TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Man arrested for unlawful possession of narcotic drugs at Nkurakan

    Man arrested for unlawful possession of narcotic drugs at Nkurakan

    The Ghana Police Service has arrested one Christopher Saigoe for the unlawful possession of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs at Nkurakan in the Eastern Region.

    The operation, conducted on June 17, led to the interception of a Sprinter Benz bus with registration number AS 1933-21, driven by the suspect.

    A search of the vehicle revealed five (5) sacks of maize within which were concealed seventy-eight (78) oval-shaped, sellotaped balls of plant material suspected to be Indian hemp.

    The suspect is currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before court.

    In a related event, the National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service on Wednesday, June 11, arrested one Christopher Partey for unlawful possession of 40 parcels of a substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.

    The team intercepted a Ford Transit bus with registration number AS 524-16 near the outskirts of Ayikuma township while on routine patrol along the Accra–Somanya corridor.

    A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tightly wrapped parcels concealed in a fertilizer sack in the vehicle’s boot.

    Upon interrogation, Christopher Partey, a passenger on board, admitted ownership of the items.

    The exhibits retrieved have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters for further investigation.

    The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigations and will be put before the court.

    Meanwhile, a special operation by the Central East Regional Police has led to the arrest of 19 suspects in connection with illicit drug trade and robbery activities within the Kasoa Dominase enclave and the Onion market in the Central Region.

    Abubakari Ibrahim, Mohammed Awal, Shafiu Salisu, Hamza Amadu, Ali Adamu, Balhani Fuseini, Jamal Haruna, Zakari Abdulai, Abdul Aziz, Bera Kalidu, and Moro Baki were arrested during the operation on Thursday, June 12.

    Anthony Lucky, Razak Yussif, Sumani Issah, Sulley Mohammed, Abdul Salifu, Eliasu Bukari, Kamelo Muuk, and Osumanu Amadu were also apprehended.

    The Police in a statement, revealed that all 19 suspects are currently in custody, assisting the investigation. They will be put before court in due course.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as controlled pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol and Red.

    The Regional command commended its personnel who embarked on the operation and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts as far as crime combat is concerned.

    The Central East Regional Police Command has also entreated the public to provide relevant information to assist in its continued efforts to clamp down on the menace of illicit drug trade, substance abuse and robbery activities in the communities in order to help maintain a safer environment.

  • Petition against Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo ‘frivolous, abuse of process’ – Appointments Committee

    Petition against Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo ‘frivolous, abuse of process’ – Appointments Committee

    The Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, dismissed a petition filed that sought to prevent the vetting of one of President John Dramani Mahama’s Supreme Court judge nominees, Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo.

    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 levels serious allegations of judicial bias against the nominee.

    The dramatic development prevented Justice Ackaah-Boafo from being vetted on Thursday and sought to ruin his promotion to Ghana’s highest court.

    But his vetting resumed today, making him the last person to appear before Parliament’s Committee for interrogation.

    Addressing the media, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, described the petition as “frivolous, 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.

    “I am in agreement with the views you’ve expressed for and on behalf of this committee,” he said. “Indeed, as a country, we need to veer off from trivialities and situations where we subject people’s reputation to undue public ridicule.”

    “I am happy that this committee has boldly stood up for democracy and the rule of law in helping deal with matters as frivolous as what came before us,” he added.

    The petition alleges Justice Ackaah-Boafo used unprintable words during past court proceedings, emphasizing extreme bias.

    Mr Rau questioned Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s legitimacy to serve at the Supreme Court, labeling him a “so-called Messiah international Human Rights Activist”.

    “For me, he will be a disaster at the Supreme Court if approved (sic) for the international and national interest of the republic. These are my reasons to petition the vetting committee not to approve this particular judge,” parts of the petition read.

    According to the petitioner, Justice Ackaah-Boafo “insulted and attacked” him during a court hearing, which he claims is undeniable evidence of bias and corruption.

    He called Justice Ackaah-Boafo “arrogant, biased, power-drunk, an abuser of human rights (sic) and supportive of corruption.”

    The Appointments Committee referred the complaint to Speaker Bagbin for further review. As per Parliament’s Standing Order 99, petitions received must undergo a 30-day inquiry to ensure they are not “frivolous or vexatious.”

    So far, all President Mahama’s nominees, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janpere Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Ameleboba and Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo have been vetted.

    Their vetting comes after the Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin on May 27 referred the nominees to the Appointments Committee for vetting and subsequent approval.

    This is in accordance with Article 144(2) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which mandates that Supreme Court nominees undergo parliamentary scrutiny before their appointments are confirmed.

    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, Kwame Governs Agbodza.

    About the nominees

    Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei – A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he was elected to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ 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 – 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 Ghana’s Judicial Council.

    Justice Senyo Dzamefe – A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he chaired the Dzamefe Commission, which investigated Ghana’s 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 Ghana’s legal system to enhance efficiency and transparency.

    Justice Philip Bright Mensah – 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 – A Court of Appeal judge, he has been nominated to strengthen the Supreme Court’s capacity amid increasing demands on Ghana’s judiciary.

    Justice Hafisata Ameleboba – 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.

  • $350m worth of cocaine seized by NIB destroyed

    $350m worth of cocaine seized by NIB destroyed

    The Narcotics Control Commission has destroyed 3.3 tonnes of cocaine worth over $350 million, following court confirmation of the substance.

    The cocaine seized earlier this year was earmarked for destruction today, Friday, June 20, by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

    The Criminal Division of the High Court on Thursday, June 5, ordered the destruction following confirmation testing by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

    Three out of the total 2,970 slabs of the substance were taken randomly in the presence of the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, the state and the defence attorneys, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Narcotic Control Commission (NCC) officials.

    The destruction of the exhibits will take place at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region. A total of 3,319.66 kilogrammes (3.3 tonnes) of substance had been the centre of a trial at the High Court in recent times.

    The testing exercise by the GSA was conducted at the NIB headquarters in Ridge, Accra, on Wednesday, June 4.

    Background

    A staggering 3.3 tonnes of suspected cocaine worth approximately $350 million were intercepted by the NIB in March.

    In an attempt to evade inspection, the smugglers wrapped the cocaine in sacks and bags, hidden in heaps of sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in the Central Region en route to Accra.

    Despite their cunning efforts, the vigilant NIB operatives uncovered the illicit cargo.

    The interception marked the largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history.

    The driver of the truck, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo, and his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary-level student, have been accused of importing drugs without lawful authority and are currently standing trial. The case has been adjourned to June 24.

    Meanwhile, Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan, who have been declared as prime suspects, remain at large.

    Gov’t fight against narcotics

    The Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) was passed to restructure NACOC, giving it more autonomy and investigative powers to handle drug crimes. NACOC now uses intelligence gathering and data analysis to proactively target drug trafficking networks.

    Ports and airports have been equipped with scanners and surveillance cameras to detect concealed drugs more efficiently. Ongoing training programs are being organized for NACOC officials and other law enforcement personnel to enhance detection and investigation skills.

    Ghana collaborates with global institutions like the UNODC, INTERPOL, and regional counterparts for cross-border intelligence sharing and joint operations.

    In March, an intelligence-led operation by the narcotics officials resulted in the arrest of a 56-year-old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra. The suspect’s hideout hoarded substances suspected to be narcotic drugs as field tests conducted on the suspected substance proved positive for cocaine and heroin, both narcotic drugs.

    NACOC seized and arrested the suspect, saving millions of lives of people who would have otherwise perished from abusing these hard drugs.

    In April this year, narcotics officials seized 73 packages of a substance suspected to be cocaine, weighing nearly 89.74 kilograms, destined for the Netherlands. Four Ghanaian nationals were arrested in connection with the incident.

    Section 1 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019)  stipulates that “a person who imports or exports a narcotic drug without a license issued by the Minister responsible for Health for that purpose commits an offence and on conviction is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years.”

     “The Minister may grant a licence for importation of narcotic drugs if on an application made by a prescribed person the Minister is satisfied that the licence can be properly granted.”

    Section 3 of the Act, however, states that “a person shall not, without lawful authority,  manufacture, produce or distribute narcotic drugs.”

  • GSS records 4th consecutive decline in PPI; 10.2% recorded in May

    GSS records 4th consecutive decline in PPI; 10.2% recorded in May

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has recorded a 10.2% year-on-year Producer Price Inflation as of May 2025.

    This marks a 4th consecutive decline after a decline of 8.3 percentage points from 18.5% in April 2025.

    According to the GSS, Producer inflation is declining at a faster rate.

    On a month-on-month basis, the average prices that producers received for their goods and services fell by 4.2% in May compared to April 2025.

    The two most important contributors to the decline of producer price inflation in May 2025 were Mining and Quarrying (10.6 ppt) and Manufacturing (9.5 ppt), both accounting for 78.7% of PPI.

    The year-on-year Producer Price Inflation rate of 10.2% in May 2025 is the lowest recorded since November 2023 (1.7%). Consumers may benefit in the coming months through a reduction in inflation if businesses pass on stability in prices.

    Ghana’s Producer Price Inflation (PPI) fell sharply in April 2025, dropping to 18.5% from 24.4% in March.

    Meanwhile, Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has revealed that in the first quarter of the year, the economy grew by 5.3%.

    This represents a 0.4% increase from the 4.9% recorded during the same period last year.

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in its report, noted that the services sector and the agricultural sector are responsible for the strong performance.

    “All sectors recorded growth, apart from the industry sector, which recorded a contraction. This is driven by oil and gas. Growth in the services sector was dominated by the ICT sector, followed by the Financial and Insurance sub-sectors”, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu told the media today, Wednesday, June 11.

    Slow growth in the oil and gas sector led to industry sector recording a rate of 3.4%. The non-oil growth rate, however, was 6.8%.

  • GHC120K saved monthly after President Mahama cancelled satellite subscriptions at Presidency – Minister

    GHC120K saved monthly after President Mahama cancelled satellite subscriptions at Presidency – Minister

    Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has revealed that an amount of GHC120,000 is being saved monthly by the incumbent administration after discontinuing all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

    Engaging the media, the minister noted that paying such an amount was not a rational way to spend taxpayers’ money.

    “When we came to the Jubilee House, there were subscriptions to satellite television in addition to the local channels that we watch. When we took stock of how much it costs to pay for the satellite subscription, we noticed that in a month, we spent GHC120,000. Just paying for subscriptions to satellite channels.”

    “Do you know what GHC120,000 can do?” the minister quizzed.

    He noted that such an amount can be used to address water challenges in communities by either fixing pumps or replacing materials needed for water supply.

    The cancellation of satellite TV subscription payments forms part of the government’s reset agenda to cut costs and save the taxpayers’ money.

    Currently, there’s no office in Jubilee House that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television.

    Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews, Mr Kwakye revealed that the ban on the use of DSTV and other satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House will eventually be extended to all other government agencies and institutions.

    He noted that while the decision might appear “trivial,” an internal review revealed that satellite TV subscriptions were accounting for a considerable share of operational expenses.

    “You would say that that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”

    “You can turn on the television that you see here, you will find that I’m only limited to local television stations. It is something that will be extended to all government agencies to ensure that we don’t waste the taxpayers’ money,” he added.

    More cost-cutting measures are currently being discussed, the Government Communications Minister said, adding that they will soon be announced.

    President Mahama is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency as well as eliminating unnecessary government expenditure to save the public purse.

    “This is a man deeply committed to making savings for the Ghanaian people. Governance necessarily involves taking tough decisions… but the citizenry must see corresponding levels of modesty on the part of government officials—and that’s what President Mahama is committed to doing,” he said.

    The Mahama-led administration entered office with what he describes as a “reset agenda,” an economic recovery and social transformation move to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.

    Some of the cost-cutting initiatives implemented by the government since assuming office include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56 ministers, four short of his 60-minister cap.

    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.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee vets Justice Ackaah-Boafo

    LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee vets Justice Ackaah-Boafo

    The vetting session for one of President John Dramani Mahama’s Supreme Court judge nominees, Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo, which was suspended over a petition, resumes today, Friday, June 20.

    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 levels serious allegations of judicial bias against the nominee.

    The dramatic development left Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s promotion to Ghana’s highest court hanging in limbo.

    But his vetting resumes today, making him the last person to appear before Parliament’s Committee for interrogation.

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/1021252726790671

  • Fmr Director at Veep’s Secretariat, NIC staff, 2 customs officials charged with corruption over seized rice containers

    Fmr Director at Veep’s Secretariat, NIC staff, 2 customs officials charged with corruption over seized rice containers

    Four public officials are due to be put before the court of law on Friday, June 27, for allegedly conspiring to hijack ten containers of imported rice at Tema Port.

    In a post on the X platform, the Office of the Special Prosecutor identified the four as Issah Seidu, who works with the National Insurance Commission (NIC); James Keck Osei, a former director at the Vice President’s Secretariat; and John Abban and Peter Archibold Hyde who are senior customs officials.

