TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Forestry Commission in possession of 9 red zone forest reserves previously occupied by armed guards – Lands Minister

    Forestry Commission in possession of 9 red zone forest reserves previously occupied by armed guards – Lands Minister

    Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has revealed that the Forestry Commission has repossessed all 9 red zone forest reserves previously occupied by armed guards. 

    Mr Buah made this known while engaging the media today, July 23, as part of the Government’s Accountability Series. In February this year, the sector minister raised concerns about the increasing devastation of Ghana’s forest reserves due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

    According to him, nearly 10 out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by illegal miners, rendering them inaccessible to the Forestry Commission.

    Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, the minister stated over nine out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity, adding that “the Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves.”

    He further revealed that an estimated 5,000 hectares of forest land have already been destroyed—an area equivalent to approximately 7,000 football fields.

    In his recent update, the Lands Minister noted that Ghana is not out of the woods yet despite repossessing these forest reserves.

    “What it means is that the forestry guards are able to enter in and out and when they need reinforcement, they are supported,” he said.

    The sector minister noted that 279 trucks conveying illegal lumber were intercepted and fined, and the illegal wood was confiscated and auctioned. He also revealed that 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validations before clearance at the port.

    The minister noted that in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance under the GRA Customs Division and the Ports and Harbour Authority, they have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and urged moving equipment from the point of entry.

    He further revealed that the government is developing a centralized digital platform named the Ghana Mine Repository Tracking Software that has been deployed at the Minerals Commission and is at the advanced stage to support this initiative

    “The platform will serve as the single point of integration for all agencies including Customs, DVLA, Ministry of Transport, Minerals Commission, National Security,” the minister said.

    It will also provide authorized institutions with real-time permit history, equipment location, and operational compliance. A pilot project of over 191 excavators is currently being tracked in a dedicated control room of the Minerals Commission.

    “I believe we are going to that point where every excavator in this country is actually regulated,” he said

    The government is undertaking all these initiatives in accordance with L.I. 2404, which prescribes the mandatory registration of all earthmoving and mining equipment that is to be used in mining operations

    Govt’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities

    The government has rolled out an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will go ahead to confiscate unregistered mining equipment after the deadline.

    “The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.

    Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, are advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.

    The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated. Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team commenced a nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.

    “This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.

    The directive fell in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment. Despite the law, the DVLA found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.

    Mr. Kotey emphasized that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, could register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and was ready to strictly enforce the directive. “Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act,” Mr Kotey said.

    To further control the situation, the DVLA, in collaboration with key agencies like the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), commenced tagging all newly imported excavators. 

    In addition to tagging new imports, the Minerals Commission was tasked to lead a team that would tag all excavators already in the country. Legal small-scale mining sites have also been geo-fenced, with their site coordinates integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software for better oversight.

    The move is part of broader government efforts to combat illegal mining.  Three months ago, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies. According to the sector minister. The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion.

    Crack down on illegal mining activities

    In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.

    According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved. These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.

    Prosecution begun for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025. The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.

    Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment. The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines. The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.

    Some 12 accused persons standing trial for engaging in illegal mining activities at Tumetu near Princess Town in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have been remanded into prison custody. While 10 of the accused persons were arrested at a palm plantation, two were arrested at the Elluabo Chavene Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) plantation.

    This was due to a coordinated police intelligence-led operation within the Ahanta West Municipality. The accused persons are Lord Yankey, Caleb Adu Kwaw, Stephen Agyei, Ebenezer Barnes, Mathew Somagevi, Paa Grant, Bashiru Kaviru, Joseph Borney, Aminu Issah, Kofi Sogah, Albert Normah, Robert Mensah. Four water pumping machines, one tricycle with registration number M-20-WR 1045, and two motorbikes were retrieved from the sites, according to the police.

    All twelve accused persons admitted to the offence during police interrogations. They were subsequently put before the Takoradi Harbour Area Circuit Court ‘A’, and were remanded into prison custody at Sekondi and reappeared before the court on Tuesday, July 8.

    Also, fifteen individuals are in police custody for engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia. They were arrested following a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom.

    The suspects include Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu, (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), Abdul Malik Seidu (22). The others are Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), Kwame Adutwum (24).

    Two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and one Apsonic motorbike were seized from the site.

  • 1,200 excavators impounded, pending port clearance validation – Lands Minister

    1,200 excavators impounded, pending port clearance validation – Lands Minister

    Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Buah, has revealed that 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validations before clearance at the port.

    Engaging the media today, July 23, as part of the Government’s Accountability Series, the minister noted that in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance under the GRA Customs Division and the Ports and Harbour Authority, they have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and urged moving equipment from the point of entry.

    He further revealed that the government is developing a centralized digital platform named the Ghana Mine Repository Tracking Software that has been deployed at the Minerals Commission and is at the advanced stage to support this initiative

    “The platform will serve as the single point of integration for all agencies including Customs, DVLA, Ministry of Transport, Minerals Commission, National Security,” the minister said.

    It will also provide authorized institutions with real-time permit history, equipment location, and operational compliance. A pilot project of over 191 excavators is currently being tracked in a dedicated control room of the Minerals Commission.

    “I believe we are going to that point where every excavator in this country is actually regulated,” he said

    The government is undertaking all these initiatives in accordance with L.I. 2404, which prescribes the mandatory registration of all earthmoving and mining equipment that is to be used in mining operations

    Govt’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities

    The government has rolled out an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will go ahead to confiscate unregistered mining equipment after the deadline.

    “The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.

    Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, are advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.

    The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated. Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team commenced a nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.

    “This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.

    The directive fell in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment. Despite the law, the DVLA found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.

    Mr. Kotey emphasized that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, could register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and was ready to strictly enforce the directive. “Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act,” Mr Kotey said.

    To further control the situation, the DVLA, in collaboration with key agencies like the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), commenced tagging all newly imported excavators. 

    In addition to tagging new imports, the Minerals Commission was tasked to lead a team that would tag all excavators already in the country. Legal small-scale mining sites have also been geo-fenced, with their site coordinates integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software for better oversight.

    The move is part of broader government efforts to combat illegal mining.  Three months ago, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies. According to the sector minister. The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion.

    Crack down on illegal mining activities

    In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.

    According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved. These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.

    Prosecution begun for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025. The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.

    Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment. The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines. The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.

    Some 12 accused persons standing trial for engaging in illegal mining activities at Tumetu near Princess Town in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have been remanded into prison custody. While 10 of the accused persons were arrested at a palm plantation, two were arrested at the Elluabo Chavene Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) plantation.

    This was due to a coordinated police intelligence-led operation within the Ahanta West Municipality. The accused persons are Lord Yankey, Caleb Adu Kwaw, Stephen Agyei, Ebenezer Barnes, Mathew Somagevi, Paa Grant, Bashiru Kaviru, Joseph Borney, Aminu Issah, Kofi Sogah, Albert Normah, Robert Mensah. Four water pumping machines, one tricycle with registration number M-20-WR 1045, and two motorbikes were retrieved from the sites, according to the police.

    All twelve accused persons admitted to the offence during police interrogations. They were subsequently put before the Takoradi Harbour Area Circuit Court ‘A’, and were remanded into prison custody at Sekondi and reappeared before the court on Tuesday, July 8.

    Also, fifteen individuals are in police custody for engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia. They were arrested following a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom.

    The suspects include Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu, (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), Abdul Malik Seidu (22). The others are Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), Kwame Adutwum (24).

    Two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and one Apsonic motorbike were seized from the site.

  • Final-year student of Wa T.I Ahmadiyya SHS stabbed by colleague, in critical condition

    Final-year student of Wa T.I Ahmadiyya SHS stabbed by colleague, in critical condition

    A fisticuff between two final-year students of Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (Wa Amass) has left one hospitalised and in critical condition, according to reports.

    It is reported that Iddrisu Ibrahim, also known as Lincoln—an agricultural science student—and his colleague Hafis, who is also known as Baayaawa—a general arts student—engaged in an argument over a video that was recorded.

    It is said that Lincoln filmed Hafis without his consent—an action that left the latter displeased. He requested Lincoln to delete the said video, but Lincoln reportedly refused. When matters escalated, Hafis pulled out a knife and stabbed his colleague in the stomach and ribs.

    Sources say a group of students mobilised to attack Hafis when he sought to escape. The intervention of the Police averted further casualties. According to reports, Hafis has been apprehended and aiding investigations into the incident.

    Lincoln is said to be admitted to the Wa Regional Hospital. The school authorities are yet to release an official statement over the matter.

    Violence in Senior High Schools (SHSs) has become a trend in the country. The Ministry of Education has granted school heads at Senior High Schools across the country the mandate to conduct searches on students. This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak on Saturday, May 24.

    Speaking to Citi News, Clement Apaak, noted that the action is a part of the government’s series of strategies to eradicate indiscipline in schools, specifically SHSs. The new development was ruled out under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

    The instruction comes after the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) threatened to take matters into their hands should the GES fail to introduce drastic measures against notorious SHS students.

    NAGRAT issued a May 31 deadline ultimatum, emphasizing its decision to introduce tough disciplinary measures to protect teachers.

    In response, the Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to implement a lasting solution in response to the rising cases of indiscipline in Senior High Schools. The Deputy Minister also indicated that Parent Teachers Association (PTA) meetings will be reinstated to ensure teachers and parents collaborate as well as share concerns. This initiative has been realised.

    He added that “The minister has directed the director general of education to work with the current Education Service council to provide immediate additional interventions towards addressing this canker which clearly doesn’t order well for teaching and learning even as we look forward to implementing recommendations as captured in the here yet to be published report of the National Education Forum.”

    However, the Deputy Minister explained that the decision to include corporal punishment would be made once the discussions with the stakeholders of education are finalized. “So we would not make an immediate pronouncement as to whether oral punishment should be one of the interventions until we see what is going to come out of the interaction between the director general and the council,” he added.

    The country has recorded several violent clashes in its second-cycle institutions. These incidents have witnessed students possessing weapons, destroying properties, and others engaging in brutal confrontations. Stakeholders, on the other hand, have bemoaned the growing indiscipline and insecurity on school campuses, prompting calls for an immediate intervention.

    Authorities at Sokode Senior High Technical School temporarily shut down the premises over a violent misunderstanding between students. Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre School earlier this year were involved in a heated altercation.

    Away from Accra, Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School clashed after returning from an inter-school competition. One student sustained severe injuries as a result of the event; school properties and private cars belonging to teachers were also damaged.

    Salaga Senior High School in the Savannah Region observed the most violent clashes. The confrontation left a student with multiple stab wounds, with the police retrieving a locally produced pistol and ammunition from the scene. Students of Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC) also faced off with local youth, causing injuries and damages to multiple vehicles.

    Months ago, a 16-year-old form two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was arrested by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command for illegally possessing a locally manufactured firearm.

    The police arrested the suspect following a routine dormitory search by school authorities on Wednesday, May 14. According to the accused, the weapon belonged to his stepfather, Mr. Daniel Owusu Baafi, who has been apprehended.

    This was disclosed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, on Sunday, May 18. Following their arrest, both individuals were granted bail and are to report to the police on Monday, May 19, as investigations continue.

    In September last year, a video detailing the actions of O’Reilly Senior High School final-year students, Edward Sackey and Godwin, before the stabbing of the former by the latter emerged online.

    In a video gone viral, two male students were engaged in a fisticuff in the presence of several other students. This is said to have ensued before Edward Sackey, an 18-year-old General Arts student was fatally stabbed during an altercation with a classmate from the Visual Arts Department on Monday, September 2.

    According to reports, the altercation that led to Edward’s death was reportedly sparked by a dispute over personal wealth. Edward was stabbed three times in the chest and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

    There are reports that the school authorities, particularly teachers, failed to take action during the clash between the two students and after the stabbing occurred.

    Meanwhile, the father of Edward Sackey, Enoch Sackey, has announced his intention to sue the school following his son’s tragic death. In an interview with Accra-based CitiNews, Enoch Sackey expressed profound frustration and demanded accountability from the school for the circumstances leading to his son’s death. 

    “We have to sue the school, we have to hold the school responsible,” Sackey asserted. “We want the school authority to come out and explain why such a thing would happen on school premises, where the teachers, nobody tried to interfere… they were all unconcerned until my son passed away.”

    Sackey further criticized the school’s teachers for negligence, noting that his niece had called him to the school due to the fight but he did not understand why the teachers did not handle the situation. “I went to the school in Accra to understand the happenings, but sadly, I found my son covered in blood,” he said.

    On Tuesday, Sackey and other family members, dressed in red and black, picketed the school to voice their dissatisfaction. They have expressed disappointment that neither the school administration, the attacker’s family, nor the police have contacted them regarding the incident.

    Sackey emphasized, “We want answers from the school authority, and the parents of the boy and the police. We want justice, and we want the school authority to explain to us if the teachers were not at the school when it happened, or they were there, or they did not care.” The suspect, Godwin, was apprehended by the Ghana Police Service.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Lands Minister updates public on sector progress

    LIVESTREAMING: Lands Minister updates public on sector progress

    Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Buah, is updating the public on the progress of his ministry and the mining sector.

    On Monday, Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah engaged the public.

    Last week, Minister for the Interior Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also doubles as the Minister responsible for National Security kick-started the series.

    The Presidency Communications Office announced the commencement of the Government Accountability Series which began on Monday, July 14, as part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

    The series will be held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 am. It will offer a platform for a tentative appraisal of the government’s performance over the last six months. The key sector ministers will present mid-year updates on their sector’s performance.

    This initiative comes to fulfill President Dramani Mahama’s pledge to uphold accountability during his second term in office. In February this year, the president reiterated his promise, instructing all his appointees to be accountable to the Ghanaian people.

  • Police foil robbery attempt in Cantonments; two suspects killed, police officer hospitalised

    Police foil robbery attempt in Cantonments; two suspects killed, police officer hospitalised

    An intelligence-led operation by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) foiled a robbery attempt by five armed men en route to rob a foreign national at Cantonments on July 15.

    In a statement, the Police noted that they received credible intelligence that the five armed men were lodging at a hotel in Labadi. 

    While en route to the location in a Toyota Yaris vehicle, the suspects opened fire on a police team after detecting police surveillance. An officer got shot. A shootout ensued, and two of the suspects succumbed to gunshot wounds after being rushed to the Ghana Police Hospital.

    The officer who sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and legs has been hospitalised and is responding to treatment, according to the Police. The Police retrieved from the scene two pump-action guns loaded with ammunition, live cartridges, three mobile phones, talismans, and other items.

    Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway to arrest the remaining three suspects currently at large. This incident preceded a shootout between officers of the Tema Regional Police Command and a group of 10 suspected robbers during a robbery incident at the Tema Industrial Area that led to the demise of three suspects.

    The incident occurred on July 21 when the police patrol team responded to a distress call and exchanged gunfire upon arrival at the scene during a confrontation with the suspects.

    Three of the suspected robbers succumbed to gunshot wounds, but seven others, some of whom are believed to have been wounded, managed to evade arrest. The police are on a manhunt for these suspected robbers. The remains of the three suspected robbers have been deposited at the Police Hospital Morgue for identification, preservation, and autopsy.

    Exhibits recovered from the scene include a Bruni mod foreign pistol, a double-barrelled locally manufactured pistol with 2 rounds of ammunition and 11 live BB ammunition. The Ghana Police Service has commended its officers at the Kpone District Command for their efforts in managing the robbery incident.

    What the law says about robbery and stealing

    Section 149 of the Criminal Offences states that a person who commits robbery commits a first-degree felony. Per Section 150, “a person who steals a thing commits robbery (a) if in, and for the purpose of stealing the thing, that person uses force or causes harm to any other person, or (b) if that person uses a threat or criminal assault or harm to any other person, with intent to prevent or overcome the resistance of the other person to the stealing of the thing.”

