TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • Nominations for District Level Elections reopens today

    Nominations for District Level Elections reopens today

    Nominations have been reopened in Electoral Areas and Units where no nominations were filed for the upcoming District Level Elections. The extension spans from Monday, November 3, to Thursday, November 13. This information was contained in a press statement issued by the Electoral Commission(EC).


    According to the statement signed by Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman, Operations, the EC directed applicants to visit the Commission’s website for Nomination Forms or pick them up at their District Offices at no cost.


    “Personally or by the Proposer or Seconder to the Returning Officer of the Electoral Area / Unit for which the Candidate seeks election, from Monday, November 10 to Thursday, November 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm,” parts of the statement read.


    By-elections in selected Electoral Areas and Unit Committees nationwide will be conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday, November 11. The elections will take place in over 1,500 polling stations across multiple regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta, Central, Eastern, Bono, Ahafo, Western, Western North, and others.

    This information was contained in a separate press statement signed by the Chairperson, Jean Mensa.


    According to the Commission, the nomination process will commence on Monday, October 6, and end on Thursday, October 16. Submission times are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Individuals who wish to contest must submit completed nomination forms in quadruplicate, accompanied by two recent passport-sized photographs with a red background.


    “In accordance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) with Amendment (Act 940), the Electoral Commission will on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025, conduct By-Elections for vacant Electoral Areas and Units arising as a result of the deaths or resignations of a number of Assembly and Unit Committee Members.


    “Nomination Forms may be obtained free of charge at the District Offices of the Electoral Commission or downloaded from the Electoral Commission’s website (www.ec.gov.gh/forms from Monday, 6th October to Thursday, 16th October, 2025,” parts of the statement read.


    It added that qualified individuals will be those whose nominations have been endorsed by a certain number of residents. The upcoming elections are in line with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended by Act 940, to fill vacancies created by the resignation or death of Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members.


    “Completed Nomination Forms must be delivered in quadruplicate by the Candidate personally or by the Proposer or Seconder, together with two (2) copies of a recent bust-sized photograph against a RED background, to the Returning Officer of the Electoral Area for which the Candidate seeks election from Monday, 13th October to Thursday, 16th October, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each day,” it added.


    Some of the notable districts and communities where elections will take place include Ablekuma Central, Weija-Gbawe, La-Nkwantanang, Adenta, Cape Coast, Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Mfantseman, Jomoro, Ellembelle, Nzema East, and Sekondi-Takoradi.


    The others are Asuogyaman, Yilo Krobo, Suhum, New Juaben, Adansi South, Obuasi Municipal, Bosomtwe, Offinso North, Keta, Ketu South, Ho, and Afadjato South.


    Find the list of all vacant Electoral Areas and Units with the corresponding number of polling stations below:


    Ghana recently witnessed a by-election this year on Tuesday, September 2. The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Bernard Bediako Baidoo was declared Member of Parliament (MP)-elect for the Akwatia Constituency.

    He polled 18,199 votes to beat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Solomon Kwame Asumadu, who secured 15,235 votes. According to the Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission (EC), the total votes cast were 33,819, with 33,516 valid votes and 303 ballots rejected.


    The EC, on Tuesday, September 2, held a by-election in 119 polling stations within the Akwatia Constituency to provide constituents with a representative following the sudden passing of their former MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi. Ernest Kumi was confirmed dead on Monday, July 7, 2025. At the time of his passing, he had served the constituency for only six months.


    On Tuesday, September 2, more than 50,000 registered constituents in Akwatia cast their ballots to select an MP to represent the constituency in Parliament.

    The NDC elected legal practitioner Bernard Bediako Baidoo to contest the election. At the same time, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) selected the Chief Executive of Owuo Mining Company, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, as its parliamentary candidate for the by-election.


    However, David Ankomah, who sought to contest on the ticket of the Action People’s Party (APP), was disqualified by the Electoral Commission (EC) for failing to submit his tax clearance certificate. As a result, the disqualified candidate filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission. He has challenged the EC at the High Court for excluding him for failing to submit his tax clearance certificate.

    Ankomah argued that the Commission gave him too short a notice to produce the certificate through the Akwatia District Electoral Officer, which caused the delay in providing the required document.


    Additionally, he maintains that he completed all the necessary processes needed to participate in the race. He further prayed the Court to suspend the by-election until the case is determined.


    Meanwhile, over 5,500 police personnel were deployed to Akwatia to ensure law and order during the by-election. The police grouped the constituency into nine security zones to ensure effective coverage. About 600 officers were fully armed to swiftly respond to any disturbances that might occur during the exercise.


    Prior to the election, the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party allegedly refrained from signing a peace pact. This followed claims by the NPP that the NDC’s representatives presented constituency executives instead of national-level executives to sign the agreement.


    NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye told reporters that the NDC had shown reluctance to commit to the peace declaration, accusing the party of deliberately stalling the process.

    Speaking to the media after the failed engagement, a Board Member of the Peace Council, Sheikh Armeyaw Shaibu, said, “In the spirit of mutual dialogue and mutual respect, the two parties agreed that we should suspend the meeting.”


    The by-election did not witness much chaos, unlike the Ablekuma North rerun election. In the coming days, constituents of Tamale Central will vote to elect a representative to Parliament.

  • Tricycle driver dies after head-on collision at Achimota Forest roundabout

    Tricycle driver dies after head-on collision at Achimota Forest roundabout

    A collision involving a Benz car and a tricycle loaded with refuse at the downside section of the Achimota Forest Roundabout, near the DSTV bus stop, has resulted in the death of one individual. The unfortunate incident occurred today, Friday, October 31.

    According to eyewitnesses, the tricycle driver reportedly died on the spot due to the severe impact of the crash.

    Meanwhile, the driver of the Benz is in police custody assisting with investigations. In a related development, one person was confirmed dead and three others injured following a tragic accident near the Anyinam Health Line on the Accra-Kumasi Highway on Sunday, October 27.

    The incident occurred when a Toyota Hilux with registration number ER 2956-20 collided with a Howo trailer numbered GM 592-21. The victims are receiving medical attention at the Enyiresi Government Hospital. Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year.

    On Saturday, October 25, a fatal crash involving a stationary tipper truck and a Sprinter bus at Atwedie, near Konongo on the Kumasi–Accra Highway, left at least 14 people severely injured. The Sprinter bus, with registration number GR 6626-22, reportedly rammed into the stationary truck, causing the unfortunate incident.

    Less than forty-eight hours later, several individuals reportedly died in a road crash that occurred near the Kasoa tollbooth in the Central Region. En route to Kasoa, the fully loaded minibus somersaulted multiple times after colliding with a Jeep 4×4, registration number GR 7673. Meanwhile, the number of casualties is yet to be made public by authorities.

    Furthermore, three individuals lost their lives in a fatal crash that occurred on Friday night, October 24, on the Tatale–Zabzugu road in the Northern Region. More than ten others were injured in the aftermath of the incident. The victims in the crash were traders returning from the Kukpalgu market.

    They encountered the unfortunate incident when the Kia truck, with registration number GW-5828-17, carrying them collided with an abandoned motorking tricycle on the road. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tatale District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

    In a similar development, the Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s Toyota V8, reportedly crashed into a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident, which occurred on Friday, October 24, left one individual injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter. Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others with injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims, who were close to Aburaso, were returning from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the tire of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, which caused the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days later, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region, on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any additional casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off the road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports indicate that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted. Following the incident, emergency services reportedly arrived at the scene to rescue trapped individuals. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports.

    Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck assisting. Local officials have reportedly given assurances of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.

    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed into an oncoming fuel tanker. All sixteen victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.

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

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these road crashes. As a result of the accidents, eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To help combat this growing menace, the National Road Safety Authority has called for the strict enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.

    The NRSA has emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and sustained public awareness campaigns to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

    The Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which consolidates and revises the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure safety and related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:
    (a) where (i) no bodily injury occurs, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;
    (b) where a bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;
    (c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years; and
    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

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

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

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

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

  • PLAYBACK: PAC probes audited accounts of govt agencies

    PLAYBACK: PAC probes audited accounts of govt agencies

    As part of efforts to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has begun probing the audited financial statements of various government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

    The committee began hearings weeks ago in Parliament to interrogate heads of state institutions cited for financial irregularities in the 2024 Auditor-General’s (A-G) Report.

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana was established under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and formally constituted as part of Parliament’s Standing Committees. It has existed since the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic, which began in January 1993.

    Its mandate is to review reports presented by the Auditor-General on the public accounts of Ghana, summon ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as state-owned enterprises (SOEs), to explain financial infractions and irregularities, and in some cases, recommend sanctions, recoveries, or referrals for prosecution.

    Watch the livestream here:

    However, since its establishment, PAC has reportedly had no documented record of ensuring prosecution or imprisonment of culprits, though its recommendations can trigger EOCO investigations or action by the Attorney-General.

    Over the years, the Committee has engaged several public institutions and their heads over reported financial irregularities, but little to no documentation of penalties has been recorded to serve as a deterrent. It will be recalled that in 2017, PAC recommended the prosecution of officials at the National Sports Authority for misappropriating funds, but no confirmed convictions followed.

    Similarly, in 2021, the Committee traced non-existent staff under GETFund and MASLOC, yet no jail terms were recorded. In 2023, PAC recovered GH₵12.9 million, but this was through repayments rather than criminal penalties.

    Meanwhile, more than GH¢12.9 billion in misappropriated public funds has been retrieved following collaboration between the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General’s Department.

    Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 1, Chairperson of PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, attributed the remarkable recovery to the collective efforts of the Auditor-General’s Department.

    “One thing I am clear about is that what we are doing is yielding positive results. We have a report we will look at. Per the work of the Public Accounts Committee, and with the support of the Auditor-General, we have been able to retrieve GH¢12.9 billion. There is a whole report on that which we will be sharing with the public at the right time,” she said.

    According to her, the Committee will make the report’s details public at the appropriate time. The Committee is scheduled to resume its sittings on Monday, October 27. Various ministries, departments, and agencies have been interrogated by PAC in recent weeks to address infractions highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.

    On Monday, September 29, the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) Director of Administration, Dr. Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee following a recent claim by the Auditor-General’s (A-G) report, revealing financial irregularities at the hospital.

    The report suggests that the hospital paid salaries amounting to GHS 1,449,000 to a deceased staff member for a period of 26 months. Dr. Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor, affirmed the report, adding that the hospital has so far recovered GHS303,558.68 of the total amount.

    He explained that the banks previously handling the transactions had, through a letter, indicated that they have ceased processing them.

    “We were able to recover some amounts. Before we got here, we had received letters from some banks stating that they had stopped transferring the funds to the government chest,” Dr. Donkor told the Committee.

    He further urged Parliament to intervene and help the hospital recover the remaining funds.

    “Maybe at the end of this session, we will make a prayer to this House for the House to make an order directing those banks to transfer,” he said.

    Dr. Donkor revealed that his outfit has submitted the names of the individuals implicated in the act to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)for recovery.

    “EOCO has written back requesting the files of the people involved, and we have submitted them,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills raised serious concerns regarding the issue.“Habib Napare – date of separation was 2022. This guy had died. Didn’t you go to the funeral? And you validated this dead person for 26 months? And now you are coming to tell Parliament to do what?” Atta-Mills asked sharply,” he added.

    Just few days ago, a tense moment erupted during a Public Accounts Committee sitting when Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare sharply confronted the DVLA boss over privacy concerns tied to the authority’s proposed digital number plate system.

    The exchange followed Mr. Kotey’s explanation that the new plates would contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips to enhance security and make it difficult for outsiders to tamper with or duplicate. Mrs. Osei-Asare, however, raised concerns about whether the new plates would display vehicle owners’ surnames, warning that such information could expose personal data.

    In response, Mr. Kotey said the DVLA would comply with Ghana’s Data Protection Law, noting that the system would only digitalize existing information without altering its basic format. When pressed for a clear answer on whether names would appear, he replied, “It depends on what the law says; we’ll go by it.”

    That response immediately drew a sharp reaction from the PAC Chair, who retorted, “You don’t tell me it depends on what the law says. You are doing it, so you should be able to tell us what the law says. I’m asking a specific question: is it going to have the user’s surname on the number plate?”

    Mr. Kotey later clarified that names do not appear on standard number plates, explaining that only personalized plates bear such identifiers. The Chair, however, maintained that the Committee’s inquiries were in the public interest and aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the rollout of the new digital number plate system.

  • Tragic accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway leaves one dead, others hospitalised

    Tragic accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway leaves one dead, others hospitalised

    A tragic accident near the Anyinam Health Line on the Accra-Kumasi Highway on Sunday, October 27, has left one person dead and three others injured. The incident occurred when a Toyota Hilux with registration number ER 2956-20 collided with a Howo trailer numbered GM 592-21.

    The victims are receiving medical attention at the Enyiresi Government Hospital. Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year.