    They have been formally charged with corruption.

    According to the OSP, the rice, imported from Thailand in 2022, was fraudulently claimed by Seidu using fake documents and a letter falsely issued from the Office of the Vice President.

    Seidu and Osei allegedly teamed up with Abban and Hyde to override customs processes and secure the goods.

    Despite the rice being legally imported and duties paid, the group tried to auction the containers to Seidu.

    Their plot collapsed after internal investigations and a High Court ruling exposed the scheme.

    In an unrelated event, selected journalists have been trained on the legal rules and procedures that govern the confiscation of assets belonging to persons suspected of corruption and other financial crimes.

    The session, organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in partnership with GIABA, followed an invitation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) forms part of a broader strategy to engage the media as key partners in promoting transparency and accountability.

    Director of Asset Recovery and Management at the OSP, Albert Akurugu, took participants through the Office’s jurisdiction in asset recovery and management.

    This included the legal processes for identifying, freezing, and confiscating assets suspected to be linked to corruption.

    Albert Akurugu explained the lawful steps the OSP is empowered to take under Ghanaian law.

    He clarified that it is not an unlawful act but a legitimate part of investigations—either to gather evidence or to preserve assets believed to be tainted.

    He further stressed the vital role journalists play in fighting corruption: “The media must raise public awareness, promote transparency, and hold institutions to account through accurate and responsible reporting.”

    The session brought together other state law enforcement bodies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), creating a shared platform for engaging the media on their complementary roles in combating financial crime.

  • “Respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions” – Ablakwa tells Israeli Ambassador

    “Respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions” – Ablakwa tells Israeli Ambassador

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns over recent public remarks made by Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, which questioned Ghana’s voting stance at international forums.

    He invited H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel on Tuesday and H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday to his office, where he shared his views on the request by Israel.

    Israel earlier urged Ghana to reconsider its neutral position after the country abstained from voting in support of or against charges brought against Iran for violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    In what Israel describes as a friendly and respectful request, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, during a media engagement in Accra, though acknowledging the legitimacy of Ghana’s abstinence due to its chairmanship position, called on the government to re-evaluate its longstanding non-aligned foreign policy position in critical global matters, particularly where international peace and security are concerned.

    In response, Mr Ablakwa told Roey Gilad “to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law.”

    “These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he added.

    The voting took place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, during a closed-door meeting of the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is currently being chaired by Ghana. The session was held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

    The vote, which was the first of its kind in nearly 20 years, saw the 35-member IAEA Board formally declare that Iran is in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    The resolution was supported by 19 countries, opposed by three — Russia, China, and Burkina Faso — while 11 nations, including Ghana, abstained.

    The resolution, submitted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, concluded that Iran had failed to provide the IAEA with full and timely cooperation since 2019 concerning undeclared nuclear material and activities.

    Iran and Israel exchanged missiles last Saturday night and early on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of attacks between the two countries after Israel initially attacked Iran on Friday morning.

    A major hospital in Israel’s south has sustained “extensive damage” from a wave of Iranian missiles, according to officials. Iran said it targeted a nearby technology park it claims was used by the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his military will “strike all the nuclear facilities” in Iran, according to reports by CNN.

    Mr Ablakwa re-echoed Ghana’s demand for both countries to cease fire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns.

    The first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully.

    In his recent post, the sector minister noted that “our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly.”

    Ghanaians in Israel have been advised to maintain close communication with the country’s consular department.

    Amid the conflict, the government has declared the immediate closure of the embassy in Tehran.

    In a post on Facebook, the sector minister noted that the decision has been taken to “guarantee the safety of our embassy staff.”

    The government has again instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum.

  • Ghanaian nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly – Foreign Affairs Minister

    Ghanaian nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly – Foreign Affairs Minister

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that Ghanaian nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly amid the conflict between the Middle Eastern country and Iran.

    Mr Ablakwa made this known after he met H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel on Tuesday and H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday.

    Ghanaians in Israel have been advised to maintain close communication with the country’s consular department.

    Iran and Israel exchanged missiles during Saturday night and early on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of attacks between the two countries after Israel initially attacked Iran on Friday morning.

    A major hospital in Israel’s south has sustained “extensive damage” from a wave of Iranian missiles, according to officials. Iran said it targeted a nearby technology park it claims was used by the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his military will “strike all the nuclear facilities” in Iran, according to reports by CNN.

    The minister has also revealed that the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully.

    Earlier this week, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians living in Iran amid the escalating conflict with Israel.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, the evacuation through land borders covers all Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots.

    Mr Ablakwa invited the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to his office for separate meetings.

    The meetings afforded him the opportunity to convey the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in their countries with the two ambassadors for onward communication to their governments to facilitate border access approvals.

    In the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, the sector minister registered Ghana’s strong displeasure at H.E. Roey Gilad’s recent public pronouncements questioning Ghana’s voting pattern at international organizations.

    “I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law,” the Minister said.

    “These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he added.

    Israel earlier urged Ghana to reconsider its neutral position after the country abstained from voting in support of or against charges brought against Iran for violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    The voting took place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, during a closed-door meeting of the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is currently being chaired by Ghana. The session was held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

    The vote, which was the first of its kind in nearly 20 years, saw the 35-member IAEA Board formally declare that Iran is in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    The resolution was supported by 19 countries, opposed by three — Russia, China, and Burkina Faso — while 11 nations, including Ghana, abstained.

    The resolution, submitted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, concluded that Iran had failed to provide the IAEA with full and timely cooperation since 2019 concerning undeclared nuclear material and activities.

    It marks a significant escalation in the agency’s standoff with Tehran.

    In what Israel describes as a friendly and respectful request, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad during a media engagement in Accra though acknowledging the legitimacy of Ghana’s abstinence due to its chairmanship position called on government to re-evaluate its longstanding non-aligned foreign policy position in critical global matters, particularly where international peace and security are concerned.

    Mr Ablakwa re-echoed Ghana’s demand for both countries to cease fire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns.

    Amid the conflict, the government has declared the immediate closure of the embassy in Tehran.

    In a post on Facebook, the sector minister noted that the decision has been taken to “guarantee the safety of our embassy staff.”

    The government has again instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum.

  • First batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey – Foreign Affairs Minister

    First batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey – Foreign Affairs Minister

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully.

    The minister made this known after he met H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel on Tuesday and H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday.

    Earlier this week, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians living in Iran amid the escalating conflict with Israel.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, the evacuation through land borders covers all Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots.

    Iran and Israel exchanged missiles during Saturday night and early on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of attacks between the two countries after Israel initially attacked Iran on Friday morning.

    A major hospital in Israel’s south has sustained “extensive damage” from a wave of Iranian missiles, according to officials. Iran said it targeted a nearby technology park it claims was used by the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his military will “strike all the nuclear facilities” in Iran, according to reports by CNN.

    In his recent post, the sector minister noted that “our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly.”

    Ghanaians in Israel have been advised to maintain close communication with the country’s consular department.

    Mr Ablakwa invited the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to his office for separate meetings.

    The meetings afforded him the opportunity to convey the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in their countries with the two ambassadors for onward communication to their governments to facilitate border access approvals.

    In the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, the sector minister registered Ghana’s strong displeasure at H.E. Roey Gilad’s recent public pronouncements questioning Ghana’s voting pattern at international organizations.

    “I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law,” the minister said.

    “These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he added.

    Israel earlier urged Ghana to reconsider its neutral position after the country abstained from voting in support of or against charges brought against Iran for violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    The voting took place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, during a closed-door meeting of the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is currently being chaired by Ghana. The session was held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

    The vote, which was the first of its kind in nearly 20 years, saw the 35-member IAEA Board formally declare that Iran is in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

    The resolution was supported by 19 countries, opposed by three — Russia, China, and Burkina Faso — while 11 nations, including Ghana, abstained.

    The resolution, submitted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, concluded that Iran had failed to provide the IAEA with full and timely cooperation since 2019 concerning undeclared nuclear material and activities.

    It marks a significant escalation in the agency’s standoff with Tehran.

    In what Israel describes as a friendly and respectful request, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad during a media engagement in Accra, though acknowledging the legitimacy of Ghana’s abstinence due to its chairmanship position called on government to re-evaluate its longstanding non-aligned foreign policy position in critical global matters, particularly where international peace and security are concerned.

    Mr Ablakwa re-echoed Ghana’s demand for both countries to cease fire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns.

    Amid the conflict, the government has declared the immediate closure of the embassy in Tehran.

    In a post on Facebook, the sector minister noted that the decision has been taken to “guarantee the safety of our embassy staff.”

    The government has again instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum.

  • Goldbod’s extended deadline for reapplication for gold trade ends tomorrow

    Goldbod’s extended deadline for reapplication for gold trade ends tomorrow

    Saturday, June 21, marks the deadline for gold traders with outdated licences to reapply under Ghana Gold Board’s (Goldbod) new regulatory framework.

    The May 21 deadline, which was reported to be the final extension, was extended to June 21 following concerns by stakeholders.

    According to GoldBod’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sammy Gyamfi, “this new deadline is not extendable.”

    https://www.facebook.com/Ghanagoldbodofficial/videos/1077515680917902

    The use of a license issued by the defunct PMMC and/or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to deal in gold is prohibited beyond the new non-extendable deadline of June 21.

    A breach of this directive shall constitute a punishable offense under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (ACT 1140).

    Under the new Ghana Gold Board Act, all previously issued licences for gold trading have been rendered void. Traders who wish to stay in business must submit fresh applications via the Goldbod website.

    Applicants have been advised to pay attention to detail when filling out the forms, as inaccuracies could lead to disqualification.

    “If you make serious omissions or errors in the application, it will go against you in terms of the decision that the Gold Board will take on that application,” Mr. Gyamfi warned.

    Goldbod will oversee the gold sector, tackle illegal trade, and promote responsible sourcing in line with global standards such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification.

    The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has established the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

    Dr Forson extended President John Dramani Mahama’s congratulations to the 13-member board led by Mr Kojo Fynn.

    The sector minister also called on the board to deliver their mandate and enhance the country’s gold trade, ensure transparency in dealing, and aid the government’s economic recovery efforts.

  • GRA seizes 100 cartons of tramadol

    GRA seizes 100 cartons of tramadol

    Officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Transit Terminal on Thursday, June 19, intercepted a shipment disguised as general merchandise and headed for Niger.

    The officials uncovered 100 cartons of Tramadol (50 of 250mg, 50 of 120mg), also known on the streets as “red.”

    The operation, led by CRO William Kpodo and the monitoring team, has now been escalated to the Tema Collection’s investigation unit in collaboration with Narcotics Board, Port Security and JPCU.

    In March, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division intercepted contraband goods at Tema Port.

    Boxes containing opioids were confiscated before noon today. There were 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg, 4 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 250 mg, 190 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 2 mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.

    The drugs are worth approximately GH₵20 million. The shipment was en route to Niger, its final destination.

    Engaging the media, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh condemned the use of land borders to smuggle drugs and announced that the impounded consignment would remain in the safe custody of the Authority.

    “There are only two designated areas for the import and export of medication—Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport. Drugs are not imported through our land borders,” he said.

    He called on stakeholders and security agencies to confiscate any drugs brought in through the land borders.

    The Health Minister indicated that authorities would swiftly seek a court order for the proper disposal of the consignment. Following the court order, the consignment was disposed of.

     Ghana is witnessing a surge in drug consumption and addiction among young people.

    As such, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, led by George Opare Addo, has introduced an initiative to address the rising issue of substance abuse among young people through a campaign called “Ghana against Drugs (GAD) – Red Means Stop,” which aims to combat the problem effectively.

    https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=1360316385119882

  • There is no cause for alarm – Ablakwa dismisses reports of possible US ban against Ghana

    There is no cause for alarm – Ablakwa dismisses reports of possible US ban against Ghana

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has moved to allay the fears of Ghanaians following reports of a possible travel ban on Ghana by the United States government.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the sector minister noted that “Ghana has not been officially notified that we are going to be placed on any prohibition list or on any ban where our citizens cannot travel to the U.S.”

    News of the travel ban on the African-dominated countries list emerged after a leaked memo from The Washington Post. The countries set to be affected include Ghana, Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Bhutan; Burkina Faso; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Ethiopia; Egypt; Gabon; Gambia.

    The others are Ivory Coast; Kyrgyzstan; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; South Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uganda; Vanuatu; Zambia; and Zimbabwe.

    The report revealed that the US State Department has new benchmarks and requirements that it would want the governments of these countries to meet within 60 days.

    The memo is said to have indicated that some of these countries have “no competent or cooperative central government authority to produce reliable identity documents or other civil documents,” as well as were engaged in “widespread government fraud.”

    The memo also bemoaned the number of foreign citizens who had overstayed their visas.

    Mr Ablakwa in reaction to the reports, noted that “those leaks do not carry merit.”

