first-year students at public tertiary institutions in Ghana apply for financial assistance under the governmentโs new No-Fees-Stress Policy.
Launching the portal on Monday, April 29, Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu described the policy as a bold and strategic move by the government to improve access to tertiary education and invest in the countryโs future workforce.
The SLTF explained that the new system will make it easier for eligible students to register, submit their details, and be assessed for financial support.
The government of Ghana and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have signed a host agreement, officially designating Ghana as the host for the ISA Regional Committee for Africa.
The agreement sets the stage for a high-level regional meeting scheduled from September 2โ4, 2025.
The meeting will bring together member countries to coordinate solar energy programmes, exchange technical expertise, and mobilize financial and policy support for the continentโs solar transition.
The signing ceremony was held in Accra and attended by top officials from both parties, including ISAโs Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Wycliffe Joshua, Shishir Seth (Chief-Governance and Partnerships), Aditya Tiwari (Officer-Governance and Partnerships), and Ghanaโs Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor and Directors of the Ministry.
Hon. Jinapor praised the selection of Ghana, and observed the countryโs ongoing efforts to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.
โGhanaโs selection as host and our position as ISA Regional Vice President underscore our commitment to renewable energy leadership. Under President John Dramani Mahamaโs green transition agenda, we are creating a favourable environment for solar development through robust policy reforms and infrastructure investment,โ he said.
The Chief Operations Officer of ISA, Mr. Wycliffe Joshua expressed strong support for Ghanaโs leadership and renewable energy ambitions. โWe thank Ghana for hosting this vital regional forum.
This meeting will help assess progress, identify strategic priorities and strengthen cooperation for a solar-powered future. Ghanaโs launch of a Renewable Energy Authority and plans for a Green Energy Investment Fund are bold steps that set a precedent across the continent,โ he remarked.
Ghanaโs role is expected to catalyze innovation, unlock investment, and accelerate the deployment of solar technologies across Africa. As a founding member of ISA, Ghana has consistently demonstrated its dedication to renewable energy and sustainable development.
The International Solar Alliance, a global initiative, aims to combat climate change through collaborative solar energy solutions. With Ghana hosting the regional committee, Africa is poised to make significant strides in solar adoption and energy transformation.
Source: Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticised senior United States lawmaker Jim Rischย for his recent remarks over the Ghanaian government’s foreign policy on its debt repayment.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jim Rischย complained about Ghana’s reported failure to honour its commitment to repay United States companies.
“Instead of a trip to D.C., Ghana’s foreign minister should focus on honoring his government’s commitments to repay U.S. companies and the American taxpayers,” he wrote.
He added, “We cannot keep subsidizing Ghana while it continues paying far larger debts to China.”
In response, Mr Ablakwa noted that Jim Risch lacks the moral standing to discuss such matters, as he has refused “to engage in same advocacy for the payment of reparations by the US for its despicable and condemnable role in slavery.”
He also noted that the lawmaker lacks the authority and cannot dictate to the West African country how it goes about its foreign policy.
“You will not be allowed to dictate to a sovereign country on how we conduct our foreign policy if you need to be reminded – this is Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana – the first African nation to defeat colonialism and imperialism.”
“Let me be clear, those measly debts compared to what you owe us in reparations would be paid when we deem appropriate based on our prudent economic recovery program even though the debt was not created by the new Mahama Administration. Unlike you, we take responsibility and honour our national obligations,” Mr Ablakwa added.
Ghanaโs Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), launched in December 2022, has significantly influenced the domestic debt market. The government has relied on short-term securities to finance the budget, raising GHยข45.4 billion in net proceeds from treasury bill issuances.
The government remains committed to honoring its debt obligations, having successfully paid GHยข19.0 billion in DDEP bond coupons in 2024 and an additional GHยข9.5 billion in February 2025. The Finance Ministry believes these efforts, coupled with effective engagement with market participants, will enhance transparency, restore investor confidence, and stabilize the financial market.
President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his full weight behind the African Unionโs agenda this year to seek justice for Africans and people of African descent who have been directly and indirectly affected by colonialism and slavery.
Delivering his African Day 2025 message based on the Unionโs theme this year, โJustice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,โ the president emphasized the need for a united front in addressing the lingering effects of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, which he described as historical injustices that have cast a shadow on the lives and progress of Africans and Africans in the diaspora.
โAs the AU Champion for this critical cause, I am deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this vital objective. Reparations are not merely about financial compensation. They are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people,โ he said.
The president further outlined an approach to justice that involves official apologies from complicit nations and institutions, cancellation of unjust debt burdens, and return of stolen cultural artifacts, encouraging increased investment in African education and development as part of the reparation process.
โWe seek justiceโjustice that encompasses a comprehensive range of measures. Addressing the crippling debt burden that continues to stifle economic growth in many African nationsโa direct consequence of exploitation and unfair trade practicesโis essential,โ he said.
President Mahama urged fellow African leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and members of the diaspora to join hands in pushing for reparations, stressing the importance of advocacy, dialogue, and solidarity.
โLet us work together to build a future where justice prevails, where the wounds of the past are healed, and where the potential of every African and person of African descent is fully realized,โ he said.
He called on African leaders, civil society, and the diaspora to forge a united front. โLet Africa Day 2025 be a turning point. Let the pursuit of reparations be a testament to our resilience and belief in a brighter future,โ he remarked.
In an address on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC), Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted Africaโs resolve to secure justice for past wrongs while building a continent anchored in prosperity and unity.
โJustice and reparations remain long overdue,โ he said, adding that โthe continent continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war.โ
H.E. Youssouf underscored Africaโs strategic assetsโincluding a youthful and growing population, vast natural resources, and renewable energy potentialโas key drivers of a transformative future. With Africaโs population expected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, he described the continent not just as the future but as โthe engine of global transformation.โ
H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, Ethiopiaโs State Minister of Foreign Affairs, remarked that reparatory justice goes beyond redressing past wrongs. โIt is about affirming the dignity of our people and shaping a future rooted in fairness and accountability,โ she said.
Ambassador Abera called for deeper bonds between Africa and its diaspora to push for global recognition and restitution. She also pointed to the role of youth and digital innovation as critical to Africaโs future and urged investments in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and big data.
She concluded by pledging Ethiopiaโs unwavering support for Agenda 2063, the African Unionโs strategic vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant continent.
Meanwhile, UNESCO has reaffirmed its solidarity with the African Unionโs agenda. Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, the Director and UNESCO representative, announced the launch of a high-level roundtable later this year themed โReparations, Memory and Sovereignty: African Liberation Movements and the Relevance of Pan-Africanism Today.โ She described the initiative as a platform for policy exchange and action, not mere symbolism.
Righting the wrongs with African states
In 2024, the United Kingdom returned 32 gold and silver treasures stolen from the Asante Kingdom more than 150 years ago on a six-year loan.