    On Saturday, October 25, a fatal crash involving a stationary tipper truck and a Sprinter bus at Atwedie, near Konongo on the Kumasi–Accra Highway, left at least 14 people severely injured.The Sprinter bus, with registration number GR 6626-22, reportedly rammed into the stationary truck, causing the unfortunate incident.

    Less than forty-eight hours later, several individuals reportedly died in a recent road crash that occurred near the Kasoa tollbooth in the Central Region. En route to Kasoa, the fully loaded minibus somersaulted multiple times after colliding with a Jeep 4×4, registration number GR 7673. Meanwhile, the number of casualties is yet to be made public by authorities.

    Meanwhile, three individuals lost their lives in a fatal crash that occurred on Friday night, October 24, on the Tatale–Zabzugu road in the Northern Region. More than ten others were injured in the aftermath of the incident. The victims in the crash were traders returning from the Kukpalgu market.


    They encountered the unfortunate incident when the Kia truck, with registration number GW-5828-17, carrying them collided with an abandoned motorking tricycle on the road.The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tatale District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.


    In a similar development, the Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s Toyota V8 has reportedly crashed with a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident that occurred on Friday, October 24, has left one individual injured.


    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter.
    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.


    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the tire of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.


    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.


    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.


    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.
    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports.

    Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck assisting. Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.


    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker. All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.


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


    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.


    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total of eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.


    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.


    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.


    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for a more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use, to ensure safety on the roads and to provide for related matters.


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


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


    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.


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


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


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


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

  • OSP probes DVLA boss over claims of rejecting GHS4m bribe to halt DP initiative

    OSP probes DVLA boss over claims of rejecting GHS4m bribe to halt DP initiative

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has met with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

    He appeared before the committee today, Friday, October 31, to defend a recent claim that he turned down a GH¢4 million bribe offer from some powerful individuals who sought to block the government’s new Digitalised Vehicle Registration Plate (DP) initiative.

    In an interview Mr Kotey revealed “… When I started this thing [car registration initiative], let me say that a gentleman called me. I don’t even know where that gentleman is from, whether it was a trap or not. He brought GH¢4 million to my office (sic)…

    “They came to my office saying that they do not want the DP sticker to be introduced since it would not help them benefit monies in any way. They know they are stealing from the county. They brought cash, and my security can attest to that… I just said I can’t take it”.


    The DVLA boss was spotted leaving the OSP premises; however, what transpired during the meeting is yet to be made public. The Digitalised Vehicle Registration Plate (DP) initiative forms part of the government’s effort to improve road safety and curb vehicle-related fraud.

    On Monday, October 27, a tense moment erupted during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting when Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare sharply confronted the DVLA boss over privacy concerns tied to the authority’s proposed digital number plate system.


    The exchange followed Mr. Kotey’s explanation that the new plates would contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips to enhance security and make it difficult for outsiders to tamper with or duplicate. Mrs. Osei-Asare, however, raised concerns about whether the new plates would display vehicle owners’ surnames, warning that such information could expose personal data.


    In response, Mr. Kotey said the DVLA would comply with Ghana’s Data Protection Law, noting that the system would only digitalize existing information without altering its basic format. When pressed for a clear answer on whether names would appear, he replied, “It depends on what the law says; we’ll go by it.”


    That response immediately drew a sharp reaction from the PAC Chair, who retorted, “You don’t tell me it depends on what the law says. You are doing it, so you should be able to tell us what the law says. I’m asking a specific question: is it going to have the user’s surname on the number plate?”


    Mr. Kotey later clarified that names do not appear on standard number plates, explaining that only personalized plates bear such identifiers. The Chair, however, maintained that the Committee’s inquiries were in the public interest and aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the rollout of the new digital number plate system.


    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana was established under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and formally constituted as part of Parliament’s Standing Committees. It has existed since the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic, which began in January 1993.


    Its mandate is to review reports presented by the Auditor-General on the public accounts of Ghana, summon ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as state-owned enterprises (SOEs), to explain financial infractions and irregularities, and in some cases, recommend sanctions, recoveries, or referrals for prosecution.


    However, since its establishment, PAC has reportedly had no documented record of ensuring prosecution or imprisonment of culprits, though its recommendations can trigger EOCO investigations or action by the Attorney-General.


    Over the years, the Committee has engaged several public institutions and their heads over reported financial irregularities, but little to no documentation of penalties has been recorded to serve as a deterrent. It will be recalled that in 2017, PAC recommended the prosecution of officials at the National Sports Authority for misappropriating funds, but no confirmed convictions followed.


    Similarly, in 2021, the Committee traced non-existent staff under GETFund and MASLOC, yet no jail terms were recorded. In 2023, PAC recovered GH₵12.9 million, but this was through repayments rather than criminal penalties.


    Meanwhile, more than GH¢12.9 billion in misappropriated public funds has been retrieved following collaboration between the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General’s Department.


    Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 1, Chairperson of PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, attributed the remarkable recovery to the collective efforts of the Auditor-General’s Department.


    “One thing I am clear about is that what we are doing is yielding positive results. We have a report we will look at. Per the work of the Public Accounts Committee, and with the support of the Auditor-General, we have been able to retrieve GH¢12.9 billion. There is a whole report on that which we will be sharing with the public at the right time,” she said.


    According to her, the Committee will make the report’s details public at the appropriate time. The Committee is scheduled to resume its sittings on Monday, October 27. Various ministries, departments, and agencies have been interrogated by PAC in recent weeks to address infractions highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.


    Recently, the Director of Administration at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee after the Auditor-General’s report indicated that the hospital paid salaries amounting to GH¢1,449,000 to a deceased staff member over a period of 26 months.


    Dr. Donkor affirmed the report, adding that the hospital has so far recovered GH¢303,558.68 of the total amount. He explained that the banks previously handling the transactions had, through a letter, indicated that they had ceased processing them.


    “We were able to recover some amounts. Before we got here, we had received letters from some banks stating that they had stopped transferring the funds to the government chest,” Dr. Donkor told the Committee.


    He further urged Parliament to intervene and help the hospital recover the remaining funds. “Maybe at the end of this session, we will make a prayer to this House for the House to make an order directing those banks to transfer,” he said.


    Dr. Donkor revealed that his office has submitted the names of the individuals implicated in the act to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for recovery. “EOCO has written back requesting the files of the people involved, and we have submitted them,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills raised serious concerns regarding the issue. “Habib Napare – date of separation was 2022. This guy had died. Didn’t you go to the funeral? And you validated this dead person for 26 months? And now you are coming to tell Parliament to do what?” Atta-Mills asked sharply.


    In the meantime, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.

  • Kwapong Nursing Training College destroyed by fire

    Kwapong Nursing Training College destroyed by fire

    The Kwapong Nursing Training College in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region has been destroyed by a fire incident. The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 31, saw students rushing to safety. Meanwhile, authorities are working to ascertain the cause of the fire.

    This development comes barely twenty-four (24) hours after the newly opened China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, was destroyed by fire. Inaugurated in May 2025, the mall was left with no items to be recovered. No casualties have been recorded in the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is yet to be made known to the public.

    Earlier this month, a fire incident ravaged Kantamanto at the Tazani Lane section in Accra. Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were razed after a fire broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13. The GNFS confirmed in an update on its official page on Sunday, September 14: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”

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

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

    Earlier this month, another fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama–Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25.

    Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost. The Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” the GNFS posted on Facebook.

    The Service explained that the fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers. Firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations responded promptly and contained the blaze.

    In April this year, another fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, destroying more than 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman known as Beauty. The inferno, which started around 11:15 p.m., spread rapidly across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, the victim was trapped and could not escape. Her remains were handed over to the Madina Police.

    Last year, about 50 stalls were reduced to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS, D.O.I. Kofi Forson, recounted the challenges they faced: “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious.”

    The GNFS has provided statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025, showing a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year — an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases. In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

    The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.

    Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls. It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Gold industry injected GHS88bn into Ghana’s GDP in 2024 – Vice President

    Gold industry injected GHS88bn into Ghana’s GDP in 2024 – Vice President

    Ghana’s gold industry made a significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), recording GH¢88 billion in 2024, according to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

    She made this revelation during the inauguration of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine on Thursday, October 30. According to her, Ghana’s gold exports stood at US$11.2 billion as of August 2025.

    “The opening of the Ahafo North Mine is an act of partnership and progress, and the fruit of mutual respect and collaboration. Last year, Ghana’s gold industry contributed GH¢88.1 billion to our GDP. Also, this year, our gold exports reached a record of US$11.2 billion. These figures demonstrate and encourage more confidence in our economy, governance, and national potential,” she added.

    Small-scale gold exports carried out by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana between January and August 2025 totaled 66.7 tonnes, with an estimated export value of approximately US$6.3 billion. This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, while delivering a speech at the Mining and Minerals Convention on Tuesday, September 9.

    “Since January up to the end of August 2025, small-scale gold exports undertaken by or through the GoldBod, working closely with the BoG, have hit a record high of 66.7 tonnes with an export value of approximately US$6.3 billion.”

    “What this means is that the volume and value of small-scale gold exports from January to August 2025 alone have exceeded the total small-scale exports outturn for the whole of 2024 — which stood at 63 tonnes with a value of about US$4.6 billion,” he added.

    Additionally, Sammy Gyamfi disclosed that effective October, the Ghana Gold Board will process raw gold within Ghana instead of exporting it in its unrefined form. He explained that the move is part of a new collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries.

    “It is a national shame that, as a long-standing continental leader in production, Ghana continues to export doré, that is, raw gold, instead of bullion. The Ghana Gold Board, which I lead, is determined to change this narrative as a matter of urgency.

    “As part of the reset agenda of President Mahama, the GoldBod, in conjunction with the BoG, is partnering with local refineries such as the Gold Coast Refinery to begin the local refining of gold purchased and exported by the GoldBod, and this will begin next month, October 2025,” he added.

    In August this year, GoldBod offered a special temporary bonus scheme to miners operating under valid mining licenses. In its announcement, GoldBod emphasised that licensed miners would enjoy an additional GH¢832 per pound of gold sold through the Ghana Gold Board. This information was contained in a statement issued by GoldBod on Wednesday, August 27.

    “This novelty is in response to legitimate complaints from licensed miners about the significant reduction in the local price of gold in the last few months due to the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi.

    “The special bonus will ensure that licensed miners who have contributed immensely to the country’s increased gold output and foreign exchange earnings do not indirectly suffer as a result of the significant appreciation of the Ghana cedi that they have helped the country achieve,” the statement read.

    According to GoldBod, the recent development has been made possible due to the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi. On July 7, a task force was inaugurated with a special mandate and specific powers as police officers to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country. Sammy Gyamfi noted that this will save the government from revenue leakages in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.

    “(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and foreign exchange for our economy and the development of our country,” he announced.

    Earlier this month, GoldBod reported significant revenue accrued from small-scale gold exports between January and October 15. The sector earned US$8 billion in foreign exchange within ten months, according to data from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

    The data shows that small-scale miners exported 81,719.23 kilograms of gold during the period, valued at US$8.06 billion. This marks a sharp increase from US$4.61 billion recorded in 2024 and nearly quadruples the US$2.19 billion achieved in 2023.

    Additionally, the data shows that gold exports increased by 29% between 2024 and 2025, rising from 63,647 kilograms to 81,719 kilograms. When compared to 2023, GoldBod’s earnings have grown more than threefold.

    The data highlights a consistent upward trend in both gold volume and export value over the three years, reflecting improved regulation, transparency, and compliance within Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

    It also shows robust month-on-month growth in the second quarter of the year, with revenue of US$1.17 billion recorded in May, US$957.9 million in June, and US$897.6 million in April.

    The country’s official gold buying and distribution authority has linked its significant gains to its partnership with PMMC and strengthened oversight of small-scale gold exports and other related gold-purchasing regulations. The GoldBod-PMMC collaboration has proved efficient since mid-April 2025, when GoldBod began absorbing the functions of PMMC.

    The collaboration has been instrumental in curbing illicit trade and ensuring that proceeds from gold sales are properly repatriated into the Ghanaian economy.

  • Fire destroys Santasi China Mall

    Fire destroys Santasi China Mall

    The newly opened China City Mall at Santasi, in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, was destroyed by fire on Thursday, October 30.

    The mall, which was inaugurated in May 2025, was left with no items to be recovered. No casualties have been recorded in the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is yet to be made known to the public.


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

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


    The Service added, “Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation, one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, and are reported to be in stable condition.”
    In a related development, several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra were destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31.

    Reports indicated that victims were unable to salvage their belongings while awaiting emergency response. The cause of that fire is yet to be established.


    Earlier this month, another fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama–Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25.

    Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.


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


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

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


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

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

    Thanks to the swift response, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours. Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
    Last month, a fire broke out at Madina Ritz Junction. Initial reports claimed that a two-month-old baby died in the incident, but the GNFS later clarified otherwise.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost. The Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” the GNFS posted on Facebook.