    “So far, I can tell the people of Ghana that there is no cause for alarm,” he assured.

    Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Accra has assured Ghanaians that their doors remain open.

    In a statement shared on their official X (Twitter) page June 17, the embassy stated that “We remain committed to welcoming visitors from Ghana who wish to study, invest, or engage in business activities in the United States.”

    While the U.S. government has not officially confirmed the countries under consideration, the leak has sparked concern and speculation in affected regions, with many Ghanaians expressing concerns over the impact of the ban.

    But the U.S. Embassy’s message was clear, indicating that legitimate travellers from Ghana have nothing to fear. The statement clarified that Washington is tightening enforcement rather than closing its doors entirely.

    “It is essential for all applicants to comply with U.S. laws. Any attempts to enter the United States illegally, falsify information for a visa, work without proper authorisation, or overstay a visa will incur significant penalties,” the Embassy clarified.

    The Embassy concluded with a stern warning to the public about fraudsters posing as middlemen and falsely promising to secure visas. They encouraged all applicants to visit their official website to make applications at no cost.

    Some countries, including Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and six other Islamic-dominated countries, have already been banned from entry into the US. The ban was effected on Monday, June 9.

    The entry of people from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – have been partially restricted.This follows a directive issued on Wednesday, June 5, by U.S. President Donald Trump banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, citing it as a move to protect his country from “foreign terrorists.”

    The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.

  • South Korean and Ghanaian companies partner to build biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Akuse

    South Korean and Ghanaian companies partner to build biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Akuse

    South Korea’s GL RAPHA and Ghana’s Quintex Pharma have agreed to a partnership to establish a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Akuse.

    The two companies have announced the formation of Quinn Biopharma Ltd, which will oversee the establishment of the facility to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The facility, when instituted, will ensure the production of medicines, especially those made using biological processes (like vaccines, antibodies, or cell-based treatments).

    The venture is expected to create over 560 direct skilled jobs for Ghanaians and serve as a centre for pharmaceutical training and technology transfer.

    This move has been welcomed by the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Hon. Mintah Akandoh, as a transformative partnership.

    In a meeting with the investors on Wednesday, June 18, Hon. Mintah Akandoh underscored the project’s strategic alignment with Ghana’s national priorities particularly in strengthening pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, and advancing industrialisation in the health sector.

    The minister expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance access to essential medicines while positioning Ghana as a pharmaceutical production hub in West Africa.

    Per reports, Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector currently meets approximately 30% of domestic pharmaceutical demand through local production, with the remaining 70% fulfilled by imports.

    The biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility will reduce the country’s dependency on imports, improve emergency preparedness, and boost pharmaceutical exports across the region under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    A feasibility study for the project was conducted by a consortium comprising IQVIA, AMPC International, and PwC, with strategic financial and technical support from the Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme, an initiative of the UK Government supporting Ghana’s industrialization.

    The official signing ceremony took place in Seoul, Korea, on April 29, 2025, with participation from GL RAPHA Chairman Mr. Whang Jae Gan, CEO and Head of Legal at Quintex Pharma, Dr. Kwesi Nyan Amissah-Arthur, and Ms. Emefa Mensah-Tandoh, respectively.

    The others present included Team Leader and Pharmaceutical Sector Lead for Ghana Jet, Mr. Eugene Sangmortey, and Mr. Louis Nortey, respectively and Head of Strategic Sectors at the Ghana Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr. Kwasi Ofori-Antwi.

    At the signning in ceremony, Dr. Kwesi Nyan Amissah-Arthur, said “Quinn Biopharma represents a bold step toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency for Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering world-class medicines manufactured in Africa by Africans, for the World.”

    On his part, Mr. Whang Jae Gan, noted that “GL Rapha is proud to bring our advanced biotechnology to Ghana, fostering a partnership that will not only create high-quality products but also build local capacity and expertise for the future.”

    About Quintex Pharma

    Quintex Pharma is a Delaware-based holding company with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Akuse, Ghana. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality generic medications and contract manufacturing services to improve healthcare access and quality in Africa.

    About GL Rapha

    GL Rapha Co., Ltd is a leading Korean biotechnology and pharmaceutical company specialising in the development and manufacture of advanced biologics, vaccines, and sterile injectables for global markets.

    About Ghana JET

    Implemented by the Palladium Group, the UK Government-funded Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme helps drive economic transformation in Ghana by facilitating private investment in strategic manufacturing sectors—such as pharmaceuticals—to create high-quality jobs.

  • Big Six Educational Complex proprietor arrested for preventing JHS students from writing Mathematics paper

    Big Six Educational Complex proprietor arrested for preventing JHS students from writing Mathematics paper

    Proprietor of The Big Six Educational Complex located at Meduma in the Kwabre East Municipality, Afoakwa Sarpong, has been apprehended over an alleged case of assault by imprisonment.

    On Monday, June 17, the Educational Director for Kwabre East Municipal, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, accompanied by Ms. Mavis Okyere Anane, Public Relations Officer of the Education Directorate, effected the arrest of Mr. Afoakwa Sarpong.

    The arrest stems from a disturbing incident that occurred on 16th June during the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    Mr. Sarpong is said to have unlawfully prevented two Junior High School (JHS) candidates, whose names have been withheld, from writing the Mathematics paper, citing their failure to pay registration fees.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect confined the two candidates in a separate room at the examination centre and released them only after the examination had concluded.

    He has been handed over to the Mamponteng District Police Command.

    The Mamponteng District Police Command has since commenced a formal investigation into the matter, and all legal processes will be duly followed. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

    A total of 603,328 candidates participated in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) that began on Wednesday, June 11, and ended on Wednesday, June 18. The candidates, comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females, were from 20,395 schools.

    Ahead of the exams, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, entreated the candidates to remain focused and stay away from exam malpractices.

    Barely 72 hours after the commencement of the exams, the West African Examination Council announced that 10 individuals had been caught engaging in exam malpractice.

    “These 10 culprits have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions are criminal under WAEC law, and the police will now work to prosecute them in court.”

    “There was one supervisor who had a mobile phone. He had taken smart shots of the questions and posted them on social media. In addition, six other invigilators were found with mobile phones containing pictures of the examination questions,” Head of Public Affairs John Kapi told JoyNews.

    The number of candidates that registered for this year’s BECE (SC) is 5.99% higher than the 2024 entry figure. 

    Four persons have each been handed a 30-day prison sentence by the Kintampo Circuit Court in the Bono East Region for their involvement in examination malpractices during the recent Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    Presiding Judge Lily Amoah Kankan issued the ruling on Tuesday, June 17. Two others were fined, while three were remanded into police custody for further investigation.

    Diana Tii, a teacher at Krabonso D/A School, was caught distributing photocopied materials to candidates in the exam hall. In addition to her 30-day sentence, she signed a two-year bond to be of good behaviour.

    Sylvester, also a teacher, was found to have aided one Diana, a candidate, in sneaking the photocopies into the exam hall. He received the same 30-day sentence.

    Paul Busi, a student of Kintampo College of Health, was caught with computing questions on his phone. After pleading guilty with remorse, he was fined 100 penalty units, equivalent to GHS1,200.

    Edmond Merrato Boi, a teacher at Just Love International School in Kintampo, was caught solving computing questions at the school’s dining hall.

    He pleaded guilty with explanation and was sentenced to 30 days in prison with hard labour. Samuel Waabero, an administrator at the same school, was also caught solving computing questions in the dining hall.

    He received the same sentence after pleading guilty with explanation. Three other suspects are to reappear in court on July 2, 2025.

    Belinda Yaa Adjeiwaa, a fashion designer from Techiman, was found with photocopied answers to the Computing Paper 2. She has been remanded into police custody.

    Haruna Mohammed, a teacher at Kintampo SHS, was caught with a mobile phone containing Social Studies questions during the exam. He is also on remand.

    Sadique Abubakar, another teacher, was caught with answers to the Computing Paper 1 Objective Test. He was granted court bail of GHS10,000 with two sureties and is expected back in court on the same date.

  • 5 suspects arrested for robbery at Dompim remanded

    5 suspects arrested for robbery at Dompim remanded

    Five suspects for armed robbery at a mining site at Dompim in the Western Region who were apprehended by the Western Central Regional Police Command have been arraigned.

    According to the police, preliminary investigations established that five armed men attacked the mining site, robbing workers of gold concentrate amidst gunfire.

    One of the suspects, Akwasi Abban, was arrested at the scene by workers at the site while the others escaped.

    Suspect Akwasi Abban admitted to the robbery and mentioned the site foreman, Ebenezer Soore, as the person who provided information to the robbery syndicate.

    Suspect Soore was subsequently arrested. Three of the accomplices, Elijah Arthur, Elisha Arthur, and David Agyarko, were later arrested on June 2.

    All the suspects have since been put before court and remanded into prison custody.

    A special operation by the Central East Regional Police has led to the arrest of 19 suspects in connection with illicit drug trade and robbery activities within the Kasoa Dominase enclave and the Onion market in the Central Region.

    Abubakari Ibrahim, Mohammed Awal, Shafiu Salisu, Hamza Amadu, Ali Adamu, Balhani Fuseini, Jamal Haruna, Zakari Abdulai, Abdul Aziz, Bera Kalidu, and Moro Baki were arrested during the operation on Thursday, June 12.

    Anthony Lucky, Razak Yussif, Sumani Issah, Sulley Mohammed, Abdul Salifu, Eliasu Bukari, Kamelo Muuk, and Osumanu Amadu were also apprehended.

    The Police in a statement, revealed that all 19 suspects are currently in custody, assisting the investigation. They will be put before court in due course.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as controlled pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol and Red.

    The Regional command commended its personnel who embarked on the operation and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts as far as crime combat is concerned.

    The Central East Regional Police Command has also entreated the public to provide relevant information to assist in its continued efforts to clamp down on the menace of illicit drug trade, substance abuse and robbery activities in the communities in order to help maintain a safer environment.

    A new batch of recruits for the Narcotics Control Commission has graduated from the Naval Recruit Training School at Nutekpor in the Volta Region.

    The graduating recruits have undergone rigorous training in key intelligence activities, drug pharmacology, profiling techniques, document fraud detection and tactical security operations. They are now equipped to take on the challenges of combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Ghana.

    Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, Hon.  Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, charged the graduating recruits to remain steadfast in their mission to protect the country from the scourge of illicit drugs and emphasized that the recruits’ badge is a stewardship of hope and should never be used as a ticket for impunity.

    “Your actions must symbolize justice, compassion, integrity and the resolve that upholds the core values of the Commission.  “I implore you to resist corruption, uphold confidentiality, be diligent, and honour the oath enshrined in Section 35 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act of 2020,’ the Minister stated.

    He assured the recruits of his full commitment to supporting the Commission in realising its objectives, promising to provide the necessary logistics and policy direction to guarantee success. He also saluted the staff and instructors for their discipline, professionalism and sacrifice in moulding the recruits into what they are today.

  • Bawumia receives endorsement from 60 MPs for presidential bid

    Bawumia receives endorsement from 60 MPs for presidential bid

    Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Thursday received 60 Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who announced their endorsement of his bid for the party’s flagbearership position.

    The delegation included former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam; Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah; Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Sammi Awuku; Techiman South legislator Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah; Habib Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tolon; Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, and Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.

    The delegation ended up having an in-camera meeting with the 2024 flagbearer.

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, and former Minister for Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum have declared their intention to contest the flagbearer position.

    Reports indicated that the majority of the 88 NPP legislators in Parliament are for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    This comes after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced Saturday, 31st January 2026, as the date for its presidential primaries.

    The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, 17th June, and later confirmed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and also in an official statement.

    “And the National Council today also made the decision that the date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries,” parts of the statement said.

    This sets the stage for a decisive contest to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

    The primaries are anticipated to attract significant interest from both longstanding members and new contenders seeking to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.

    Party officials also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks, with the NEC promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.

    In May, the 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, rendered an apology to Ghanaians for the inability of the Akufo-Addo-led government to fulfill its promises to the people of Ghana.

    The former vice president linked the party’s historic failure in the 2024 general elections to its shortcomings while in power when he spoke in London, United Kingdom, during an address.

    “The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right,” he said.

    The NPP sought to “break the eight” and extend its governance for another 4 years under the leadership of Dr Bawumia, who received the support of then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Dr Bawumia contested against the National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama and lost. At the end of the polls, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared that the NDC flagbearer polled 6,328,397, total valid votes, representing 56.55%, whereas Dr Mahamudu Bawumia garnered 4,657,304, representing 41.61%.

    Before the EC officially declared its results, the former vice president conceded defeat. The parliamentary election also saw the NPP fall drastically in terms of seats won. The NDC obtained an absolute majority in Parliament by securing 183 seats. The NPP government lost their majority with over 150 seats and managed to secure 88 seats.

    Following the just-ended polls, the opposition party has gone into retrospection. A 12-member committee led by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, looked into the factors behind the party’s failure.