The artefacts, comprising 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), were looted from the court of the Asante king during the turbulent 19th-century clashes between the British and the Asante people.
The relics, including gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante Royal Court, have been showcased at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, as part of the yearlong celebration honouring Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu IIโs silver jubilee.
Three years ago, Benin received two dozen treasures and artworks stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces during the sacking of the royal Palace of Abomey.
Currently, a Dutch museum is taking measures to send more than a hundred precious artefacts back to Nigeria. The Wereldmuseum in Leiden is preparing a collection of Benin Bronzes looted during a violent British raid in 1897.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced the formal submission of the Declaration of Commerciality (DoC) for the Eban-Akoma discoveries located within the Cape Three Points Block 4 (CTP-B4).
According to the ministry, this development is a significant milestone in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
The Declaration of Commerciality was submitted by the Joint Venture (JV) Partners comprising Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd, Vitol Upstream Tano Ltd, Woodfields Upstream Ghana Ltd, and GNPC Exploration & Production Company Ltd (Explorco) in collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
This declaration, submitted on 3rd July 2025, follows the successful completion of the Eban-Akoma Appraisal Programme pursuant to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919) and the CTP-B4 Petroleum Agreement.
The appraisal confirms the commercial viability of hydrocarbons discovered in the Eban-1X (oil) and Akoma-1X (gas and condensate) wells, paving the way for the development of new domestic energy sources.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, described the declaration as a clear testament to the Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources.
“The Declaration of Commerciality for the Eban-Akoma discoveries is a major boost to our oil and gas sector. It highlights the immense potential of our offshore resources to fuel economic transformation, enhance energy security, and drive Ghana’s industrialization agenda.”
“We commend the JV Partners and GNPC for their dedication to this strategic national asset,” the sector minister stated.
Following the declaration, the JV Partners intend to initiate the preparation of a comprehensive Plan of Development (PoD), which will focus on optimal resource recovery, value maximization, and the promotion of local content participation in line with national policy.
The ministry, working closely with the Petroleum Commission and GNPC, has noted that it will continue to provide the necessary oversight and support to ensure that the development of the Eban-Akoma project is conducted efficiently and in alignment with government priorities.
Further technical and commercial evaluations will also be undertaken to finalize a development framework that is mutually beneficial and aligned with Ghana’s long-term energy strategy.
“This milestone underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a transparent, investor-friendly, and resilient energy sector that delivers long-term value for the Ghanaian people,” the ministry noted.
The funeral of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andrรฉ Silva, is scheduled for today, July 5, at 10 a.m. local time in the Portuguese town of Gondomar.
The brothers died in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, at approximately 12:35 a.m. local time.
According to reports from ESPN the funeral will be held at the Matriz de Gondomar church, located 33 kilometres from Porto.
The bodies of Diogo Jota and his brother Andrรฉ Silva were sent to Gondomar, Portugal, on the night of Friday, July 4, just after 11:00 p.m. local time.
A convoy of hearses transported them from Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, near the site of the tragic crash, and they were met with quiet applause and mourning crowds outside the local chapel.
The funeral of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andrรฉ Silva, is scheduled for today, July 5, at 10 a.m. local time in the Portuguese town of Gondomar.
The brothers died in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, at approximately 12:35 a.m. local time.
According to reports from ESPN the funeral will be held at the Matriz de Gondomar church, located 33 kilometres from Porto.
There will be a wake from 4 p.m. local time on Friday.
The bodies of Diogo Jota and his brother Andrรฉ Silva were sent to Gondomar, Portugal, on the night of Friday, July 4, just after 11:00 p.m. local time.
A convoy of hearses transported them from Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, near the site of the tragic crash, and they were met with quiet applause and mourning crowds outside the local chapel.
According to ESPN as reported by Spain’s Guardia Civil (Civil Guard).An investigation team has reported that the two’s accident occured when they overtook a car, their tire blew which led to their veering of the road and crashing into a barrier, and then immediately burst into flames.
The Spanish government official, รngel Blanco, revealed that the car was completely burned and that the two players were inside the vehicle.
According to Miguel Gonรงalves, a Portuguese physiotherapist who had recently treated Jota, the Liverpool forward had been advised to travel by car instead of flying after undergoing minor surgery on his right lung at the end of the season. Jota won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal last month.
Due to the severity of the fire, authorities had to use DNA testing and documents found in the wreckage to confirm their identities.
The brothers were reportedly en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised not to fly following recent lung surgery.
Diogo recently got married two weeks ago to his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He is survived by three children. Diogo Jotaโs brother was a 25-year-old Penafiel player in the Portuguese 2nd League.
Tributes are pouring in to mourn the talented players.
Portuguese team player Ronaldo, who was shocked by the news, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Liverpool noted that the club is devastated by the news and refused to make further comment at this time.
The club, however, requested the privacy of Diogo and Andreโs family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
The Portuguese football federation has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.
The lawyer of Ghanaian international, Thomas Partey, has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.
The statement issued by Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, noted:
โThomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The lawyer noted that as legal proceedings are ongoing, her client will not make any further comment on the matter.
Thomas Partey who used to play for Arsenal, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The London Metropolitan Police reveal that the charges relate to three women. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.
He is expected to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal after being signed in 2020 for ยฃ45m but is now a free agent after his contract expired on Monday.
In June, Thomas Partey once again won the Player of the Year award at the 2025 edition of the Ghana Football Awards.
He beat both Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and Athletic Bilbaoโs Inaki Williams to bag the award.
This marked the third time the Ghanaian international has won the award, with the first and second bagged in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
According to reports, Partey won the award for his exceptional contributions to Arsenal and the Black Stars.
Thomas Partey who used to play for Arsenal, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The London Metropolitan Police reveal that the charges relate to three women. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.
He is expected to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal after being signed in 2020 for ยฃ45m but is now a free agent after his contract expired on Monday.
In June, Thomas Partey once again won the Player of the Year award at the 2025 edition of the Ghana Football Awards.
He beat both Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and Athletic Bilbaoโs Inaki Williams to bag the award.
This marked the third time the Ghanaian international has won the award, with the first and second bagged in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
According to reports, Partey won the award for his exceptional contributions to Arsenal and the Black Stars.
A man identified as Osei Kwame was arrested this week for unlawfully possessing a police uniform and wearing a police uniform without authority.
He was apprehended at Antoakrom in the Manso Nkwanta District of the Ashanti Region.
In a viral video, Osei Kwame appeared intoxicated while in a police uniform.
He is currently in police custody assisting the investigation, according to the Police Service.
For years, security agencies have cautioned members of the general public against wearing their uniforms without their authorisation.
Despite the continuous education and warnings issued to the general public to desist from these practices, the trend rather appears to be on the increase.
These unauthorised acts are in contravention of the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967, which is still in force.