    The Service explained that the fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers. Firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations responded promptly and contained the blaze.


    In April this year, another fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, destroying more than 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman known as Beauty. The inferno, which started around 11:15 p.m., spread rapidly across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, the victim was trapped and could not escape. Her remains were handed over to the Madina Police.


    Last year, about 50 stalls were reduced to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS, D.O.I. Kofi Forson recounted the challenges they faced, “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious”.


    The GNFS has provided statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025, showing a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year—an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).


    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases. In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.


    The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.


    Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls. It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Govt has not banned English in basic schools – Education Ministry

    Govt has not banned English in basic schools – Education Ministry

    English has not been scrapped as a language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools, the Ministry of Education has clarified. This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, on Thursday, October 30.

    The clarification comes at a time when the Ministry has directed the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in basic schools, specifically for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

    However, Dr. Clement Apaak explained that the new policy is to ensure that children are not only fluent in the English language but also in their home languages. He emphasized that the initiative is also intended to strengthen learning outcomes across all subjects.

    “Teaching in a language the child does not understand or speak well creates major barriers to literacy acquisition. So, we are committing to revisit the policy, based on global evidence, to ensure that we are teaching effectively from KG to Basic Year Three to improve learning outcomes.

    “This includes looking at how we can draw upon the success of Ghanaian programmes such as Complementary Basic Education to involve communities and extend early grade teaching beyond our 12 official languages,” he added.

    According to the statement, “As evidence has shown, the practice in countries such as China, Finland, Japan and Malaysia indicates that proficiency in a home language or playground language is key to learning other languages effectively.

    “It also helps in developing in young learners, national identity and appreciation of cultural values,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of Education was keen to ensure that no learner was left behind in receiving the quality education they deserve. “It is their right. We respect their right. At the end, we are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens.”

    In 2023, Ghanaian historian, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka, called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

    He said students should be encouraged to speak local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritize their local languages, thereby requiring that a person, upon arrival in the country, speak and understand the language.

    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” he quizzed.

    Despite the fact that English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with local languages to activate the country’s heritage.

    He also believes that Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass if parents do not insist on speaking local dialects with their children.

    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts to speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language. In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

    The country celebrates Ghana Month throughout March every year to commemorate her independence. The historian believes that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years go by.

    He attributes the dwindling interest partly to the trend of designers incorporating foreign products into their designs. The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest among the public, as they have failed to insist on the inclusion of local languages in the school curriculum.

    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”

    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project their culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking local languages, among others, throughout March.

    Earlier this year, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve their indigenous languages. According to him, the country’s indigenous languages play a crucial role in national identity and cultural heritage.

    He made this statement during the commemoration of International Mother Language Day in February.

    Addressing Parliament, he urged all citizens to recognize the value of their native tongues and take proactive steps to safeguard them. Mr. Yeboah highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts in language preservation, stressing that initiatives such as storytelling, oral history documentation, and intergenerational language transmission programmes must be actively promoted.

    He encouraged schools, traditional authorities, and cultural institutions to collaborate to ensure that local languages remain relevant in contemporary Ghanaian society.

    “Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to lose our indigenous languages, for in them lies the heart and soul of our identity as Ghanaians,” he stated. “Let us act now to protect and promote them, ensuring that future generations inherit not just the words, but the history, values, and wisdom they carry.”

    He further called on policymakers to incorporate indigenous language education into the national curriculum and promote its usage in both public and private sectors.

    The MP also emphasized the need for media platforms to dedicate more airtime to local languages, ensuring that they remain widely spoken and appreciated.

    He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to take pride in their linguistic heritage, noting that preserving mother languages is not merely about communication but about protecting a rich legacy of knowledge and identity.

  • High Court grants GHS150m bail to ex-CEO of Buffer Stock Company and wife

    High Court grants GHS150m bail to ex-CEO of Buffer Stock Company and wife

    Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, have been granted bail totaling GHS150 million by the High Court in Accra. Hanan has a share of GHS100 million in the bail and is to provide six sureties, four of whom must prove ownership of landed property.


    His wife, on the other hand, has been granted bail in the sum of GHS50 million with four sureties, three of whom must own property within the jurisdiction of the court.

    The duo have pleaded not guilty in the National Food and Buffer Stock Company case. They stand accused of 24 counts, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, willful misuse of public funds, money laundering, and exploiting public office for personal benefit. The court has directed that the sureties submit copies of their Ghana Cards.

    The court has also ordered that the names of the accused persons be added to a stop-list at all entry and exit points in the country, including airports, seaports, and border crossings. Until the final determination of the case, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and Faiza Seidu Wuni are required to report to the investigator every Wednesday.

    Abdul-Wahab is standing trial over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct during his time in office. He was arrested on June 25, along with his wife. EOCO granted a GHS30 million bail to his wife, while her husband remained in custody pending the fulfillment of his GHS60 million bail condition.

    The arrest, which took place simultaneously in Accra and Tamale, also led to the detention of a third, unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation.

    On Tuesday, July 8, the former NAFCO boss was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after being detained for 14 days. Abdul-Wahab was released after meeting a GHS60 million bail condition backed by two guarantors. 

    On June 25, Hanan and his spouse were taken into custody over suspected mismanagement of funds while he led the government agency. His wife was granted bail earlier, set at GHS30 million. 

    Earlier reports indicated that Mr. Hanan had met the bail terms; however, he remained in the custody of EOCO, a situation that drew backlash from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which described the terms as harsh and unfair.
    A third suspect, an unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation, has also been detained.

    Meanwhile, a list of luxury assets belonging to Hanan Abdul-Wahab has been made public by the Attorney General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
    His assets include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes valued at $1.625 million, a three-bedroom house at Cantonments purchased for $600,000, and multiple plots of land at the Airport Development Area worth $750,000.
    Other properties include a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000; a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at over GHS4.14 million; and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land purchased for GHS307,200.

    The Attorney General made the disclosure while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, as part of the Government Accountability Series. He added that the recent development was made possible through collaboration with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), after several properties and bank transactions were traced to Abdul-Wahab.

    But Abdul-Wahab has denied all allegations leveled against him by the Attorney General. In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Aludiba noted that he has instructed his lawyers to follow up on the allegations.
    “I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate.
    “I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.
    The OSP’s Seventh Half-Yearly Report is pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The document also outlines key developments in the Office’s operations.

    According to the OSP, despite resistance from powerful interests, it stayed focused on executing its mandate during this period. As such, the Office successfully progressed significant corruption-related investigations to the stage of court proceedings while also initiating new inquiries into suspected acts of corruption.
    “Then again, the Office, as one of three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementing Plan, is fashioning and moulding anti-corruption structures that would stand the test of time. The task ahead remains formidable. Much more so is our resolve to perform.

    “This reporting period was characterised by intensification of the Office’s prosecutorial mandate. We advanced high-profile investigations to court and initiated bold inquiries into suspected corruption, often in the face of deep-seated resistance from entrenched interests.
    “Notwithstanding these expected challenges, the Office remains resolute and guided by the rule of law, fairness, firmness, evidence-based action, and the interest of the public. We recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be waged and won only through punitive action and incarceration,” parts of the report read.

    The legislative framework of the Office of the Special Prosecutor mandates the Authority to crack down on corruption, recover assets, and confiscate illicit property.
    “Indeed, the legislative set-up of the Office leans heavily on corruption prevention and asset recovery and disgorgement of tainted property. Consequently, we proceed on sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially founded on our unique plea bargaining regime.

    “In this spirit, the Office scaled up its preventive mandate through active engagement with public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society, and secured convictions and asset recovery through impactful plea bargaining. We also reckon that the nation’s anti-corruption legal framework requires re-imagination, modernisation, and retooling to address the immense scale and complexity of modern corruption in the context of our social, economic, and political constructs.

    “On this score, the Office has proposed the inclusion of a new chapter in the Constitution dedicated to the fight against corruption through definitive constitutional expression by the institution of proposed concrete measures to effectively and comprehensively suppress and repress corruption in public life as well as in the private sector, chief among which include lifestyle audits, non-conviction-based asset recovery, enhanced asset declaration and verification regime, and reverse onus presumption of corruption as the foundation of both anti-corruption criminal proceedings and civil asset recovery proceedings,” parts of the report added.

    The Office is also leading the charge in respect of the passage of a comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct of Public Officers Act. Currently, sixty-seven (67) cases are being handled by the Office, all of which are undergoing comprehensive review.The corruption cases being investigated by the OSP include: the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Education Service, National Commission on Culture, Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services, National Service Authority, Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and the National Cathedral.

    The others are: Tema Oil Refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited, the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, State lands, Stool lands, and other vested lands, Illegal Mining, the National Sports Authority, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, and the Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John.

  • Off-duty soldier caught on CCTV assaulting woman in pharmacy arrested

    Off-duty soldier caught on CCTV assaulting woman in pharmacy arrested

    A disturbing video making the airwaves has prompted the intervention of the military police. The CCTV footage, which has since gone viral, shows a man of muscular build assaulting a young male pharmacist and a young woman in a pharmacy.

    The incident, which took place at Burma Camp in Accra earlier this week, came to light late Wednesday. In the widely circulated video footage, the tall, dark-complexioned, angry man was seen slapping the pharmacist.

    The abuser, whose name has been given as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Mensah Williams of the Ghana Air Force, was further seen attacking the woman with several blows to her head after she attempted to record the incident. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, Mensah Williams continued the assault.

    In response to the appalling incident, the military police have arrested Mensah Williams. He is in the custody of the Cantonments Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. The video has since sparked intense debate on social media, with scores of Ghanaians calling for swift and firm disciplinary action against the soldier.

    According to reports, the assaulted lady is the daughter of the former Provost Marshal of the Military Police. The Provost is essentially a senior military officer responsible for law enforcement, discipline, and security within the armed forces. He coordinates and oversees all investigations into crimes involving military personnel.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has condemned the act, assuring “the general public that it will not condone any acts of assault on civilians and will not shield any soldier engaged in such.”

    In recent years, Ghana has recorded several assaults by security personnel, particularly those affiliated with the military. Earlier this month, residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region recounted terrifying encounters with military personnel, accusing them of using guns, stones, and metal objects to assault civilians during a late-night operation.

    On the night of Tuesday, March 18, heavily armed soldiers reportedly stormed homes in Bawku, conducting forced searches and physically assaulting residents. This military action is said to have been triggered by the fatal shooting of a Ghana Armed Forces officer on Monday, March 17. Reports indicate that the officer was ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen while walking on foot.

    In July, the statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was allegedly destroyed by some members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during a confrontation with locals in Bawku, Upper East Region.

    The statue, which was erected in 2024 in honour of the Zugraan (Overlord) of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II—a culturally revered figure in Bawku—served as a strong emblem of tradition and communal pride.

    The reconstruction of the statue is expected to begin in the coming days following a directive from His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama. Then Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in collaboration with other security agencies, was tasked with overseeing the process as well as restoring calm in the area.

    This information was made known by the then Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, at a durbar with all ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Burma Camp on Wednesday, July 17.

    “To assure that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), remains committed to bringing an end to decades-old conflict.

    “To address the recent happenings, the National Security Coordinator, myself, the Minister for the Interior, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the IGP have all been tasked to play coordinated but differentiated roles to ensure that peace and calm are restored immediately, and this includes the restoration of the statue of the Zugraan of the Kusasis Traditional Area,” he added.

    The recent altercation in Bawku has reportedly led to the deaths of five locals. On Tuesday, July 15, some Members of Parliament in the Upper East area called for the prosecution of the soldiers involved and compensation for the victims.

  • Over 120k National Service Personnel were paid beyond their service term – A-G

    Over 120k National Service Personnel were paid beyond their service term – A-G

    Over 120,000 National Service Personnel were paid beyond their mandated 12-month service term by the National Service Authority (NSA), a forensic audit by the Auditor-General has revealed. According to the Technical and Forensic Audit Report presented to Parliament on October 1, the total payments amounted to GH¢1.01 billion.


    The Authority was privy to the information after it examined the payroll data of National Service Personnel who served between 2018 and 2024. Additionally, these individuals also received one extra month’s payment to cover travel and transport (T&T) allowance at the end of the service.


    This revelation comes at a time when the former Deputy of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a financial loss of over GH¢38 million to the state.

    She has been granted GH¢10 million bail by the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 22. Mrs. Oware-Mensah has been slapped with five counts, while her former boss, the Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, faces fourteen charges.

    In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02.


    Weeks ago, the court indefinitely adjourned the case after the duo failed to appear before it for a hearing. Explaining their absence, Mr. Assibey Antwi’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi.


    Mrs. Oware-Mensah’s lawyers disclosed that their client is unwell and unable to attend proceedings. Their charges include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for profit.


    The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that he approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.


    He is additionally charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024. Prosecutors say Mr. Antwi diverted project funds, authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.


    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.

    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform, a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.


    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database. She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.