    Section 124 of the Criminal Offences Act indicates that a person who steals commits a second-degree felony. Where the court that finds a person guilty of stealing is satisfied that on not less than two previous occasions the accused was found guilty of stealing, the court shall order that the whole or a part of a term of imprisonment imposed by it shall be spent in productive hard labour.

    A person in respect of whom the court makes an order under subsection (2) is disqualified for election to Parliament or to a District Assembly within the meaning of the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), for a period not exceeding five years.

    Productive hard labour means labour in a state farm or state factory or any other public co-operative or collective enterprise specified by the Minister.

    Police efforts in combatting robbery

    In recent years, the Ghana Police Service has made some strides in curtailing the activities of robbers as well as seeing to the prosecution of those arrested during their line of work. The police this month managed to secure a conviction for an armed robbery incident that occurred in Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi, four years ago.

    The Kumasi Circuit Court sentenced two individuals to 15 years imprisonment for the violent armed robbery incident. The convicted persons are Abass Kasim (26) and Daniel Morro, a.k.a. “China” (25). They were part of a group of five that attacked a resident at his Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi home on July 31, 2021, at about 2:30 am. The gang, wielding a pistol and cutlasses, shot the victim in the abdomen, inflicted multiple cutlass wounds, and robbed him of personal effects.

    Items stolen during the attack included one iPhone 11 mobile phone valued at GHS 5,500, one Samsung phone valued at GHS 500, two Apple Watches valued at GHS 3,000, and two M.K. ladies’ handbags. An unspecified quantity of jewelry, $600, and an unspecified amount of Ghana cedis were also stolen. Following police investigations, Abass Kasim was arrested on August 12, 2021, and during interrogation, he admitted his involvement and subsequently led officers to the arrest of Daniel Morro, and a pistol used in the attack was later retrieved.

    On Thursday, August 19, 2021, they were arraigned before Kumasi Circuit Court 4, where they were initially remanded into custody after pleading not guilty. The two reappeared in court on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and were convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on each count.

    This included conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and unlawful entry. Abetment of crime and possession of firearms without authority. All sentences are to run concurrently. The convicts have since been transferred to the Central Prisons in Kumasi to begin serving their prison sentence. Meanwhile, the three accomplices are currently at large, and the police have intensified efforts to locate them.

    The police reported another victory after an armed robber, Paul Avortide, was jailed for 19 years with hard labour for robbery. The 25-year-old convict, on May 21, at about 4:00 am, at Tsikpota near New Housing, Ho, with a machete in his hand, threatened a pregnant woman by the name of Ogechi Chidiebere, a Nigerian resident in Ho. 

    Paul Avortide robbed the victim of her Gh¢ 3,000 and her Tecno Spark 30c mobile phone valued at Gh¢2,500 when she was on her way to attend antenatal care at the Ho Municipal Hospital.

    On June 19, at about 6:00 pm, the Regional Police Intelligence team arrested Harmony Nbonu at the Ho Main Market, who was in possession of the stolen phone. During interrogations, he mentioned Paul Avortide as the one who sold the phone to him at the cost of Gh¢ 850.00.

    Coordinated efforts between the Police and the suspect, Hormony Nbonu, led to the arrest of the convict, Paul Avortide, at Matse, a suburb of Ho, when he was running away from Ho Township. After police investigations, Paul Avortide was charged with the offence of robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Offences (Amendment) ACT, 2003 (ACT 646).

    Harmony Nbonu, on the other hand, was charged with the offence of Dishonestly Receiving Contrary to Section 146 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The two were arraigned before Ho Circuit Court presided over by His Honour, Osman Abdul Hakeem, Esq., on Tuesday, July 1.

    The first accused person (A1), Paul Avortide, pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to a prison term of 19 years in hard labor. The second accused person, (A2), Harmony Nbonu, was acquitted and discharged. The convict has since been handed over to the Ho Regional Prison authorities to begin to serve his prison term.

    Meanwhile, three individuals believed to be involved in a robbery incident that occurred at Nyanikrom near Shama Junction on Wednesday, July 9, have been apprehended. The arrested suspects have been identified as Francis Mensah, alias Francis Kwaw (34); Ebenezer Cofie (32); and Samuel Bentum (35). The arrest was effected by the Western Regional Police Command following a targeted surveillance operation based on credible intelligence.

    They received intel that the suspects, armed with insider information, were planning to rob officials of a company located at Nyanikrom. The intended target was company funds withdrawn from the bank for salary payments.

    On the said date at about 12:00 p.m., staff of the company had withdrawn money from a bank in Takoradi. While returning to the company premises, they were ambushed near Unique School Junction at Nyanikrom by the suspects, who were on a motorbike and in an unregistered sedan vehicle. 

    The suspects forcibly broke the vehicle’s window and made away with the cash. Response by police personnel who had mounted surveillance in the area led to the arrest of three suspects and recovery of GHC 149,500.00.

    The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Additionally, a company driver identified as Maxwell Kofi Yeboah, who is alleged to have conspired with the suspects, is currently at large and being pursued by the police. “The Western Regional Police Command assures the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and bring all perpetrators to justice,” the police said in a statement.

    Despite the heroic efforts by the Police to reduce the number of robbery cases, several lives of officers who were on duty have been lost. Presently, the exact number of police officers who have lost their lives while responding to a robbery incident is unknown.

    A police officer was killed by armed robbers in Kwame Peprakrom in the Central Region in September 2024 after being ambushed. The government has introduced a GHC50,000 insurance scheme for officers who lose their lives while on duty.

  • Tarkwa Bremang Assembly member nabbed for illegal mining, diversion of public road

    Tarkwa Bremang Assembly member nabbed for illegal mining, diversion of public road

    Assembly Member for the Tarkwa Bremang Electoral Area, Isaac Duku, has been arrested by the Western Central Regional Police Command for reportedly engaging in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

    Isaac Duku, also known as Agoogi, was also apprehended on July 19 at Dortaso, near Tarkwa, for unlawfully diverting a public road onto his private land. 

    His arrest follows a report lodged by residents at the Bawdie Police Station on July 14 that indicated that Mr Duku had diverted the main community access road and was engaging in illegal mining activities on the diverted stretch. According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspect is assisting with investigations.

    The government has intensified its efforts in combatting illegal activities, particularly the activities of illegal miners that have become a menace, destroying the environment and taking the lives of many for many years. In light of this, security agencies have beefed up their efforts to apprehend and prosecute individuals who do not act in accordance with the law.

    Crack down on illegal mining activities

    In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.

    According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved. These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.

    Prosecution begun for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025. The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.

    Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment. The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines. The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.

    Some 12 accused persons standing trial for engaging in illegal mining activities at Tumetu near Princess Town in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have been remanded into prison custody. While 10 of the accused persons were arrested at a palm plantation, two were arrested at the Elluabo Chavene Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) plantation.

    This was due to a coordinated police intelligence-led operation within the Ahanta West Municipality. The accused persons are Lord Yankey, Caleb Adu Kwaw, Stephen Agyei, Ebenezer Barnes, Mathew Somagevi, Paa Grant, Bashiru Kaviru, Joseph Borney, Aminu Issah, Kofi Sogah, Albert Normah, Robert Mensah. Four water pumping machines, one tricycle with registration number M-20-WR 1045, and two motorbikes were retrieved from the sites, according to the police.

    All twelve accused persons admitted to the offence during police interrogations. They were subsequently put before the Takoradi Harbour Area Circuit Court ‘A’, and were remanded into prison custody at Sekondi and reappeared before the court on Tuesday, July 8.

    Also, fifteen individuals are in police custody for engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia. They were arrested following a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom.

    The suspects include Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu, (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), Abdul Malik Seidu (22). The others are Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), Kwame Adutwum (24).

    Two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and one Apsonic motorbike were seized from the site.

    Govt’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities

    The government has rolled out an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will go ahead to confiscate unregistered mining equipments after the deadline.

    “The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.

    Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, are advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.

    The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated. Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team commenced a nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.

    “This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.

    The directive fell in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment. Despite the law, the DVLA found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.

    Mr. Kotey emphasized that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, could register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and was ready to strictly enforce the directive. “Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act,” Mr Kotey said.

    To further control the situation, the DVLA, in collaboration with key agencies like the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), commenced tagging all newly imported excavators. 

    In addition to tagging new imports, the Minerals Commission was tasked to lead a team that would tag all excavators already in the country. Legal small-scale mining sites have also been geo-fenced, with their site coordinates integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software for better oversight.

    The move is part of broader government efforts to combat illegal mining.  Three months ago, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies. According to the sector minister. The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion. 

  • BoG reveals guidelines for application of exchange rates by shipping industry

    BoG reveals guidelines for application of exchange rates by shipping industry

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced its guidelines on the application for exchange rates for players in the shipping industry in the country following consultations with stakeholders.

    In the statement, the guidelines direct the publication of daily exchange rates used for invoicing on their website and/or at their premises. Prior to the issuance of invoices or payment, the published rate is to be made available to customers and clearly communicated.

    The invoices are to clearly indicate the currency of the service, applied exchange rate, date of application, and final amount in Ghana cedis or United States dollars.

    “Exchange rates must be market-reflective of their commercial bank rates which is expected to be benchmarked to the Bank of Ghana’s published interbank exchange rate and not arbitrarily determined,” the statement signed by Secretary at the Bank of Ghana, Ms Sandra Thompson, added.

    The guidelines came into effect on 22nd July, 2025, and according to the Central Bank, they will remain in force until otherwise amended or revoked. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency, consistency, and alignment with regulatory frameworks in foreign exchange pricing for services offered at the ports.

    With regard to disputes relating to exchange rate application, the Bank of Ghana has entreated customers to lodge a formal complaint with the service provider. Unresolved complaints may be escalated to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), the central bank noted. The central bank noted that “all industry players must comply with the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) and related notices,” as “non-compliance may result in administrative sanctions.”

    The Ghana Shippers’ Authority, less than a week ago, announced that it was engaging the Bank of Ghana on a complaint it had received from some shippers and freight forwarders with regard to the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines.

    The Authority only engaged the central bank—the regulator of the forex space, the shipping lines, and the complainants—to receive an official directive from the Bank of Ghana to prohibit the illegal act upon the findings of an investigation it conducted into the matter in pursuit of a fair outcome. The meeting was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and the conclusive resolution of the challenge that has been issued by the central bank has been published by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority for the attention and benefit of all stakeholders. 

    Meanwhile, the Authority has sought the input of stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector in drafting a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that will aid the enforcement of Act 1122 (2024), to fortify the execution of its mandate. These include the regulators of transport modes by which international trade is undertaken, service providers, terminal operators, and shipping lines.

    The GSA has revealed its commitment to ensure that enforcement of the law “would remain without fear or favour, whilst upholding its mutually beneficial essence for the utmost good of Ghana and her people.”

    “The Ghana Shippers’ Authority hereby reassures the general public that, it remains committed to serving the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, and beyond that, GSA is particularly focused on positioning Ghana as the preferred hub in international trade. These objectives remain the guiding principles in our operations and will be upheld at all times,” the Authority revealed on its website.

    In a related event, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has clarified its mandate and ongoing interventions to ensure a conducive shipping and logistics ecosystem for all players in the sector. This stemmed from an article that sought to know about the extent of the effectiveness of the GSA Act, 2024 (Act 1122) since its passage by Parliament on 29th July 2024 and assent by the then President of the Republic of Ghana on 17th October 2024.

    The GSA noted that the passage of Act 1122 (2024), which marked a significant milestone in the growth of the country’s trade sector, transformed the Authority from an advocacy institution to a regulatory authority.

    “The shift reflected a broader national commitment to foster inclusive, transparent, and cost-effective governance of the sector. Under the new law, shipping service providers—including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents—are required to submit all proposed charges, fees, and tariffs to the GSA for review and approval prior to their implementation,” the Authority noted.

    According to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, it has carried out its mandate in several instances, such as engaging shipping lines as well as ground handlers who operate at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) over submitting their charges for review and approval. According to the GSA, these stakeholders were compliant with the law.

    “GSA has adopted an inquisitorial rather than adversarial approach to enforcing its Act. In this regard, thorough investigations into complaints, claims and assertions have informed the decisions and actions taken in response to shipper complaints. Active engagements of the stakeholders involved to grant a hearing to each side have been employed to ensure that the outcomes of interventions aid progress rather than stagnation or retrogression,” the Authority added. The GSA emphasised that its role as a regulator is not aimed at stifling businesses and international trade.

    In an unrelated event, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has called on agencies operating at the country’s port to desist from engaging in siloed operations. The Authority has recommended a collaborative approach that is to reduce cost, ensure efficiency, and improve the country’s international trade reputation.

    In June, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, who made the call at the maiden Southern Zonal Stakeholder Committee Meeting for 2025, noted that it was imperative to boost round-the-clock operations and enhance competitiveness.

    “The clarion call is for every institution to stop working in silos and start acting with awareness of how their respective roles impact the broader ecosystem,” she said.

    According to her, the shipping and logistics industry, which is a highly intricate ecosystem, functions effectively when all sector players, including regulatory and security agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and shipping lines, take notice of their coordinate and interdependence efforts.

  • Attorney-General discontinues legal case against Duffuor and 7 others

    Attorney-General discontinues legal case against Duffuor and 7 others

    Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has withdrawn the state’s legal case against Kwabena Duffuor, a shareholder of defunct uniBank Ghana Limited (uniBank) and owner of HODA Holdings Company Limited (HODA) and seven other accused.

    The accused were charged with 68 counts of the following offenses: (i) conspiracy to commit fraudulent breach of trust; (ii) fraudulent breach of trust; (iii) Money laundering; (iv) dishonesty receiving; (v) contravention of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612); (vi) willfully causing financial loss to the state; (vii) conspiracy to falsify accounts; and (viii) falsification of accounts.

    The Attorney-General in a statement, provided an explanation for entering a nolle prosequi in the case of The Republic v. Kwabena Duffour & 7 Others, although the exercise of this prosecutorial discretion requires no explanation under law.

    The A-G explained that the central objective of these prosecutions was to ensure accountability for public funds and recover losses occasioned to the state through various alleged acts of financial impropriety.

    Per facts of the case, between December 2015 and June 2016, uniBank applied for various liquidity support of GH¢200 million, GH¢350 million, and GH¢450 million from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) out of which only GH¢150 million was paid, leaving an overdue amount of GH¢850 million excluding interest. 

    While still in default in the repayment of the BoG liquidity support of GH$850 million, uniBank borrowed several amounts through overnight interbank borrowings.

    The Office of the Attorney General, in pursuit of the aforementioned objective, established a threshold of 60% recovery of the alleged losses to the state as a condition for reconsidering prosecution in specific cases in collaboration with other relevant state agencies.

    The A-G noted that “following prolonged negotiations and engagements, the accused persons in The Republic v. Kwabena Duffour & 7 Others case have met this recovery threshold.”

    In light of this, the Attorney-General noted that continuing with the prosecution would not serve any additional public purpose, as significant recoveries were made for the state.

    Per the statement, the A-G’s decision does not imply an absence of wrongdoing nor a vindication of any conduct. 

    “It is a pragmatic step in line with the overarching national interest of recovering State resources. The Honourable Attorney-General remains resolute in his commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the public purse, and pursuing justice in all matters of national importance,” the statement added.

    Facts 

    Kwabena Duffuor, the 1st accused person, is a shareholder of uniBank Ghana Limited (uniBank) and the ultimate beneficial owner of HODA Holdings Company Limited (HODA). HODA, the 2nd accused person, is a holding company and the majority shareholder of uniBank. 

    Johnson Pandit Asiama, the 3rd accused person, was the 2nd Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BOG) between April 2016 and January 2018. The 4th accused person, Kwabena Duffuor II, formerly a Chief Operating Officer (COO) of uniBank subsequently became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of uniBank between June 2017 and March 2018. 