This Decree in part states that; “no person shall wear or use any military uniforms, equipment, or accoutrements or other material unless he or she is a member of the Armed Forces of Ghana.”
On the matter, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has noted that it would not allow this situation to persist and will henceforth effect the arrests of culprits to face the full rigours of the law.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested two individuals for their involvement in the murder of a Lebanese national.
The deceased, Omar Mikati (58) was murdered on Friday, June 20, at his residence at East Legon, Accra.
The deceased was found dead in a pool of blood. A dispatched team from the Crime Scene Management Unit (CSMU) at the Police Headquarters collected relevant forensic evidence to commence the investigation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the perpetrator(s) fled the scene with the deceasedโs Samsung mobile phone.
They, however, left behind other items, including two iPhones and a GCB ATM card bearing the name Paul Twumasi Ankrah.
Further probing led to the arrest of Paul Twumasi Ankrah at Samsam Medie, who implicated his accomplice, one Asiedu Henning, alias Nana Kofi Anum.
On July 2, Asiedu Henning was arrested in an intelligence-led operation at his hideout in Kutunse.
He led police to a location where the CSMU team processed the scene and retrieved a knife that had been disposed of by the suspects. The exhibit knife is being processed for forensic analysis.
Both accused persons were put before the Adabraka District Court 1, where they have been remanded into Police custody to reappear on Tuesday, July 8.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been conveyed to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Parliament to summon the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) to answer questions on its decision to hold rerun elections in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 3, the Minority leader described the EC’s decision as unfair. He suggested that the Commission was being intimidated to take such a decision.
โWe are being told there will be a rerun in some polling stations. It is unfair and unjust. I donโt want to believe recent public comments by a senior politician are whatโs pushing the EC, perhaps to secure their job. It is not fair,โ he said.
โMaybe today this helps one side, but tomorrow, it could be the otherโs turn. Mr. Speaker, I humbly urge that the EC be scheduled to appear before this House. They must explain why, after earlier taking a firm position, they have now changed course.โ
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga argued otherwise, stating that โlet us not politicise this.”
“Let us not say that just because a chairman made a statement, the EC has been intimidated,โ he said.
This comes after the opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), challenged the Electoral Commission over its decision to hold rerun elections in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North Constituency on July 11.
Addressing the press on July 3, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, noted that the NPP will challenge the directive they deem as “whimsical, capricious” in court.
โThe NDC knows that they lost the election. We are in the NPP, shall stop at nothing in our quest to ensure that the power that has been respected and upheld by the democratic rights and sovereign will of the people of Ablekuma North, as expressed by them on December 7, 2024, is upheld.”
“Therefore, we have caused our legal directorate to challenge the directive in court. We shall file in court and challenge the whimsical, capricious directive by the EC,โ he said.
Prior to the presser, the party’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, in an interview on Channel One News, noted that the decision is unjustifiable as only three polling stations remained to be declared.
โI am not happy with it. We are not going to accept this decision. My reason is very simple. We have gone through all the collation, and we are at three polling stations for us to complete the collation and declaration, and so what changed? We had the EC coming to Parliament, swearing under oath that we have only three polling stations left, and consistently, that is what it has been so far,โ she explained.
The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
“It is instructive to note that, the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned polling station resultsโagents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those polling stations,” the Commission noted in a statement.
The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.
The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, 12th June, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new developments regarding the said constituency.
The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last meeting remained unchanged.
The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun in thirty-seven (37) polling stations because scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were used to collate the results, were provided by the NPP.
The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding polling stations be collated and a winner declared, since the NDC agents had verified and confirmed the scanned polling station results they presented.
Ablekuma North remains the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, months after the 2024 general elections, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.
On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.
However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.
Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.
These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.
By January 6, only seven polling station results remained uncollated. Yet the process came to a standstill as the EC began engaging both major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Both the NPP and the NDC have declared victory in the December parliamentary elections.
The NPP maintains that its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, emerged the winner based on Electoral Commission figures, while the NDC insists that Ewurabena Aubyn was rightfully elected by the people.
Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman noted the Commission will only resort to a re-run after all measures have been exhausted.
โSo, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we donโt have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,โ he said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, warned that the continued delay poses a serious threat to Ghanaโs democratic reputation and the integrity of its electoral system.
He cautioned that how the dispute is handled will shape public trust in Ghanaโs electoral processes well beyond the current cycle.
โThis is a pivotal moment. The way we handle the collation in Ablekuma North will resonate across the country. It will set the tone, not only for this election, but also for public confidence in the years to come,โ Dr. Yohuno stated.
Meanwhile, the EC has called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.
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Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is reviewing its dress code enforcement protocols.
This is to ensure that engagements between staff and students reflect the university’s core values of integrity, respect, and service.
As part of this, additional training will be provided to the Dress Code Compliance Team to reinforce appropriate conduct while performing their duties.
This comes after management of the university swiftly initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts of a widely circulated video on social media involving an altercation between a member of the university’s Dress Code Compliance Team and the student.
After investigations, management noted that the behaviour of the staff was unacceptable and condemned it outright.
“As a professional university whose core values are integrity, respect, and service, UPSA holds the dignity and well-being of every student as paramount and reaffirms that no staff member has the right to mistreat any student under any circumstances,” management noted in a statement.
As such, the officer involved in the incident has apologised to the student, acknowledging the inappropriate behavior.
In response, the student also wrote a letter to the University Management expressing regret for her conduct.
Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has rendered an apology to the Level 100 female student who was mistreated by a member of the university’s Dress Code Compliance Team.
The university noted that it is committed to promoting a respectful and professional campus environment.
According to management, UPSA has long been guided by a culture of discipline, integrity, and professionalism, with the dress code policy serving as a key pillar in preparing students for the corporate world.
“This Policy, which is clearly outlined in the Student Handbook, is not arbitrary or subjective but is designed to instill in students the corporate culture and values expected in professional environments. “
“Every student signs up for the dress code policy. Generations of UPSA alumni, many of whom now hold influential positions in various sectors of the country, attest to the lasting benefits of this professional culture in shaping their careers,” management noted.
UPSA has assured all stakeholders that enforcement of the same will always be carried out with respect and civility, taking cognizance of due process.
“UPSA remains dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and professional learning environment for all students and staff. The University appreciates the concerns raised and reassures the public that the incident has been addressed holistically,” the statement added.
The viral video has generated diverse opinions from the general public with some supporting the school’s policy and others calling for a review.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has rendered an apology to the Level 100 female student who was mistreated by a member of the university’s Dress Code Compliance Team.
His apology comes after the management of the university swiftly initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts of a widely circulated video on social media involving an altercation between a member of the university’s Dress Code Compliance Team and the student.
After investigations, management noted that the behaviour of the staff was unacceptable and condemned it outright.