    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, which resulted in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director.

    Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel. Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87.


    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.


    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, this was postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case. The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.

    According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million cannot be accounted for. Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.

    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.


    “The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana. Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.


    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.


    Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.

    The findings revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr. Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.
    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya.

    The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary. The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.
    After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released.

    In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter. The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority.


    The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GH¢50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Birim North District, Eastern Region.

  • 49-year-old fisherman gets 10 years imprisonment for defiling 13-year-old girl

    49-year-old fisherman gets 10 years imprisonment for defiling 13-year-old girl

    The 49-year-old fisherman, Samuel Armah, also known as ‘Kofi Nyan’, who recently made headlines for defiling a 13-year-old girl, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The Circuit Court Two, Cape Coast, awarded the sentence after ‘Kofi Nyan’ pleaded guilty to defiling a 13-year-old girl.

    This information was contained in a press release issued by the Central Regional Police Command on Wednesday, October 29.

    “The Circuit Court Two, Cape Coast, has sentenced the accused person, Samuel Armah, to ten (10) years’ imprisonment in hard labour. On 28/10/2025, the defilement case involving the accused person, Samuel Armah a.k.a. Kofi Nyan, which occurred on October 16, 2025, was called at Circuit Court Two, Cape Coast, presided over by Her Honour Nana Aba Quiba Nunoo.

    The accused person pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement, and he was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to serve ten (10) years’ imprisonment in hard labour. He has since been sent to Ankaful Prison to begin his sentence,” parts of the statement read.

    On October 22, the Central Regional Police Command arrested ‘Kofi Nyan’ for defiling the 13-year-old girl in Apam, the Central Region.

    His arrest followed a video that went viral on social media capturing the man engaged in the unscrupulous act.

    A statement shared by the police stated that, “On October 17, 2025, about 1300 hours, the Apam District Police Command received information that on October 16, 2025, a 49-year-old fisherman by the name Samuel Armah, a.k.a Kofi Nyan, had defiled a 13-year-old girl at Mumford, a suburb of Apam. That the suspect lured the survivor into a ghetto at Mumford and defiled her.Police on receipt of information proceeded to the area, and with the assistance of Mumford, task force arrested the suspect.”

    The survivor was hospitalised at St. Luke Catholic Hospital for examination and treatment.

    The statement further explained that after the matter was reported, the case docket was forwarded to the Central Regional office of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigation.

    Upon interrogation at the Unit, the suspect admitted to committing the offence. He was then taken into custody by the police to assist with ongoing investigations.

    The statement added that the accused person will be formally charged and brought before the court for prosecution on 23 October 2025.

    The command assured the general public that justice will be served in the matter. It also appealed to residents of Mumford and its surrounding communities to support efforts to arrest the four accomplices identified as Agoogo, Edina, Kwesi Abbam, and Agya Ankoto, who are currently on the run.

    The command further urged anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of these suspects to contact them on 18555 or 0299205854, or to report to the nearest police station.

    In 2022, the Central Regional Police Command recorded more than 200 defilement cases within 18 months.

    Of the total number, about 147 males were arrested with some absconding and are being pursued to face the law.

    A police source told the Ghana News Agency that about 101 cases had been taken to court, and 25 suspects had been charged and convicted.

    It blamed the disparities in reporting, arresting, and prosecution of cases on the lack of incriminating evidence, cooperation from victims and families, and legal complexities.

    The source condemned the act and attributed the rise in defilement cases to poverty and lack of parental guidance and protection of children, which pushed the victims into the hands of pedophiles.

    The source encouraged parents to strictly monitor their children in their usage of  mobile phones, including the sites they visited and their relationships.

    Some children get paedophiles online asking them to snap half or full naked pictures of themselves and innocently, some of the children fall prey to such antics.

    Parents must, however, devise stringent measures to protect children from smartphones, social media, and paedophiles as the police continued to put in all efforts to ensure that criminal activities were reduced across the region, the source said.

    A report by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit said a lot of cases on sexual-based violence were reported to the Unit, but only about five percent was convicted.

    That was because some families later received compensations from the perpetrators and decided to settle the matter at home without considering the physical and psychological effects on the victims.

    The practice had derailed the fortunes of many girls in terms of reproductive health and socio-economic well-being, the source said.

    Earlier this year, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through its Domestic Violence Secretariat, convened a stakeholders’ meeting to assess existing laws and introduce new strategies aimed at strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence.

    The event, which took place on February 26, 2025, brought together legal experts, social workers, civil society groups, development partners, and other key stakeholders to examine the effectiveness of current domestic violence legislation.

    Speaking at the meeting, Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey highlighted the different forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.

    She pointed out that while these issues were once regarded as private matters, legal advancements have encouraged public discussions and established structured intervention measures.

    The Minister pointed out the necessity of incorporating modern technology, including AI and digital tools, into strategies aimed at tackling domestic violence.

    At the meeting, legal expert Sheila Minkah-Premo provided an in-depth breakdown of domestic violence legislation, covering Act 732, the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), and the National Plan of Action. She examined the legal structure, detailing its provisions and how they impact survivors and service providers.

    Conversations also focused on improving assistance systems for those affected.

    As part of this initiative, the Ministry introduced an upgraded Boame SGBV Mobile Application, designed to offer quick support and essential resources to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

    The event reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to enhance legal protections and improve the support framework for survivors.

    “The advocacy from you as stakeholders cannot be overemphasized, and the Ministry is grateful for your input,” the Minister stated.

  • Petrol to sell at GHS12.92, diesel at GHS13.10 from Nov 1 – COMAC predicts

    Petrol to sell at GHS12.92, diesel at GHS13.10 from Nov 1 – COMAC predicts

    The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has predicted a dip in petroleum prices at the pumps beginning November 1. According to its latest outlook report, petrol prices at the pumps will sell at GH¢12.92 per litre, representing a 5.21% decrease from the previous GH¢13.93.

    Diesel prices are projected to sell at GH¢13.10 per litre, down from GH¢14.56, reflecting a decline of between 6.03% and 8.13%. Meanwhile, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is expected to sell at GH¢13.60 per kilogram, also decreasing by between 6.03% and 8.13%. In Septemebr, Petroleum product prices at the pumps are being adjusted by several major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The price of petrol is now selling at GH¢12.90 per litre from GH¢12.88; a litre of diesel, which was sold for GH¢14.30, is now selling at GH¢13.90 at Goil fuel stations.

    At Shell fuel stations, a litre of petrol is selling at GH¢13.59 from GH¢12.89.  Market leader, Star Oil, is selling petrol at GH¢12.77 per litre and diesel at GH¢13.35. However, Star Oil has declared its intention not to change the prices of its fuel products until September 15.

    Meanwhile, market leader Star Oil says its prices will remain unchanged until September 15, 2025. Currently, Star Oil is selling petrol at GH¢12.77 per litre and diesel at GH¢13.35.The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COAMC) had projected a decline in diesel and petrol prices, with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) expected to increase at the pumps on Saturday, August 16.

    According to a report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, petrol at the pumps will increase by between 0.39% and 2.71% per liter.

    On the other hand, diesel and LPG prices have been projected to increase by up to 0.15% to 2.34% per litre.

    “Following the slight dip in crude prices, diesel fell sharply by 5.22%, while petrol and LPG rose marginally by 1.89% and 2.87%, likely due to product-specific demand and supply factors.

    “For 1st August 2025 pricing window (based on average exchange rates from 27th July to 12th Aug), the Ghanaian cedi experienced a slight depreciation against the US dollar. The rate shifted from GHS 10.68 to GHS 10.77, reflecting a 0.87% decline,” part of the statement read.

    However, over the weekend, some major Oil Marketing Companies kept prices unchanged to stay competitive and attract customers.

    COMAC has attributed the adjustment to the depreciation of the local currency, the cedi, against major foreign currencies, especially the US dollar.

    Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in June, reduced prices of petroleum products at the pumps. Fuel prices have now dropped for the second time this week under the current pricing window for June.

    Leading the trend, Star Oil announced on June 19, 2025, that it had slashed its petrol price from GHS10.99 per litre to GHS10.80. Diesel prices at the same outlets have also been cut, moving from GHS12.77 to GHS12.13 per litre.

    Looking ahead, Allied Oil has indicated it will implement further reductions beginning June 20. Earlier this month, on June 16, Allied was selling petrol at GHS10.97 per litre, but the new price stands at GHS10.75.

    Joining the trend, Zen Petroleum has also reduced its petrol price to GHS10.75. Reports indicate that the reduction in petrol prices is being driven by heightened competition among major OMCs, sparking a price war in the sector.

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

    Meanwhile, some OMCs have hinted that pump prices could increase from July 1, 2025, if the conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East continues.

    Since tensions escalated in the region, crude oil prices have surged from $66 to about $76 per barrel.

    Despite this, some industry insiders argue that if the Ghanaian cedi strengthens further in the coming days, it could help absorb the projected 5 percent or more rise in crude prices.

    So far, petroleum prices have seen over six reductions this year, with industry data attributing much of the decline to the cedi’s appreciation.

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

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

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

    Speaking to the media, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, noted that when prices go up or down in the world market, it takes some time before those changes are seen in local prices.

    A week-old air war escalated with no sign yet of an exit strategy from either side as Israel bombed nuclear targets in Iran on Thursday and Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel after hitting an Israeli hospital overnight.

    The White House said President Trump would make a decision as to whether the United States will join the war or not in the next two weeks.

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

    Government has launched new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on petroleum products.

    This move is to settle energy sector shortfalls, reduce legacy debts, and stabilize power supply across the country, following parliamentary approval.

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

    Initially set to take effect on Monday, June 9, it was rescheduled to start on Monday, June 16. It was then rescheduled again due to the tensions between Iran and Israel.

    According to Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/003, issued by the GRA, the new levy affects several key fuel products. The levy on petrol (motor spirit, super) and diesel (gas oil) will rise from GHS0.95 and GHS0.93, respectively, to GHS1.95 and GHS1.93 per litre.

    Marine gas oil (local) will increase from 0.3 to 0.23, marine gas oil (foreign) from 0.93 to 1.93, and heavy fuel oil by 0.04. However, all cash-and-carry transactions where products are lifted on or after the effective date will attract the revised levies.

  • Govt to restore E-healthcare system in four weeks

    Govt to restore E-healthcare system in four weeks

    Several public health facilities in the Ashanti region recently experienced a breakdown of the electronic health platform, the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS), thereby disrupting the delivery of medical services.

    However, the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that his outfit is putting in place measures to prevent a future recurrence. To avert such issues, the Minister noted that the ministry has launched the Ghana Healthcare Information Management System (GHIMS) to replace the current system, LHIMS.

    During the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 29, the Health Minister said his ministry will use a four-week timeframe to restore full functionality to the country’s electronic healthcare management system across health facilities nationwide.

    “The plan going forward is that in the next one week, we are going to begin with the teaching hospitals, the regional hospitals, and the highly populated district hospitals — to roll them over onto the system.

    “In the second week, we’ll be looking at the rest of the district hospitals. And then in the third week, we’ll be looking at the clinics, the health centers, and the CHPS compounds.

    “So, I am confidently announcing to the good people of this country that we have a four-week plan that will get us out of this mess,” Mr. Akandoh stated.

    The LHIMS, which is a web-based software platform, has been designed to ensure faster healthcare delivery and improved administrative functions at the country’s medical facilities.

    A few days ago, the LHIMS shutdown delayed medical care delivery in most facilities, putting patients’ lives at risk and placing extra pressure on doctors and nurses.

    Due to the breakdown in the system, affected hospitals have turned to manual operations, causing prolonged waiting times at government medical facilities. Recently, individuals who visited the Ejisu Government Hospital for treatment were seen in long queues holding folders.

    A patient said, “I came here around 7 a.m. and after waiting in long queues, I have now been served. If I knew this was the situation, I would have gone to a private facility.”

    Healthcare officers were reportedly busily filling out documents by hand in exercise books. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Suntreso Government Hospital reported similar experiences.

    But the Minister has blamed the vendor for deliberately causing the system to fail as a way to blackmail the government into removing key clauses from a new agreement. The details of the contract, according to the Minister, require the vendor to allow the state to manage, monitor, and make changes to the system without depending entirely on the vendor.

    “To avoid this disruption and the shutdown we are experiencing, although we didn’t have any contract with the vendor at the time we took over, we indicated to them that the Ministry was ready to sign a service maintenance agreement covering the 450 health facilities.

    “Don’t forget that the software is and was not for the state, that is why it is called LHIMS. In the agreement, we indicated that before we sign such an agreement with you, you have to hand over the data to the state and you must give us administrative access to the service. The vendor insisted that those clauses must be removed from the agreement,” the sector minister said.

    He added that the government couldn’t exempt those clauses from the new agreement due to the need to ensure transparency and accountability to the public.

    Mr Akandoh further noted that the government’s refusal to remove the clauses prompted the vendor to intentionally disrupt the system.