    The 5th accused person, Ekow Nyarko Dadzie-Dennis, who was a COO of uniBank is a member of the Board of Directors of WAICA Reinsurance Corporation Plc (WAICA-Re), Sierra Leone. The 6th accused person, Elsie Dansoa Kyereh, was an Executive Head of Corporate Banking at uniBank. 

    The 7th accused person, Jeffrey Amon, was a Senior Relationship Manager of Corporate Banking at uniBank. The 8th accused person, Benjamin Ofori was the Executive Head of Credit Risk at uniBank. The 9th accused person, Kwadwo Opoku Okoh, was a Financial Control Manager of uniBank and is Head of Finance of HODA.

    UniBank went into official administration on 20th March 2018 and was placed in receivership on 1st August 2018. KPMG, the Official Administrator, in the course of its duties discovered that about GH¢5.7 billion had become due from shareholders of uniBank as of 20th March 2018. 

    No security nor proper credit arrangements were made for the payment of the amount, which remains unpaid. The debt of GH¢5.7 billion was made up of two components, namely, a Deferred Expenditure Account (DEA) together with other balances of about GH¢3.7 billion and, secondly, Loans and Advances made up of about GH¢2 billion.

    The DEA was a general ledger account created and operated for the benefit of shareholders of uniBank. The GH¢43.7 billion was also made up of a number of transactions of which about GH¢2.4 billion constituted direct payouts for the benefit of shareholders. 

    Out of the amount of GH¢2.4 billion, the 4th and 5th accused persons acting in concert dishonestly appropriated funds out of customer deposits and borrowings from BOG for the benefit of shareholders through a variety of means including the use of petty cash vouchers and cash pay-in slips amounting to about GH¢613 million. 

    Out of the amount of GH¢613 million, various payments were dishonestly made to the accounts of related parties of uniBank including the 2nd accused person (HODA), HODA Properties, Numa Logistics, Integrated Properties, Topp Recruitment and Bolton Portfolio without recourse to due process contrary to proper banking practice. Corresponding entries were also dishonestly posted to the DEA.

    The 1st and 2nd accused persons between January 2014 and February 2018 dishonestly received over GH¢663,283,917.19 through subsidiaries of the 2nd accused person out of customer deposits with uniBank that were dishonestly transferred and recorded in the DEA.

    It was also discovered that in April 2016, an amount of GH¢35million was dishonestly paid from uniBank funds to Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) for the purchase of shares in GOIL for the benefit of Starmount Development Company Limited (Starmount), a related party. The amount of GH¢35 million was also posted to the DEA at the instance of the 4th and 5th accused persons.

    Between November 2015 and September 2017, at the instance of the 4th and 5th accused persons, various dishonest payments amounting to GH¢74 million were made by uniBank to fund a commercial printing and label manufacturing company, uniPrecision Printing and Packaging Company Limited (uniPrecision), also a subsidiary of HODA. These payments were charged to the DEA. UniBank failed to recover these funds from uniPrecision.

    Between December 2015 and June 2016, uniBank applied for various liquidity support of GH¢200 million, GH¢350 million, and GH¢450 million from BoG, out of which only GH¢150 million was paid leaving an overdue amount of GH¢850 million, excluding interest. Whilst still in default in the repayment of the BoG liquidity support of GH$850 million, uniBank borrowed several amounts through overnight interbank borrowings.

    In September, 2016, the 3rd accused person, even though aware that uniBank was in a poor liquidity state and still in default of repayments due BoG contrived a scheme whereby the 3rd accused person gave approval for the disbursement of a GH¢300 million unsecured facility to Universal Merchant Bank Limited (UMB) for the benefit of uniBank without following prescribed mandatory statutory conditions. GH¢150 million of the facility remains unpaid.

    On 5th December 2016, uniBank borrowed GH¢400 million from BoG as overnight borrowing in addition to other borrowings from the interbank market. Despite its weak liquidity position, uniBank, at the instance of the 4th and 5th accused persons, dishonestly transferred a total of about GH¢325 million through UMB as payment for 51% ADB shares in the names of Belstar Capital Limited (Belstar), Starmount, SIC Financial Services Limited (SIC-FSL), EDC Investments Limited (EDC), Oscar Yao Doe and Mark Blewunyo Cofie. 

    The balance of the outstanding GH¢850 million liquidity support from BOG was still due at the time uniBank transferred the amount of GH¢325 million funds to purchase the adb shares which compelled BOG to nullify the purchase of the shares.

    The second component of GH¢2 billion due to uniBank by shareholders included 31 fictitious loans amounting to over GH¢1 billion created at the instance of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th accused persons. Investigations disclosed that none of the customers in whose names the fictitious loans were created applied for, received nor were granted any loan facility by the bank. 

    As a result of the dishonest conduct of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th accused persons, the outstanding balance due to the bank on the DEA was dishonestly excluded from uniBank’s assets in its prudential returns to BoG and its annual financial statements thereby misreporting its true state of affairs to the regulatory authorities and users of its financial statements.

    The 4th accused person on 6th June 2016 dishonestly authorised the establishment of a Letter of Credit (LC) by uniBank in the sum of GH¢12.5 million for the benefit of uniPrecision for the purchase of equipment. Investigations revealed that no equipment was purchased. Payments in respect of the LC were made by uniBank to Ecobank, Paris. The total amount paid in that transaction was about GH¢13.5 million inclusive of interest.

    The 4th, 5th and 9th accused persons, acting in concert between November 2013 and February 2014, dishonestly appropriated the sum of about GH¢9.5 million ostensibly for the purchase of shares in WAICA-Re in the names of Telemedia Communications (Telemedia), Crown Insurance Brokers (Crown Insurance), uniCredit Ghana Limited (uniCredit), HODA, uniBank, uniSecurities Ghana Limited (uniSecurities) and the 1st accused person, Kwabena Duffuor. Investigations disclosed that Telemedia, Crown Insurance, uniCredit, uniSecurities and the 1st accused person held no shares in WAICA-Re.

    Background

    The accused were arraigned before the High Court, Accra, on 12th February, 2020, for the alleged roles they played leading to the collapse of UniBank, a bank licensed to operate under the Banking and Deposit-taking Act, 2016 (Act 930). 

    When, in the course of its operations, UniBank began to show signs of distress, the Bank of Ghana stepped in, and in exercise of its powers of supervision over banks and deposit-taking institutions, appointed an official administrator to reorganize the affairs of the bank. 

    KPMG, an audit firm, was appointed Administrator of Unibank by Bank of Ghana from 20th March 2018 – 31st July 2018. At the end of the Official Administration, the Bank of Ghana revoked the banking licence of UniBank and appointed Nii Amanor Dodoo, a Senior Partner of KPMG, as the Official Receiver of UniBank pursuant to the provisions of Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). The effective date of the appointment was 1st August 2018, that is one day after the mandate of the Official Administrator ended.

    At the close of Management Conference on 22nd February, 2021, the prosecution opened its case by calling its first witness (PW1), Nii Amanor Dodoo, the receiver of UniBank. On 26th April, 2021, the appellants raised objection to him testifying and challenged the status of PW1 as a competent witness. 

    Their objection was based on the fact that being a senior partner of KPMG, the Official Administrator of UniBank, he had taken an active part in the management and operation of UniBank as Official Administrator. 

    Since one who had acted as Official Administrator was prohibited under 122 (8) of the Act 930 from taking any position as “shareholder, director, key management personnel in a bank”, his appointment as receiver was null and void. Consequent upon his appointment as receiver being a nullity, he was not competent to testify in that capacity on any matter concerning the affairs of UniBank.

    The High Court overruled the objection on 22nd June, 2021, and the appellants took the interlocutory appeal to Court of Appeal. The Court Appeal affirmed the decision of the trial Court and dismissed the appeal on 17th February, 2022. Appellants filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.

  • Police Hospital to conduct mass burial for 300 unclaimed bodies on August 11

    Police Hospital to conduct mass burial for 300 unclaimed bodies on August 11

    Management of the Ghana Police Hospital has announced a mass burial for 300 unclaimed bodies deposited in the hospital’s morgue, slated for August 11, 2025.

    In a statement signed by Public Affairs Officer C/Inspr. Faustina Afia Nunekpeku, the hospital noted that the unidentified and unclaimed bodies are made up of paupers, unknown former patients, abandoned dead bodies, and accident and crime victims.

    “This solemn task is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity in line with public health guidelines,” a part of the statement issued read.

    The hospital noted that the occurrence of such unclaimed bodies is a reminder of the importance of proper identification. It entreated all and sundry to be vigilant in safeguarding personal details, especially when traveling or engaging in daily activities.

    In light of this, the Ghana Police Hospital has issued a number of preventive measures to avoid falling into the category of unknown deceased persons.

    These include carrying an identification always. The police noted that regardless of age or location, one must have their national identification or that of any organization on them to help the police or others easily identify them whenever they are involved in any crisis.

    Members of the general public have been entreated to share emergency contact information with close family and friends. 

    “These contacts can be used to reach out in case of a medical emergency or any unforeseen incident. For those who live alone, we advise keeping a list of emergency contact in easily accessible places,” the statement noted.

    Also, the hospital urged the public to stay abreast of the legal and safety requirements in the country. The hospital stated that there is the need to “always keep updated on local guidelines regarding health, safety and public transport, particularly in rural or less-patrolled areas where emergency services may be delayed.”

    Furthermore, the Ghana Police Hospital advocated for families and friends to make a collective effort to “maintain regular communication and keep records of loved ones whereabouts particularly the elderly, minors and individuals with mental health challenges who may be more vulnerable to disappearing without trace.”

    “..we believe that this serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of securing our identification and taking necessary precautions for our safety. We urge the general public to adhere to these messages to ensure their safety and prevent such unfortunate incident,” it added.

    Management of the Ghana Police Hospital expressed sadness over its pending action; however, it emphasized the necessity of the mass burial.

    Members of the general public have been informed to contact the pathology department of the police hospital for identification of persons who might not have been seen for some time. 

    “This is to avert a situation whereby such bodies are added to those earmarked for mass burial,” the hospital explained.

    In the first quarter of 2025, the Police Hospital undertook a mass burial of some 200 unclaimed and unidentified bodies at the Police Hospital.

    In a video, the Service explained that exercise was part of efforts to decongest the hospital and ensure proper maintenance of its storage unit. The deadline for the identification and collection of bodies was 28th February, 2025.

    As such, members of the public were urged to check with the Police Hospital Pathology Department to identify and claim any missing or deceased relatives.

    In February this year, the facility carried out a mass burial for some seven unclaimed bodies at the Very Important Personality (VIP) mortuary at Bogoso in the Western Region. These bodies had been deposited for some 20 months.

    The remains included persons who were victims of vehicular accidents, those who had succumbed to crime-related injuries, and abandoned remains. The burial was held in spite of the numerous efforts made by the Police at Bogoso to identify the next of kin of these deceased.

    The Ghana Police Hospital is not the only health facility that has carried out mass burials in recent times. Many health institutions have bemoaned the number of bodies unclaimed by families. 

    In April this year, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital undertook a mass burial for some 69 identified bodies that were yet to be claimed. These unclaimed bodies had remained in the mortuary for over nine months.

    A three-week ultimatum was issued by the hospital for the bodies to be claimed. After this, a mass burial in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and its environment unit was carried out to decongest the mortuary and maintain public health standards.

    In 2024, the Tema General Hospital in the Greater Accra Region held a mass burial for three unclaimed bodies that were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for over a year.

    The mortuary provides secure storage for deceased individuals until they are claimed by families or transferred for further procedures. It also ensures proper identification of bodies and maintaining detailed records to track all deceased individuals accurately and facilitates autopsies and post-mortem examinations in coordination with medical staff and relevant authorities.

    The mortuary manages the process of releasing bodies to families or funeral services, ensuring all legal and procedural requirements are met. It also offers guidance and information to grieving families, respecting cultural and religious practices, and providing emotional support during a difficult time.

    Mortuary workers have, in past and recent times, bemoaned poor working conditions and delays in the payment of salaries. A year ago, the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana threatened to embark on a strike action over lack of adequate protective equipment, salary arrears dating back to 2020, and COVID-19 bonuses. The association withdrew their services in November.

    In May this year, the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana initiated negotiations with the incumbent government to address their numerous challenges.

    The association in June engaged the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) over the concerns of the health workers. Per reports, the meeting, which saw representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and representatives of teaching hospitals, ended on a good note.

    It is said that the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr George Smith-Graham, assured the association of his commitment to collaborating with the relevant authorities to have their concerns addressed.

  • Don’t abuse the power given you – Speaker Bagbin charges newly sworn-in Ablekuma North MP

    Don’t abuse the power given you – Speaker Bagbin charges newly sworn-in Ablekuma North MP

    Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has charged the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North Constituency, Ewurabena Aubynn, to serve her constituents diligently and resist any attempt to abuse her authority.

    He made the remarks when he swore in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) today, July 22, despite a walkout staged by the Minority in Parliament.

    Speaking on the floor of the House, the Speaker reminded the legislator that she would account for her works to her constituents at the end of a four-year term, hence the need for her to improve their lives while in office. 

     “You are now the hope of the people of the constituency. They are looking up to you to do something to improve their lives. It is a trust, and this, I pray, you don’t abuse. Four years is just a day—you will go back to them and they will assess you this time based on your performance.”

    “And so don’t allow any person to change who you are. They voted for you, even though it was on a party ticket, but there are many members in the party in that constituency. They voted for you, so please commit yourself to them,” he added.

    Speaker Bagbin also charged the MP to inculcate the habit of learning from her senior colleagues and desist from absenting herself from the House.

    “Being the youngest Member of Parliament, I urge you, please be punctual, be ever present in Parliament, be calm, listen more, learn from your colleagues, but please read everything, not only the Constitution,” he remarked.

    The Minority staged a walkout after the Speaker declined to allow Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, to give a preliminary statement before the swearing-in ceremony.

    The Speaker explained that he could only allow statements after the swearing-in had taken place. 

    In response, Annoh-Dompreh stated that under those conditions, the Minority could not participate in the process.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) on Friday, July 11, held a rerun election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Ewurabena Aubynn polled 34,090 votes to beat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akua Afriyie, who secured 33,881 votes.

    Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote after the 2024 polls.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    The NDC now has 184 seats in Parliament with Aubynn’s victory, where has the NPP has 87 seats.

    In the Fourth Republic, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has won the Ablekuma North parliamentary election seven times, whereas the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed the seat twice.

    Violence mars Ablekuma North rerun election

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men. A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

    A police officer captured on video assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run has been formally charged with assault, according to the Accra Regional Police Command.

    The officer, who was interdicted shortly after the incident, is now facing criminal charges following a review of video evidence by the police.

    In a statement issued by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs, the police said they are analyzing multiple videos from the July 11 poll to identify all individuals involved in the violent incidents that marred the election.

    “In line with due process, the Police Officer captured in one of the videos, assaulting a journalist who was interdicted, has been held for criminal charges of assault.” the statement indicated.

    It adds that statements have been taken from complainants and witnesses, and victims have been issued Police Medical Report Forms as part of ongoing investigations. 

    The Command noted that it has gathered vital leads and assured the public that arrests will follow soon.

    The police also emphasized their commitment to holding accountable anyone found culpable of violence, intimidation, or electoral misconduct. They encouraged the public to share credible information via emergency lines 18555 or 191.

    Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, in reaction to the said incident, commended the police for its swift action to reprimand its officer for such unlawful acts and condemned the recent attacks against civilians and journalists during the Ablekuma North election rerun.

    “What we are happy about is the swift action that the Ghana Police itself has taken in interdicting the officer in question,” she said.

    “It is completely unwarranted. Government itself takes a very serious stance, especially on security agencies meting out unwarranted attacks to civilians under any circumstances,” she added.