    Although the report by the committee has been withheld from the general public, the General Secretary of the NPP noted that the downfall of the party hovered around its inability to focus on key projects in its stronghold, economic instability—particularly the worsening of the cedi’s value against major trading currencies including the dollar—arrogance displayed by previous government officials, and internal conflict, among others.

    Presently, Dr Bawumia believes the way forward for the party would be to correct its errors and take hold of any opportunity that will be presented to reclaim power from the NDC government.

    “I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons of where we are going.”

    Meanwhile, leadership of the NPP has directed its members to desist from discussing internal party matters on media platforms, citing Article 10(7)(5) of the NPP Constitution.

    This directive was breached by former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Adwoa Safo, who was directed to appear before its Disciplinary Committee on Monday, April 7.

    In media interviews, Ms. Safo criticized the party’s leadership, claiming that she had been neglected following her return to Parliament in 2023.

    She also alleged that some figures within the party had worked against her during her extended absence from the legislature and had tried to unseat her.

  • Fred Kwarteng made $4.8m annually – Foreign Minister on Washington DC scandal

    Fred Kwarteng made $4.8m annually – Foreign Minister on Washington DC scandal

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has provided Parliament a detailed report of the corruption scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC involving one Fred Kwarteng.

    Mr Kwarteng is said to have created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website that diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account.

    The investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least 5 years.

    In Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Ablakwa revealed that Mr. Fred Kwarteng was making about $4.8 million annually from his unlawful enterprise and there was no share of this amount going to the ministry.

    Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission adopted a fully online mailing system for visa and passport dispatch, managed by Fred Kwarteng.

    Under this arrangement, applicants were offered delivery options via FedEx and USPS, for which they were charged a whopping $29.75 each. Additionally, GTC also aids applicants in completing visa and passport forms, for a fee of $60.00 to $100.00 per applicant.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, 99% of all applicants utilized the services of GTC, meaning 99% of all applicants paid an extra $29.75.

    “Investigations reveal that GTC dispatched between 150 to 350 visas/passports daily. Therefore, on average, about 250 visas/passports were dispatched daily by GTC,” he added.

    This implies that on average, yearly, GTC dispatched approximately 62,500 visas/passports.

    “Fred Kwarteng has therefore been raking in an estimated $1,859,375.00 annually for courier services alone. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, you can comprehend the substantial sum he earns annually, after adding fees for assisting applicants in completing their visa and passport forms for which he charged between $60 and $100,” the minister added.

    The sector minister noted that admissions from Fred Kwarteng, as well as current and former staff of the Embassy, confirm that he did not act alone in this matter.

    “It appears that there may have been a network of individuals involved in this web of corruption, which underscores the need for thorough investigation and accountability,” he told the House.

    The minister noted that the government is working with the United States authorities to freeze the accounts of Fred and other suspects.

    “I underscore that Felix Kwarteng, the principal suspect in this case, along with any accomplices, will be held fully accountable under the law. This includes cooperating with US authorities to freeze the accounts linked to this criminal enterprise,” he stated.

    “I issued a series of directives, which are currently being enforced. One is an internal investigative committee to probe all locally recruited staff. EOCO has formally been notified to pursue Mr. Kwarteng, trace the prints of crime, and have him brought to Ghana for prosecution,” he added.

    Mr Fred Kwarteng has been fired, and his conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.

    The Auditor-General has been invited to conduct a forensic examination of all transactions and to determine the total cost of this fraudulent scheme.

    A recently discovered 2023 unauthorized, opaque and illegal agreement between Fred Kwarteng and a top official at the Washington Embassy has been declared a nullity and will no longer be respected.

    On May 26, the minister announced the temporary closure of the embassy due to a corruption scandal involving Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited on August 11, 2017, to work in the embassy’s IT department.

    To aid further probe, all Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff posted to the Washington embassy were recalled home with immediate effect. Also, the IT department was dissolved, and all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended.

    The ministry announced the reversal of the minister’s decision, and Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC was reopened on May 29 after a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat was tasked to run the mission.

    In 24 hours, Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas after operations resumed.

    The sector minister has commended the fresh team of seasoned diplomats “for the great job so far in implementing our systems overhaul and institutional fumigation.”

    Mr Ablakwa has also refuted claims of new recruitments to replace lost jobs in the Washington embassy, adding that “we have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms — this patriotic consequential reset agenda aimed at restoring the image of our diplomatic missions abroad cannot be reduced to “jobs for the boys.””

    https://twitter.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1935588563233427604/photo/4

  • Justice Hafisata Amaleboba bemoans slow justice delivery

    Justice Hafisata Amaleboba bemoans slow justice delivery

    Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisata Amaleboba has lamented the delay in justice delivery in the country, citing long procedures and no timelines for cases.

    During her vetting on Wednesday by the Appointments Committee, the nominee stated that instances where a particular court may have as many as 300 cases for only one judge at a point in time delay justice delivery.

    According to the Justice, the various courts in the country do not have enough manpower to help expedite justice delivery.

    She therefore urged the appropriate committee of Parliament in charge of court rules to consider the procedures of various applications and find a way of shortening them to fast-track cases.

    Justice Hafisata Amaleboba noted that work must be done to solve the backlog of cases as well as develop a system allocating a particular number of cases per year.

    Commenting on the suggestion to limit the number of judges at the Supreme Court, the nominee admitted that she believed in the capping of judges at the Supreme Court.

    Answering questions on marital issues relating to her experience at the Appeal Court, the nominee noted that when it comes to family law, the principles are applicable equally to men as they are to women.

    “When it comes to distribution of marital property, it is not based on gender, even though it may seem so but the law is not based on gender,” she stated.

    She cited that there was a divorce case where a man had no property but his wife had properties; therefore, she allocated some of the wife’s property to the man.

    On her views about bail conditions that seem almost impossible for suspects to meet, the nominee pointed out that all offences are now bailable.

    She stressed that suspects also have the liberty to apply for variation at the court when they cannot meet the conditions.

    Justice Hafisata Amaleboba who happens to be one of the two females among the seven justices nominated by President John Mahama to the Supreme Court, also answered questions on academic qualifications of Members of Parliament, e-justice, her National Service Certificate, the rule of law, and accountability, among others.

    In 2024, now-suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo outlined her vision to improve justice delivery in Ghana.

    She noted that paralegal training is not limited to only judicial service staff but also other professionals, including police investigators, prosecutors, and mediators who supplement the court’s work with alternate dispute resolution services and external court service providers such as process servers, valuers, surveyors, financial experts, and auctioneers.

  • High Court to commence Republic v. Charles Bissue case on July 2

    High Court to commence Republic v. Charles Bissue case on July 2

    The High Court has set 2 July 2025 for the commencement of the trial in the case of Republic v. Charles Bissue.

    Charles Bissue (the first accused) has been accused of using public office for profit, contrary to section 179C(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

    His trial continued on June 10 with a scheduled case management conference.

    At the Case Management Conference, the prosecution informed the court that it had filed all disclosures on 28 May 2025.

    Two witness statements have been submitted, one with five exhibits and another with 12 exhibits.

    In addition, the prosecution disclosed 63 other documents. Lawyers for the accused requested the original copies of these documents, confirming they had already been provided.

    The court outlined a schedule for the prosecution’s witnesses to appear on 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, 22, and 23 July. The case was accordingly adjourned to 2 July for the trial to begin.

    Recently, the High Court convicted Thomas Andy Owusu, aide to New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in a corruption case tied to illegal mining licensing.

    According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Mr Owusu, who is the second accused in the case of The Republic v. Charles Bissue & Another, was convicted on his own plea after the court accepted a plea agreement entered under section 71 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

    The charge was based on corruption of a public officer and accepting a bribe to influence a public officer.

    Tiger Eye PI’s 2019 “Galamsey Fraud Part One” investigation implicated Owusu and then-presidential staffer Charles Bissue in facilitating illegal mining licences for bribes, bypassing official processes.

    For taking GHS15,000 as his compensation so that he can influence a public officer to bypass the licencing requirements, Mr Owusu, per the agreement reached, will pay a fine of 500 penalty units (equivalent to GHS 6,000) and restitution of GHS 200,000 to the state.

    Meanwhile, the court has struck out two additional charges—corruption of a public officer and accepting a bribe to influence a Public Officer.

    In a related development, the Supreme Court has delivered a ruling in the ongoing civil legal dispute between Charles Bissue and the OSP.

    In 2023, Bissue filed a case at the Human Rights Court, claiming that the OSP had unlawfully obtained an arrest warrant for his apprehension.

    The OSP denied this, stating that it did not require a warrant to arrest Bissue. The Kaneshie District Court, which Bissue alleged had issued the warrant, confirmed it had not granted any such order.

    The Attorney-General, representing the District Court, also testified that no warrant existed. Bissue was unable to produce the alleged warrant and instead relied on an interview granted by the Special Prosecutor on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme.

    His legal team argued that the remarks in the interview led them to believe a warrant had been issued.

    The Human Rights Court, after confirming the non-existence of a warrant, dismissed the case and ruled that there was no need to play the interview or allow the cross-examination of Bissue’s lawyer.

    Dissatisfied with the decision, Bissue petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling.

    On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered that the Newsfile interview be played in court to allow the contents to be properly assessed.

    The decision means the matter returns to the Human Rights Court, where the OSP will also be allowed to cross-examine Bissue’s lawyer on the alleged existence of the warrant.

  • OSP partners civil society to train journalists on asset confiscation and recovery

    OSP partners civil society to train journalists on asset confiscation and recovery

    Selected journalists have been trained on the legal rules and procedures that govern the confiscation of assets belonging to persons suspected of corruption and other financial crimes.

    The session, organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in partnership with GIABA, followed an invitation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) forms part of a broader strategy to engage the media as key partners in promoting transparency and accountability.

    Director of Asset Recovery and Management at the OSP, Albert Akurugu, took participants through the Office’s jurisdiction in asset recovery and management.

    This included the legal processes for identifying, freezing, and confiscating assets suspected to be linked to corruption.

    Albert Akurugu explained the lawful steps the OSP is empowered to take under Ghanaian law.

    He clarified that it is not an unlawful act but a legitimate part of investigations—either to gather evidence or to preserve assets believed to be tainted.

    He further stressed the vital role journalists play in fighting corruption: “The media must raise public awareness, promote transparency, and hold institutions to account through accurate and responsible reporting.”

    The session brought together other state law enforcement bodies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), creating a shared platform for engaging the media on their complementary roles in combating financial crime.

    In 2023, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) complied with the ruling and order of the High Court, Accra, dated 31 August 2023, by unfreezing the frozen bank accounts and investments of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

    The OSP also returned the seized cash sums of Ms. Dapaah in the presence and assent of Ms. Dapaah and her lawyers.

    The satisfaction by the OSP of the order of the High Court terminated the proceedings of the seizure of the cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah commenced on 24 July 2023 and the freezing of her bank accounts and investments effected from 26 July 2023.

    The OSP was investigating Ms. Dapaah for suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses involving the ownership and source(s) of large amounts of money associated with her.

    This was after the reports emerged that the domestic help of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, had been dragged to court for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 euros, several million cedis, and personal effects of the former minister and her husband valued at thousands of Ghana cedis and dollars.

    Subsequent to the indicated ruling and order of the High Court and the compliance by the OSP with said ruling and order, the Special Prosecutor considered that he had reasonable grounds to suspect that the cash amounts seized from and returned to Ms. Dapaah were tainted property and it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent the concealment or loss of said cash amounts.

    Therefore, the Special Prosecutor again invoked his statutory power under section 32(1)(a) of Act 959 by directing the seizure from Ms. Dapaah of the cash amounts previously seized from her. Authorized officers of the OSP have seized said cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah.

  • Ofori-Atta’s application to bar OSP from declaring him wanted dismissed

    Ofori-Atta’s application to bar OSP from declaring him wanted dismissed

    The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who sought to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted ahead of his scheduled appearance on June 2.

    His lawsuit argued that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.

    Ofori-Atta has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and corruption, insisting that he has been cooperating with investigators through his legal representatives.

    In his court filing, he contended that the OSP’s actions have inflicted serious harm on his reputation and personal life and sought a legal injunction to prevent further declarations against him until the case is fully resolved.

    The Human Rights Court adjourned to June 18 for a ruling on the motion filed by the former finance minister seeking to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs. 

    The dismissed application forms part of a series of civil suits he has filed against the OSP and the Republic, either to halt its operations or challenge the issuance of arrest warrants in the ongoing probes.

    Mr Ofori-Atta is currently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition proceedings have begun with the relevant authorities to secure his return to Ghana after being redeclared wanted.

    He has been accused of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the following:

    Contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.

    Termination of a distribution, loss reduction, and associated network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xhao Chen Technology BXC.

    Procurement of contractors and materials and activities and payments in respect of the National Cathedral project

    Activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiative to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 304 5 CDI Ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

    Payments out of and utilization of the tax refund account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    The robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy performed on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been successful, according to reports.