    “We cannot expunge those clauses from the agreement because it is the state that must take charge of this data. So the vendor decided to switch the system off as and when he desired, and demanded what he wanted. This has gone on for more than two months, and for the past two weeks or so, the system has been completely down. If this is not blackmail, I don’t know what it is,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, the Project Manager of LHIMS has attributed the disruption to unresolved administrative and contractual issues. Speaking to the media on Monday, October 27, he indicated that the contract had ended and had not yet been renewed.


    According to him, in 2024, the Akufo-Addo government wanted the system to be integrated with the Birth and Death Registry. However, the integration could not be completed because the government was close to handing over to the current administration.


    He added that the company later requested an extension to complete the integration from the current government, but the Health Ministry has yet to respond to their request.

    “We wrote for an extension which didn’t materialise … we didn’t hear anything until a new government came into office.

    “We made efforts to engage the Minister of Health or the ministry … because it’s been close to six months and nobody has called to get to know anything about the system” — a project he described as “one of the novel systems that the ministry is running.”

  • Stella Gyimaah Larbi: Hair freedom must consider infrastructure, not just Ideals

    Stella Gyimaah Larbi: Hair freedom must consider infrastructure, not just Ideals

    The global movement for hair equality has rightly challenged discriminatory grooming policies targeting Black girls. In the UK, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) now recognizes bans on Afro hairstyles, such as braids, locs, and natural curls, as racial discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 (EHRC, 2022).

    Scholars have highlighted how colonial legacies influence school rules that suppress identity and self-expression (Bhana & Rizvi, 2025). These are important victories, but they should be viewed within a broader context.


    In Ghana, with more than 70% of secondary students attending boarding schools (Essel, 2023), hair issues go beyond ideology; they are infrastructural. Unlike UK day schools, Ghanaian boarding schools often lack access to hair salons, stylists, and on-campus grooming support.

    The real question is not about girls’ right to wear long hair; it is whether the system can accommodate it without sacrificing dignity, hygiene, or fairness.


    Boarding Realities: Hygiene and Uniformity


    Boarding schools are shared spaces where students live together in dorms, sharing bathrooms and daily routines. In these environments, grooming rules should prioritise practicality. Long hair, particularly when braided or styled, needs regular maintenance.

    Without salons or trained personnel nearby, maintaining this becomes difficult. Girls might experience ridicule, scalp issues, or emotional upset when their hair is neglected, not due to a lack of pride, but because they lack adequate support (Caluza, 2025).

    Ghana’s overall best teacher 2022, Stella Gyimaah Larbi


    As Caluza (2025) reflects on her experience in South African schools, “teachers discouraged us from wearing our hair long, claiming that our hair did not look ‘clean, ’” often forcing girls to use chemical straighteners that caused scalp damage. This reveals a broader tension between identity and practicality in under-resourced environments.


    Choice and Privilege: Private Schools Offer Alternatives
    The case for hair freedom is valid, but it must be supported with adequate infrastructure. In Ghana, private day schools and some boarding institutions offer flexibility.

    They have access to stylists, grooming budgets, and parental oversight. Girls who wish to keep their hair long can choose these environments. However, public boarding schools, which serve the majority, must prioritize practicality over aspiration.


    Essel (2023) observes that grooming standards in Ghanaian Senior High Schools are often enforced “in the name of good grooming and hygiene,” prohibiting Afrocentric hairstyles without recognising cultural relevance or practical support.

    These policies, though problematic in origin, have become ingrained in systems that lack the resources to support alternatives.


    Saying “let girls wear their hair long” without addressing the systemic issues means providing freedom without support. It could turn a rights-based debate into a class division, where only the privileged can access dignity.


    Toward Contextual Reform


    This is not a call to reject hair equality; it is a call to localize it. Ghanaian educators, policymakers, and parents must ask: What reforms are possible within our infrastructure? Can we train staff in basic hair care?

    Can we budget for grooming support? Can we offer phased flexibility? Until then, short hair remains a practical safeguard, not a colonial relic.

    REFERENCES
    Bhana, D., & Rizvi, R. (2025). Gendered bodies and school discipline in South Africa. Journal of Gender Studies.
    Caluza, N. D. (2025). Hair discrimination and cultural bias in South Africa’s education sector. Worlds of Education. Retrieved from https://www.ei-ie.org/en/item/29609:hair-discrimination-and-cultural-bias-in-south-africas-education-sector
    Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2022). Guidance on school uniform policies and race discrimination. Equality and Human Rights Commission.


    Essel, O. Q. (2023). Conflicting tensions in decolonising proscribed Afrocentric hair beauty culture standards in Ghanaian senior high schools. Explore VC. Retrieved from https://www.explore-vc.org/en/objects/conflicting-tensions-in-decolonising-proscribed-afrocentric-hair-beauty-culture-standards-in-ghanaian-senior-high-schools.html

    About the writer

    Stella Gyimaah Larbi was adjudged winner of the Ghana Teacher Prize in 2022. She is also the founder of Out International and a researcher in Teacher Education and ESL Pedagogy.

  • Roman Ridge building collapse: Majority of victims discharged from hospital

    Roman Ridge building collapse: Majority of victims discharged from hospital

    A majority of the construction workers injured after a three-storey building under construction at the Roman Ridge Engineering Centre in Accra collapsed have been treated and discharged from the hospital, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed.


    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 29, Head of Public Relations for the Service, Desmond Ackah, revealed, “As of yesterday around 9:00 p.m., we had information that some of them had been discharged from the hospital, except a few whose conditions were critical. But we were assured that they were all out of danger.”


    On Tuesday, October 28, the GNFS reported that about fourteen (14) construction workers were in critical condition after the three-storey building collapsed.


    Earlier, the Ghana National Fire Service reported on Facebook that several individuals were trapped following the unfortunate incident. It noted that efforts were underway to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.


    A few hours later on Tuesday, the Service revealed that it had been able to rescue the individuals and sent them to the 37 Military Hospital and the Ridge Hospital for treatment.


    Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to ascertain what caused the building’s collapse. Ghana has witnessed multiple fatalities and severe injuries resulting from devastating building collapses.


    These incidents have raised significant concerns among professionals in the built environment about construction standards, prompting calls for immediate action. In 2024, four individuals lost their lives after a three-storey building at Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region collapsed.


    Eyewitnesses described the tragic event, noting that the victims included young workers and trainees. “The sad incident happened at Kasoa. This three-storey building collapsed and four people have died; may their souls rest in peace. This is so sad. Some are young girls learning trade as well as workers. This happened at the Kasoa New Market,” they said.


    According to eyewitnesses, the three-storey building caved in while workers were on the second floor. Among the deceased was a carpenter who died on the spot. The other deceased lost their lives while being transported to the hospital.


    A mason in his early forties lost his life on July 17, 2024, while working on a two-storey building in Sewua, Ashanti Region. The deceased, Kwaku Gyemfi, was the lead constructor at the site.

    Witnesses reported that Gyemfi was attempting to reinforce collapsing pillars when the structure failed. His assistant had warned him of the impending collapse, but he was trapped before he could escape.


    A school building in Adeiso, Upper West Akim District, Eastern Region, collapsed on February 15, 2024, during a rainstorm. The collapse injured 10 out of 50 students present, with four suffering severe injuries.

    Despite ongoing concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition, no preventive measures were taken. The incident occurred as students and teachers sought shelter during a sports event.


    In West Legon, Accra, a two-storey shop complex collapsed during a fire incident, injuring four firefighters from the Legon Fire Station. The fire service had responded to a distress call about a blaze at the location.

    The collapse occurred as they were working to extinguish the fire. Two of the injured firefighters were treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre for their critical conditions.


    Earlier this month, the Ghana National Fire Service spent more than two hours rescuing a construction worker trapped under a collapsed building at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region.

    The old residential structure was reportedly undergoing renovation by masons hired by the building’s owner.
    In a similar development, a pit collapse at an illegal mining site at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday night, October 1, claimed the lives of seven illegal miners who were trapped underground.


    According to reports, the pit collapse also left four injured, while several miners were feared trapped. Meanwhile, rescue efforts were carried out by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in collaboration with emergency services and local volunteers.


    For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).


    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.


    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators, calling them enemies of the state.

    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.
    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Ghana to hold State burial for Nana Konadu – President Mahama

    Ghana to hold State burial for Nana Konadu – President Mahama

    Ghana will hold a state burial for the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered. The President made the announcement during a commiseration visit to the bereaved family in Accra on Tuesday, October 28.

    He acknowledged her contributions to women’s empowerment and assured the family of the government’s support in this difficult time.

    “She took women’s empowerment as her focus. When you go around the country, you see evidence of her work. On behalf of the people of Ghana, the government, I want to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family. And to say that we will work closely with the family. We’re waiting for the family to meet and tell us their desire.

    “But I just want to announce as President that we shall give her a state funeral. The family can do the traditional funeral after the state funeral. Once we know what the dates are, we will do the programme and the state will give her the full honours that she deserves,” he said.

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, October 23. Reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specializing in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed to promote women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms.

    Through Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012 following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash.

    The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S., as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • DVLA boss to appear before OSP over GHS4m bribe claim

    DVLA boss to appear before OSP over GHS4m bribe claim

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, is expected to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for questioning in the coming days.


    He is to defend allegations suggesting that he rejected a GH¢4 million bribe offered by some powerful individuals to block the government’s new Digitalised Vehicle Registration Plate (DP) initiative.

    The policy is part of the government’s effort to improve road safety and curb vehicle-related fraud. On Monday, October 27, a tense moment erupted during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting when Chairperson Abena Osei Asare sharply confronted the DVLA boss over privacy concerns tied to the authority’s proposed digital number plate system.


    The exchange followed Mr. Kotey’s explanation that the new plates would contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips to boost security and make it difficult for outsiders to tamper with or duplicate.


    Mrs. Osei Asare, however, raised concerns about whether the new plates would display vehicle owners’ surnames, warning that such information could expose personal data.


    In response, Mr. Kotey said the DVLA would comply with Ghana’s Data Protection Law, noting that the system would only digitalize existing information without changing its basic format.


    When pressed for a clear answer on whether names would appear, he replied, “It depends on what the law says; we’ll go by it.”
    That response immediately drew a sharp reaction from the PAC Chair, who retorted, “You don’t tell me it depends on what the law says. You are doing it, so you should be able to tell us what the law says. I’m asking a specific question: is it going to have the user’s surname on the number plate?”

    Mr. Kotey later clarified that names do not appear on standard number plates, explaining that only personalized plates bear such identifiers.
    The Chair, however, maintained that the Committee’s inquiries were in the public interest and aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the rollout of the new digital number plate system.


    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana was established under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and formally constituted as part of Parliament’s Standing Committees. It has existed since the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic, which began in January 1993.


    Its mandate is to review reports presented by the Auditor-General on public accounts of Ghana, summon ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as well as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to explain financial infractions and irregularities, and sometimes suggest sanctions, recoveries, and referrals for prosecution.


    However, since its establishment, PAC has reportedly had no documented record of ensuring the prosecution, and in other cases, the imprisonment of culprits, though its recommendations can trigger EOCO investigations or action by the Attorney-General.


    Over the years, the Committee has engaged several public institutions and heads of these institutions over reported financial irregularities in their respective operations, but little to no documentation of penalties has been recorded, particularly to serve as a deterrent. It will be recalled that in 2017, PAC recommended the prosecution of officials at the National Sports Authority for misappropriating funds, but no confirmed convictions followed.


    Similarly, in 2021, the Committee traced non-existent staff under GETFund and MASLOC, yet no jail terms were recorded.
    In 2023, PAC recovered GH₵12.9 million, but this was through repayments rather than criminal penalties.


    Meanwhile, more than GH¢12.9 billion in misappropriated public funds has been retrieved following collaboration between the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General’s (A-G) Department.


    Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 1, Chairperson of PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, attributed the groundbreaking development to the collective efforts of the Auditor-General’s Department.


    “One thing I am clear about is that what we are doing is yielding positive results. We have a report we will look at. Per the work of the Public Accounts Committee, and with the support of the Auditor-General, we have been able to retrieve GH¢12.9 billion. There is a whole report on that which we will be sharing with the public at the right time,” she said.


    According to her, the Committee will make the report’s details public at the appropriate time. The Committee is scheduled to resume its sittings on Monday, October 27. Various ministries, departments, and agencies have been interrogated by PAC in recent weeks to address infractions highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.


    Recently, the Director of Administration at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee after the A-G’s report suggested that the hospital paid salaries amounting to GHS 1,449,000 to a deceased staff member over a period of 26 months.


    Dr. Donkor affirmed the report, adding that the hospital has so far recovered GHS 303,558.68 of the total amount. He explained that the banks previously handling the transactions had, through a letter, indicated that they had ceased processing them.


    “We were able to recover some amounts. Before we got here, we had received letters from some banks stating that they had stopped transferring the funds to the government chest,” Dr. Donkor told the Committee.