“As a professional university whose core values are integrity, respect, and service, UPSA holds the dignity and well-being of every student as paramount and reaffirms that no staff member has the right to mistreat any student under any circumstances,” management noted in a statement.
The university noted that it is committed to promoting a respectful and professional campus environment.
As such, the officer involved in the incident has apologised to the student, acknowledging the inappropriate behavior.
In response, the student also wrote a letter to the University Management expressing regret for her conduct.
Presently, management is reviewing the dress code enforcement protocols to ensure that engagements between staff and students reflect the university’s core values of integrity, respect, and service.
As part of this, additional training will be provided to the Dress Code Compliance Team to reinforce appropriate conduct while performing their duties.
According to management, UPSA has long been guided by a culture of discipline, integrity, and professionalism, with the dress code policy serving as a key pillar in preparing students for the corporate world.
“This Policy, which is clearly outlined in the Student Handbook, is not arbitrary or subjective but is designed to instill in students the corporate culture and values expected in professional environments. “
“Every student signs up for the dress code policy. Generations of UPSA alumni, many of whom now hold influential positions in various sectors of the country, attest to the lasting benefits of this professional culture in shaping their careers,” management noted.
UPSA has assured all stakeholders that enforcement of the same will always be carried out with respect and civility, taking cognizance of due process.
“UPSA remains dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and professional learning environment for all students and staff. The University appreciates the concerns raised and reassures the public that the incident has been addressed holistically,” the statement added.
The viral video has generated diverse opinions from the general public with some supporting the school’s policy and others calling for a review.
The National Police Training School is holding a passing-out ceremony for 1,194 recruits who have successfully completed their rigorous training programme.
The recruits, having undergone months of physical and academic training.
In attendance are senior officers, dignitaries and families of the recruits.
https://web.facebook.com/GhPoliceService/videos/1443004243499881
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has revealed that a new deadline has been provided to Next-Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to roll out the 5G infrastructure.
The company missed its June deadline to roll out the infrastructure, compelling the government to reschedule the rollout to the fourth quarter of 2025.
Engaging the media on Thursday, July 3, the sector minister noted that upon rollout, “at least 50 live 5G sites are expected to be operational in Accra and Kumasi.”
โWe have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline,” he added.
According to Mr George, should the company fail to meet the Q4 deadline, “the Ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence terms.”
NGIC, the Minister said, as of July 3, has deployed 16 5G-ready sites, and also the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) approval for its core network infrastructure.
In November last year, former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced that the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has been granted exclusive rights to establish a nationwide 4G/5G network for the next decade.
This arrangement, she explained, allows NGIC to invest in infrastructure for high-speed connectivity across the country, providing a shared platform for all network operators.
Speaking at the launch of Ghanaโs 5G service in Accra on November 1, 2024, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said, โWe have chosen a policy-driven approach to develop a neutral, shared wholesale network for 5G deployment, addressing issues from previous spectrum auctions.โ With NGICโs 10-year exclusivity, she emphasized that network operators will now focus on competing through service quality rather than network expansion.
โIf youโre within the initial 5G service areas and still lack access by December, hold your network provider accountableโthey are required to provide this service,โ she added.
The Minister highlighted affordability as a key component of the 5G rollout, noting that the government is working with telecom providers to offer budget-friendly data plans. Additionally, public-private partnerships are being explored to reduce consumer costs, aiming to make 5G accessible to diverse groups, from businesses and students to low-income households.
โOur objective is to build a digital ecosystem where high-speed internet is accessible to all,โ she said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, also speaking at the event, called on Ghanaiansโparticularly the youthโto embrace 5G responsibly, highlighting its potential to advance Ghana’s digital transformation. He warned against misuse that could lead to cybersecurity and privacy issues, urging both users and regulators to safeguard against digital threats.
โ5G is a powerful catalyst for shaping Ghanaโs future, and with its powers come the responsibility to use it wisely,โ he stated. โWe must ensure that 5G strengthens unity and drives progress, especially for the youth, who stand to gain immensely from this digital age.โ
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, will today engage the leadership of MultiChoice Ghana to discuss a possible reduction in fees for DSTV subscriptions.
This comes after issues of affordability became topical in recent months after an increase in subscription fees in April.
The sector minister made this known when he engaged the media on July 3, on key initiatives and developments within the sector under the second quarter.
“Last week, I invited the senior leadership of MultiChoice Ghana to a formal dialogue on DSTV’s subscription pricing in Ghana. The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money, and fairness in service delivery. I made it clear the ministry’s expectation that pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context,” he said.
“I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, even though it’s a public holiday, with the Ghana team and their South African counterparts, the management from South Africa, they arrived tonight to agree on a way forward on the issues raised,” the minister indicated.
He further said; “The outcomes will be shared with the public in due course. This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of citizens. I’ll make you one promise, I won’t leave tomorrow’s meeting without securing a drop in the pricing of DSTV. That is a solemn promise I make to you.”
Subscribers of DStv across Africa, effective April 1, 2025, experienced a price increase of over 15% on their monthly subscription fees.
The pay-TV provider cited rising consumer inflation and economic challenges as key factors influencing the decision.
According to the new pricing structure, in Ghana, the cost of the premium package rose from GHC750 to GHC865, representing a 15.33% increase. The Compact Plus package moved from GHC495 to GHC570, marking a 15.15% jump, while the Compact package increased from GHC330 to GHC380, also reflecting a 15.15% rise.
The Family package now costs GHC190, up from GHC165, indicating a 15.15% increase, whereas the Access package went up by 16.47%, from GHC85 to GHC99.
Subscribers to the DStv Lite package experienced the highest percentage surge of 18.00%, moving from GHC50 to GHC59. The DStv-Asia Standalone package climbed by 14.75%, from GHC305 to GHC350. The Great Wall Add-on increased from GHC70 to GHC80, marking a 14.29% rise.
For those subscribed to the French content add-ons, the French Add-on now costs GHC250, up from GHC215 (16.28% increase), while the French Plus Add-on rose from GHC435 to GHC500, reflecting a 14.94% increase. The French Touch Add-on costs GHC150, up from GHC130, marking a 15.38% increase.
The cost of premium packages with add-ons has also been adjusted. Premium with Asia Add-on increased from GHC1,055 to GHC1,215 (15.17% increase), while Premium with French Add-on now costs GHC1,365, up from GHC1,185 (15.19% increase). The HD-PVR service rose by 15.00%, from GHC100 to GHC115.
Following this, consumer rights organization CUTS International pushed for government intervention in MultiChoice Ghana Limitedโs decision to raise subscription fees, arguing that customers were given inadequate notice ahead of the increase.
Less than a month ago, MultiChoice Ghana announced an upgrade in all of its DStv and GOtv packages as well as a reduction in the price of its decoders, from GHยข169 to GHยข89, due to the rebound of the economy.
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in some seven judges he nominated to the Supreme Court.