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor also condemned the attack on journalists. Due to the chaos that erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno visited some polling stations in the constituency.

    The Minority in Parliament has also condemned the violence that took place during the just-ended Ablekuma North rerun election, accusing members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of instigating violent activities.

    In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus said:

    “The most disturbing aspect of today’s violence is not just the brutality itself, but the deliberate endorsement and celebration of these attacks by senior government officials. For example, Dr.

    Hanna Louisa Bissiw, National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, provided perhaps the most damaging response with her statement that “violence begets violence” and her suggestion that the brutal attacks were somehow justified.”

    “Even more shocking is the Facebook post by Malik Basintale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC,

    who apparently celebrated the man who attacked Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson with the disturbing declaration, “From today, I name him the Flying Python. He shall be in charge of the 5k Airforce!” This grotesque celebration of violence against a former Member of Parliament represents a new low in Ghana’s political discourse,” the statement added.

    The Minority has registered its displeasure with the operation of the Ghana Police Service at the polling stations.

    “The Ghana Police Service’s response raises serious questions about their preparedness and commitment to protecting our electoral process. Security personnel were overwhelmed by the

    perpetrators, failing to prevent these attacks on political figures, party agents, and journalists. More concerning are allegations surrounding Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu and his potential role in facilitating these disruptions.”

    The caucus stressed the need for increased protection for voters, electoral officers, journalists, and candidates. It also called on the international community, civil society, and media to monitor developments closely.

    Meanwhile, the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, has vowed to go after individuals who contributed to chaos during the Parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency.

    According to him, justice will be served regardless of the perpetrators’ political affiliation. He pledged while addressing the media on Monday, July 14, as part of the ‘Government Accountability Series’ programme.

    “I can assure you that not my party, not any group, will we sit and allow to see the resurgence of vigilantism. I have spoken to the IGP firmly about the happenings in the Ablekuma North. Videos have been forwarded to him, and we have instructed him to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to book.

    “We’re not going to condone any actions by individuals within or outside our party going around to do the untoward. I can assure the public that we will ensure that under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, no such group will be allowed to form,” he assured.

    He urged security personnel who will be deployed to oversee the upcoming by-election in Akwatia constituency, Eastern Region, to remain alert while executing their duties.

    The Minister for the Interior advised that they reflect on the recent violence that occurred during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency and work proactively to prevent a recurrence.

    According to him, the government will work to ensure that such dramatic events do not repeat themselves in future elections.

    “This is also a wake-up call for our security agencies to know that probably what happened [in Ablekuma North]…gives our security agencies the opportunity to even plan better towards Akwatia.

    “All I can assure the people of Akwatia is that we will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we operate in Akwatia—to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their votes and express their will without fear or favour,” Muntaka added.

  • 3 dead in shootout with police during Tema Industrial Area robbery incident; 7 suspects at large

    3 dead in shootout with police during Tema Industrial Area robbery incident; 7 suspects at large

    A shootout between officers of the Tema Regional Police Command and a group of 10 suspected robbers during a robbery incident at the Tema Industrial Area has led to the demise of three suspects.

    The incident occurred on July 21 when the police patrol team responded to a distress call and exchanged gunfire upon arrival at the scene during a confrontation with the suspects.

    Three of the suspected robbers succumbed to gunshot wounds, but seven others, some of whom are believed to have been wounded, managed to evade arrest. The police are on a manhunt for these suspected robbers. The remains of the three suspected robbers have been deposited at the Police Hospital Morgue for identification, preservation and autopsy.

    Exhibits recovered from the scene include a Bruni mod foreign pistol, a double-barrelled locally manufactured pistol with 2 rounds of ammunition and 11 live BB ammunition. The Ghana Police Service has commended its officers at the Kpone District Command for their efforts in managing the robbery incident.

    What the law says about robbery and stealing

    Section 149 of the Criminal Offences states that a person who commits robbery commits a first-degree felony.

    Per Section 150, “a person who steals a thing commits robbery (a) if in, and for the purpose of stealing the thing, that person uses force or causes harm to any other person, or (b) if that person uses a threat or criminal assault or harm to any other person, with intent to prevent or overcome the resistance of the other person to the stealing of the thing.”

    Section 124 of the Criminal Offences Act indicates that a person who steals commits a second-degree felony. Where the court that finds a person guilty of stealing is satisfied that on not less than two previous occasions the accused was found guilty of stealing, the Court shall order that the whole or a part of a term of imprisonment imposed by it shall be spent in productive hard labour.

    A person in respect of whom the court makes an order under subsection (2) is disqualified for election to Parliament or to a District Assembly within the meaning of the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), for a period not exceeding five years.

    Productive hard labour means labour in a state farm or state factory or any other public co-operative or collective enterprise specified by the Minister.

    Police efforts in combatting robbery

    In recent years, the Ghana Police Service has made some strides in curtailing the activities of robbers as well as seeing to the prosecution of those arrested during their line of work.

    The police this month managed to secure a conviction for an armed robbery incident that occurred in Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi, four years ago.

    The Kumasi Circuit Court sentenced two individuals to 15 years imprisonment for the violent armed robbery incident. The convicted persons are Abass Kasim (26) and Daniel Morro, a.k.a. “China” (25).

    They were part of a group of five that attacked a resident at his Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi home on July 31, 2021, at about 2:30 am. The gang, wielding a pistol and cutlasses, shot the victim in the abdomen, inflicted multiple cutlass wounds, and robbed him of personal effects.

    Items stolen during the attack included one iPhone 11 mobile phone valued at GHS 5,500, one Samsung phone valued at GHS 500, two Apple Watches valued at GHS 3,000, and two M.K. ladies’ handbags.

    An unspecified quantity of jewelry, $600, and an unspecified amount of Ghana cedis were also stolen. Following police investigations, Abass Kasim was arrested on August 12, 2021, and during interrogation, he admitted his involvement and subsequently led officers to the arrest of Daniel Morro, and a pistol used in the attack was later retrieved.

    On Thursday, August 19, 2021, they were arraigned before Kumasi Circuit Court 4, where they were initially remanded into custody after pleading not guilty. The two reappeared in court on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and were convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on each count.

    This included conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and unlawful entry. Abetment of crime and possession of firearms without authority. All sentences are to run concurrently. The convicts have since been transferred to the Central Prisons in Kumasi to begin serving their prison sentence.

    Meanwhile, the three accomplices are currently at large and the police have intensified efforts to locate them.

    The police reported another victory after an armed robber, Paul Avortide, was jailed for 19 years with hard labour for robbery. The 25-year-old convict, on May 21, at about 4:00 am, at Tsikpota near New Housing, Ho, with a machete in his hand, threatened a pregnant woman by the name of Ogechi Chidiebere, a Nigerian resident in Ho. 

    Paul Avortide robbed the victim of her Gh¢ 3,000 and her Tecno Spark 30c mobile phone valued at Gh¢2,500 when she was on her way to attend antenatal care at the Ho Municipal Hospital.

    On June 19, at about 6:00 pm, the Regional Police Intelligence team arrested Harmony Nbonu at the Ho Main Market, who was in possession of the stolen phone. During interrogations, he mentioned Paul Avortide as the one who sold the phone to him at the cost of Gh¢ 850.00.

    Coordinated efforts between the Police and the suspect, Hormony Nbonu, led to the arrest of the convict, Paul Avortide, at Matse, a suburb of Ho, when he was running away from Ho Township.

    After police investigations, Paul Avortide was charged with the offence of robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences ACT. 1960 (ACT 29) as amended by the Criminal Offences (Amendment) ACT, 2003 (ACT 646).

    Harmony Nbonu, on the other hand, was charged with the offence of Dishonestly Receiving Contrary to Section 146 of the Criminal Offences ACT, 1960 (ACT 29). The two were arraigned before Ho Circuit Court presided over by His Honour, Osman Abdul Hakeem, Esq on Tuesday, July 1.

    The first accused person (A1), Paul Avortide, pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to a prison term of 19 years in hard labor. The second accused person, (A2), Harmony Nbonu was acquitted and discharged. The convict has since been handed over to the Ho Regional Prison authorities to begin to serve his prison term.

    Meanwhile, three individuals believed to be involved in a robbery incident that occurred at Nyanikrom near Shama Junction on Wednesday, July 9, have been apprehended.

    The arrested suspects have been identified as Francis Mensah, alias Francis Kwaw (34), Ebenezer Cofie (32) and Samuel Bentum (35). The arrest was effected by the Western Regional Police Command following a targeted surveillance operation based on credible intelligence.

    They received intel that the suspects, armed with insider information, were planning to rob officials of a company located at Nyanikrom. The intended target was company funds withdrawn from the bank for salary payments.

    On the said date at about 12:00 p.m., staff of the company had withdrawn money from a bank in Takoradi. While returning to the company premises, they were ambushed near Unique School Junction at Nyanikrom by the suspects, who were on a motorbike and an unregistered sedan vehicle. 

    The suspects forcibly broke the vehicle’s window and made away with the cash. Response by police personnel who had mounted surveillance in the area led to the arrest of three suspects and recovery of GHC 149,500.00.

    The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Additionally, a company driver identified as Maxwell Kofi Yeboah, who is alleged to have conspired with the suspects, is currently at large and being pursued by the police.

    “The Western Regional Police Command assures the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and bring all perpetrators to justice,” the police said in a statement.

    Despite the heroic efforts by the Police to reduce the number of robbery cases, several lives of officers who were on duty have been lost. Presently, the exact number of police officers who have lost their lives while responding to a robbery incident is unknown.

    A police officer was killed by armed robbers in Kwame Peprakrom in the Central Region in September 2024 after being ambushed. The government has introduced an GHC50,000 insurance scheme for officers who lose their lives while on duty.

  • Non-immigrants to pay extra $250 for US visa under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

    Non-immigrants to pay extra $250 for US visa under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

    The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law on July 4 under the Donald Trump administration, has introduced a “visa integrity fee” of $250.

    Non-immigrants, including Ghanaians applying for a US visa, will now have to incur this additional cost on top of the existing visa application cost. This affects all tourists and international students as well as workers, according to a report by TheIndependent.co.uk. 

    Section 10007 of the Act states that “In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the payment of a fee, equal to the amount specified in this subsection, by any alien issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time of such issuance.”

    Per reports, the new charge cannot be reduced or waived; however, the fee could be reimbursed to non-immigrant visa applicants should they comply with all US visa conditions while in the country.

    “Those who depart the US no later than five days after their visa expires or gain “lawful permanent resident” status will also be eligible for a reimbursement.

    The charge is not yet set up to be collected but will be effective during the US fiscal year, which runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025,” TheIndependent.co.uk further reports.

    Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs limited the number of entries and duration given under non-immigrant visa classifications.

    Ghanaian visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas—covering business and tourism travel—will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months. They can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.

    The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.

    F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.

    Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.

    The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.

    The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.

    All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.

    A total of 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York from January 2025 to date. Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this information known while debunking reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana, reducing the B1/B2 visa validity from 5 years multiple entry to 3 months single entry.

    It was reported that the Foreign Ministry had limited the number of entries and duration given to US passport holders, hence the reciprocity by the US government.

    However, in a statement, the Ministry refuted this claim, noting that, consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request.

    “Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” the statement read.

    Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations.

    The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”

    The Foreign Ministry noted that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States.

    The US’ decision has sparked concerns, and the Ministry has acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical and family purposes inconvenienced.

    The Ministry has expressed its firm solidarity with all those

    Ghana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime.

    While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options, it remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government. 

    “We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.

    Government has stated that it will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries.

    Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that Ghana has been included in a list of 36 countries that risk being banned from traveling to the United States of America (USA).

    Engaging the media on Thursday, June 26, the sector minister noted that his outfit has been formally informed by the US State Department of some 12 criteria Ghana is supposed to meet to avert the travel ban.

    “I can confirm to you this evening that the government led by your Foreign Minister has engaged US officials. US authorities have now formally brought it to our attention. They informed us that 10 days ago, they were informed by the White House of plans to take an expanded view of the President Trump ban.”

    The ban, according to US officials, will affect countries not complying with some 12 criteria. These items look at issues such as countries funding terrorism, countries that have served as havens for violent extremists, countries not cooperating with ongoing deportation, and countries that have a high rate of overstays.

    The US authorities have indicated that the challenges Ghana faces have to do with overstays.

    According to the Foreign Minister, his outfit is engaging the US authorities to address the matter.

    A recent report from the US government revealed that Ghana’s visa compliance has worsened. About 1,910 individuals out of a total of 25,454 who were issued B1/B2 visas overstayed. 537 out of 2,559 student and exchange visitor visa holders remained in the US unlawfully.

    News of the travel ban on the African-dominated countries list emerged after a 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.

    Prior to the minister’s recent briefing, the United States Embassy in Accra assured Ghanaians that their doors remain open.

    In a statement shared on their official X (Twitter) page on 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.”

    “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.

    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—has 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.

  • Military training for NSS personnel isn’t compulsory – Defence Minister

    Military training for NSS personnel isn’t compulsory – Defence Minister

    Minister of Defense, Dr. Omane Boamah, has clarified that the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme, to begin in a few weeks, will be optional and not mandatory.

    “10,000 national service volunteers are expected to kick-start this initiative with plans to increase the numbers substantially next year. They’re volunteers. It is not compulsory,” the minister said.

    Engaging the media today, July 21, as part of the government’s accountability series, he noted that the basic military and emergency response training is a 6-week orientation training scheduled to run in two batches from August to October this year.

    The areas of training will include basic military orientation, first aid, basic life support, disaster or fire management, nationalism and patriotism, loyalty and discipline, leadership, mentorship, and physical training, among others.

    The programme, currently under discussion between the National Service Authority (NSA) and the Military High Command, aims to equip service personnel with foundational military drills and a sense of national duty.

    Speaking at a high-level meeting on April 23, Director-General of the NSA, Felix Gyamfi, described the move as essential for cultivating patriotism and resilience among Ghana’s youth.

    “The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” Gyamfi noted.

    He confirmed that all NSPs would participate in basic military drills and orientation during their service, describing the training as a vital component of national development and identity building.

    Representing the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye affirmed the military’s full commitment to the programme, assuring the NSA of the army’s readiness to support and deliver the required training once the programme launches.

    The initiative reflects the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who outlined the programme during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025. It forms part of a broader agenda to instill discipline, national pride, and physical preparedness in the country’s graduates.

    “To achieve a legally robust regime to govern National Service, I have also tasked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119),” President Mahama stated.

    Ghana joins a host of nations—such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and China—that have integrated some form of military service or basic drills into their national service programmes. These models range from mandatory conscription, as seen in Russia, to more symbolic or limited training, such as in the United States, where compulsory service exists legally but is rarely enforced.

    The upcoming NSERRP initiative is expected to not only provide practical survival and leadership skills to service personnel but also help instill a deeper sense of duty and discipline among Ghana’s next generation of leaders. Further legal and operational guidelines will be outlined in the forthcoming Legislative Instrument.

    NSA releases pin codes

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has released PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year.

    This information was made known in a press release issued by the Authority on Tuesday, June 17. The NSA indicated that this year’s intake dropped by an average of 26% compared to the past three years, with a 36% decline in 2022/2023.

    The Authority also revealed that it received 135,990 submissions for this year from 122 tertiary institutions. It noted that 3,597 submissions are pending verification of accreditation.

    “This figure is part of a total of 135,990 final-year Ghanaian students submitted by 122 tertiary institutions across the country.

    “However, 3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, have not been processed, as those institutions are currently not accredited and remain unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” it added.

    Tertiary institutions have been granted a 30-day window to address their accreditation irregularities with GTEC. Meanwhile, 908 PIN codes for private applicants are currently awaiting final verification from the related institutions to be released.