    He further urged Parliament to intervene and help the hospital recover the remaining funds. “Maybe at the end of this session, we will make a prayer to this House for the House to make an order directing those banks to transfer,” he said.


    Dr. Donkor revealed that his office has submitted the names of the individuals implicated in the act to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for recovery. “EOCO has written back requesting the files of the people involved, and we have submitted them,” he added.


    Meanwhile, Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills raised serious concerns regarding the issue. “Habib Napare – date of separation was 2022. This guy had died. Didn’t you go to the funeral? And you validated this dead person for 26 months? And now you are coming to tell Parliament to do what?” Atta-Mills asked sharply.


    In the meantime, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.

  • Three-storey building collapses at Roman Ridge; 14 workers rescued

    Three-storey building collapses at Roman Ridge; 14 workers rescued

    Fourteen (14) construction workers are in critical condition after a three-storey building under construction at the Roman Ridge Engineering Centre in Accra collapsed.

    The incident, which occurred today, Tuesday, October 28, has sent workers and nearby residents into panic. Earlier, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported on Facebook that several individuals were trapped following the unfortunate incident. It noted that efforts were underway to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.

    “Happening Now… The building has collapsed at the Architectural Engineering Group, Roman Ridge. People trapped inside. Rescue team from GNFS Headquarters are putting up their best to rescue the victims. More details soon,” the GNFS wrote.

    However, in a latest update, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported that the 14 male construction workers are currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital and the Ridge Hospital.

    Meanwhile, authorities are expected to launch an investigation to ascertain what caused the building’s collapse. Ghana has witnessed multiple fatalities and severe injuries resulting from devastating building collapses.

    These incidents have raised significant concerns among professionals in the built environment about construction standards, prompting calls for immediate action. In 2024, four individuals lost their lives after a three-storey building at Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region collapsed.

    Eyewitnesses described the tragic event, noting that the victims included young workers and trainees. “The sad incident happened at Kasoa. This three-storey building collapsed and four people have died; may their souls rest in peace. This is so sad. Some are young girls learning trade as well as workers. This happened at the Kasoa New Market.”

    According to eyewitnesses, the three-storey building caved in while workers were on the second floor. Among the deceased was a carpenter who died on the spot. The other deceased lost their lives while being transported to the hospital.

    A mason in his early forties lost his life on July 17, 2024, while working on a two-storey building in Sewua, Ashanti Region. The deceased, Kwaku Gyemfi, was the lead constructor at the site. Witnesses reported that Gyemfi was attempting to reinforce collapsing pillars when the structure failed. His assistant had warned him of the impending collapse, but he was trapped before he could escape.

    A school building in Adeiso, Upper West Akim District, Eastern Region, collapsed on February 15, 2024, during a rainstorm. The collapse injured 10 out of 50 students present, with four suffering severe injuries. Despite ongoing concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition, no preventive measures were taken. The incident occurred as students and teachers sought shelter during a sports event.

    In West Legon, Accra, a two-storey shop complex collapsed during a fire incident, injuring four firefighters from the Legon Fire Station. The fire service had responded to a distress call about a blaze at the location. The collapse occurred as they were working to extinguish the fire. Two of the injured firefighters were treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre for their critical conditions.

    Earlier this month, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) spent more than two hours rescuing a construction worker trapped under a collapsed building at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region. The old residential structure was reportedly undergoing renovation by masons hired by the owner of the building.

    In a similar development, a pit collapse at an illegal mining site at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday night, October 1, claimed the lives of seven illegal miners who were trapped underground.

    According to reports, the pit collapse, which occurred on Wednesday night, October 1, also left four injured, while several miners were feared trapped. Meanwhile, rescue efforts were carried out by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in collaboration with emergency services and local volunteers.

    For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.

    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators as they are the enemies of the state. “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.

    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Several feared trapped as building at Roman Ridge caves in

    Several feared trapped as building at Roman Ridge caves in

    Several individuals have reportedly been trapped after the collapse of a building under construction at the premises of the Architectural Engineering Group at Roman Ridge in Accra.

    The incident, which occurred today, Tuesday, October 28, has sent workers and nearby residents into panic. This was contained in a post by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Facebook. Efforts are currently underway to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.

    “Happening Now… The building has collapsed at the Architectural Engineering Group, Roman Ridge. People trapped inside. Rescue team from GNFS Headquarters are putting up their best to rescue the victims. More details soon,” the GNFS wrote.

    Meanwhile, authorities are expected to launch an investigation to ascertain what caused the building’s collapse. Ghana has witnessed multiple fatalities and severe injuries resulting from devastating building collapses. These incidents have raised significant concerns among professionals in the built environment about construction standards, prompting calls for immediate action. In 2024, four individuals lost their lives after a three-storey building at Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region collapsed.

    Eyewitnesses described the tragic event, noting that the victims included young workers and trainees. “The sad incident happened at Kasoa. This three-storey building collapsed and four people have died; may their souls rest in peace. This is so sad. Some are young girls learning trade as well as workers. This happened at the Kasoa New Market.”

    According to eyewitnesses, the three-storey building caved in while workers were on the second floor. Among the deceased was a carpenter who died on the spot. The other deceased lost their lives while being transported to the hospital.

    A mason in his early forties lost his life on July 17, 2024, while working on a two-storey building in Sewua, Ashanti Region. The deceased, Kwaku Gyemfi, was the lead constructor at the site. Witnesses reported that Gyemfi was attempting to reinforce collapsing pillars when the structure failed. His assistant had warned him of the impending collapse, but he was trapped before he could escape.

    A school building in Adeiso, Upper West Akim District, Eastern Region, collapsed on February 15, 2024, during a rainstorm. The collapse injured 10 out of 50 students present, with four suffering severe injuries. Despite ongoing concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition, no preventive measures were taken. The incident occurred as students and teachers sought shelter during a sports event.

    In West Legon, Accra, a two-storey shop complex collapsed during a fire incident, injuring four firefighters from the Legon Fire Station. The fire service had responded to a distress call about a blaze at the location. The collapse occurred as they were working to extinguish the fire. Two of the injured firefighters were treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre for their critical conditions.

    Earlier this month, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) spent more than two hours rescuing a construction worker trapped under a collapsed building at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region. The old residential structure was reportedly undergoing renovation by masons hired by the owner of the building.

    In a similar development, pit collapse at an illegal mining site at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday night, October 1, claimed the lives of seven illegal miners who were trapped underground.

    According to reports, the pit collapse, which occurred on Wednesday night, October 1, also left four injured, while several miners were feared trapped. Meanwhile, rescue efforts were carried out by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in collaboration with emergency services and local volunteers.

    For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.

    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators as they are the enemies of the state. “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.

    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Bench warrant issued for Chairman Wontumi’s arrest after court no-show

    Bench warrant issued for Chairman Wontumi’s arrest after court no-show

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is making headlines again after failing to appear for a scheduled court proceeding without permission.

    According to reports, Chairman Wontumi, alongside his team of lawyers, was expected to appear before the court today, Tuesday, October 28, at 9:40 a.m.

    However, they made no appearance in court despite being duly informed of the sitting. In response, the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, issued a bench warrant for his arrest, arguing that Chairman Wontumi and his team offered “no excuse of any sort to the court.”

    Chairman Wontumi, who is the owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Western Region, is standing trial for allegedly aiding individuals to conduct unlicensed mining operations at the Samreboi concession.

    He is on bail of GHC15 million with three sureties granted by the High Court in Accra. During his first court appearance, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay directed that two out of the three guarantors must justify their bail with ownership of land or property within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Prosecutors have accused Chairman Wontumi, who doubles as the owner of Akonta Mining, and his co-director, Kwame Antwi, of illegally authorizing mining operations without the necessary licenses. The case relates to activities that took place in 2024. Meanwhile, Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Srem-Sai, has asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions to prevent him from fleeing.

    “Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.

    On Monday, October 6, Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine. On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID.

    According to the Attorney-General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations, as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.

    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

    The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.

    In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”

    The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”

    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.

    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.

    According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

    President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution. During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.

    According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.

    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.

    “Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.

    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.

    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.

    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.

    He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.

    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.

    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.

    Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities. A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.

    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.

    The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.

    “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.

    “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.

    Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.

    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.

    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Govt to launch ‘voluntary surrender of illegal guns without prosecution’ initiative

    Govt to launch ‘voluntary surrender of illegal guns without prosecution’ initiative

    The government plans to launch an initiative in the coming days that will allow persons in possession of unlicensed weapons to willingly surrender them to authorities without facing prosecution.

    This initiative will be overseen by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA).

    The upcoming Gun Amnesty Programme aims to address the persistent gun-related violence across the country.
    According to a statement released by NACSA dated Monday, October 27, the initiative “is not a witch hunt or a move to prosecute anyone; it is about saving lives, preventing tragedy, and giving Ghanaians a chance to choose peace over violence.”

    The illegal possession of small arms remains a pressing challenge in the country. In September this year, Ghana strengthened its global stance against nuclear weapons. Ghana joined sixty-nine (69) other nations in efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate dangerous weapons, particularly atomic bombs, from the world.


    Announcing the development on Saturday, September 27, via the X platform, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that Ghana has officially ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

    The move, according to the Minister, reflects Ghana’s commitment to supporting global peace and stable security for the world. The Minister further applauded both the Cabinet and Parliament for their unanimous approval of the treaty.


    He also recalled how Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was a strong advocate of disarmament in 1962, adding that the late President would be proud of this groundbreaking step.


    “Yesterday, Ghana boldly demonstrated to the world that we shall be a Nuclear-Weapon-Free State by depositing our instrument of ratification on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the UN. I commend the Ghanaian Cabinet and Parliament for the unanimous ratification.

    “As I indicated in my UN address, Ghana has been consistent across all political parties in advocating for total disarmament and creating a new world without nuclear weapons.

    “Ghana’s Founder, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, who convened the 1962 World Without the Bomb conference in Accra, would be absolutely proud of this moment. It was an honor to meet with the inspiring Melissa Parke and Seth Shelden of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). ICAN won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its groundbreaking work to attain a world without nuclear weapons. We shall triumph and end global impunity,” he wrote.


    Ghana’s final ratification of the TPNW was signed in 2017 and approved by Parliament in July 2025. The country has been instrumental in promoting Africa’s stance as a nuclear-free continent.


    The sixty-nine (69) countries that have ratified the treaty are Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, and Madagascar.


    The others include Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the State of Palestine, Sudan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.


    Earlier this year, U.S. Army Major Kojo Owusu Dartey was sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for smuggling firearms to Ghana and making false statements to federal authorities.


    The 42-year-old, based at Fort Liberty, was found guilty by a jury on April 23, 2024, on charges including conspiracy, illegal firearm dealing, false declarations in court, and exporting firearms without a license.


    According to court records and trial evidence, Dartey orchestrated a firearms smuggling operation by purchasing seven firearms in North Carolina and instructing a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to buy three more and send them to him.


    He then concealed the weapons inside blue barrels filled with rice and household goods before working with an Army Chief Warrant Officer to smuggle them through the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. The barrels were shipped to the Port of Tema, Ghana, where Ghanaian authorities later seized them and alerted the DEA attaché in Ghana and the ATF Baltimore Field Division.


    Dartey was also linked to a 16-defendant marriage fraud scheme involving soldiers at Fort Liberty and foreign nationals from Ghana. He provided information that led to its prosecution but later lied to federal law enforcement and under oath in court about his relationship with a defense witness during the U.S. v. Agyapong trial between June 28 and July 2, 2021.


    His sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Daniel Bubar, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Diaz prosecuted the case.
    In Ghana, institutions such as the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) have called on the judiciary to impose stricter punishments on individuals found in possession of unlicensed firearms.
    In 2024, NACSA reported one million illicit pump-action guns, AK-47s, pistols, and locally manufactured arms in circulation in Ghana. The Commission described these figures as a threat to national security.
    The Head of the National Arms Marking Programme at the time, Mr. Frank Boateng Asumani, stated: “Currently, we have 2.3 million small and light weapons in circulation, out of which 1.2 million are legally registered and the remaining 1.1 million cannot be accounted for.”


    Speaking to The Independent Ghana, the Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) at NACSA, Gyebi Asante, stressed the urgent need to review existing laws governing firearms possession to better counter current security challenges.


    “We are advocating for the law to be reviewed to suit the current situation and also be able to align with our current dispensation. It is something we have taken steps to do. Already, we have a proposed Bill, the National Arms Bill, at the Ministry of Interior to look at the document and endorse it.


    “For example, the penal sanction, when you have a law that regulates the possession of arms that can kill, you must have a strong penal sanction that can deter people from going behind the law to buy these weapons, so the law as it is now is not deterrent enough,” he added.


    He emphasized that the current penal sanctions are insufficient to deter illegal arms possession. According to him, the existing law stipulates a maximum jail term of five years or a fine of up to 1,000 penalty units, equating to 12,000 Ghana cedis.