This comes after Parliament approved the nomination of these individuals after they were vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
The nominees Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba were made to administer the oath of service at Jubilee House.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has urged Ghanaโs Parliament to help in building strong institutions through democracy.
According to him, the principle of democracy unites people, promotes human rights, and the honourable members have the responsibility to nurture it.
โWhen we look at Ghana, we see a nation that shines with courage, rises above history, and turns every challenge into creativity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress truly makes Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,โ he said.
Prime Minister Modi made these remarks when he addressed Ghanaโs Parliament during his two-day official visit to Ghana.
The Indian leader emphasised on the long historical friendship that exist between Ghana and India, stressing that the relations have no bounds. โExcuse me to say our friendship is sweeter than your famous pineappleโ he noted in the midst of smile.
Commenting on the contribution of the sub-region to development, Prime Minister Modi was of the view that Africa needs credible and effective reforms which will inform global governance.
โAfrica sits at the higher place of the global tableโ he stated.
He made the House aware that despite the huge number of 2,500 political parties in India, the country can pride itself as the model of democracy because it has the patience and the heart to accommodate everyone.
He noted that by the year 2047 India will be celebrating 100 years of independence and it is the aim of the people to make India a developed country by the time of the celebration.
He later invited all Members of Parliament to find time to visit Indianโs new Parliament and foster good relations with their counterparts and also form Ghana โ India Parliamentary Association for future parliamentary related purposes.
The precise remarks by the Prime Minister were met with applause from Members of Parliament who were dressed officially and traditional wears of both Ghana and India.
The Prime Ministerโs delegation was led by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on behalf of Members of Parliament thanked Prime Minister Modi and his delegation for the official visit.
The Indian Prime Ministerโs official visit is part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations between Ghana and India, with a focus on trade, technology, education, and cultural exchange.
Source: Parliament of Ghana
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has informed the general public that his planned SIM re-registration can only take place after a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has been presented to Parliament.
During a press briefing on Thursday, July 3, Mr George noted that the previous L.I. presented sometime in 2010 is no longer fit for purpose.
He stated that the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the ministry are working together to submit a new L.I. to guide the SIM card registration process.
“I want everything we do as a ministry to be backed by law, and so we will go back to Parliament, lay the L.I., and once it is matured, we will then roll out the SIM registration”, he said.
According to the sector minister, the NCA has implemented the overhaul of the entire SIM re-registration exercise and structured it into three phases.
Phase 1 will be the biometric validation and data cleanup. Phase 2 is going to be the controlled new registration, and Phase 3 will be business seam verification and deactivation of non-compliant records.
The SIM card re-registration exercise, said to be a simplified process aimed at eliminating long queues and enhancing convenience for citizens, was to have taken place at the beginning of the month.
However, that will not be the case. Nonetheless, the sector minister has assured Ghanaians that “this SIM registration will be like none youโve ever seen.”
“There will be no queues or loss of man-hours. You will do it electronically. Youโll get the messages, and that is the work the NCA is currently doingโabout 80 percent complete in terms of the biometric data cleanup. It has removed a lot of biometric data. Thereโs no need for you to come back and resubmit that data if we can access that data, clean it, and matchย itย withย you,” he added during Thursday’s engagement with the media.
He is optimistic about the SIM registration exercise commencing before the end of the third quarter, September.
“Iโm sure before the end of quarter 3, we will be in a position to officially announce the public start of the SIMย registration,” Mr George remarked.
The SIM card re-registration exercise, which initially began in 2021, saw several deadline extensions due to lower-than-expected registration rates. The exercise required all SIM card holders to re-register their cards using their Ghana Card, the official national identity document.
The low registration rates led to millions of unregistered active SIM cards, prompting the government to extend the deadlines on multiple occasions. This situation sparked concerns regarding data security and the potential for fraudulent registrations via the mobile app.
The governmentโs main goal behind the SIM card re-registration exercise is to strengthen national security by limiting criminal activities that are often enabled by unregistered SIM cards.
Additionally, the move aims to enhance industry regulation by ensuring that all registered SIM cards are linked to accurate and valid data.
Traditional priestess turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, is going to spend 15 years in prison for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
The Circuit Court in Accra delivered its sentence after it confirmed that she is not pregnant.
In 2022, she was accused of luring her victims through claims that she possessed spiritual powers to double their money.
Initially admitting guilt to charges including fraudulent advertising and obtaining money under false pretenses, she spent two weeks in remand before being granted bail of GHโต150,000 with three sureties, one requiring justification.
She tricked members of the Godsway International Heaven Church into handing over their cash during a night vigil service at her church in Weija, Accra.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Oppong Adorye, known in showbiz as Empress Gifty, has dragged Evangelist Mama Pat, popularly known as Agradaa, to court for defaming her.
In a video targeting Empress Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye, Agradaa extended her attacks to the singer, accusing her of engaging in bestiality and unfaithful activities.
According to Gifty, other bloggers have leveraged Agradaa’s statement to spread false narratives about her.
This has affected the “Watch Me” singer and her family, as their children are being ridiculed by friends in school.
In addition to the negative impact of Agradaa’s conduct, lawyers of Empress Gifty say her trip abroad slated for August has been jeopardized.
The words used by Agradaa are interpreted to mean the following:
a) The plaintiff is promiscuous and a prostitute.
b) The plaintiff is a zoophile who flirts with dogs to earn her money to cater for her husband.
c) The plaintiff is an adulterous or an unchaste wife who has extramarital affairs with other men, and most of her paramours are pastors.
d) Pastors who invite the Plaintiff to their programs have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before the Plaintiff mounts the pulpit to sing.
e) The plaintiff is an imbecile.
Consequently, Empress Gifty is claiming the sum of twenty million Ghana Cedis for damages for slander.
She is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendant, along with associates, agents, and anyone acting on her behalf, from making further publications of the same or similar defamatory statements.
More soon…..
The opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), has challenged the Electoral Commission over its decision to hold rerun elections in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North Constituency on July 11.
Addressing the press on July 3, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, noted that the NPP will challenge the directive they deem as “whimsical, capricious” in court.
โThe NDC knows that they lost the election. We are in the NPP, shall stop at nothing in our quest to ensure that the power that has been respected and upheld by the democratic rights and sovereign will of the people of Ablekuma North, as expressed by them on December 7, 2024, is upheld.”
“Therefore, we have caused our legal directorate to challenge the directive in court. We shall file in court and challenge the whimsical, capricious directive by the EC,โ he said.
Prior to the presser, the party’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, in an interview on Channel One News, noted that the decision is unjustifiable as only three polling stations remained to be declared.
โI am not happy with it. We are not going to accept this decision. My reason is very simple. We have gone through all the collation, and we are at three polling stations for us to complete the collation and declaration, and so what changed? We had the EC coming to Parliament, swearing under oath that we have only three polling stations left, and consistently, that is what it has been so far,โ she explained.