    PIN Code Activation and Registration

    Prospective service personnel are required to activate their PIN codes by paying a fee of GHS 40 at any ADB Bank Ltd branch. Alternatively, payments can be made via MTN Mobile Money at a fee of GHS 41.

    To begin the registration process, applicants should visit the NSA portal at https://smarthub.nss.gov.gh and follow the instructions to retrieve their PIN codes and complete the required steps.

    New Enrolment Features for Enhanced Integrity

    To strengthen the transparency and security of the registration process, the NSA has introduced several improvements to its online enrolment platform:

    Facial Biometric Verification: All prospective service personnel must complete facial verification against their Ghana Card data held with National Identification Authority (NIA) prior to accessing the registration form.

    Verified Address Input: Applicants must provide a valid Ghana Post GPS address, which will be used for distance mapping and regional posting decisions, to guide proximity to the workplace. Accuracy of this information is essential for effective placement.

    Detailed guidance is available at https://smarthub.nss.gov.gh/faq/registration-guide, and registrants may also contact support@nss.gov.gh for additional assistance or chat to us live on the portal.

    National Service Authority (NSA)

    The National Service Authority (NSA), which was established in 1973, is a government of Ghana programme under the Ministry of Education.

    On its website, the NSA noted that “the scheme is mandated to deploy a pool of skilled manpower drawn primarily from tertiary institutions to support the development efforts of both the public and private sectors in Ghana.”

    Government Accountability Series

    The Presidency Communications Office announced the commencement of the Government Accountability Series which began on Monday, July 14, as part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

    The series will be held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 am. It will offer a platform for a tentative appraisal of the government’s performance over the last six months. The key sector ministers will present mid-year updates on their sector’s performance.

    Last week, Minister for the Interior Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also doubles as the Minister responsible for National Security kick-started the series.

    This initiative comes to fulfill President Dramani Mahama’s pledge to uphold accountability during his second term in office. In February this year, the president reiterated his promise, instructing all his appointees to be accountable to the Ghanaian people.

  • Kokofu Government Hospital nurse found dead in suspected suicide

    Kokofu Government Hospital nurse found dead in suspected suicide

    A 37-year-old nurse at the Kokofu Government Hospital, Akosua Adutwuwaa, was found lifeless in her home at Edwenase over the weekend.

    According to reports, she was found hanging from a ceiling fan, suggesting that she might have committed suicide.

    She is survived by a 2-year-old daughter and a mother. Reports say her family discovered she had passed when they searched for her to depart for church.

    The family reached out to the police upon the discovery. Sources say the Police have begun investigations to confirm the exact details of her demise. 

    The remains of the deceased nurse has been transported to the mortuary for an autopsy. Although it has not been confirmed that Akosua Adutwuwaa took her life, suicide cannot be ruled out.

    Some years ago, it was viewed as a criminal act for one to take his or her own life. However, attempted suicide has been decriminalized by the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).”

    With the amendments to Section 57 of the Criminal Offences Act (1960) (Act 29) and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act (2012) (Act 846), persons who attempt suicide are no longer subject to legal prosecution or conviction.

    Those who attempt suicide are now viewed as requiring medical and psychological intervention rather than legal punishment.

    Suicide cases have seen a surge in recent years. The Mental Health Authority (MHA) recorded 81 suicide cases and 543 attempts in the first half of 2024. This was against 48 suicide cases and 594 attempts recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

    The Greater Accra Region is said to have recorded the highest number of deaths. The Eastern and Central Regions also recorded a significant number of cases.

    The youth are those most affected by suicide, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 29.

    The factors responsible for suicide are said to be numerous, but most cases hover around financial and psychological challenges, emotional difficulties, and security concerns.

    The Mental Health Authority called for nationwide education and awareness campaigns. The Authority noted the need for interpersonal skills and restricting access to the methods to commit suicide.

    In February this year, residents of Abuesi, located in the Shama District of the Western Region, could not comprehend the suspected suicide of 14-year-old John Yawson, who was found hanging in his father’s incomplete structure.

    The fifth-grade student at Alliance International School, a day before the unfortunate incident, is said to have been denied food by his mother.

    In April, a Level 100 student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) reportedly died by suicide, with social media reports suggesting the incident was linked to a relationship issue.

    Renowned Ghanaian playwright, James Ebo Whyte, has revealed how his stage productions managed to save the lives of two individuals who had contemplated suicide.

    During an interview on JoyPrime TV in May, he noted these individuals from Takoradi and Accra shared this information with him after patronizing a stage production he had overseen. He revealed that one of the individuals was deserted by his wife after losing his job.

    “I personally know two cases of people who came to our productions with the intent to commit suicide that day. One in Takoradi and the other in Accra. The one in Takoradi had lost his job, been thrown out of his house, his wife had left him, and he felt there’s nothing else to live for. So, he had actually gone to buy the poison that he was going to take on a Saturday night,” Ebo Whyte recounted.

    “He said, halfway through the show, ‘I told myself, if I can still laugh, then it’s not over yet.’ That’s beautiful. There is something to live for,” he narrated.

    This revelation reflects the profound impact of the arts in dealing with mental health issues. 

    Suicide is a matter of grave concern globally and not just in Ghana. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal 727,000 individuals commit suicide, with many more making attempts.

    In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among individuals between ages of 15 and 29. 

    “Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, close to three quarters (73%) of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.”

    “Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a public health response. With timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed,” the WHO reported.

    In high-income countries there is a positive correlation between suicide and mental disorders such as depression and alcohol use disorders. The WHO, however, noted that “many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.”

    “Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners,” the WHO added.

    The World Health Organization cites the lack of awareness of suicide and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it as some of the many challenges fostering suicide cases.

    According to the WHO, the availability and quality of data on suicide and self-harm is nothing to write home about.

    “Only some 80 WHO Member States have good-quality vital registration data that can be used directly to estimate suicide rates. This problem of poor-quality mortality data is not unique to suicide, but given the stigma surrounding suicide – and the illegality of suicidal behaviour in some countries – it is likely that under-reporting and misclassification are greater problems for suicide than for most other causes of death,” it added.

    In 2021, the World Health Organization launched LIVE LIFE: an implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. 

    Also, the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), provides “evidence-based technical guidance to scale up service provision and care in countries for mental, neurological and substance use disorders.”

  • You will be sanctioned if you received double-pay for road project – President Mahama to contractors

    You will be sanctioned if you received double-pay for road project – President Mahama to contractors

    President John Dramani Mahama has noted that road contractors who, through unethical means, received double pay from the erstwhile government for road projects will be penalised.

    Engaging the public, the president noted that an investigation was conducted by the Auditor-General and a report has been reported.

    Road projects that were halted due to an audit by the Auditor General will resume, the president said.

    “We have set some of the money aside that we will use for the Big Push. We will use the Big Push to fix and construct roads. I know a lot of the traditional authorities during the campaign always highlighted the bad roads in the country.”

    “When we came into power, we saw the ongoing road projects and told the contractors to halt to enable us to audit the projects. Because we found out that some of the road projects are being taken care of by the Road Fund.“

    “But you’d realize that that same certificate will be sent to the Ministry of Finance, and the ministry would also pay—double pay. We have told the Auditor General to audit all those road projects. The Auditor General is done with the work. A report has been presented. We will let all the contractors go to the site with the exception of those who received double pay. We will sanction them,” the president said.

    Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza has revealed that the government owes road contractors GH¢21 billion

    Government will settle GH¢4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors, the Roads Minister revealed on Tuesday, July 8, during a press conference where he provided updates on the many road projects in the country.

    “On record, we are intending to pay some GH¢4 billion towards retiring part of the 21 billion from this month. I have no doubt that will be on record to be one of the biggest payments at a particular time to make sure that we are serious about clearing the debt, and then also making provision to start the new work we are talking about,” Kwame Governs Agbodza said.

    President John Dramani Mahama, during a meeting with members of the Council of State at the Presidency on Monday, July 7, announced the government’s decision to begin paying debts owed to road contractors within this month.

    This, he said, would help revive road construction projects that have been abandoned. “The Ministry of Finance has made dedicated financial allocations to address a substantial portion of the outstanding debts. We expect this to bring much-needed relief to the contractors and help accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure,” the President stated.

    President Mahama emphasised his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under his administration’s 24-hour economy agenda. On his part, prioritising road construction and the swift resumption of stalled road projects holds the key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring adequate regional connectivity.

    The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector. The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have largely welcomed the president’s announcement, but they have called for transparency.

    They have called on the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to ensure that contractors can plan and mobilise resources effectively.

    In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government to clear outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers.

    His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the government’s total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GH¢67.5 billion.

    This amount comprises GH¢49.2 billion in unpaid Interim Payment Certificates and invoices from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as GH¢18.3 billion in outstanding Bank Transfer Advice at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.

    Speaking to The Independent Ghana, Suhuyini admitted that while the government is committed to addressing some of these debts, it cannot clear the full amount immediately.

    “They should have absolute confidence that we will settle some of the debts,” he assured. “However, we obviously cannot clear everything at once. The total financial commitment stands at about GH¢100 billion, with unpaid certificates alone amounting to GH¢21 billion. The decision to uncap the Road Fund is a step in the right direction, but it will only make GH¢2 billion available—far from enough to cover even the unpaid certificates.”

    He emphasised the importance of prioritising road maintenance, a sector that has suffered due to poor upkeep. “The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance. This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer,” he explained.

    Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is looking at a broader infrastructure push. “With GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion allocated under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, several new road projects will commence while some outstanding debts will also be retired,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has issued a strong warning to contractors working on government road projects, stressing that only quality work will be tolerated under the current administration.

    He made it clear that any contractor who fails to meet expected standards risks having their contract terminated.

    “The government will not compromise on quality. Deliver the work or forfeit the contract,” Mr. Agbodza said,

    He made the remarks during the 49th Annual Congress of the National Gonjaland Youth Association, held in Sawla, where he also unveiled a new policy direction aimed at correcting regional disparities in road infrastructure investments.

    Mr. Agbodza criticized the historical concentration of road expenditure in Ghana’s southern regions, particularly the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, which he said have accounted for nearly 70% of national road funding.

    “One of the things I consider as imbalance in infrastructure is this — it appears 70% of our expenditure on roads is spent in the South, especially between Greater Accra and Ashanti Region alone consume almost 70% of our road infrastructure,” he pointed out. “That is not equity in development. We shall actually rewrite that. We’ll reallocate resources to touch people in this part of the country.”

  • LIVESTREAMING: Defence Minister updates public on performance of sector in 6 months

    LIVESTREAMING: Defence Minister updates public on performance of sector in 6 months

    Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, is currently updating the public on the performance of his sector for the past six months.

    This comes after the Presidency Communications Office announced the commencement of the Government Accountability Series which began on Monday, July 14, as part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

    The series will be held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 am.

    It will offer a platform for a tentative appraisal of the government’s performance over the last six months.

    The key sector ministers will present mid-year updates on their sector’s performance.

    Last week, Minister for the Interior Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also doubles as the Minister responsible for National Security kick-started the series.

    This initiative comes to fulfill President Dramani Mahama’s pledge to uphold accountability during his second term in office.

    In February this year, the president reiterated his promise, instructing all his appointees to be accountable to the Ghanaian people.

  • Wa Circuit Court jails man 7 years for defiling a 5-year-old child

    Wa Circuit Court jails man 7 years for defiling a 5-year-old child

    The Wa Circuit Court has sentenced Issahaku Waris, a 31-year-old resident of Wa Zongo, to seven years imprisonment for defiling a 5-year-old female child.

    The court presided over by His Lordship Jonathan Avoogo gave his ruling on Friday, July 18. The unlawful act, according to the Ghana Police Service, occurred on Thursday, April 24.

    The convict was apprehended on Saturday, April 26, by officers of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and swiftly put before the court.

    The victim’s family and the community, who were cooperative, aided the diligent investigation carried out by the DOVVSU.

    The Police noted the conviction in the defilement case underscores its unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable members of society. It has thus encouraged members of the general public to report all forms of abuse promptly.

    The Criminal Offences Act, 1960, defines defilement in Section 101(2) of Act 29 as natural or unnatural carnal knowledge of a child under sixteen years of age with or without the child’s consent. 

    According to section 14(a) of Act 29, consent for carnal knowledge of a child under sixteen years is void—with punishment of not less than seven years and not more than twenty-five years in prison.

    The Ghana Police Service continues to ensure it seeks justice for families that have had their underage children defiled.

    In January this year, a case of child defilement led to the sentencing of Stephen Otu, a 32-year-old tiler, to 22 years imprisonment with hard labor.

    Otu, popularly known as Atta, pleaded guilty to the charges and begged for mercy, but the court found him guilty and handed down the sentence as a deterrent to others.

    According to Chief Inspector of Police Abraham Ayitey, the prosecution told the court that the victim, a 12-year-old primary six student, was defiled by Otu in Wassa Akropong township. 

    The convict had asked the victim her age, and despite knowing she was only 12, he lured her into his room, assaulted her sexually, and gave her GH¢20.00 after the act.

    The court heard that Otu took advantage of the victim on three separate occasions, resulting in her pregnancy. The victim’s mother discovered her pregnancy on November 24, 2024, and the victim revealed that Otu was responsible. 

    A report was made to the police, and a medical examination confirmed that the victim was two months pregnant.

    The court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, sentenced Otu to 22 years imprisonment with hard labor, emphasizing that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar acts.

    About a week ago, reports of an alleged gang defilement case involving a 13-year-old girl from Madina in Accra surfaced.

    The victim, said to be a student of Madina No. 3 School, was reportedly defiled by more than 20 men. The said unlawful acts are said to have commenced in February this year.

    The shattered teenager is now an expectant mother. The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and the Justice Revived Foundation (JRF) revealed this information through a statement that was copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    The main suspect in the case, per the statement, is a 45-year-old mason who is said to have lured the victim with promises he failed to fulfil.

    It is said that some friends of the 45-year-old suspect also got involved in several assaults against the minor. The main individual suspected to have commenced these actions is said to be at large. However, the case has now been presented to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Madina.

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana and the Justice Revived Foundation have entreated the security agencies to expedite their investigations and apprehend all individuals who are involved in the unlawful act. 

    They have also called for the provision of medical, pyschological and social support for the minor to aid the period of her pregnancy.

    “We will not rest until justice is served. Every child has the right to safety, and perpetrators must be held accountable,” representatives of HRRG and JRF said.

    Teenage pregnancy

    Defilement cases involving teen girls who have begun their menstrual periods could lead to teenage pregnancy, and this is a canker the country is currently battling.

    Reports suggest that currently the country is recording a surge in teenage pregnancy cases. Sources say the national teenage pregnancy rate stands at 15.2 percent.

    With a 26 percent rate, the Savannah Region is said to have the highest number of cases, and with 24 percent, the Ashanti Region follows.

    In the first five months of the year, the Upper East Region is reported to have recorded 2,436 cases of teenage pregnancy. 

    The Upper East Regional Health Information Officer of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Ms Charity Tanni disclosed this information during a presentation at a review meeting on the Essential Services Packages (ESP) for girls and women who are victims of violence.

    The data she presented reveals that 2,411 of the cases involved teens between the ages of 15 and 19, whereas 25 of the cases involved teens between the ages of 10 and 14.

    A district breakdown revealed that the Bawku West District recorded 372 cases, Pusiga (276), Bongo (212), Talensi (210), Kassena Nankana West (198), Kassena Nankana Municipality (196), Bolgatanga Municipality (152), Bawku Municipality (147), Tempane (123), Garu (118), Builsa South (116), Nabdam (100), Binduri (86), Builsa North (78), Bolgatanga East (52).

    The ESP project is being implemented by the Department of Gender in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is providing financial support.

    The review meeting saw stakeholders such as the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Education Service (GES), Judicial Service, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Legal Aid Commission, Department of Social Welfare, and Civil Society Organisations.