    He added that there is no minimum penalty established, allowing judges to exercise discretion in sentencing. This loophole, he indicated, has led to situations where individuals found guilty of illegal gun possession could potentially pay as little as 100 Ghana cedis or serve a mere two weeks in jail.


    “For example, it says that you can be jailed for not more than five years and you can also be fined for not more than 1,000 penalty units. A penalty unit is 12 Ghana cedis, which makes it 12,000 Ghana cedis, not beyond, but it doesn’t give a minimum.


    “If you are arrested for illegally possessing a gun, the judge uses his discretion and he can decide that go and pay 100 cedis and if you don’t pay you will go to jail for two weeks because the law does not give you any minimum requirement. We see that as a serious challenge and a gap in the law that must be addressed,” he added.


    Mr. Asante revealed that the Commission has submitted to the Ministry of Interior a proposal to amend the current Arms and Ammunition (Amendment) Act, 1972 (Act 604).


    The National Arms Bill aims to close existing gaps in the law, ultimately working towards a safer environment for all Ghanaians. Additionally, he emphasized the urgent need for the bill to be enacted into law to ensure effective control and regulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

    Established by an Act of Parliament in 2007, 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.

  • PLAYBACK: Official launch of Cedi @ 60

    PLAYBACK: Official launch of Cedi @ 60

    The Ghanaian cedi marks its 60th anniversary today, Tuesday, October 28, symbolizing the nation’s economic independence. To commemorate the milestone, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) held an official launch at the Accra International Conference Center under the theme, “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability, and Economic Resilience.”

    The celebration represents Ghana’s economic journey and resilience over the past six decades. Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang graced the occasion alongside other government officials.

    Since its introduction on July 19, 1965, the cedi has undergone several reforms and redesigns to reflect the nation’s evolving economic landscape.

    Speaking at the event, the BoG Governor, Johnson Pandit Asiama, noted that the celebration aims to rekindle public confidence in the national currency.

    Watch the livestream below:

    Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana will begin selling portions of its gold reserves in exchange for foreign currency to banks and other market participants under its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

    According to the BoG, only approved banks will be permitted to participate in the auctions, which are scheduled to take place every week. Speaking at a meeting with heads of commercial banks in Accra, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, said the exercise will be fair and transparent to ensure equal access for all market participants.

    “Beginning October 2025, the Bank of Ghana will commence foreign exchange (FX) intermediation under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, with plans to sell up to US$1.15 billion for the month. These sales will be conducted on a spot basis through twice-weekly, price-competitive auctions open to all licensed banks,” he said.

    The Ghana cedi’s strong performance was a central theme highlighted by President John Mahama in an interaction with potential investors in Singapore and Japan, barely a week ago. President Mahama emphasised the robust performance of the local currency to underscore Ghana’s macroeconomic stability and attractiveness as a destination for foreign capital.

    However, the cedi’s brief gains have proven short-lived, after its rapid depreciation made it the worst-performing currency in a latest report by a global financial news outlet, Bloomberg. According to Bloomberg’s recent report released on Thursday, September 4, the Ghana cedi is the worst-performing currency among all trading currencies, attributing the depreciation to a surge in demand for dollars by companies paying for imports. “A surge in demand for dollars by companies paying for imports has ended the Ghana cedi’s recent strong performance,” Bloomberg said.

    Bloomberg explained that the new development is attributed to the“strong gold prices”, while emphasizing that Ghana’s cedi has seen more than a ten percent (10%) depreciation in the current quarter. This, Bloomberg noted has erased the fifty percent gain against the dollar in April and June, Bloomberg detailed. According to the Bloomberg the cedi traded 0.1 per cent weaker at GH¢11.9507 per dollar at 1:50 a.m. Despite the losses, it has gained 23 per cent so far this year.

    “Now, the currency, which had ranked first globally on the back of strong gold prices, has weakened by 13 per cent in the current quarter. Bloomberg data showed this was the steepest fall worldwide, erasing part of the 50 per cent gain recorded between April and June”, the report said.

    But Bloomberg has indicated that “Despite the losses, it has gained 23 per cent so far this year based on market data. Reacting to Bloomberg’s report, the Bank of Ghana (BoG), noted “The cedi should be stable within a reasonable range,” the central bank said in an emailed response. Our role is to ensure fluctuations remain orderly, that they reflect fundamentals, and that they do not undermine confidence in the broader economy”.

    Bloomberg in April this year, ranked the cedi as the best-performing currency with a sixteen per cent (16%) gain against the dollar. What made the cedi earn the tag as the worst-performing currency is as a result of it seeing the steepest decline on the global level. The cedi’s appreciation in the last eight months helped ease inflationary pressures, pushing consumer inflation down to 21.2 per cent, the lowest in eight months at the time.

    Ghana’s import-dependent economy brings in a wide range of goods, from food to machinery, with demand typically rising toward the end of the year as businesses prepare for the Christmas season. The higher demand for dollars has piled pressure on the cedi, while the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) limited supply of foreign exchange has added to the strain.

    Head of Market-Risk Management at UMB Bank, Mr Hamza Adam, said banks that submitted dollar requests on behalf of clients to the Bank of Ghana last week received only half of what they asked for.

    “This week the central bank is trying to meet all demand,” he said by phone from Accra on September 3, 2025.

    Before Bloomberg reported on the cedi, BoG addressed the concerns of Ghanaians concerning the fast depreciation of the cedi, calling for calm. Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, during an interview with Joy Business, which was aired on Wednesday, August 27, mentioned that the current depreciation of the cedi was temporary, assuring a comeback soon.

    “The Bank of Ghana operates a managed floating system in terms of framework; therefore, these blips will happen. But the assurance is that this is a short-term issue, and the challenges are being addressed,” he assured.

    According to data from the Bank of Ghana which was shared on 23rd August, the Ghana cedi had seen a five percent (5%) depreciation. Between August 23 and August 28, the Ghanaian cedi depreciated from GH¢10.43 to around GH¢11.00 per US dollar.

    The sharpest movement was between August 23 and 24, where the cedi depreciated from GH¢10.43 to GH¢10.90. The dollar was selling at GH¢10.43 on August 23, GH¢10.90 on August 24, and between August 25–27, it staggered between GH¢10.85–11.00.

    As of August 28, it had crossed GH¢11 cedis, sparking major concerns. On Dr. Johnson Asiama’s part, the current depreciation is a result of the temporary shortage of foreign exchange supply in the market, resulting from the effects of the currency appreciation coupled with other phenomena that, “…we are beginning to see those phenomena at play. Imports become a lot cheaper, so it’s just natural to begin to see pressure build up on the currency”.

    He said there is no need for panic as the economic indicators are obviously strong, giving signs of a cedi recovery soon enough. Dr Asiamah attributed the depreciating cedi to the decline in remittance inflows, sharp appreciation of the cedi and limited interbank trading.

    ”…what is happening is just because of the sharp appreciation, we are beginning to have some cash flow problems, specifically because we have seen some decline in terms of remittance inflows. Also, imports become a lot cheaper, so it’s just natural to begin to see pressure build up on the currency

    “Over the last two months, we have also seen very limited interbank trading, he stated.”

    The Ghana cedi saw a remarkable appreciation against major trading currencies worldwide over the past six months. During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, July 24, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed that the cedi has recorded a remarkable turnaround in the first six months of 2025, appreciating by 42.6% against the US dollar.

    Dr Forson described the cedi’s performance as “impressive” and the first of its kind in the history of Ghana’s economy. The cedi, which was initially always experiencing depreciation, is currently showing resilience against the dollar.

    He noted that the cedi, which was previously trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, had strengthened to GH¢10.4 as of July 23.

    “Mr. Speaker, the cedi’s performance in the first half of this year has been impressive! The Ghana cedi experienced significant appreciation against all major trading currencies in the first six months of 2025. I am happy to inform the House that our precious cedi, which once upon a time was trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, was trading at about GH¢10.4 as of yesterday, 23rd July, 2025,” he revealed. In high spirits, the minister adopted the catchphrase from Ghanaian highlife musician King Paluta’s energetic party anthem “For the Popping (Apicki),” released on December 27, 2024, and said, “This level of appreciation of the Ghana cedi has never happened in the history of our nation. Ghanafo, cedi no apicki! Apicki apicki apicki!”

    He continued that the strength of the cedi has not appreciated against just the US dollar but against the British pound as well. The cedi also gained 30.3% against the British pound and 25.6% against the euro during the same period.

    This marks a sharp contrast to the same period in 2024, when the cedi depreciated by 18.6% against the dollar, 17.9% against the pound, and 16.0% against the euro.

    “Similarly, the cedi, which was once trading at GH¢21.0 to the Great British Pound, was trading at about GH¢14.1 as of yesterday, 23rd July. Mr. Speaker, as of end-June 2025, the cedi appreciated by 42.6% against the US dollar, 30.3% against the British pound, and 25.6% against the euro,” he added.

    With these gains over the past few months, Dr Cassiel stated that all the losses in the previous years had been reversed. “Mr. Speaker, I repeat, so far, we have almost reversed all the cedi depreciation in 2022, 2023, and 2024,” he mentioned.

  • NDC was close to reconciling with Nana Konadu – Fifi Kwetey

    NDC was close to reconciling with Nana Konadu – Fifi Kwetey

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has revealed that the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, was planning to rejoin the party before her demise.

    Fifi Kwetey made the revelation after an NDC delegation visited her residence to commiserate with the family on Monday, October 27. According to him, the party was at the final stage of its reconciliation process with the late former First Lady.

    “I wouldn’t say the talks were unsuccessful. I would rather say that the timing was the challenge. Because even on her part, you could clearly see that she was ready,” he said.

    He added that the late former First Lady will forever be remembered for her sacrifices as one of the founding figures of the party, emphasizing that “the party will miss her dearly.”

    He stated, “We have constantly said that with the role she played in forming this party and making it great and strong despite the difficulties that came along the way, we needed to put those behind us. I am happy that during her time, these efforts started and she embraced them.”

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, October 23. Reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specializing in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed to promote women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms.

    Through Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012 following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash.

    The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S., as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • Defence Ministry to get substantive head soon – Kwakye Ofosu

    Defence Ministry to get substantive head soon – Kwakye Ofosu

    A substantive Minister for Defence will be appointed by President John Dramani Mahama in due course, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced.


    Engaging the media on Monday, October 27, Kwakye Ofosu, shot down claims suggesting that President Mahama is being reluctant to replace the late Defence Minister due to the relationship he had with him.

    He emphasized that President Mahama is working to ensure that the Defence Ministry has the best of leadership and policies.

    He noted that “President Mahama fully understands his responsibilities and whereas he had a close relationship with the late Minister Omane Boamah, the president is pragmatic and professional enough to understand that life has gone on.


    “Whatever needs to be done will be done to ensure that the Defence Ministry has the best of leadership and the policies that they implement contribute to the overall development of our country and ensure our safety and security. In due course, that announcement will be made.”


    In July, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Finance Minister, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, to act as caretaker ministers for the Ministry of Defence and Environment, Science and Technology Ministers, respectively.


    The order followed the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.


    The other six individuals who are deceased include acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye,Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.


    The Government of Ghana laid to rest six out of the eight victims after holding a state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15.


    At the state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased. President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.


    “Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.


    Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.


    Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.


    Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.


    Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.


    Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.


    They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana,” the president said.


    He announced the posthumous promotions of Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.


    Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.


    It was a solemn and heartwarming ceremony that saw families and friends, as well as mourners and representatives of international organisations from near and far, in attendance.


    After the interfaith funeral service was held at the Black Star Square, the gathering proceeded to Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, where a burial ceremony took place.


    Taking turns, the president, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the families of the deceased, Ghana Armed Forces, government officials, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other dignitaries laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the tragic incident.


    Meanwhile, the Investigative Board tasked with probing the circumstances surrounding the August 6 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region is expected to submit its findings in the coming days.


    According to Citi News, the preliminary report is currently under internal review. The committee was aided by aviation experts from China as well as other relevant institutions in decoding the black box.


    In August the Ministry of Defence announced that it has officially begun a probe into the unfortunate incident, following the establishment of an investigative Board.


    The Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with membership drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).


    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting Defence Minister, Ato Forson.


    “The Ministry of Defence hereby informs the public that the Investigation Board established to inquire into the recent Z-9 helicopter crash has formally commenced its work,” parts of the statement read.


    According to the Ministry, “the United States of America is providing advice and assistance to the board through visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force”.

  • Only lower primary pupils will be taught in mother tongue – Education Ministry clarifies

    Only lower primary pupils will be taught in mother tongue – Education Ministry clarifies

    The Ministry of Education has clarified that the recent directive on the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in schools does not apply to all basic school levels. The clarification was made by the Deputy Education Minister, Clement Apaak, at the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on Monday, October 27.


    According to him, only Kindergarten to Primary three pupils will be taught in Ghanaian languages by their teachers as part of the new language policy.