    Prof. Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that her husband will return to Ghana after his doctor’s approval.

    Speaking to Joy News, she noted that Ofori-Atta’s absence is not an attempt to escape scrutiny, but a result of his current health condition.

    INTERPOL Red Notice

    A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. 

    It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

    INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.

    Each member country decides what legal value it gives to a Red Notice and the authority of their law enforcement officers to make arrests.

  • About $6bn needed for a comprehensive national flood control programme – Housing Minister

    About $6bn needed for a comprehensive national flood control programme – Housing Minister

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

    On Wednesday, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei briefed Parliament on recent flooding incidents affecting several parts of the country.

    He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes.

    In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

    He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

    As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

    He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

    He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

    He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

    Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

    He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

    Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

    Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

    But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

  • We must educate public on river transport security – Lawra MP after death of 7 SHS students

    We must educate public on river transport security – Lawra MP after death of 7 SHS students

    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 call follows the death of seven students of Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14.

    Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, the legislator said: “Let us take preventive steps, including public education on safety and river transport security. The time has come for us to rise above partisanship and political point-scoring. The safety and development of our people must take precedence.”

    “This should serve as a national wake-up call a tragic alarm bell sounding from the banks of the Black Volta River at Dikpe, urging us all to act before more lives are lost, let this house remember the 7 students not just with words but with action.”

    Hon. Bide A. Ziedieng stressed that the tragedy could have been prevented if the students had access to life jackets.

    “Unfortunately, there were none,” he said, calling on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to take urgent steps to provide life jackets for Dikpe and other communities along the Black Volta River, where residents regularly rely on boats.

    Hon. Bide A. Ziedieng extended his deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed sincere sympathy to the headmaster, staff, and student body of Lawra Senior High School, all of whom are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss.

    Per reports from the legislator, the students, all members of the school’s cadet group, had decided to jog along the riverside at Dikpe on Saturday morning.

    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.

    Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, is set to convene an urgent meeting with the Regional and District Directors of Education and the Headmaster of Lawra Senior High School following the death of seven students.

    The Education Ministry has commiserated with the bereaved families as investigations continue.

    “We share in the grief of the affected families and the entire school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this extremely difficult time.

    As the Ministry awaits a full report from the Ghana Police Service, we wish to assure Ghanaians that we will continue to do our best to ensure the safety and security of our students,” a statement signed by the Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak read.

    Parliament has summoned the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, to answer questions on the lack of life jackets in communities that commute by water.

    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.

  • Speaker Babgin launches capacity-building project in collaboration with World Bank and UK FCDO

    Speaker Babgin launches capacity-building project in collaboration with World Bank and UK FCDO

    The Parliament of Ghana took a significant step towards strengthening its legislative core as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, officially launched a $1,600 million capacity-building project.

    This initiative, developed through a partnership with the World Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is designed to enhance the skills of Members of Parliament and their staff in areas of economic and financial governance.

    At the launch, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to both organizations, emphasizing that this collaboration would reinforce Ghana’s democracy and support Parliament in fulfilling its constitutional mandate more effectively.

    The project, entitled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was introduced by representatives from the World Bank and FCDO, who highlighted its importance in modernizing the legislative process.

    The Speaker noted that the initiative would deepen existing partnerships between Ghana, the UK, and the international development community.

    He underscored that a retooled Parliament would not only improve legislative efficiency but also help restore confidence in democratic governance and promote sound economic oversight.

    In welcoming the project, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror outlined its potential to expand the engagement between Parliament and development partners.

    He pointed out that by equipping Parliament with better tools and expertise, the institution would be more capable of discharging its legislative and oversight responsibilities, benefiting the entire nation and its citizens.

    Representatives from the UK, including H.E. Keith McMahon of FCDO and Ms. Michelle Keane of the World Bank, voiced the importance of continuous development in parliamentary procedures.

    They emphasized that enhancing MPs’ understanding of legislative processes and financial management would foster greater accountability and transparency.

    According to them, this would help combat corruption and ensure that public funds are managed prudently, aligning with Ghana’s sustainable development goals.

    Leaders from both sides of the house, Hon. Mahama Ayariga and Hon. Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful.

    They called on committee leaders to assume full responsibility for the project and work steadfastly to ensure its successful rollout.

    United in purpose, they expressed confidence that this effort would enhance Parliament’s efficiency and contribute significantly to Ghana’s broader development objectives.

    Source: Parliament of Ghana

  • We are working with US authorities to freeze accounts of suspects in Washington Embassy scandal – Ablakwa

    We are working with US authorities to freeze accounts of suspects in Washington Embassy scandal – Ablakwa

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has provided Parliament a detailed report of the corruption scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC involving one Fred Kwarteng.

    The minister noted that the government is working with the United States authorities to freeze the accounts of Fred and other suspects.

    “I underscore that Felix Kwarteng, the principal suspect in this case, along with any accomplices, will be held fully accountable under the law. This includes cooperating with US authorities to freeze the accounts linked to this criminal enterprise,” he stated.

    “I issued a series of directives, which are currently being enforced. One is an internal investigative committee to probe all locally recruited staff. EOCO has formally been notified to pursue Mr. Kwarteng, trace the prints of crime, and have him brought to Ghana for prosecution,” he added.

    On May 26, the minister announced the temporary closure of the embassy due to a corruption scandal involving one Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited on August 11, 2017, to work in the embassy’s IT department.

    To aid further probe, all Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff posted to the Washington embassy were recalled home with immediate effect. Also, the IT department was dissolved, and all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended.

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

    Mr Kwarteng is said to have created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website that diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account.

    His illegal extra charges, which were not approved by the ministry and parliament as required under the Fees and Charges Act range from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. 

    “The investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least 5 years,” Mr Ablakwa revealed.

    Mr Fred Kwarteng has been fired, and his conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.

    The Auditor-General has been invited to conduct a forensic examination of all transactions and to determine the total cost of this fraudulent scheme.

    A recently discovered 2023 unauthorized, opaque and illegal agreement between Fred Kwarteng and a top official at the Washington Embassy has been declared a nullity and will no longer be respected.

    The ministry announced the reversal of the minister’s decision, and Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC was reopened on May 29 after a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat was tasked to run the mission.

    In 24 hours, Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas after operations resumed.

    The sector minister has commended the fresh team of seasoned diplomats “for the great job so far in implementing our systems overhaul and institutional fumigation.”

    Mr Ablakwa has also refuted claims of new recruitments to replace lost jobs in the Washington embassy, adding that “we have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms — this patriotic consequential reset agenda aimed at restoring the image of our diplomatic missions abroad cannot be reduced to “jobs for the boys.””

  • “Battle of the Beasts”: Sharaf Mahama, Amir Khan light up Ghana’s boxing scene

    “Battle of the Beasts”: Sharaf Mahama, Amir Khan light up Ghana’s boxing scene

    Hundreds of boxing enthusiasts trooped into the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, June 13, for an electrifying night of action dubbed Battle of the Beasts, hosted by Legacy Rise Sports and spearheaded by its CEO, Sharaf Mahama.

    In collaboration with Legacy Rise Sports, former world champion Amir Khan curated ten thrilling bouts that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

    The headline clash of the evening featured Ghana’s own Jacob Dickson squaring off against American fighter Andrew Tabiti in a fierce contest for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight Title.

    Tabiti emerged victorious with a fourth-round knockout after sending Dickson to the canvas three times.

    Another crowd-pleaser saw Abubakar Kamoko—popularly known as Bukom Tilapia and son of the legendary Bukom Banku—take on Stephen Ackon. Kamoko came out on top, securing a win to the delight of fans.

    In a dramatic upset, Ahmed Abdulai snatched Haruna Mohammed’s GBA Cruiserweight title, capping off a night of stunning performances.

    The event attracted a galaxy of notable personalities, including British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua, Ghana’s boxing icon Azumah Nelson, Minister for Youth and Sports Kofi Adams, National Sports Authority boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, business moguls Osei Kwame Despite and Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and members of the East Legon Executive Fitness Club.

    Anthony Johsua with boxing icon Azumah Nelson, CEO of Legacy Rise Sports Sharaf Mahama and Amir Khan
    Photo credit – The Independent Ghana

    Battle of the Beasts was widely embraced by the general public, many of whom expressed excitement about government-led efforts to make boxing a vibrant and profitable sport in Ghana.

    Ahead of the main event, Sharaf Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to spotlighting Ghanaian boxing talent on the global stage. He also applauded the international fighters who flew in to compete and thanked the sponsors and partners who made the night possible.

    Sponsors of the June 13 fight night included Amir Khan Promotion, DAZN, PlayUndisputed.com, KGL, The Independent Ghana, Sharaf Mahama Foundation, The Stomping Ground, and Fifth Avenue.

    Speaking to The Independent Ghana, Ahmed Abdulai expressed gratitude to Legacy Rise Sports for giving him—and many Ghanaian boxers—the chance to show the world what they’re made of.

    Photographs are the exclusive property of The Independent Ghana.

  • YEA, Camfed Ghana sign MOU to aid women, PWDs

    YEA, Camfed Ghana sign MOU to aid women, PWDs

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Camfed Ghana to support young women and persons living with disabilities across the country.

    At the signing ceremony, YEA Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to creating equal and meaningful opportunities for all.

    He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the YEA-GIZ partnership that trains and employs persons with disabilities in fashion, and announced the soon-to-be-launched Catfish Farming Program tailored for persons with disabilities.

    “This partnership is yet another stride in building a Ghana that leaves no one behind,” the YEA stated in a post.

    The government on May 29, officially commissioned the Make Fashion Inclusive Training Centre after following its launch on September 16, 2024. 

    The centre, located in Kumasi, is designed to empower and equip persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing skills training, business development support, and others.

    The initiative, led by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in partnership with the German Development Corporation, under the broader vision of Invest for Ghana, aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for PWDs in Ghana’s fashion industry.

    Invest for Ghana is an initiative aimed at attracting foreign and local investments to boost Ghana’s economy. It focuses on job creation, industrial growth, and infrastructure development, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and manufacturing.

    Speaking during the commissioning, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, highlighted the government’s commitment towards disability inclusion for national development. Basintale revealed that the hub would not only be trained in fashion designing but other crafts as well.

    He said, “The YEA is proud to be part of this journey that is your journey. As we open the doors of this hub today, we are opening the doors to independence, creativity, and economic opportunity for at least 100 persons living with disabilities to be trained not only in fashion design. But also be trained in embroidery, beading, and millinery works, and they will also be equipped with tools to build your businesses to employ others and to transform your community.”

    The government would also launch another programme that will train about three hundred PWDs in catfish farming, equipped with over 400 fingerlings to begin a trade.

    “And just to confess, in the next two to three weeks, a new project will be launched from tailoring jobs held, where we would train about 300 persons with disabilities, equipping them with 500 fingerlings of catfish and setting them in the backyard of their houses to sell…” he added.

    The launch saw the presence of Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo; GIZ; and other partners of the initiative, as well as local fashion entrepreneurs and PWD beneficiaries.

    Meanwhile, the Mahama-led government, since assuming office, has implemented several programs to help reduce unemployment in the country and empower the youth as well.

    Recently, YEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Fire Service to recruit 5,000 young Ghanaians as fire assistants across the country.

    Also, the government launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which is aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical, employable skills. It is expected to train 100,000 youth annually across all 261 districts in Ghana. The government has allocated GH¢300 million to cover training costs and monthly stipends for participants.

  • Include entrepreneurship as a subject in JHS and SHS curricula – Nhyiaeso MP

    Include entrepreneurship as a subject in JHS and SHS curricula – Nhyiaeso MP

    Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, is calling on the government to introduce entrepreneurship as a formal subject in Ghana’s Junior (JHS) and Senior (SHS) High Schools’ academic curricula.

    He stated that deliberate steps must be taken to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among students from an early age.

    “I am accordingly proposing that the relevant stakeholder bodies, particularly the Ministry of Education, take the needed steps to expedite action on the inclusion of entrepreneurship in our JHS and SHS academic curricula,” he stated.

    Dr Amoah said the concept goes beyond starting businesses, which involves developing the ability to create and manage ventures with the goal of generating profit, rather than relying solely on existing institutions or employers.

    “Entrepreneurship has played a remarkable role and has indeed become an integral part of the global economy,” he said.

    He highlighted several challenges facing Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including limited coordination among stakeholders and a lack of strategic policy support.

    To address these, Dr. Amoah proposed a national shift in corporate focus, stronger policy commitments from the government, and improved collaboration among stakeholders within the ecosystem.

    His remarks were supported by the Member of Parliament for Kintampo North, Hon. Joseph Kwame Kumah, who advocated for entrepreneurship education to begin at the basic school level to deepen students’ understanding of the subject.