    Several stakeholders are concerned over the surging cases of teenage pregnancy. At a regional consultation workshop on sexual and reproductive health rights organised by PN Africa in collaboration with Marie Stopes International (MSI) in June in Kumasi, they called for a review of the Ghana Education Service (GES) policy.

    They want intensified sexual and reproductive health education as well as family planning methods. They noted that abstinence has not been too effective in averting teenage pregnancy.

    These cases of teenage pregnancy are among the factors responsible for the rapid growth in population, which, if not matched with growth in resources, will affect the country’s development.

    What the law says about abortion

    Many people tend to engage in abortion to get rid of unwanted children conceived through several means.

    Ghana’s laws define abortion or miscarriage as the premature expulsion or removal of conception from the uterus or womb before the period of gestation is completed.

    A person who intentionally and unlawfully causes abortion or miscarriage commits a second degree felony.

    However, Section 58 of the Criminal Offences Act indicates it is not a criminal offence under subsection (1) if an abortion or a miscarriage is caused in any of the circumstances referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) by a registered medical practitioner specialising in gynaecology or any other registered medical practitioner in a Government hospital or in a private hospital or clinic registered under the Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Act, 1958 (No. 9) or in a place approved for the purpose by legislative instrument made by the Minister, 

    (a) where the pregnancy is the result of rape, defilement of a female idiot or incest, and the abortion or miscarriage is requested by the victim or her next of kin or the person in loco parent is, if she lacks the capacity to make the request; 

    (b) where the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman or injury to her physical or mental health, and the woman consents to it or if she lacks the capacity to give the consent it is given on her behalf by her next to kin or the person in loco parentis; or

     (c) where there is substantial risk that if the child were born, it may suffer from, or later develop, a serious physical abnormality or disease.

  • Violent clashes result in closure of Zuarungu SHS; 3 students nabbed, 1 at large

    Violent clashes result in closure of Zuarungu SHS; 3 students nabbed, 1 at large

    Authorities in the Upper East Region have shut down the Zuarungu Senior High School (SHS) indefinitely following a recent melee involving Gurune and Kusasi students.

    According to reports, the fisticuff occurred on Sunday, July 20, due to allegations of theft. A mobile phone was stolen.

    During the attacks, several school properties got damaged as they were set ablaze. This prompted the Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga to order the immediate closure of the second-cycle institution.

    According to some media reports, four students were apprehended for their involvement in the clashes. However, one escaped and is apparently in possession of a police officer’s magazine secured during the escape.

    Students of Zuarungu Senior High School

    Sources say to ward off any further attacks, a joint team of police and military personnel has been deployed to escort students from Bawku back to their hometown under heavy security.

    In recent times, Ghana’s education system has recorded surging cases of indiscipline in second-cycle institutions.

    Issues such as bullying, occultism, and physical attacks on students and school authorities have been prominent.

    Former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Professor Stephen Adei, has sounded an alarm over what he describes as a deepening crisis in Ghana’s education system.

    He called for urgent intervention to restore values and discipline in the public school system, warning that ignoring these problems will have long-term consequences.

    Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take urgent steps to restore discipline in senior high schools across the country.

    He stressed that the rising cases of violence, misconduct, and disregard for authority within schools threaten not only academic excellence but also the future of the nation.

    According to the Minister, maintaining strict discipline is critical to instilling the right values in young people.

    Mr. Iddrisu charged the GES to work closely with school administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to implement stringent measures aimed at reversing the trend.

  • Former Nigerian President Buhari passes on

    Former Nigerian President Buhari passes on

    Aide of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the passing of the statesman.

    The family of the former president announced that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away this afternoon in a clinic in London.

    “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” the aide, Bashir Ahmad, wrote in a post on X.

    Buhari was Nigeria’s fourth president since the return of democracy in 1999. He handed over power to Bola Tinubu in 2023.

    President Buhari served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy.

    Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.

    Profile

    President Buhari was born on 17thDecember, 1942 in Daura, Katsina State to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari. President Buhari was raised by his mother, following the death of his father when he was about four years old.

    He had his primary school education in Daura and Maidua from 1948 to 1952, before proceeding to Katsina Middle School in 1953.

    Subsequently, he attended the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) from 1956–1961, where he earned his West African School Certificate. President Buhari was married to Safinatu Yusuf from 1971 to 1988, and since 1989 to Aisha Halilu. He is blessed with ten children.

    He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna. He underwent the Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January, 1963. He attended the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for the Platoon Commanders’ Course from 1963-1964. He was then appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta. In 1965, he attended the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England. Further military trainings included the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India in 1973, and the United States Army War College, from June 1979 to June 1980.

    As a highly regarded officer, President Buhari held several key command and staff, as well as political appointments during his illustrious military career.

    These included Military Secretary; Member, Supreme Military Council; Military Governor of the North Eastern State; Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources; Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; General Officer Commanding, 4thInfantry Division and General Officer Commanding, 3rdArmoured Division.

    The military coup of December, 1983 led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a position in which he served until August 1985.

    General Buhari was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) by the Abacha administration in 1994. The main consideration in appointing him to this position was his strict discipline and incorruptibility.

    The PTF under General Buhari intervened directly in six major areas: Construction/maintenance of roads; water supply; supply of educational materials and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure; health; food supply; and other projects.

    The impact of this interventionist agency was felt across the entire nation in its four and a half years of existence.

    Driven by a profound sense of patriotism and commitment to national service, General Buhari entered politics in 2003, following Nigeria’s return to a democratic dispensation in 1999. He joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and contested the presidential election on its platform that year.

    He lost to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Olusegun Obasanjo. Undaunted by defeat, Buhari continued his political struggle, and on December 18th, 2006, he emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party for the 2007 elections.

    His main challenger in the April 2007 presidential polls was the ruling PDP candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua. In the election, Buhari officially scored 18 percent of the total votes cast, against 70 percent for Yar’Adua.

    Buhari rejected the results and in a post-election statement, Yar’Adua affirmed that the polls were indeed less than free, fair and credible. After Yar’Adua assumed office, the ANPP agreed to join his purported government of national unity, but Buhari denounced the agreement.

    In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP and formed, with some of his supporters, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). General Buhari was nominated as the CPC presidential candidate on April 16th, 2011 for that year’s general election.

    He ran against the then incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling PDP, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP, and other candidates of smaller parties.

    Using the platform of the CPC, a newly formed party without much finance and essential party structures in the states, Buhari was able to garner 12, 214, 853 votes, coming second to Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 22, 495, 197 votes.

  • Soldier promoted, nominated for United Nations Interim Force for rejecting bribe from ‘galamseyers’

    Soldier promoted, nominated for United Nations Interim Force for rejecting bribe from ‘galamseyers’

    Private Teye-Tsu Asare Solomon, a member of the Department of Public Relations, has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal with immediate effect after rejecting a bribe from illegal miners.

    The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, led the promotion ceremony and announced the good work of the personnel at an all-ranks durbar at the Burma Hall on Friday, July 11.

    L/Cpl Teye-Tsu, in addition to his promotion, has been nominated to serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in addition to other rewards.

    Presenting the rewards, the CDS urged personnel in the service to always act in accordance with their oath to the state and act professionally.

    Lieutenant General William Agyapong reminded the officers that as much as acts of indiscipline would attract sanctions, professional acts would attract reward and commendation.

    Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Teye-Tsu displayed professionalism during an official deployment on guard duties at the Bibiani Gold Mines in the Western Region where he encountered a group of artisanal miners.

    The miners attempted to bribe him with a handsome amount of money to grant them access to the mines, which he rejected and handed them over to the authorities.

    In April this year, Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, disclosed that some police officers are allegedly receiving bribes ranging from GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,000 from illegal miners, known locally as galamseyers.

    Speaking at a meeting with police leadership in Tarkwa on April 17, Mr Nelson expressed deep concern over the growing allegations of bribery among officers in the fight against illegal mining in the Western Region.

    “When I hear that some of you are compromised in the fight against galamsey, I’m saddened. Just this evening, someone called me to complain that some officers are accepting bribes, ranging from GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,000. Whilst money is important, it’s more fulfilling when earned honestly,” he said.

    He bemoaned the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment, warning that food security, water bodies, and livelihoods are all under threat. According to the minister, the consequences of galamsey will be felt by all, regardless of social status or location.

    “Some might think, if water bodies are destroyed, we can afford bottled water. But that’s an unfortunate mindset. Galamsey’s consequences will ultimately affect us all, and we’re already seeing its negative impact on our health and lives,” he stated.

    The minister urged the Western Central Police Command of the Ghana Police Service to rededicate themselves to the galamsey fight, urging officers to act with integrity and uphold their professional duty.

    “On galamsey, there’s a lot to be done. As Regional Minister, I have heard both the good and the bad. While I have commended your efforts, I need to highlight the negative aspects, especially regarding the fight against galamsey,” he noted.

    “Our environment is being destroyed in the name of finding gold and making money, putting lives at risk,” Mr Nelson added.

    He stressed that the battle against illegal mining must be pursued with national interest at heart and not influenced by the financial enticements of illegal operators.

    He cautioned that reports of uniformed officers accepting bribes from galamseyers and their financiers continue to undermine the state’s efforts to halt the destruction of the environment.

    In the Ghana Police Service’s recent fight against the menace, two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment.

    The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one (1) single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three (3) water pumping machines.

  • Oil funds for ‘Big Push’ will be efficiently used – President Mahama tells PIAC

    Oil funds for ‘Big Push’ will be efficiently used – President Mahama tells PIAC

    President John Dramani Mahama has assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.

    The president gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members. Led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the president on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the management of Ghana’s oil revenues.

    President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.

    These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.

    He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.

    The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.

    Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

    He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.
    President Mahama inaugurates committee for UGMC transfer to University of Ghana.

    Source: Presidency

  • 6 arrested for ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

    6 arrested for ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

    Six individuals, including five males and a female, are in police custody for their involvement in the murder of a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, at Mafi Adidome.

    He was murdered after he came to stay with his wife after he left his hometown, Wusuta, in the South Dayi District on December 4, 2024.

    The suspects Augustina Fiawoyife (21), 31-year-old herbalist Wisdom Hedidor, Courage Bedzo (31), 42-year-old fetish priest Gblor Noah, Yohannes Gblor (27), and John Gblor (40) were apprehended last month.

    They have been remanded into prison and police custody, respectively, and are scheduled to reappear on August 8 as investigation continues.

    They were arrested at Blorkorfe and Awakpedome, suburbs of Adidome in the Central Tongu District, by the Volta Regional Police Command.

    Per preliminary police investigations, Augustina Fiawoyife, the girlfriend of Wisdom Hedidor, was tasked by her boyfriend to lure Nelson Anyena to a location.

    At about 8:00 pm on December 4, Augustina lured the deceased to a secluded location through a phone call under the pretense of having an amorous discussion with him.

    Nelson Anyena, upon arrival, was attacked and strangled to death by Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo.

    After the act, Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo are said to have called Gblor Noah, the fetish priest who earlier approached them to get him a dead body for a ransom, to tell him that they had succeeded in getting him his request.

    Noah Gblor and his two brothers, Yohannes Gblor and John Gblor, met Wisdom and Courage and made a payment of Gh¢7000 which they charged, and thereafter, took the body to the shrine at Blorkope.

    The police on July 3 obtained an exhumation order from the Ho Magistrate Court 1 to exhume the body of Nelson Anyena as part of investigations.

    On July 7, the police detectives, made up of crime scene experts led by the Volta Regional Crime Officer, Supt./Mr. Omari Mic Boakye, and the Environmental Health Officers from the Ho municipality executed the exhumation order and retrieved the body of Nelson Anyena which was buried under a shrine that belongs to Noah Gblor.

    The exercise led to the discovery of two more bodies buried at the same shrine after the alleged ritual business.

    The suspected body remains of Nelson and the extra two unknown bodies were conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for preservation awaiting autopsy and DNA profiling.

    As the police continue their investigation, the Regional Police Command has entreated the family and close associates of the deceased to remain calm as they pursue justice.

    “The Regional Police Command duly appreciates the support of the public in uncovering the heinous crime,” the police added in a statement.


  • Presidency begins ‘Government Accountability Series’ on July 14 to deepen transparency

    Presidency begins ‘Government Accountability Series’ on July 14 to deepen transparency

    The Presidency Communications Office has announced that it will, on Monday, July 14, begin “The Government Accountability Series” as part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

    The series will be held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 am.

    It will offer a platform for a tentative appraisal of the government’s performance over the last six months.

    The key sector ministers will present mid-year updates on their sector’s performance.

    In light of this, Minister for the Interior Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also doubles as the Minister responsible for National Security will kick-start the series tomorrow, the presidency announced.

    This initiative comes to fulfill President Dramani Mahama’s pledge to uphold accountability during his second term in office.

    In February this year, the president reiterated his promise, instructing all his appointees to be accountable to the Ghanaian people.

    Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Ethiopia, he said, “Those of us in leadership must lead by example. We must be prepared to be held accountable for the public trust.”

    He added, “If you accept a role in the public sector, then you must be prepared to answer to the people because it is the people who put you there. You serve at their pleasure.”

    “Everybody is excited and running—‘Have you got a green letter from the president?’ The green letter comes. But the green letter comes with a lot of responsibility and expectation.”

    It is reported that the lack of accountability formed part of the many reasons Ghanaian electorates decided to vote against the erstwhile government during the 2024 general elections.

    This week, President John Dramani Mahama assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.

    The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi.

    President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.

    These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.

    He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.

    The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.

    Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

    He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.

  • 2 jailed 15 years for robbery by Kumasi Circuit Court

    2 jailed 15 years for robbery by Kumasi Circuit Court

    The Kumasi Circuit Court has sentenced two individuals to 15 years imprisonment for a violent armed robbery incident that occurred in Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi, four years ago.

    The convicted persons are Abass Kasim (26) and Daniel Morro a.k.a. “China” (25).

    They were part of a group of five that attacked a resident at his Atonsu Kuwait, Kumasi home on July 31, 2021, at about 2:30 am.

    The gang, wielding a pistol and cutlasses, shot the victim in the abdomen, inflicted multiple cutlass wounds, and robbed him of personal effects.

    Items stolen during the attack included one iPhone 11 mobile phone valued at GHS 5,500, one Samsung phone valued at GHS 500, two Apple Watches valued at GHS 3,000, and two M.K. ladies’ handbags.

    An unspecified quantity of jewelry, $600, and an unspecified amount of Ghana cedis were also stolen.

    Following police investigations, Abass Kasim was arrested on August 12, 2021, and during interrogation, he admitted his involvement and subsequently led officers to the arrest of Daniel Morro, and a pistol used in the attack was later retrieved.

    On Thursday, August 19, 2021, they were arraigned before Kumasi Circuit Court 4, where they were initially remanded into custody after pleading not guilty.

    The two reappeared in court on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and were convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on each count.

    This included conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and unlawful entry. Abetment of crime and possession of firearms without authority. All sentences are to run concurrently.

    The convicts have since been transferred to the Central Prisons in Kumasi to begin serving their prison sentence.

    Meanwhile, the three accomplices are currently at large and the police have intensified efforts to locate them.

  • Parts of Greater Accra, Western Regions to experience power outage today

    Parts of Greater Accra, Western Regions to experience power outage today

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is undertaking crucial maintenance work today to upgrade infrastructure, enhance service reliability, and ensure more efficient energy delivery across the country.

    In light of this, some parts of the country will experience power outage for a particular duration.

    A number of areas in the Greater Accra, Tema and Western Regions will be affected.

    Western Region:

    • Morning Operation (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Affecting areas including Vienna City, Mankessim White House, Accra Station, and surrounding communities.
    • Extended Operation (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): Impacting Daboase, Sekyere Krobo, Sekyere Nsuta, Aboaboso, Bosomase, and nearby communities. This area is crucial for various economic activities, including mining and agriculture, making a reliable power supply essential.