The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
“It is instructive to note that, the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned polling station resultsโagents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those polling stations,” the Commission noted in a statement.
The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.
The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, 12th June, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new developments regarding the said constituency.
The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last meeting remained unchanged.
The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun in thirty-seven (37) polling stations because scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were used to collate the results, were provided by the NPP.
The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding polling stations be collated and a winner declared, since the NDC agents had verified and confirmed the scanned polling station results they presented.
Ablekuma North remains the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, months after the 2024 general elections, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.
On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.
However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.
Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.
These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.
By January 6, only seven polling station results remained uncollated. Yet the process came to a standstill as the EC began engaging both major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Both the NPP and the NDC have declared victory in the December parliamentary elections.
The NPP maintains that its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, emerged the winner based on Electoral Commission figures, while the NDC insists that Ewurabena Aubyn was rightfully elected by the people.
Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman noted the Commission will only resort to a re-run after all measures have been exhausted.
โSo, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we donโt have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,โ he said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, warned that the continued delay poses a serious threat to Ghanaโs democratic reputation and the integrity of its electoral system.
He cautioned that how the dispute is handled will shape public trust in Ghanaโs electoral processes well beyond the current cycle.
โThis is a pivotal moment. The way we handle the collation in Ablekuma North will resonate across the country. It will set the tone, not only for this election, but also for public confidence in the years to come,โ Dr. Yohuno stated.
Meanwhile, the EC has called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.
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Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, will on Friday, July 4, engage the leadership of MultiChoice Ghana to discuss a possible reduction in fees for DSTV subscriptions.
This comes after issues of affordability became topical in recent months after an increase in subscription fees in April.
The sector minister made this known when he engaged the media today, July 3, on key initiatives and developments within the sector under the second quarter.
“Last week, I invited the senior leadership of MultiChoice Ghana to a formal dialogue on DSTV’s subscription pricing in Ghana. The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money, and fairness in service delivery. I made it clear the ministry’s expectation that pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context,” he said.
“I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, even though it’s a public holiday, with the Ghana team and their South African counterparts, the management from South Africa, they arrived tonight to agree on a way forward on the issues raised,” the minister indicated.
He further said; “The outcomes will be shared with the public in due course. This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of citizens. I’ll make you one promise, I won’t leave tomorrow’s meeting without securing a drop in the pricing of DSTV. That is a solemn promise I make to you.”
Subscribers of DStv across Africa, effective April 1, 2025, experienced a price increase of over 15% on their monthly subscription fees.
The pay-TV provider cited rising consumer inflation and economic challenges as key factors influencing the decision.
According to the new pricing structure, in Ghana, the cost of the premium package rose from GHC750 to GHC865, representing a 15.33% increase. The Compact Plus package moved from GHC495 to GHC570, marking a 15.15% jump, while the Compact package increased from GHC330 to GHC380, also reflecting a 15.15% rise.
The Family package now costs GHC190, up from GHC165, indicating a 15.15% increase, whereas the Access package went up by 16.47%, from GHC85 to GHC99.
Subscribers to the DStv Lite package experienced the highest percentage surge of 18.00%, moving from GHC50 to GHC59. The DStv-Asia Standalone package climbed by 14.75%, from GHC305 to GHC350. The Great Wall Add-on increased from GHC70 to GHC80, marking a 14.29% rise.
For those subscribed to the French content add-ons, the French Add-on now costs GHC250, up from GHC215 (16.28% increase), while the French Plus Add-on rose from GHC435 to GHC500, reflecting a 14.94% increase. The French Touch Add-on costs GHC150, up from GHC130, marking a 15.38% increase.
The cost of premium packages with add-ons has also been adjusted. Premium with Asia Add-on increased from GHC1,055 to GHC1,215 (15.17% increase), while Premium with French Add-on now costs GHC1,365, up from GHC1,185 (15.19% increase). The HD-PVR service rose by 15.00%, from GHC100 to GHC115.
Following this, consumer rights organization CUTS International pushed for government intervention in MultiChoice Ghana Limitedโs decision to raise subscription fees, arguing that customers were given inadequate notice ahead of the increase.
Less than a month ago, MultiChoice Ghana announced an upgrade in all of its DStv and GOtv packages as well as a reduction in the price of its decoders, from GHยข169 to GHยข89, due to the rebound of the economy.
The Ghana Cocoa Board, in collaboration with the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and other stakeholders, has launched the Ghana Cocoa Monitor.
The monitor will check duplication of sustainability programmes, ensure transparency, and build trust among government, civil society, the private sector, and farmers.
It will also support efforts at tackling challenges such as child labour, deforestation, and climate change in the cocoa sector.
This platform will promote a more collaborative approach to tackling challenges facing the cocoa sector and provide real-time insights for informed decision-making on cocoa sustainability.
Recently, Barry Callebaut Chief Executive Officer Mr. Peter Feld reaffirmed his companyโs longstanding collaboration with COCOBOD and emphasised the importance of strengthening ties in a bid to sustain the cocoa industry.
He also highlighted key concerns, including price stability, continuous business development, and the crucial need for consistent cocoa and chocolate exports to support the global supply chain.
He called for renewed support for smallholder farmers, whom he described as โthe backbone of the industryโ, and advocated for deeper partnerships that will empower farmers and sustain cocoa production in the face of rising threats.
Mr. Feld further raised concerns over the growing menace of illegal mining, which continues to encroach on cocoa farmlands and urged both institutions to critically address the issue, warning that it poses a significant risk to the future of cocoa cultivation and livelihoods
โThere must be a strong partnership between Barry Callebaut and COCOBOD to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The need to protect cocoa farms from destructive mining activities cannot be overemphasised,โ he stated.
In response, COCOBODโs Chief Executive, Dr. Randy Abbey, assured the Barry Callebaut delegation of the boardโs unwavering commitment to partnership and transparency.
โThere is nothing to be sceptical about. Our interest is the same, the sustainability of the cocoa industry,โ he said.
Dr. Abbey emphasised the need for crop financing to continue, as long as it aligns with Ghanaian laws and does not undermine national interests. He added that COCOBOD remains committed to building appropriate systems and mechanisms that ensure mutual growth for all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain.
The Acting Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Ato Boateng, touched on the issue of illegal mining and gave firm assurance that COCOBOD will confront the challenge head-on by introducing punitive measures against farmers and landowners who allow cocoa farms to be converted into mining fields.
โThis cannot continue. We are taking a firm stand. Sanity must prevail in the industry,โ he stressed. He revealed that enforcement mechanisms are being developed in collaboration with other government agencies to protect cocoa-growing areas from further degradation.
He also reiterated managementโs support for deepening collaboration with international partners to safeguard the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.