    For his part, member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, suggested that the government create platforms for youth training in manufacturing, such as making their furniture, as a way to foster practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

    The incumbent government is keen on providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

    President John Dramani Mahama in April this year launched the Adwumawura initiative, a new program designed to create 40,000 youth-owned businesses across Ghana over the next four years.

    Ghana faces persistent youth unemployment challenges, with thousands of young graduates entering the job market each year. This initiative seeks to aid efforts in addressing the challenge.

    The Adwumawura Program aims to transform job seekers into job creators through entrepreneurship.

    Speaking at the launch event in Kumasi President Mahama announced plans to establish 10,000 new youth-owned businesses annually throughout the four-year implementation period of the program.

    “The Adwumawura Program is not a mere policy initiative but our commitment to nurturing their ambitions and translating their ideas into thriving enterprises that will drive our nation’s progress,” he noted.

  • Justice Philip Mensah calls for strengthening of Appeal Court

    Justice Philip Mensah calls for strengthening of Appeal Court

    Justice Philip Bright Mensah, a nominee designated for the Supreme Court, has called on the government to enhance the power and capacity of the Appeal Court of Ghana.

    Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, June 17, he stated that existing structures must be modernized to equip the Court of Appeal with the necessary tools to handle cases that should not be handled at the Supreme Court.

    To buttress his point, he cited the United Kingdom (UK), noting that only a few cases are referred to the Supreme Court because more cases end up at the Appeal Court.

    In his submission, he also opposed a change in the retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 years.

    Commenting on some reforms that need to be made at the Supreme Court, the nominee indicated that the capacity of both judges and registrars must be built up periodically. He noted that the wise saying “the law is in the bosom of the Judge” can be detrimental when the judge is not well educated in certain areas.

    He emphasised that a Registrar who has not been trained and given premium capacity building can even mislead a Judge and the situation could affect the process of administering justice.

    He also suggested that some laws in terms of time limit must be prescribed to speed up trials in certain cases at the Supreme Court.

    On the issue of financial difficulties at the Judicial Service, the nominee agreed that instead of allocating 70% of the internally generated fund (IGF) to the consolidated fund, at least the current 30% of the IGF to the Judicial Service could be increased to 50% to help cater for some needs at the Judiciary.

    In addition, he opined that the prerogative of mercy must be handled by the presidency and not pushed to the Supreme Court for advice. “Prerogative of Mercy must rest with the President,” he stated.

    Sharing his views on the country’s fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, he noted the current laws in the Minerals and Mining Act 703 are enough to stop the menace.

    He added that what is needed now is the implementation of the laws.

    Another problem he cited regarding the pollution of the water bodies by foreigners was the issue of the language barrier.

    He suggested that some judges must be trained to speak and understand the Chinese language to speed up trials when they are arrested and charged.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Parliament, FCDO and World Bank launch new project

    LIVESTREAMING: Parliament, FCDO and World Bank launch new project

    The governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) through Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the World Bank, will today launch a new support initiative.

    The project aims to enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff in economic and financial governance to improve legislative efficiency and oversight.

    Under the theme “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance Project,” the event is taking place at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra, at 10am on Wednesday, June 18.

    Rt Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Special Guest of Honour for the event.

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/4124698607772928

  • LIVESTREAMING: Day 3 of vetting of Supreme Court judge nominees

    LIVESTREAMING: Day 3 of vetting of Supreme Court judge nominees

    The Appointments Committee of Parliament has resumed vetting President John Mahama’s Supreme Court judge nominees.

    The committee is presently vetting Justice Hafisata Amaleboba. Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo will also be vetted.

    On Monday, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Sir Dennis Adjei, and Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh appeared before the committee.

    Justice Philip Bright Mensah and Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo were vetted on Tuesday.

    According to Parliament in its circular shared on its Facebook platform, the vetting process to be spearheaded by the committee’s chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker in Parliament, will end today, Wednesday, June 18.

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/1119538516677950

  • UNMISS Ghana Battalion ends pre-deployment training in Bundase

    UNMISS Ghana Battalion ends pre-deployment training in Bundase

    The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) 13 has successfully ended its pre-deployment training at the Army Peacekeeping Operations Training School (APOTS), Bundase.

    Chief Coordinator Army Training Command, Colonel Prince Tandoh, commended the troops and instructors for their unwavering dedication.

    He noted that female participation would increase following the launch of the Ghana Armed Forces Gender Policy.

    The ceremony ended with the West African Soldiers Society Activity, where Colonel Tandoh made an assurance that APOTS would receive the needed infrastructure support for accommodation and comfort during training.

    In March this year, Brigadier General Dominic Gbedawo, Ghanaian Contingent Commander (CONTICO) and Sector West Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), undertook a four-day working visit to the UNMISS Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) 12 at its headquarters in Bentiu.

    His visit was to assess ongoing operations, interact with troops, and reinforce the importance of discipline and professionalism in peacekeeping.

    Addressing the personnel, Brig. Gen. Gbedawo commended them for their dedication to the mission and urged them to strictly adhere to the Command Policy Guidelines to maintain operational effectiveness.

    He also emphasized the need for financial prudence, health consciousness, and security awareness while encouraging mutual support among troops.

    The Commanding Officer of UNMISS GHANBATT 12, Lieutenant Colonel Godfred Asampong, welcomed the visit, describing it as a morale booster for the battalion.

    He reiterated the unit’s unwavering commitment to upholding Ghana’s legacy of excellence in peacekeeping operations.

    In an unrelated event, Commanding Officer of the Italian ship Comandante Bettica, Commander Francesco Marangio, has paid a courtesy visit to Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, to reinforce bilateral cooperation and discuss upcoming joint naval exercise.

    Commander Marangio described Ghana as a trusted partner and reiterated Italy’s commitment to maritime defence and security cooperation particularly in expanding maritime domain capabilities.

    Commodore Asiedu-Larbi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the importance of partnerships in maritime security.

    He assured the Ghana Navy’s full support and expressed gratitude for Italy’s efforts toward strengthening ties and enhancing professionalism through shared training opportunities.

  • Our engagement must be open, transparent – Foreign Minister to European Union

    Our engagement must be open, transparent – Foreign Minister to European Union

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has emphasized the importance of open and transparent engagement between Ghana and the European Union.

    Speaking at the 2025 Ghana-European Union (EU) Partnership Dialogue, held Tuesday, June 17, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed the strength of the Ghana-EU partnership.

    He outlined four key pillars of the partnership, which were also the areas for discussion for the dialogue, such as socio-economic partnership, peace and security, international governance and human rights, and green growth and sustainability.

    He called for expanded support in areas such as technical education, climate financing, and Ghana’s anti-galamsey efforts.

    President John Dramani Mahama, in his address, emphasized that the Dialogue was not merely a diplomatic formality but a testament to the shared commitment between Ghana and the EU to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for their people.

    He further noted that Ghana and the EU have consistently pursued an agenda grounded in shared values and mutual respect.

    Through the forum, the president reaffirmed Ghana’s role as a committed partner, describing both sides as development allies and co-architects of a new global order that prioritizes equity, innovation, and dignity.

    Representing the European Union, Ambassador H.E. Irchad Razaaly expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Ghana and stressed that the relationship is based on shared values and cooperation rooted in mutual respect and common interests.

    He cited recent high-level visits and major investments in the Kaleo solar power plant and retrofitting of the Kpong Dam as proof of the EU’s long-term commitment.

    He commended Ghana for its leadership in regional security, peacekeeping, and integration and reaffirmed the EU’s support for democratic governance, gender equity, and others.

    Chief Director for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, pointed out the importance of the dialogue in strengthening relations between Ghana and the EU.

    He added that Ghana in the face of geopolitical shifts and threats to multilateralism, remains committed to its partnership with the EU.

  • National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving endorsed by Speaker Bagbin

    National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving endorsed by Speaker Bagbin

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed strong support for the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, an initiative introduced by President John Dramani Mahama.

    The Speaker gave his endorsement during a courtesy call by the Planning Committee of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, which extended a formal invitation to Parliament to participate in the upcoming event scheduled for 1st July at the Forecourt of the State House.

    In his remarks, the Speaker commended the president for instituting such a significant national event.

    He described the initiative as timely and necessary, stating that it offers not only a moment of prayer but also a platform for collective reflection, wisdom-sharing, and national unity.

    He noted that the day should be embraced as a national awakening and a step toward moral and spiritual renewal.

    Speaker Bagbin further emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among citizens, regardless of political or religious affiliations.

    He urged that the day be used as an opportunity to promote harmony and educate Ghanaians on the need to set aside political divisions in the interest of national development and social cohesion.

    Chairman of the Planning Committee, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, explained that the annual observance, to be held every 1st of July, is designed to renew, reset, and restore the bond of love among Christians and all faiths.

    He added that the event would be used to dedicate the nation to God, pray for prosperity, and seek divine guidance for Ghana’s future.

    Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, also lauded the initiative, calling for its institutionalization to ensure continuity beyond current political administrations.

    Citing biblical scripture, he advocated for a politically neutral celebration focused solely on seeking God’s favor and healing for the nation.

    Both Majority and Minority Leaders were in attendance and echoed their support, highlighting the potential of the day to foster religious tolerance, peace, and national righteousness.

    The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving aims to unite Ghanaians across various faiths and political affiliations in a collective moment of reflection and gratitude.

    In 2024, prior to becoming president, John Dramani Mahama pledged to establish a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, which will be observed annually across the country.

    “I have announced that when I become president, I will institute a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving every year. Every year, as a nation, we will take time off to pray and thank God, and I am going to be a significant part of that Thanksgiving,” Mahama stated.

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

    The government’s planning committee paid a visit to the former president’s residence, where he praised the move, describing it as one with the potential to unite Ghanaians with diverse religious backgrounds.

    “All of us have to support this initiative. It is a worthwhile initiative that we have this one day where all of us come together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon us,” Akufo-Addo said.

    He acknowledged Ghana’s continued political stability despite its history of military interventions, emphasizing the country’s standing as one of the few in Africa that has not experienced civil conflict.

    Although he noted his absence during the period due to prior engagements, he gave his full moral backing to the upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

  • Police seize 86 parcels of suspected indian hemp, arrest 2

    Police seize 86 parcels of suspected indian hemp, arrest 2

    Two suspects have been nabbed by the Kete-Krachi Divisional Police Command’s Anti-Robbery team for having in their possession 84 parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

    The suspects in police custody are John Dzeble (34) and Adzobi Mesiwotso (24).

    The police team, through an intelligence-led operation on June 15, intercepted an Opel Astra vehicle with registration number GT 6430-13 driven by suspect John Dzeble together with suspect Adzobi Mesiwotso on board.

    A search conducted on the vehicle revealed 86 compressed parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, discreetly concealed in the inner compartments of the car, including the engine, doors, and boot.

    In addition to the compressed parcels, the officers retrieved a portable measuring scale machine and a roll of masking tape, also concealed, believed to have been used in the packaging of the substances

    The suspects, along with the exhibits, are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations.

    The Oti Regional Police Command has commended the swift and professional action of the personnel involved in the arrest and reaffirmed its commitment to curbing drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

    The arrest comes after a recent incident where the police captured one Christopher Partey for unlawful possession of 40 parcels of a substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.

    The National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service made the arrest on Wednesday, June 11.

    The team intercepted a Ford Transit bus with registration number AS 524-16 near the outskirts of Ayikuma township while on routine patrol along the Accra–Somanya corridor.

    A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tightly wrapped parcels concealed in a fertilizer sack in the vehicle’s boot. Upon interrogation, Christopher Partey, a passenger on board, admitted ownership of the items.

    The exhibits retrieved have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters for further investigation.

    The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigations and will be put before the court.

  • Parliament, FCDO and World Bank launch project enhancing MPs’ economic and financial governance today

    Parliament, FCDO and World Bank launch project enhancing MPs’ economic and financial governance today

    The governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) through Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the World Bank, will today launch a new support initiative.

    The project aims to enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff in economic and financial governance to improve legislative efficiency and oversight.

    Under the theme “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance Project,” the event is taking place at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra, at 10am on Wednesday, June 18.

    Rt Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Special Guest of Honour for the event.

    The three bodies have noted the need for continuous development of parliamentary procedures and the importance of enhancing MPs’ understanding of legislative processes to ensure accountability and informed decision-making.

    On June 11, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, welcomed the project, noting that it will expand Parliament’s engagement with development partners and boost its ability to fulfil its constitutional duties.

    He emphasized that a retooled Parliament will be better equipped to fulfil both its legislative and oversight responsibilities.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Kwaku Ricketts-Hagan, and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, commended the support from the World Bank and FCDO, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

    In his closing remarks, the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, noted that the current Parliament comprises highly educated members who chair key committees.

    He urged committee leaders to take full ownership of the project and ensure its effective implementation to strengthen Parliament’s overall performance.

    A month ago, a delegation from the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC), led by Captain Charlotte Yemm, engaged Members of Parliament in a working visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation and addressing key national and regional security concerns.