    Tema Region:

    • Duration (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Power will be off in communities such as Mobole, Ataa Mensah, Boishe, Afienya, Philip Kope, Greenhouse Enclave, and their environs. The Tema region is a major industrial hub, and even temporary disruptions can affect production schedules for factories located in these areas.

    Greater Accra Region:

    Industrial & Residential Zones (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): The impacted areas include Kings Cottage, KICC, Taxis Tires, Western World, Guinness Depot, Rebecca Fashion Manufacturing Ltd, Frosty Bite Company, Perfect Pharmaceutical, Shivan Ghana Ltd, Mawums, Akuaba Refinery, Eskay Pharmaceutical, Royal Crown Ltd, West Coast Beverages, Equator Foods, Intelligent Card Products, Healthy Life, DPS, Daysack Company Ltd, Afro Tropic, and adjacent areas.

    Specific Accra Area (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): Timber market, Adedenkpo, and surrounding areas. The Timber market, a significant commercial zone, will experience disruptions that could temporarily halt business activities.

    As part of its maintenance work, the ECG will replace aging equipment, upgrade transformers, clear vegetation around power lines, and improve substation capacities.

    The ECG has apologised to its customers for the inconvenience caused and entreated the public “to bear with them as they carry out these essential works.”

    Customers have been cautioned to take necessary precautions to prevent damage from power surges upon restoration.

  • Businesses can’t be penalised with demurrage when ICUMS is down – President Mahama

    Businesses can’t be penalised with demurrage when ICUMS is down – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has spoken against the unfair penalty meted out to businesses at the port due to challenges with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

    Engaging the leadership of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) on Friday, July 11, the president noted that his attention had been drawn to this anomaly.

    He stated that measures must be taken to enusre importers do not bear the brunt of challenges they are not responsible for.

    “We get frequent complaints that for the whole day, the system is down, and yet, despite the system failure, they are waiting to charge you demurrage,” he said.

    “There must be a way of stopping the clock when ICUMS is down so people are not unfairly penalised,” he added.

    The president also spoke against charging for each container when the processing is done once on a single document.

    “I asked around, and they don’t do that in Lomé or any other port—only in Ghana,” he shared.

    President Mahama intimated that the growth and progress of the government’s 24-hour economy policy “is dependent on fast, efficient operations at the ports of entry—airports, land borders, and especially the seaports.”

    Over the years, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has received numerous complaints from shippers regarding demurrage fees imposed by shipping lines and other charges by certain terminal operators, even when delays are not the fault of the shippers themselves.

    In 2018, the GSA launched the seminar series “Avoiding Demurrage and Rent” to address this issue.

    To promote accountability within the shipping and logistics sector, the GSA took steps to establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Shipping Service Providers on behalf of shippers.

    These agreements were to delineate the responsibilities of shipping service providers to shippers, streamline port clearance processes, clarify time-related shipping costs, provide guidance on cost-saving strategies, and define the role of the GSA in this context.

    However, the challenges persist.

  • HeFRA, NMC, MoFFA and other Governing Boards sworn-in

    HeFRA, NMC, MoFFA and other Governing Boards sworn-in

    Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially inaugurated the governing boards of five health sector agencies.

    The agencies include the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), and the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA).

    In his remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, the Minister described the moment as more than a routine appointment of leadership.

    He emphasized that these institutions serve as guardians of quality and protectors of public trust in health care delivery across the entire life cycle, from birth to end-of-life services.

    Hon Akandoh noted that Ghana’s health landscape is rapidly evolving, with increasing cases of cancers, strokes, and kidney diseases, coupled with a population living longer but with more complex health needs.

    According to him, this reality demands a shift from reactive care to preventive strategies.

    He cited key government initiatives such as the soon to be launched free primary healthcare program, the rollout of HPV vaccines, and the MahamaCare initiative as concrete steps toward building a resilient health system focused on prevention.

    The Minister challenged the new boards to elevate standards and improve accountability across their respective institutions.

    HeFRA, was charged with ensuring that every health facility, from the smallest clinic to the largest hospital, provides safe, ethical, and competent care to all Ghanaians.

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council was tasked with safeguarding the quality of Ghana’s largest health workforce by upholding training standards and promoting continuous development.

    The National Vaccine Institute was reminded of the government’s vision of shifting from being a vaccine purchaser to becoming a vaccine producer, with the NVI leading in local research, development, and manufacturing.

    The Centre for Plant Medicine Research was encouraged to advance Ghana’s leadership in blending traditional healing knowledge with scientific research to create safe, effective, and competitive herbal therapeutics.

    Turning to the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, the Minister underscored the importance of dignity at the end of life. As funerals become increasingly commercialized, he urged the board to bring order, humanity, and honour to mortuary and funeral services.

    Hon. Akandoh, assured the board members of the Ministry’s full support, adding that leadership would also be held to account.

    He concluded with a powerful reminder that the ultimate responsibility of every health institution is to serve the ordinary Ghanaian with excellence.

    Source: Ministry of Health

  • Boards of National Blood Service, National Ambulance Service, 4 others inaugurated

    Boards of National Blood Service, National Ambulance Service, 4 others inaugurated

    The Ministry of Health has officially inaugurated the Governing Boards and Councils of six critical health institutions.

    These are the National Blood Service, National Ambulance Service, Mental Health Authority, Ghana College of Pharmacists, Allied Health Professions Council, and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council.

    At the ceremony held this week, the ministry announced the appointment of the following distinguished individuals as chairpersons for the respective Boards and Councils: National Blood Service Board – Dr. Emmanuel Maurice Ankrah, Mental Health Authority Board – Dr. Dan Bazanndut, Ghana College of Pharmacists Council – Prof. Francis Ackah Armah, Allied Health Professions Council – Prof. Eric Kotei Addison, Traditional Medicine Practice Council – Prof. Ato Duncan.

    Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, expressed confidence that their leadership would help advance the mandates of their respective agencies, adding that each Chairperson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their role.

    In his keynote address, the Health Minister emphasized the need for stronger oversight, enhanced professionalism, and improved inter-agency coordination.

    Government key priorities include addressing Ghana’s annual blood supply deficit of 120,000 units and closing the treatment gap for over 2.3 million Ghanaians living with mental health conditions.

    Honourable Akandoh also highlighted the need to regulate the traditional medicine sector, which serves more than 60% of the population, as well as tackling the shortage of pharmacists and allied health professionals.

    The Minister called on the newly inaugurated Boards to lead transformative reforms, promote specialization, and elevate standards across the health sector.

    The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Desmond Boateng, welcomed the new members and encouraged them to provide bold and visionary leadership. He urged them to work collaboratively to drive innovation and improve service delivery.

    He reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support, noting that effective regulation is about saving lives, building public trust, and delivering tangible results.

    The Ministry of Health indicated that it remains committed to providing the necessary policy direction, coordination, and resources to empower the new Boards and Councils.

    The leadership of these Boards are encouraged to prioritize data-driven decision-making, foster inter-agency synergy, and uphold the health and dignity of every Ghanaian.

    The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health Auditorium, brought together dignitaries, senior government officials, health sector stakeholders, and the newly appointed Board and Council members.

  • Aid govt’s efforts in combatting opioid crisis – Health Minister to new cohort of pharmacists

    Aid govt’s efforts in combatting opioid crisis – Health Minister to new cohort of pharmacists

    Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has charged the inductees of a new cohort of pharmacists who join the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to aid the government’s efforts in combatting the opioid crisis, particularly the misuse of tramadol.

    “Opioid abuse is not just a public health issue; it is a national emergency,” Hon. Akandoh declared.

    He made the charge when he inducted a new cohort of pharmacists into the profession on July 9.

    Hon. Akandoh reminded the new pharmacists of their motto, “Amicus Humanis Generis” Friends of the Human Race, urging them to uphold it with compassion, ethics, and excellence.

    The ceremony, held under the theme “The Future is Now: Young Pharmacists at the Forefront of Preventing Opioid Misuse in Ghana”, highlighted both the promise and responsibility that lie ahead for the nation’s newest healthcare professionals.

    Hon. Akandoh described the event as a “special day” marking the beginning of a crucial professional journey. “You have reached this milestone through dedication, hard work, and perseverance,” he said.

    The Minister emphasised the critical and evolving role of pharmacists in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, describing them as “frontline healthcare providers, educators, patient advocates, and guardians of public health.”

    He noted that pharmacists’ work has a direct impact on health outcomes and the well-being of the public.

    The Minister highlighted how pharmacists are central to the government’s broader health agenda, including the MahamaCares and Free Primary Health Care initiatives.

    These programs, he said, rely on pharmacists to deliver accessible, quality healthcare and manage chronic diseases at the community level.

    The Ministry of Health has extended its heartfelt congratulations to all newly inducted pharmacists and commends the Pharmacy Council for its unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

    In April, the Ministry of Health destroyed a significant consignment of illicit opioid-containing drugs that had entered Ghana under questionable circumstances.

    The consignment, which consisted of 128 boxes of Tafrodol, 92 boxes of Timaking Tapertado, and 10 boxes of Rahol Tapentadol, totaling 230 boxes, posed serious risks to public health, particularly due to the potential for widespread misuse and addiction among the youth.

    The destruction of the drugs took place at Vigour-DW Enterprise, a waste management company based in Ashaiman, and was supervised by key regulatory and legal authorities.

    The operation was carried out in strict compliance with a court order. In a rare and highly symbolic gesture, the Ministry chose to publicly incinerate the drugs, sending a strong message to those involved in the illegal drug trade.

    Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that this action was only the beginning in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

    “We will not stop here. After the safe disposal of this consignment, we will further investigate the clearing agent and the importer, and hand them over to the Attorney General for prosecution,” he stated firmly.

  • 7 suspected illegal miners arrested at Abora

    7 suspected illegal miners arrested at Abora

    The Police Service on July 10 reported the arrest of some seven persons for illegal mining activities at Abora in Upper Denkyira West.

    The Central Regional Police Command made the arrest following an intelligence-led operation conducted at the targeted location where the suspects were actively engaging in illegal mining activities.

    The suspects are identified as; Latif Abdul Gyimah (55), Mohammed Bello (44), George Azu (52), Kingsley Owusu (23), Sampson Afadzi (45), Simon Atakpo (21), Andrews Otto (26).

    One single-barrel shotgun, two pump-action shotguns (Mossberg 500A12GA) with serial numbers T069032 and T075882, 26 live cartridges, two excavators, two Hyundai excavator monitors, three unregistered motorbikes, one unregistered Haojin tricycle, and one (1) newly installed water pump machine, were retrieved.

    According to the police, efforts are underway to retrieve additional excavators from the site.

    All suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while exhibits have been retained in secure police custody.

    In June, two coordinated operations conducted at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment.

    The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one (1) single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three (3) water pumping machines.

    In a related development, the task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects; Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra, were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene.

    The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while all exhibits have been secured in police custody.

    The Police are ensuring the prosecution of individuals arrested for illegal mining activities.

  • Lawlessness during Ablekuma North election must be condemned – Minority

    Lawlessness during Ablekuma North election must be condemned – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has condemned the violence that took place during the just-ended Ablekuma North rerun election.

    The Minority has accused members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of instigating violent activities.

    In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus said:

    “The most disturbing aspect of today’s violence is not just the brutality itself, but the deliberate endorsement and celebration of these attacks by senior government officials. For example, Dr.
    Hanna Louisa Bissiw, National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, provided perhaps the most damaging response with her statement that “violence begets violence” and her suggestion that the brutal attacks were somehow justified.”

    “Even more shocking is the Facebook post by Malik Basintale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC,
    who apparently celebrated the man who attacked Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson with the disturbing declaration: “From today, I name him the Flying python. He shall be incharge of the 5k Airforce!” This grotesque celebration of violence against a former Member of Parliament represents a new low in Ghana’s political discourse,” the statement added.

    The Minority has registered its displeasure with the operation of the Ghana Police Service at the polling stations.

    “The Ghana Police Service’s response raises serious questions about their preparedness and commitment to protecting our electoral process. Security personnel were overwhelmed by the
    perpetrators, failing to prevent these attacks on political figures, party agents, and journalists. More concerning are allegations surrounding Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu and his
    potential role in facilitating these disruptions.”

    The caucus stressed the need for increased protection for voters, electoral officers, journalists, and candidates. It also called on the international community, civil society, and media to monitor developments closely.

    “The continued disenfranchisement of Ablekuma North residents, who have been without parliamentary representation since January 7, 2025, is unacceptable,” the statement added.

    Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, has condemned the recent attacks against civilians and journalists during the Ablekuma North election rerun.

    Engaging the media over the matter, she said, “It is completely unwarranted.”

    “Government itself takes a very serious stance especially on security agencies metting out unwarranted attacks to civilians under any circumstances,” she added.

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor also condemned the attack on journalists.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

    In reaction to this incident, Shamima Muslim commended the police for its swift action to reprimand its officer for such unlawful acts.

    “What we are happy about is the swift action that the Ghana Police itself has taken in interdicting the officer in question,” she said.

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

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

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    Per reports, the former legislator is receiving treatment at a health facility.

    Due to the chaos that erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno visited some polling stations in the constituency.

    ABLEKUMA NORTH__Download
  • 3 arrested for robbery in Western Region; GHC149,500 retrieved

    3 arrested for robbery in Western Region; GHC149,500 retrieved

    Three individuals believed to be involved in a robbery incident that occurred at Nyanikrom near Shama Junction on Wednesday, July 9, have been apprehended.

    The arrested suspects have been identified as Francis Mensah, alias Francis Kwaw (34), Ebenezer Cofie (32) and Samuel Bentum (35).

    The arrest was effected by the Western Regional Police Command following a targeted surveillance operation based on credible intelligence.

    They received intel that the suspects, armed with insider information, were planning to rob officials of a company located at Nyanikrom.

    The intended target was company funds withdrawn from the bank for salary payments.

    On the said date at about 12:00 p.m., staff of the company had withdrawn money from a bank in Takoradi. While returning to the company premises, they were ambushed near Unique School Junction at Nyanikrom by the suspects, who were on a motorbike and an unregistered sedan vehicle.

    The suspects forcibly broke the vehicle’s window and made away with the cash.

    Response by police personnel who had mounted surveillance in the area led to the arrest of three suspects and recovery of GHC 149,500.00.

    The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

    Additionally, a company driver identified as Maxwell Kofi Yeboah, who is alleged to have conspired with the suspects, is currently at large and being pursued by the police.

    “The Western Regional Police Command assures the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and bring all perpetrators to justice,” the police said in a statement.

  • YOC, BNTC 1-25 closed at Jungle Warfare School at Akim Achiase

    YOC, BNTC 1-25 closed at Jungle Warfare School at Akim Achiase

    The Young Officers Course (YOC) and Basic Non-Commissioned Course (BNTC) 1-25 have officially closed at the Jungle Warfare School at Akim Achiase in the Eastern Region on Friday, July 11.

    The YOC, which comprised 60 commissioned officers, and the BNTC, which also comprised 58 non-commissioned officers, were taken through 6 months of tactical, leadership and jungle training to improve their military skills.

    The guest of honor, Commander Army Training Command (CATRC) Brigadier General Joshua Amanor, said the training was aimed at sharpening the skills of both officers and soldiers on jungle tactics, leadership, and conducting internal security counterinsurgency operations in the jungle settings.

    He admonished course participants to continue to build upon the foundation laid during the course as well as to be inspired by the spirit of continuous learning to improve their skills.

    He urged the students to take advantage of their reference materials to enable them to apply the lessons taught during both courses in order to ensure a bright future in their chosen career.

    Brigadier General Joshua Amanor commended instructors and supporting staff for their selfless dedication exhibited in mentoring the course. He said their expertise, patience, and tireless dedication had been instrumental in shaping the troops.