The meeting with Barry Callebaut, one of the worldโs leading maker of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, marks an important step in enhancing public-private sector cooperation in the cocoa sector, with both institutions pledging to champion sustainable cocoa production.
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama will today swear in some seven judges he nominated to the Supreme Court.
This comes after Parliament approved the nomination of these individuals after they were vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
The nominees Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba will be made to administer the oath of service at Jubilee House.
The vetting process for the nominees faced a disruption after a petition filed led to the brief suspension of Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo’s interrogation.
The petition was brought before the Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, June 19, by an acclaimed international human rights activist, Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who levelled serious allegations of judicial bias against the nominee.
Addressing the media, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, described the petition as โfrivolous, vexatious, and a complete abuse of process,” thereby dismissing it.
He based the decision on Article 127(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects judges from legal action regarding their judicial conduct.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also condemned the increasing trend of using baseless allegations to publicly tarnish the reputations of accomplished individuals. Following this, the vetting process resumed.
The Appointments Committee is chaired by Bernard Ahiafor and assisted by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Other members of the committee also include, Alexander Afenyo-Markin (Ranking Member), Patricia Appiagyei (Deputy Ranking Member), Mahama Ayariga (Majority Leader), Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Patrick Yaw Boamah, Shaibu Mahama, Alhassan Umar, and Kwame Governs Agbodza.
About the nominees
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei โ A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he was elected to the African Court on Human and Peoplesโ Rights in 2022 for a six-year term. He has served as Director of the Judicial Training Institute and Dean of the Faculty of Law at GIMPA. He is an Adjunct Professor of law at multiple universities.
Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh โ Appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2010, he previously served as the Supervising High Court Judge in the Eastern Region and is known for his expertise in constitutional and administrative law and represents Court of Appeal judges on Ghanaโs Judicial Council.
Justice Senyo Dzamefe โ A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he chaired the Dzamefe Commission, which investigated Ghanaโs performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was elected President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in 2018.
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo – A Court of Appeal judge, has emphasised the need for legal education reforms and has advocated for the integration of artificial intelligence into Ghanaโs legal system to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Justice Philip Bright Mensah โ Known for his contributions to appellate jurisprudence, he recently presided over a Court of Appeal panel that directed the Accra High Court to adopt proceedings from a previous trial in the Republic vs. Stephen Kwabena Opuni case.
Justice Janpere Bartels-Kodwo โ A Court of Appeal judge, he has been nominated to strengthen the Supreme Courtโs capacity amid increasing demands on Ghanaโs judiciary.
Justice Hafisata Ameleboba โ A Court of Appeal judge, she has been involved in key judicial decisions and reforms. Her nomination is expected to bring diversity and expertise to the Supreme Court.
Minister responsible for Interior, Honourable Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has revealed a number of measures the government and its agencies will put in place to check the rate of drowning incidents involving students and others in rural areas.
This follows the recent boat incident along the Black Volta Basin that claimed the lives of seven students of Lawra Senior High School (SHS) on June 14.
Appearing before Parliament on Wednesday, July 2, the sector minister noted that there will be regular sensitisation of canoe owners or operators and residents along the Black Volta Basin, and sensitization of students and identifiable bodies on maritime safety.
Also, the Ghana Maritime Authority will provide life jackets to canoe operators along the river, conduct regular monitoring of canoe operators to ensure safety on the river, and ensure all canoes are regularly maintained.
In direct relation to the recent tragic incident, psychosocial assistance will be provided to students of the Lawra Senior High School, especially to the three survivors.
These measures will be put in place to avert future drowning of residents at Lawra Dikpe-Road in the Upper West Region.
All members of the schoolโs cadet group, had decided to jog along the riverside at Dikpe on Saturday morning, June 14.
There were a total of 16 of them, 11 girls and 5 boys. Ten of the 16 students, including 8 girls and 2 boys, chose to board a canoe managed by a young boy in an attempt to cross the Black Volta River at Dikpe.
Their commander jumped into the river to save the lives of his comrades and was able to rescue three students.
Tragically, seven of them perished in the water. The seven deceased students came from various parts of the Upper West Region: two from Lawra Constituency, two from Daffiama/Bussie/Issah, one from Nandom, one from Wa, and one from Nadowli/Kaleo.
The bodies of the deceased have been released to their respective families for burial.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Lawra, Hon. Bide A. Ziedieng, has called for public education on security measures that must be ensured during transportation by water bodies.
This is not the first time lives, especially those of students, have been lost to drowning on the Black Volta.
In 2023, some eight students drowned in the Volta Lake in the Sene East District on their way to school.
This prompted calls on the government to provide life jackets to pupils and staff in island communities who commute by water.
Eduwatch Africa called on the Ghana Education Service and other relevant stakeholders to roll out measures to avert such disasters in the future.
“In the immediate term, we urge the Ghana Education Service (GES) to facilitate the availability of life jackets to all school children and staff who sail to and from school, not only in the Sene East district, but all other ‘island and settler communities’ where children and staff commute by water transport to school.
The GES should in collaboration with the relevant state agencies, facilitate health and safety orientation sessions for all its pupils and staff in island communities”, portions of the group’s statement read.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) donated 100 life jackets and learning materials to the Atigagorme and Wayokope communities in the Sene East District.
Then Director-General of GES, Dr Eric Nkansah, said the donation was an interim safety and security measure for school children.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, is addressing Parliament today as part of his official two-day visit to Ghana.
Yesterday, President Mahama hosted a state dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi and his delegation after receiving them.
The two leaders engaged in discussions aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and energy.
Following a joint press conference addressed by President Mahama and Prime Minister Modi, they signed several bilateral agreements to consolidate cooperation frameworks between Ghana and India.
President John Mahama conferred on PM Modi Ghanaโs highest national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, on Wednesday, July 2.
The New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, has opposed the Electoral Commission’s decision to hold rerun elections in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North Constituency.
In an interview on Channel One News, Afriyie noted that the decision is unjustifiable as only three polling stations remained to be declared.
She noted that the opposition party will not accept a rerun expected to take place on Friday, July 11.
โI am not happy with it. We are not going to accept this decision. My reason is very simple. We have gone through all the collation, and we are at three polling stations for us to complete the collation and declaration, and so what changed? We had the EC coming to Parliament, swearing under oath that we have only three polling stations left, and consistently, that is what it has been so far,โ she explained.
The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
“It is instructive to note that, the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned polling station resultsโagents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those polling stations,” the Commission noted in a statement.
The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.
The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, 12th June, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new developments regarding the said constituency.
The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last meeting remained unchanged.
The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun in thirty-seven (37) polling stations because scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were used to collate the results, were provided by the NPP.
The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding polling stations be collated and a winner declared, since the NDC agents had verified and confirmed the scanned polling station results they presented.
Ablekuma North remains the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, months after the 2024 general elections, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.
On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.
However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.
Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.