    The visit provided an opportunity for the ACSC and its alumni to interact with Members of Parliament, including those on the Defence and Interior Committee, to discuss shared priorities in peacekeeping, maritime security, cyber threats, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

    Vice Chair of the Committee, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, expressed the long-standing UK-Ghana defence partnership and stressed the need for stronger institutional collaboration to respond effectively to emerging threats.

    Pointing to links between foreign involvement in galamsey and violent extremism in the Pacific region, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings expanded on the national security implications of illegal mining.

    She reiterated the urgent need to treat galamsey not just as an environmental issue, but as a strategic threat to national stability.

    Other members of the committee called for enhanced international cooperation and strengthened parliamentary oversight in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.

  • Govt welcomes ‘B-‘ Fitch rating, signals recovering economy

    Govt welcomes ‘B-‘ Fitch rating, signals recovering economy

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

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

    The agency also highlighted falling inflation, a strengthening cedi, and a rebound in investor confidence as key indicators of Ghana’s economic turnaround.

    The Fitch report also forecasts real GDP growth of 4% in 2025, supported by a recovery in agriculture, expansion in industry, and strong performance in the services sector.

    Ghana’s economic reform efforts have received a major boost with Fitch’s rating—an assertion confirmed by President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Casiel Ato Forson.

    According to the Finance Ministry, the upgrade is an endorsement of the decisive fiscal and debt management measures led by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the upgrade as a significant milestone and a vote of confidence in Ghana’s future:

    “I assure you—this is only the beginning. We are unwavering in our resolve to fully revive the economy and deliver lasting relief and shared prosperity to you, the good people of Ghana.”

    President John Dramani Mahama has noted that the recent rating will renew investor confidence.

    Speaking at the Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue on Tuesday, June 17, President Mahama said:

    “On macroeconomics and fiscal governance Ghana’s economic outlook is rebounding steadily. Our administration remains committed to restoring macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal management, enhanced domestic revenue moblisation, and expenditure rationalisation.

    “Working in partnership with the Bank of Ghana, we are working to manage inflation, stabilising the Cedi, and pursue debt restructuring strategies to restore confidence and rebuild the fiscal space of the economy. These efforts are yielding fruit and only yesterday the Fitch Rating agency upgraded Ghana’s restricted default to B- with a Stable Outlook.”

    Ghana’s fiscal deficit has narrowed sharply, and debt levels are expected to decline to 60% of GDP in 2025, down from 93% in 2022.

    Gross international reserves have risen to $6.8 billion, and the government is targeting a primary budget surplus by the end of the year.

    Inflation, which peaked at over 50% in early 2023, has now declined to 18.4% as of May 2025, the lowest in more than three years. Fitch projects it will continue falling, reaching 15% in 2025 and 10% by 2026.

    The cedi has also seen significant appreciation since April, easing import costs and stabilising fuel prices.

    As Ghana rebuilds international confidence and restores macroeconomic stability, Dr. Forson says the government remains committed to protecting the livelihoods of Ghanaians and ensuring inclusive growth.

    The rating upgrade is expected to facilitate Ghana’s re-entry into global capital markets, ease borrowing costs, and attract renewed investment across key sectors.

  • Man in possession of 40 parcels of suspected narcotic drugs arrested

    Man in possession of 40 parcels of suspected narcotic drugs arrested

    The National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service on Wednesday, June 11, arrested one Christopher Partey for unlawful possession of 40 parcels of a substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.

    The team intercepted a Ford Transit bus with registration number AS 524-16 near the outskirts of Ayikuma township while on routine patrol along the Accra–Somanya corridor.

    A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tightly wrapped parcels concealed in a fertilizer sack in the vehicle’s boot.

    Upon interrogation, Christopher Partey, a passenger on board, admitted ownership of the items.

    The exhibits retrieved have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters for further investigation.

    The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigations and will be put before the court.

    Meanwhile, a special operation by the Central East Regional Police has led to the arrest of 19 suspects in connection with illicit drug trade and robbery activities within the Kasoa Dominase enclave and the Onion market in the Central Region.

    Abubakari Ibrahim, Mohammed Awal, Shafiu Salisu, Hamza Amadu, Ali Adamu, Balhani Fuseini, Jamal Haruna, Zakari Abdulai, Abdul Aziz, Bera Kalidu, and Moro Baki were arrested during the operation on Thursday, June 12.

    Anthony Lucky, Razak Yussif, Sumani Issah, Sulley Mohammed, Abdul Salifu, Eliasu Bukari, Kamelo Muuk, and Osumanu Amadu were also apprehended.

    The Police in a statement, revealed that all 19 suspects are currently in custody, assisting the investigation. They will be put before court in due course.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as controlled pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol and Red.

    The Regional command commended its personnel who embarked on the operation and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts as far as crime combat is concerned.

    The Central East Regional Police Command has also entreated the public to provide relevant information to assist in its continued efforts to clamp down on the menace of illicit drug trade, substance abuse and robbery activities in the communities in order to help maintain a safer environment.

    A new batch of recruits for the Narcotics Control Commission has graduated from the Naval Recruit Training School at Nutekpor in the Volta Region.

    The graduating recruits have undergone rigorous training in key intelligence activities, drug pharmacology, profiling techniques, document fraud detection and tactical security operations. They are now equipped to take on the challenges of combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Ghana.

    Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, Hon.  Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, charged the graduating recruits to remain steadfast in their mission to protect the country from the scourge of illicit drugs and emphasized that the recruits’ badge is a stewardship of hope and should never be used as a ticket for impunity.

    “Your actions must symbolize justice, compassion, integrity and the resolve that upholds the core values of the Commission.  “I implore you to resist corruption, uphold confidentiality, be diligent, and honour the oath enshrined in Section 35 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act of 2020,’ the Minister stated.

    He assured the recruits of his full commitment to supporting the Commission in realising its objectives, promising to provide the necessary logistics and policy direction to guarantee success. He also saluted the staff and instructors for their discipline, professionalism and sacrifice in mo

  • Police nab man for robbery at Wassa Nkran

    Police nab man for robbery at Wassa Nkran

    The Police Service has arrested one Enoch Asimiga for a robbery incident at Wassa Nkran in the Western Region on June 13.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect attacked a victim near Wassa Nkran at gunpoint with a locally manufactured pistol, robbed him of some money, and fled into a nearby cocoa farm.

    The victim raised the alarm, prompting a swift community response that led to the arrest of the suspect.

    A search led to the retrieval of one BB live cartridge, one locally manufactured pistol, and a Samsung mobile phone.

    The suspect is currently in police custody assisting ongoing investigations and will be put before the court.

    Meanwhile, a special operation by the Central East Regional Police has led to the arrest of 19 suspects in connection with illicit drug trade and robbery activities within the Kasoa Dominase enclave and the Onion market in the Central Region.

    Abubakari Ibrahim, Mohammed Awal, Shafiu Salisu, Hamza Amadu, Ali Adamu, Balhani Fuseini, Jamal Haruna, Zakari Abdulai, Abdul Aziz, Bera Kalidu, and Moro Baki were arrested during the operation on Thursday, June 12.

    Anthony Lucky, Razak Yussif, Sumani Issah, Sulley Mohammed, Abdul Salifu, Eliasu Bukari, Kamelo Muuk, and Osumanu Amadu were also apprehended.

    The Police in a statement, revealed that all 19 suspects are currently in custody, assisting the investigation. They will be put before court in due course.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as controlled pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol and Red.

    The Regional command commended its personnel who embarked on the operation and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts as far as crime combat is concerned.

    The Central East Regional Police Command has also entreated the public to provide relevant information to assist in its continued efforts to clamp down on the menace of illicit drug trade, substance abuse and robbery activities in the communities in order to help maintain a safer environment.

    A new batch of recruits for the Narcotics Control Commission has graduated from the Naval Recruit Training School at Nutekpor in the Volta Region.

    The graduating recruits have undergone rigorous training in key intelligence activities, drug pharmacology, profiling techniques, document fraud detection and tactical security operations. They are now equipped to take on the challenges of combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Ghana.

    Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, Hon.  Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, charged the graduating recruits to remain steadfast in their mission to protect the country from the scourge of illicit drugs and emphasized that the recruits’ badge is a stewardship of hope and should never be used as a ticket for impunity.

    “Your actions must symbolize justice, compassion, integrity and the resolve that upholds the core values of the Commission.  “I implore you to resist corruption, uphold confidentiality, be diligent, and honour the oath enshrined in Section 35 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act of 2020,’ the Minister stated.

    He assured the recruits of his full commitment to supporting the Commission in realising its objectives, promising to provide the necessary logistics and policy direction to guarantee success. He also saluted the staff and instructors for their discipline, professionalism and sacrifice in mo

  • Lekma Hospital gets medical equipment from Chinese medical team

    Lekma Hospital gets medical equipment from Chinese medical team

    The LEKMA Hospital has received medical equipment, consumables and pharmaceuticals from the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana.

    The items were donated to support two critical initiatives: the minimally invasive surgery project (laparoscopic surgeries) and the Beautiful World Charity project.

    In receiving the items, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, noted that the donation will significantly boost healthcare delivery and further deepen the health cooperation between our nations.

    He urged the leadership of LEKMA Hospital, under the capable direction of Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, to ensure that this equipment is used effectively, maintained diligently, and serves its intended purpose, providing better health outcomes for the people of Ghana.

    Superintendent of LEKMA Hospital, Dr. Akuah Gyimah Asante, highlighted in her opening remarks that the donation ceremony serves as a renewed testament to the power of international collaboration, goodwill, and a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

    She mentioned that the donation would improve the ability to provide quality care, ensure safer procedures, reduce recovery time, and achieve better outcomes for patients.

    Additionally, the pharmaceuticals would help alleviate the burdens on essential drug suppliers and enhance treatment continuity for clients.

    H.E Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana mentioned that since 2009, China has dispatched 14 batches of medical teams to Ghana, with over 100 dedicated professionals providing voluntary, essential healthcare services.

    These teams have gone beyond clinical care, they have facilitated the exchange of knowledge and supported the training of Ghanaian health professionals.

    He emphasized that although the quantity of medical supplies may be limited, it will still significantly contribute to enhancing the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of hospitals in Ghana.

    This donation represents another tangible demonstration of support from the Chinese government to both the government of Ghana and the Ghanaian people.

    The donation strengthens the friendship between Ghana and China, a friendship founded on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared vision of health equity.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee resumes vetting of Supreme Court judge nominees

    LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee resumes vetting of Supreme Court judge nominees

    The Appointments Committee of Parliament has resumed vetting of President John Mahama’s seven Supreme Court judge nominees.

    On Monday, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo appeared before the committee.

    Today, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba are expected to take turns to appear before the committee.

    According to Parliament in its circular shared on its Facebook platform, the vetting process to be spearheaded by the committee’s chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker in Parliament, will end on Wednesday, June 18.

    The vetting process commenced at 10am in Committee Rooms 1, 2 & 3 New Administration Block of Parliament.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxXZiPuSOjE

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/1254412282864849

  • Boards of GHS, Ho Teaching Hospital inaugurated by Health Minister

    Boards of GHS, Ho Teaching Hospital inaugurated by Health Minister

    Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inaugurated the newly appointed board members of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH).

    Speaking at the ceremony, the minister emphasized that the inauguration was a reassertion of the ministry’s commitment to strong leadership and improved healthcare delivery across the country.

    Honourable Akandoh described the Ghana Health Service as the frontline of care, from CHPS compounds to regional hospitals and underscored its central role in delivering the government’s health reforms.

    Addressing the new board of the Ho Teaching Hospital, the sector minister reminded members of their unique responsibility not only to save lives but also to train the next generation of health professionals.

    He confirmed the challenges, such as funding gaps, workforce migration, and shifting disease patterns. However, he urged all members to commit to public service, innovation, and, above all, the well-being of the Ghanaian patient.

    “Let today mark a turning point. Let’s get to work because the health and well-being of our people depend on it,” he concluded.

    Speaking on behalf of the GHS Board, Chairman Prof. Fred Newton Binka expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the board and assured the ministry of their readiness to serve with integrity and purpose.

    He emphasized the board’s commitment to enhancing service delivery, upholding professional standards, and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s health objectives.

    In a separate address, the chairman of the HTH Board, Dr. Delanyo Yao Tsidi Dovlo also conveyed appreciation for the trust placed in them.

    He pledged that the board would work collaboratively with the ministry and other stakeholders to improve healthcare outcomes and support the broader health goals of the country.

    The minister pledged to support the leadership of these institutions with the necessary policy frameworks, infrastructure, and resources as Ghana works toward a healthier and more equitable future.

  • 2 on admission as total Mpox cases rise to 91 – GHS

    2 on admission as total Mpox cases rise to 91 – GHS

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported that two individuals are on admission as the country records a total of 91 confirmed monkeypox (Mpox) cases.