    The commanding officer of Jungle Warfare School, Lt. Col. Jacob Cudjoe, congratulated Lieutenant Bright Effah and Private Dzizah Ebenezer for placing 1st in their respective courses.

    He also commended the second- and third-placed students on their respective courses.

    He urged award winners to prove themselves worthy of their units of the laurels attained.

    Source: Ghana Armed Forces

  • 28,626 multiple-entry visas have been issued to US passport holders – Foreign Ministry

    28,626 multiple-entry visas have been issued to US passport holders – Foreign Ministry

    A total of 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York from January 2025 to date.

    Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this information known while debunking reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana, reducing the B1/B2 visa validity from 5 years multiple entry to 3 months single entry.

    Ghanaian visa applicants can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.

    It was reported that the Foreign Ministry had also limited the number of entries and duration given to US passport holders, hence the reciprocity by the US government.

    However, in a statement, the Ministry refuted this claim, noting that consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request.

    “Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” the statement read.

    Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations.

    The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”

    The Foreign Ministry noted that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States.

    The US’ decision has sparked concerns, and the Ministry has acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical and family purposes inconvenienced.

    The Ministry has expressed its firm solidarity with all those
    Ghana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime.

    While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options, it remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government.

    “We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.

    Government has stated that it will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries.

    The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.

    F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.

    Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.

    The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.

    The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.

    All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.

    https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Ghana.html

  • Ghana has issued 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders – Foreign Ministry

    Ghana has issued 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders – Foreign Ministry

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana, reducing the B1/B2 visa validity from 5 years multiple entry to 3 months single entry.

    Ghanaian visa applicants can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.

    It was reported that the Foreign Ministry had also limited the number of entries and duration given to US passport holders, hence the reciprocity by the US government.

    However, in a statement, the Ministry refuted this claim, noting that consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request.

    “Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” the statement read.

    Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations.

    From January 2025 to date, 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York. Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.

    The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”

    The Foreign Ministry noted that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States.

    The US’ decision has sparked concerns, and the Ministry has acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical and family purposes inconvenienced.

    The Ministry has expressed its firm solidarity with all those
    Ghana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime.

    While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options, it remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government.

    “We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.

    Government has stated that it will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries.

    The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.

    F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.

    Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.

    The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.

    The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.

    All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.

    https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Ghana.html

  • NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn is MP-elect for Ablekuma North

    NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn is MP-elect for Ablekuma North

    Ewurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been declared MP-elect for Ablekuma North.

    She polled 34,090 votes to beat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akua Afriyie, who secured 33,881 votes.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) today held a rerun election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    The NDC now has 184 seats in Parliament with Aubynn’s victory, whereas the NPP has 87 seats.

    In the Fourth Republic, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has won the Ablekuma North parliamentary election seven times, whereas the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed the seat twice.

    Violence mars Ablekuma North rerun election

    Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, has condemned the recent attacks against civilians and journalists during the Ablekuma North election rerun today.

    Engaging the media over the matter, she said, “It is completely unwarranted.”

    “Government itself takes a very serious stance especially on security agencies metting out unwarranted attacks to civilians under any circumstances,” she added.

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor has alsp condemned the attack on journalists during the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

    In reaction to this incident, Shamima Muslim commended the police for its swift action to reprimand its officer for such unlawful acts.

    “What we are happy about is the swift action that the Ghana Police itself has taken in interdicting the officer in question,” she said.

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

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

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    Per reports, the former legislator is receiving treatment at a health facility.

    Due to the chaos that has erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has visited some polling stations in the constituency.

  • Govt condemns violence during Ablekuma North election rerun

    Govt condemns violence during Ablekuma North election rerun

    Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, has condemned the recent attacks against civilians and journalists during the Ablekuma North election rerun today.

    Engaging the media over the matter, she said, “It is completely unwarranted.”

    “Government itself takes a very serious stance especially on security agencies metting out unwarranted attacks to civilians under any circumstances,” she added.

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor has condemned the attack on journalists during the Ablekuma North rerun election today.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

    In reaction to this incident, Shamima Muslim commended the police for its swift action to reprimand its officer for such unlawful acts.

    “What we are happy about is the swift action that the Ghana Police itself has taken in interdicting the officer in question,” she said.

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

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

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    Per reports, the former legislator is receiving treatment at a health facility.

    Due to the chaos that has erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has visited some polling stations in the constituency.

  • Results of Ablekuma North elections in the Fourth Republic (1992 till date)

    Results of Ablekuma North elections in the Fourth Republic (1992 till date)

    In the Fourth Republic, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has won the Ablekuma North seat seven times, whereas the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed the seat once.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC and NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, who is a former MP from the constituency, are contesting for the seat.

    Per the collated results so far prior to today’s election, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh is leading with 48 votes.

    Ablekuma North election in the Fourth RepublicDownload

  • Hawa Koomson is receiving treatment at the hospital – Miracles Aboagye

    Hawa Koomson is receiving treatment at the hospital – Miracles Aboagye

    Aide to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has noted that former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, has been hospitalised.

    Hawa Koomson was assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    In a video gone viral, a man lunged at Hawa Koomson, pushing her to the ground. Another person was seen kicking her.

    The Police officers present intervened and prevented further attack against Hawa Koomson.

    Also, there was chaos at the Odorkor Methodist polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency.

    Some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Voting has been suspended at Odorkor Methodist 1 Polling Station due to the chaos.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • GJA condemns assault on journalists during Ablekuma North rerun election

    GJA condemns assault on journalists during Ablekuma North rerun election

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor has condemned the attack on journalists during the Ablekuma North rerun election today.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    Per reports, the former legislator is receiving treatment at a health facility.

    Due to the chaos that has erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has visited some polling stations in the constituency.

  • Dep. NPP Organiser assaulted during Ablekuma North rerun election

    Dep. NPP Organiser assaulted during Ablekuma North rerun election

    Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, was assaulted by a group of individuals at one of the polling stations in Ablekuma North Constituency.

    A group of men ambushed him when he fell to the ground after being hit the first time.

    https://www.facebook.com/reel/744029331707093

    Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei came out of the assault all bruised on the face. According to him, he was attacked after calling on executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to have a conversation after tension arose at the polling station.

    Voting has currently resumed at the St. Peter’s polling station in the Ablekuma North Constituency after a brief suspension when chaos ensued.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) earlier halted voting in two polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The other is the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, has been assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    In a video gone viral, a man lunged at Hawa Koomson, pushing her to the ground. Another person was seen kicking her.

    The Police officers present intervened and prevented further attack against Hawa Koomson.

    The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, and a female party agent were severely assaulted during the incident. 

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

  • Voting at St. Peter’s polling station resumes after calm is restored

    Voting at St. Peter’s polling station resumes after calm is restored

    Voting has currently resumed at the St. Peter’s polling station in the Ablekuma North Constituency after a brief suspension when chaos ensued.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) earlier halted voting in two polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The other is the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, has been assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    In a video gone viral, a man lunged at Hawa Koomson, pushing her to the ground. Another person was seen kicking her.

    The Police officers present intervened and prevented further attack against Hawa Koomson.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

  • Voting suspended at 2 polling stations in Ablekuma North

    Voting suspended at 2 polling stations in Ablekuma North

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has halted voting in two polling stations in Ablekuma North Constituency.

    These are the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station and St. Peters polling station.

    The suspension stems from chaos that erupted at these polling stations despite the presence of police officers.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, has been assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    In a video gone viral, a man lunged at Hawa Koomson, pushing her to the ground. Another person was seen kicking her.

    The Police officers present intervened and prevented further attack against Hawa Koomson.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

  • Hawa Koomson attacked by a group of men during Ablekuma North rerun election

    Hawa Koomson attacked by a group of men during Ablekuma North rerun election

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, has been assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

    In a video gone viral, a man lunged at Hawa Koomson, pushing her to the ground. Another person was seen kicking her.

    The Police officers present intervened and prevented further attack against Hawa Koomson.

    Also, there was chaos at the Odorkor Methodist polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency.

    Some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Voting has been suspended at Odorkor Methodist 1 Polling Station due to the chaos.

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Police officer who slapped GHOne reporter at Ablekuma North interdicted

    Police officer who slapped GHOne reporter at Ablekuma North interdicted

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

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Also, there is chaos at the Odorkor Methodist polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency.

    Some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Ablekuma North rerun election underway

    LIVESTREAMING: Ablekuma North rerun election underway

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

  • Chaos erupts at Odorkor Methodist polling station in Ablekuma North; JoyNews reporter assaulted

    Chaos erupts at Odorkor Methodist polling station in Ablekuma North; JoyNews reporter assaulted

    There is chaos at the Odorkor Methodist polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency.

    Some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    The JoyNews journalist assaulted

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

    Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Charge of Corporate Services, Dr Bossman Asare, has affirmed that the Ghana Police Service and the National Election Security Taskforce have pledged to ensure security before, during, and after the upcoming Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

    Meanwhile, several individuals posing as security personnel dressed in brown uniforms near the Awoshie DVLA polling station in the Ablekuma North Constituency have been arrested by the police.

    According to reports, their apprehension stems from their failure to provide proper identification.

    The victims are in Odorkor Police Station for further investigation.

    For years, security agencies have cautioned members of the general public against wearing their uniforms without their authorisation.

    Despite the continuous education and warnings issued to the general public to desist from these practices, the trend rather appears to be on the increase.

    These unauthorised acts are in contravention of the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967, which is still in force.

  • 2 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms

    2 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms

    The Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two individuals for unlawful possession of firearms.

    This followed an intelligence-led operation carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, July 9.

    The targeted operation, conducted at known hideouts in Nweneso, Trabuom, and Nkwawie, resulted in the arrest of Acheampong Kwadwo (21) and James Antwi Adjei (24).

    A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of two pump-action shotguns: one with serial number ASAO 2164 2021 and one without a serial number.

    Both firearms are suspected to be stolen and were possibly intended for use in robbery operations across the Atwima Districts and the Greater Kumasi area.

    The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

    The recovered firearms have been retained as exhibits for evidential purposes.

    The police noted that further updates will be communicated in due course as investigations progress.

    Established by an Act of Parliament in 2007, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA’s) mandate includes regulating the possession and control of small arms and light weapons, with a particular focus on curbing illegal production, trade, transfer, and cross-border movement of such weapons that contribute to crime and insecurity.

    A 2019 KAIPTC report revealed that 2.3 million small arms are in civilian hands, with over 1.1 million unaccounted for.

  • Ablekuma North votes again today as EC reruns election in 19 polling stations

    Ablekuma North votes again today as EC reruns election in 19 polling stations

    The Electoral Commission (EC) will today hold a rerun election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    After the 2024 polls, Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    The EC’s decision to hold a rerun met opposition from the NPP, leading the party to head to court for an interlocutory injunction application. The High Court dismissed the application.

    The NPP noted that it won the 2024 Ablekuma North parliamentary election and, as such, will not participate in the rerun. According to the Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, this is so because contesting in the election will set a dangerous precedent and compromise future elections.

    However, the party’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, has indicated that she will fully participate in the Parliamentary election

    “I appeal to all the constituents to come out and vote massively for me so the glory of God will manifest. I have put my trust in God, and I know He will not disappoint me. I won the election by 440 votes, and I believe God will let the truth prevail tomorrow,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its decision to participate in the rerun election. The NDC will be represented by Ewurabena Aubyn.

    Greater Accra Regional Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Alabi, is optimistic that no challenges will be experienced during the election.

    “There were security lapses in the last elections. The EC itself also failed to live up to its bidding in the last elections, but I believe they have done its homework. The security has also done their homework very well, so this time around, the tags we are going to use will have our names on them, which is one of the means too.”

    “I am very much convinced that with the few I have seen on the ground, I don’t think we are going to have the lapses we experienced the last time. If we are able to be on the ground ourselves, we are part of the security, nothing untoward is going to happen, and it is only 19 polling stations. I don’t foresee any challenge. If there is one, the security will take care of them,” he said.

    Ahead of today’s election, the EC called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.

    Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Charge of Corporate Services, Dr Bossman Asare, has affirmed that the Ghana Police Service and the National Election Security Taskforce have pledged to ensure security before, during, and after the upcoming Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

    .

  • Govt to recapitalise NIB, ADB and CBG – Finance Minister

    Govt to recapitalise NIB, ADB and CBG – Finance Minister

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the government’s decision to recapitalize National Investment Bank (NIB), Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG).

    Fuller details of this comprehensive recapitalization plan will be unveiled during the upcoming mid-year review, Dr Forson noted in a post on X on July 9.

    In May last year, the erstwhile government earmarked GH¢2.3 billion for the recapitalization of the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    “As part of the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), Cabinet has approved the plan for restructuring and recapitalization of the National Investment Bank (NIB),” the former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam said.

    The recapitalization plan was to involve a programmed equity injection of about GHS2.3 billion over a year, with the first tranche of GHS400 million expected to be transferred to NIB before the end of May last year.

    This initiative was critical to strengthening the governance structure, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving risk management to ensure the financial viability of NIB.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upon approving the disbursement of $370 million to Ghana after reaching a staff-level agreement after the fourth review, noted that further strengthening the country’s financial sector stability “requires fully implementing the plan to strengthen NIB, finalizing the reform strategy to support state-owned banks’ viability and sustainability, and developing contingency plans to address weak banks that fail to recapitalize.”

    The government aims to recapitalize the Agricultural Development Bank in 2026. This move, according to the sector minister, is aimed at strengthening ADB’s financial position to better support farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural value chain initiatives.

    The recapitalisation of the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) will be done in the coming year. This comes after approximately GH₵30 billion was spent to purportedly salvage and restore confidence in the financial sector.

    Newly appointed Board Chairman of CBG, Mr. Ernest Mawuli Agbesi, commended the government’s resolve to recapitalize the bank and pledged that the board would work diligently to deliver value to both the government and the Ghanaian people.

    NIB

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has inaugurated the new 9-member Board of Directors for the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    The Board of Directors will be chaired by Mr. Frank Adu Jnr, who has been appointed as Managing Director.

    Dr Ato Forson noted that under this new leadership, “NIB will operate with the independence and professionalism it deserves.”

    The complete board composition includes distinguished professionals including Dr. Doli-wura Awushi Abdul-Malik Seidu Zakarai (Managing Director), Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Naa Aku Ofei-Koranteng, Dr. Shani Bashiru, Mr. Max George Cobbina, Dr. Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi and Dr. Alfred Attuquaye Botchway.

    ADB

    Dr Ato Forson has inaugurated the new Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).

    The sector minister highlighted the critical role of agriculture in national development, noting that no country can achieve sustainable growth without a vibrant and resilient agricultural sector.

    He therefore tasked the new ADB Board chaired by Mr. Kenneth Kwamina Thompson “to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate—serving Ghana’s agricultural sector.”

    The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Mr. Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, with Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong serving as Managing Director.

    Other members of the board include Hon. Andrew Dari Chiwitey, Mr. Siisi Essuman-Ocran, Hon. Dr. E. Prince Arhin, Hon. Misbahu Mahama Adams, Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey, Mr. Courage Akanwunge Asabagna and Mr. Abdul Nasir M. Saani.

    CBG

    The sector minister has sworn in the Board of Directors for Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG).

    To the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) Board of Directors, the Finance Minister issued a firm warning against the era of excessive salaries and board allowances within State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). He stressed that such practices would not be tolerated under the current administration.

    “It is equally important that this board safeguards taxpayers’ money, as you have been entrusted with a crucial national asset,” Dr Ato Forson charged.

    The newly inaugurated CBG Board also includes Dr. Naomi Wolali Kwetey — Managing Director, Ms. Irene Ackuaku, Mr. David Adom, Mr. Michael Kwasi Anyamesem, Mr. Stephen Kporzih, Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu, Mrs. Immaculate Kawe Kanlisi and Mr. John Alexander Ackon.