These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.
By January 6, only seven polling station results remained uncollated. Yet the process came to a standstill as the EC began engaging both major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Both the NPP and the NDC have declared victory in the December parliamentary elections.
The NPP maintains that its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, emerged the winner based on Electoral Commission figures, while the NDC insists that Ewurabena Aubyn was rightfully elected by the people.
Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman noted the Commission will only resort to a re-run after all measures have been exhausted.
โSo, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we donโt have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,โ he said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, warned that the continued delay poses a serious threat to Ghanaโs democratic reputation and the integrity of its electoral system.
He cautioned that how the dispute is handled will shape public trust in Ghanaโs electoral processes well beyond the current cycle.
โThis is a pivotal moment. The way we handle the collation in Ablekuma North will resonate across the country. It will set the tone, not only for this election, but also for public confidence in the years to come,โ Dr. Yohuno stated.
Meanwhile, the EC has called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed his commitment to fostering the bilateral relation between Ghana and India.
He gave this assurance via a post on X (formerly Twitter) after President John Mahama conferred on him Ghanaโs highest national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on Wednesday, July 2.
In reaction to the honour done him, H.E. Modi thanked the Ghanaian people.
“I thank the people and Government of Ghana for conferring โThe Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghanaโ upon me. This honour is dedicated to the bright future of our youth, their aspirations, our rich cultural diversity and the historical ties between India and Ghana.”
He added that “this honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner,” he wrote in a post on X.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1940529345908674868/photo/4
The president bestowed this honour on H.E. Modi at a state banquet held in his honour at the presidency.
The honorary conferment, President Mahama, was in recognition of Modi’s โdistinguished statesmanship and influential global leadershipโ.
He also commended the Prime Minister for his 2-day state visit to Ghana which commenced on Wednesday, highlighting both countries historical ties and former leaders of the respective countries contributions to democracy and emancipation.
โThis visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghanaโs first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Indiaโs former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehruโ, he noted.
The gesture also served as a symbolic tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India.
President Mahama received the Indian leader at the airport with full state honours, including a guard of honour and cultural performances, ahead of bilateral talks at the Jubilee House.
His visit to Ghana marks a significant milestone for both countries, as this marks his first-ever visit to the country, since his 11 years of being Prime Minister and notably, the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 3 decades.
India has been a key development partner to Ghana, providing credit facilities and grants that have supported landmark projects such as the Jubilee House, Komenda Sugar Factory, Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, and the Yendi Water Supply Project.
During the visit, both countries signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors including health, education, trade, agriculture, and security.
He called for enhanced investment collaboration and broad-based support for Ghanaโs economic reset agenda.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Felipe, have died in a tragic car accident in Spain.
According to a report from the Spanish police, the road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
“A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
“Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe,” the statement further added.
Diogo recently got married two weeks ago to his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He is survived by three children. Diogo Jotaโs brother was a 25-year-old Penafiel player in the Portuguese 2nd League.
Tributes are pouring in to mourn the talented players.
Portuguese team player Ronaldo, who was shocked by the news, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Liverpool noted that the club is devastated by the news and refused to make further comment at this time.
The club, however, requested the privacy of Diogo and Andreโs family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
The Portuguese football federation has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Here’s the statement in full:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.
“Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has disclosed that the government has engaged the European Union (EU) through the Ghana-European Union dialogue, to address the concerns raised by the union.
In 2021, Ghana was issued a yellow card by the European Union after being identified as a non-compliant third country in the fight against illegal fishing activities.
According to the minister, the recent engagement included the implementation of an action plan, periodic update reports, and validation exercises.
โWe are happy to report that Ghana has made significant progress in resolving key concerns, primarily related to lapses in the regulatory framework, fisheries enforcement, and traceability,” she stated when she appeared before the House on Tuesday, July 1.
The minister made this statement in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua, Hon. Seth Osei-Akoto, regarding the immediate measures the ministry is implementing to sanitize Ghanaโs fishing sector in light of the European Union’s warning that Ghana could face a potential red card.
Also, Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasized that a review of pending actions indicates that the enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, along with its accompanying regulations, remains critical to enhancing fisheries governance in Ghana.
She further informed the House that the Ministry has already submitted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, 2025, to the House.
The bill was later referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Cocoa Affairs for consideration.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development continues to take pragmatic measures to protect and safeguard the health of the general public.
The Fisheries Ministry in April this year imposed a 12-month suspension on the fishing licences of four industrial trawl vessels for violating Ghanaโs fisheries laws.
The affected vesselsโMeng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.)โwere found guilty of repeated infractions that threaten the sustainability of Ghanaโs marine resources.
The vessels engaged in various illegal activities, including unauthorized transshipment, dumping of fish, operating in restricted areas, and harvesting juvenile fish.
These actions not only breach Ghanaโs Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968) but also endanger the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities and undermine marine conservation efforts.
Credit – Additional information from Parliament of Ghana
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, on June 30, inaugurated the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), urging them to revitalize the corporation and steer it to a more sustainable and productive future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Jinapor underscored the pivotal role of GNPC in Ghanaโs petroleum sector, describing it as a national asset critical to the country’s economic growth and energy security.
โGNPC is not just another state-owned institution. It is the flagship entity in Ghanaโs upstream oil and gas industry. Through prudent investments and partnerships, it contributes directly to national development and ensures the countryโs energy security,โ the Minister stated.
He emphasized the need for visionary leadership and a proactive board capable of navigating the complex dynamics of the petroleum landscape. He challenged the board to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight in guiding GNPC through both its current challenges and emerging opportunities.
โI urge you to provide strong, strategic leadership, support the governmentโs efforts to expand GNPCโs operational capacity, particularly through its subsidiary, Explorco,โ he added. The Minister also announced governmentโs intention to review the GNPC Act, which was passed in 1983, to reflect current industry realities and global best practices.
โAs a government, we want to comprehensively review and enhance the GNPC Act to meet modern standards. Oil production has declined in recent years, and our current reserves are a concern to us. However, weโve received encouraging signals from supermajors, and this is a critical moment to reposition GNPC for the future.โ
Hon. Jinapor expressed confidence in the boardโs ability to deliver transformative leadership and secure a brighter energy future for Ghana.
Chairman of the new board, Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment and pledged to lead a results-driven board.
โWe thank His Excellency the President for the trust reposed in us to reset GNPC. This is a team of diverse professionals, and we are committed to addressing the challenges within the sector. We will seek guidance from the Ministry whenever necessary, and work together to move GNPC forward,โ he said.
Members of the GNPC Board are as follows:
1. Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei โ Chairman
2. Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah โ Acting CEO
3. Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim โ MP
4. Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor โ MP
5. Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor
6. Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Esq.
7. Mr. Andani Yakubu Abdulai (Yoo-Naa)
Source: Ministry of Energy and Green Transition