    As of June 12, six new cases were reported by the Service. The GHS recorded six new cases, which left the total number of cases at 85 as of June 9.

    As of June 6, the number of confirmed cases rose to 79 from 45 (reported as of May 31), with no fatalities recorded. A total of 34 new cases were reported as against 26 new cases recorded on 31st May.

    Previously, four individuals who contracted the illness were currently on admission, but presently, that figure has declined to one.

    According to the GHS, the recent rise in cases is “due to stronger surveillance such as contact tracing and increased public awareness.”

    As of May 29, 10 new cases had been recorded, leading to a total of 19 confirmed cases. Five individuals were admitted to health facilities at the time. Presently, no deaths have been reported.

    As of May 21, the GHS in a flier revealed that the country’s confirmed cases had hit nine. The Service earlier noted that as of May 18, the number of cases stood at four.

    Ghana recorded the first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, and by November 2023, health authorities had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Despite the increase in cases, Ghana has not recorded any Mpox-related deaths.

    The Ministry of Health and the GHS have called on all media houses to support public education efforts by using their platforms to raise awareness and provide accurate information on Mpox.

    “The Government of Ghana remains committed to safeguarding public health. Drawing on our experience in managing similar outbreaks, we will continue to implement appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents,” said in its statement dated May 18.

    Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact.

    To reduce your risk, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain proper hand hygiene, and refrain from sharing personal items.

    Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

    Ghana will soon experience relief in response to the surging cases of monkeypox (Mpox), as the government is engaging international organizations for assistance.

    Speaking to the media on Saturday, June 7, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe, disclosed that the country is already in talks with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to receive MPOX vaccines.

    According to him, the GHS has submitted the requirements for the vaccines. He noted that, unlike before, the country’s current trend of infection has given Ghana the room to receive vaccines.

    “We’re engaging WHO and the Africa CDC so that we get the vaccines. Somewhere last year, Ghana didn’t have any established human-to-human transmission, so we do not qualify. Now that we have human-to-human transmission. The idea is that we will be able to identify a clear group who will benefit from the vaccine,” he added.

  • US Embassy donates 104 motorbikes to GHS, CHAG

    US Embassy donates 104 motorbikes to GHS, CHAG

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) have received some 104 motorbikes from the United States Embassy in Ghana under its Ghana Integrated Health Program (IHP).

    The donation is meant to strengthen primary healthcare, improve disease surveillance, and enhance maternal and child health outreach by equipping frontline workers with reliable means of transport.

    Of the total, 90 bikes were allocated to GHS and 14 to CHAG.

    Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of the Director-General of the Service, Director for Health Administration and Support Services at GHS, Dr. Ebo Hammond, expressed profound appreciation for the support and described the motorbikes as vital mobility tools that will boost frontline health workers’ ability to reach hard-to-access areas.

    Dr. Hammond highlighted that motorbikes form 90% of GHS’s transport fleet, making them especially effective when visiting hard-to-reach areas, and assured the U.S. Embassy of the effective use and maintenance of the donated items.

    He commended the US embassy for past interventions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Delivering remarks on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Kimberley Rosen emphasized the strong partnership between Ghana and the U.S. in healthcare delivery.

    She noted that the handover reflects America’s continued investment in Ghana’s health system, praising healthcare workers for their dedication.

    She reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to strengthening health services through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in primary healthcare.

    In an unrelated development, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has sworn in a 12-member Governing Council of the Ghana Health Service.

    He charged the new council to lead with integrity, ensure professionalism, and champion patient-centred care as Ghana rolls out bold reforms like free primary healthcare and the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MahamaCares).

    Prof. Fred Binka, Chairman of the Council, pledged commitment to innovation and effective service delivery in line with national priorities.

  • UG sanctions over 100 students for misconduct, exam malpractice

    UG sanctions over 100 students for misconduct, exam malpractice

    More than 100 students of the University of Ghana, Legon, have been penalised for flouting the school rules.

    According to reports, for violating the university’s code of conduct, 14 students were on Monday suspended for two academic years after findings by the Disciplinary Committee.

    They will not participate in any academic or extracurricular activities during the suspension period.

    The affected students include Mr. Abdul-Yakini Lukman, Mr. Daniel Ansah, Mr. Daniel Deary, Mr. Eugene Boakye Jnr., Mr. Ismael Ali Sherrif, Mr. Kingsley Asante, Mr. Richmond Opoku, Mr. Vincent Appiah, Mr. Yakubu Awudu, Mr. Michael Tetteh Kenney, Mr. Ernest Zor, Mr. Yahaya Chentiwuni, Mr. Mohammed Guru and Mr. Joshua Asugbadek Atimbiok.

    For impersonation, three students were awarded Grade Z and expelled from the premier university.

    Mr. Christian Owusu Yeboah, Ms. Linda Attah Lambongyi were expelled for their involvement in impersonation during MKTG301: Principles of Marketing examination, whereas Ms. Doris Bikpe during UGBS103: Introductory French examination, contrary to Regulation 11.12 of the University of Ghana Regulations on Examinations.

    Some 97 students have been sanctioned, awarded grade Z, for engaging in examination malpractice after formal hearings.

    They were caught leaving the examination hall with the answer booklet, communicating and copying, displaying answers written on the body to another candidate, possessing unauthorized material (a provisional ID with written information on the back) and passing and receiving information (Written answers/notes on question paper/provisional ID cards).

    The university has underscored its commitment to maintaining discipline and protecting academic integrity, stating that it “remains resolute in ensuring a safe and honourable learning environment for all students.”

    In an unrelated event, the sixth inaugural lecture for the 2024/2025 academic year is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 26th June.

    The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Ajediran Idowu Bello, former Head of the Department of Physiotherapy.

    Prof. Bello will speak on the topic: “Beyond Movement: Addressing Musculoskeletal Disorders as a Public Health Imperative.”

    His lecture will examine the burden of musculoskeletal conditions and their far-reaching impact on public health systems.

    The session promises to be an insightful engagement on the intersections of physiotherapy, population health and healthcare delivery in Ghana and beyond.

    Members of the university community and the general public are warmly invited.

  • Parliament, FCDO and World Bank to launch project enhancing MPs’ economic and financial governance on June 18

    Parliament, FCDO and World Bank to launch project enhancing MPs’ economic and financial governance on June 18

    The governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) through Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the World Bank, are set to launch a new support initiative.

    The project aims to enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff in economic and financial governance to improve legislative efficiency and oversight.

    Under the theme “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance Project,” the event is taking place at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra, at 10am on Wednesday, June 18.

    Rt Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Special Guest of Honour for the event.

    The three bodies have noted the need for continuous development of parliamentary procedures and the importance of enhancing MPs’ understanding of legislative processes to ensure accountability and informed decision-making.

    On June 11, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, welcomed the project, noting that it will expand Parliament’s engagement with development partners and boost its ability to fulfil its constitutional duties.

    He emphasized that a retooled Parliament will be better equipped to fulfil both its legislative and oversight responsibilities.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Kwaku Ricketts-Hagan, and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, commended the support from the World Bank and FCDO, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

    In his closing remarks, the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, noted that the current Parliament comprises highly educated members who chair key committees.

    He urged committee leaders to take full ownership of the project and ensure its effective implementation to strengthen Parliament’s overall performance.

    A month ago, a delegation from the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC), led by Captain Charlotte Yemm, engaged Members of Parliament in a working visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation and addressing key national and regional security concerns.

    The visit provided an opportunity for the ACSC and its alumni to interact with Members of Parliament, including those on the Defence and Interior Committee, to discuss shared priorities in peacekeeping, maritime security, cyber threats, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

    Vice Chair of the Committee, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, expressed the long-standing UK-Ghana defence partnership and stressed the need for stronger institutional collaboration to respond effectively to emerging threats.

    Pointing to links between foreign involvement in galamsey and violent extremism in the Pacific region, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings expanded on the national security implications of illegal mining.

    She reiterated the urgent need to treat galamsey not just as an environmental issue, but as a strategic threat to national stability.

    Other members of the committee called for enhanced international cooperation and strengthened parliamentary oversight in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.

  • 100 houses at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman engaged in illegal power connection – Report

    100 houses at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman engaged in illegal power connection – Report

    The Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) Accra East revenue team has uncovered massive power theft at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman, where about 100 newly built homes were found with illegal electricity connections.

    A video of the houses without any meters was shared by JoyNews on its social media platform.

    The voice of a lady believed to be a part of the revenue team expressed shock over the matter.

    The ECG today, Monday, June 16, commenced its nationwide revenue mobilization exercise to ensure arrears owed the company by consumers are settled.

    The 12-day exercise will be brought to an end on Friday, 27th June, 2025. In a statement, the ECG noted that the revenue mobilization exercise will focus on all categories of customers with arrears—residential, commercial, industrial and Ministries, Departments and Agencies. 

    The exercise will be monitored by special teams who will apprehend and prosecute customers who attempt to interfere with the exercise and/or undertake illegal self-reconnection after disconnection.

    As such, customers with arrears are advised to pay their bills now to avoid disconnection, and payment of reconnection fees.

    Customers have also been urged to use their regular channels, including the ECG Mobile App, to pay their bills. Download the app from the Google Play Store, or call the ECG contact center at 0302611611 or social media handles for assistance.

    In October last year, the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) raised concerns over the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) monthly revenue losses, revealing that the company is losing approximately $67 million every month due to unpaid bills.

    ACEP attributed these losses to the ECG’s low revenue recovery rate. Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at ACEP, emphasized that improving the ECG’s revenue collection must be prioritized by both the government and the company itself. 

    He warned that the continued failure to collect these revenues would only worsen Ghana’s growing energy sector debt and strain the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), who are already owed significant sums as part of the country’s legacy energy debt.

    Per reports, the ECG is drowning in debt over GHC67 billion. The ECG has on numerous occasions embarked on revenue mobilization exercises but is yet to retrieve all the money owed the company.

    Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shafic Suleman, has lauded the Electricity Company of Ghana for improved revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025.

    According to him, ECG has collected almost GHC1.4 billion every month since the beginning of the year.

    For him, “that is a step in the right direction to keep the lights on.” As Chairman of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, he vowed to ensure continuous cash flow to sustain the operations of ECG following recent engagements with the Energy Minister to upgrade the status of ECG on the Cash Waterfall Mechanism.

  • Retirement age for Supreme Court Justices must be maintained at 70 – Justice Senyo Dzamefe

    Retirement age for Supreme Court Justices must be maintained at 70 – Justice Senyo Dzamefe

    Justice Senyo Dzamefe has insisted that the retirement age for Justices of the Supreme Court should be maintained at the age of 70.

    Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament today, the Justice rejected the opinion of increasing the retirement age to 75.

    “My opinion is to keep it at 70 and not 75,” he said.

    His rationale – Justice Senyo Dzamefe stated that “I want judges to retire very healthy.”

    He noted that upon retiring at the age of 70, the retired justices “can help the Judiciary of the Service in other forms, like assessors to filter our cases. So I think we maintain it at 70.”

    The Appointments Committee of Parliament is vetting President John Mahama’s seven Supreme Court judge nominees today, Monday, June 16.

    According to Parliament in its circular shared on its Facebook platform, the vetting process to be spearheaded by the committee’s chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker in Parliament, will end on Wednesday, June 18.

    The vetting process commences at 10am in Committee Rooms 1, 2 & 3 New Administration Block of Parliament.

    The other listed nominees include Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba.

    Their vetting comes after the Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin on May 27 referred the nominees to the Appointments Committee for vetting and subsequent approval.

    This is in accordance with Article 144(2) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which mandates that Supreme Court nominees undergo parliamentary scrutiny before their appointments are confirmed.

    The Appointments Committee, will be 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, Kwame Governs Agbodza.

    About the nominees

    Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei – A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he was elected to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ 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 – 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 Ghana’s Judicial Council.

    Justice Senyo Dzamefe – A Court of Appeal judge since 2010, he chaired the Dzamefe Commission, which investigated Ghana’s 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 Ghana’s legal system to enhance efficiency and transparency.

    Justice Philip Bright Mensah – 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 – A Court of Appeal judge, he has been nominated to strengthen the Supreme Court’s capacity amid increasing demands on Ghana’s judiciary.

    Justice Hafisata Ameleboba – 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.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee vets Supreme Court judge nominees

    LIVESTREAMING: Appointments Committee vets Supreme Court judge nominees

    The Appointments Committee of Parliament is vetting President John Mahama’s seven Supreme Court judge nominees today, Monday, June 16.

    According to Parliament in its circular shared on its Facebook platform, the vetting process to be spearheaded by the committee’s chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker in Parliament, will end on Wednesday, June 18.

    The vetting process commences at 10am in Committee Rooms 1, 2 & 3 New Administration Block of Parliament.

    The listed nominees include Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba.

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/1450203049274689

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/2199661863781550

    https://web.facebook.com/Parliament.of.Ghana/videos/2484276215269613