    “The Honorable Minister for Education has asked me to clarify that the policy directive he announced on Friday regarding the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in our public basic schools is confined, emphasis, confined to KG up to Primary 3. In other words, KG and Lower Primary. Having clarified what seems to have given a few persons sleepless nights, I bring you greetings,” the deputy minister said.


    Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Program for Persons Living with Disabilities on Friday, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the directive will enhance comprehension and learning outcomes in basic schools.


    “I am directing the DG of the GES and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools. The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this…This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” the Minister firmly stated.


    In 2023, Ghanaian historian, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.


    He said they should be encouraged to speak the local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.


    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritise their local languages, thereby requiring that a person upon arrival in the country speak and understand the language.


    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”


    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” He quizzed.


    Despite the fact that English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with the local languages so as to activate the country’s heritage.


    He also believes that the Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass, if parents do not insist on speaking the local dialects with their children.


    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts and speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.


    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language.” In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.


    The country celebrates Ghana throughout the month of March every year to commemorate her Independence. The historian thinks that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years evolve.


    He believes people’s interest is dwindling because most designers in recent times are adding foreign products to their designs.
    The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest of the people, as they have failed to insist on the involvement of local languages in the school curricula.


    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”


    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project the culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking the local languages, among others, throughout March.


    Earlier this year, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve their indigenous languages.
    According to him, the country’s indigenous languages play a crucial role in national identity and cultural heritage.


    He made this statement on during the commemoration of the International Day of Mother Language in February.


    Addressing Parliament, he urged all citizens to recognize the value of their native tongues and take proactive steps to safeguard them.
    Mr Yeboah highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts in language preservation, stressing that initiatives such as storytelling, oral history documentation, and intergenerational language transmission programmes must be actively promoted.


    He encouraged schools, traditional authorities, and cultural institutions to collaborate in ensuring that local languages remain relevant in contemporary Ghanaian society.


    “Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to lose our indigenous languages, for in them lies the heart and soul of our identity as Ghanaians,” he stated.
    “Let us act now to protect and promote them, ensuring that future generations inherit not just the words, but the history, values, and wisdom they carry.”


    He further called on policymakers to incorporate indigenous language education into the national curriculum and promote its usage in public and private sectors.


    The MP also emphasized the need for media platforms to dedicate more airtime to local languages, ensuring that they remain widely spoken and appreciated.


    He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to take pride in their linguistic heritage, noting that preserving mother languages is not merely about communication but about protecting a rich legacy of knowledge and identity.

  • U/E: Three killed, two injured by gunmen in Binduri

    U/E: Three killed, two injured by gunmen in Binduri

    The Binduri District of the Upper East Region has been thrown into mourning following a shooting incident which resulted in the death of three individuals and left five others injured.

    According to reports, gunmen attacked and invaded the residence of the victims on Sunday, October 26, and shot them. Among the three deceased individuals is a five-year-old child who died instantly.

    The Manager of Binduri-based Maxx Empire Radio and TV, George Bukari, is reported to be among those who sustained injuries in the aftermath of the incident.

    The incident has been linked to the long-running Bawku conflict. The conflict, which resurfaced in 2021, has claimed multiple lives and displaced several families. However, the government has, in several ways, initiated efforts to bring calm to the area. In July this year, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) deployed soldiers to conflict-prone areas such as Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla.

    This update comes less than a week after four individuals lost their lives in a deadly daylight attack at the district office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the region. The unfortunate incident also left several others injured. The deceased individuals include a bystander, an NHIA staff member, a mentally unstable man and Yahaya Bukari, headmaster of Garu D/A Junior High School.


    According to eyewitness accounts, the Garu District Office of the NHIA was invaded by four armed men on two motorbikes, who subsequently fired shots wildly. Two of the gunmen are said to have been masks.

    “Around 10am there about, we heard gunshots. Initially, we thought it was coming from the rural bank area, but later we found out that the attackers had gone to the health insurance office,” a witness stated.

    Speaking to the media, former Presiding Member of the Garu District Assembly and now Assembly Member for Kugri, Edward Ndebugri, recounted that the gunmen later targeted bystanders and fleeing residents.

    “There is a public school close to the health insurance office, and when the shooting started, the teachers and pupils began running helter-skelter. The gunmen chased them in the direction they fled, and when one of the teachers fell, they shot him dead,” he added.

    The assailants reportedly left the NHIA office with nothing. In response to the incident, heavily armed police and military personnel thronged key areas, including the District Health Insurance Office and the Presbyterian Hospital as of 2 p.m. on Monday.

    “The whole town is in shock. This is the first time we are witnessing such an incident. People are living in fear, and we are pleading with the security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Assembly Member for Kugri appealed.

    The injured individuals are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the Garu Presbyterian Hospital. Meanwhile, police have launched investigations into the incident to determine the motive behind the attack.

    Earlier this month, an armed attack at the Gbintri inland checkpoint in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region has reportedly left an Assistant Immigration Control Officer II (AICOII), Rafiq Mohammed, dead and another officer, AICOII Oppong Daniel, also injured.

    While details of the attack remain unclear, reports suggest the incident took place at about 1:30 a.m. on Friday, October 3. However, AK-47 shell casings used by the attackers during the operation have been retrieved by the joint response team, led by Superintendent Francis Brobbey, Gambaga Municipal Police Commander, and DIS Moro Tanko Mohammed, North Regional Intelligence Officer of the GIS.

    Meanwhile, AICOII Oppong Daniel is receiving treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in the incident.

    In July this year, the lifeless body of an immigration officer identified as Stephen King Amoah, also known as Nana Kofi, was discovered in a drainage system near GBC Satellite, opposite Comet Estate, Accra.

    The deceased is said to have gone missing five days (since July 3) before his tragic death. This was contained in a press statement by the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, July 10.

    Providing more details about the tragic incident, the police noted that the murderer(s) of the 38-year-old also set his body on fire.

    The deceased’s remains have been conveyed to the Police Hospital morgue after the relatives positively identified the body as Stephen.

    The police have disclosed that their preliminary investigations indicate the deceased had gone to meet his debtor, one Bright Aweh, who had promised to pay the outstanding debt owed on Thursday, July 3, in the evening.

    The victim never returned home that night, and his phone remained switched off throughout, raising concerns among family and friends who later reported him missing.

    “Investigations revealed that on 3rd July 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., the deceased left his residence at Ashongman Estate after receiving WhatsApp images of cash bundles from one Bright Aweh, who requested to meet him at a spot at Ashongman Estate to settle an outstanding amount.

    “According to the complainant, the deceased never returned home that night, and his phone remained switched off thereafter,” the police said.

    After the deceased’s family filed a complaint at the police station, Bright Aweh was arrested to assist with the investigation.

    He admitted that he met with the deceased and alleged that he gave a cash of GHS500,000 to the deceased, instructing him “to use part of the money to pay off some debts and hold the remaining amount for later collection.”

    But the police in their statement noted that “the suspect could not clearly explain the source of the funds and gave conflicting statements.”

    Meanwhile, the police pledged to get to the bottom of the case and ensure justice is served to the perpetrators.

    “The Regional Police Command strongly condemns such violent and criminal acts and assures the public that it is working diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this incident and bring all responsible persons to justice,” it added.

    Subsequently, the Ghana Police announced the arrest of the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of immigration officer Stephen King Amoah, also known as Nana Kofi on August 4.

    This follows the discovery of weapons believed to have been used in the murder of Immigration Officer Stephen Amoah.

    During a press briefing on Monday, August 4, the Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that bloodstains were found in the living room, on a burnt, blood-soaked carpet, and on a fufu pestle suspected to have been used in the murder by the suspect.

    According to the Police, the forensic conducted on Thursday, July 24, also exposed freshly sprayed walls, hinting at an attempted cleanup by the suspect.

    “The Kwabenya Teshie Police visited the suspect’s residence, and the forensic inspection revealed the following bloodstains in the living room and evidence of attempted cleanup, freshly sprayed walls, and an empty can of spray paint. A search of a secondary crime scene near the GBC satellite area also uncovered a burnt woolen carpet and partially burnt camouflage fabric.”

    “These items were photographed, retrieved and photocopied for forensic analysis. On 24th July, the police received a warrant to search a particular room in the suspect’s house. A search in the room revealed more bloodstains, which were photographed and samples collected for forensic analysis. A further search in the bushes about 100 metres from the suspect’s house also led to the retrieval of the…” the Police said.

    The Service has noted that in the coming days, undertake a DNA exercise on the bloodstains with samples from the deceased mother and son, aiding with the process.

    “I wish to say that the initial blood sample collected was positive for human blood. To aid the investigations, the deceased mother and son has provided sample for DNA profiling. In the face of these pieces of evidence the suspect who was initially charged with kidnapping has since been rearrested and formally charged with murder. He is currently on remand following his appearance with the Adabraka District Court and is scheduled to reappear on 8th August 2025.

    “A special operation is currently underway to identify and arrest his accomplices and we are following other vital leads to gather all necessary evidence against the suspect and his accomplices. The Ghana Police Service wishes to assure the public that the investigations is ongoing and every effort is being made to ensure that all the perpetrators are prosecuted,” she added.

    Meanwhile, recent reports suggested that the third suspect involved in the murder of Stephen King Amoah, an Immigration Officer, has succumbed to an illness.

    According to sources, the victim’s brother, Kwasi Amoako, revealed this information to the media.

    “Yesterday we went to court and I can confirm that the third suspect has passed on. I was told by the Police CID, the one who is in charge of the case. We thank God that our brother has started seeking justice for himself,” he is quoted to have said by MyJoyOnline.

    The police are yet to issue a formal statement on the suspect’s death.

    The Adabraka District Court on August 22, continued hearing the case after remanding the prime suspect into police custody for two weeks.

    The court has adjourned the case involving the murder of immigration officer, Stephen King Amoah, to October 9 following the police’s request for more time to gather the due evidence against the accused parties.

    The adjournment of the case was announced during the court hearing at the Adabraka District Court on Thursday, September 4, where the prosecutors prayed the court that the Ghana Police Service needed more time and specialised gadgets to advance investigations.

    According to them, a court order had been secured to facilitate the process and prayed that the suspects, Bright Aweh and Thomas Ziggah, remain in custody.

    However, Counsel for the suspects, Gordon Aboagye, expressed concerns about the state of his clients, who appeared visibly distressed, suggesting that they may have been held under harsh conditions while in custody.

    Referring to the need to uphold democratic principles, he prayed that the court reveal the detention location of the suspects in order for their families to visit them and check their well-being while in custody.

    “In line with democratic principles, families of the suspects should be aware of their location to enable visitation”

    “My Lord, my client has appeared in court limping and with bloodshot eyes. He has already been treated twice at the Police Hospital without improvement. We respectfully request that he be sent to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for independent medical attention,” he argued.

    However, the prosecution objected, urging the defence to formally apply if it insists on the transfer of its client.

    He further appealed to the bereaved family to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. He commiserated with them for their loss.

    “We sympathise with the family of the deceased and plead with them to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” he added.

    The court, on the other hand, admonished the family of the bereaved family to stay patient, assuring them that justice would be duly served.

    Meanwhile, a dramatic scene unfolded at the court when the aunt of the late officer performed rituals, breaking eggs and invoking curses on those she believes are responsible for his death.

    She reportedly said, “Anyone responsible for his death should also suffer the same fate. All your generation will suffer the same fate; the gods should deal ruthlessly with anyone responsible for his murder. The gods shouldn’t spare anyone involved.”

  • Challenge no-long-hair rule in SHS – Eduwatch to parents

    Challenge no-long-hair rule in SHS – Eduwatch to parents

    Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has weighed in on the conversation calling for female Senior High School (SHS) students to wear their natural long hair on campus.


    The debate was ignited from a recent video circulating on social media shows a first-year female student looking unhappy while having her hair cut in a barbershop as part of preparations to begin school.

    Dressed in a Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School uniform, she appeared visibly displeased as her long hair was trimmed.

    Following the video, scores of Ghanaians have called on the government to scrap what they describe as a “barbaric” act, arguing that a student’s hair length does not determine academic success.

    Others, however, believe that allowing students to wear long hair to school could distract them from their studies. However, Kofi Asare, speaking to the media on Sunday, October 26, noted that parents and students who are against the hairstyle policy can pursue legal redress. He argued that such a policy should not violate students’ personal rights or freedom of expression, although its motive is to instill discipline in schools.


    “It’s not always about indiscipline or discipline. I align with the law, and I encourage anyone who feels unfairly treated to engage the law. Society grows and so should the law grow,” he said.


    Kofi Asare noted that parents taking the matter to court would not be the first, as a precedent has already been set.

    “Marhguy argued that maintaining his Rasta was linked to his belief in Rastafarianism. And that denying him admission based on Rasta meant that his rights to religion and culture were being impugned on account of the school regulations…It was necessary for him to be allowed to manifest his religion by wearing his hair, which he related directly to his belief in Rastafarianism, and the court upheld that.

    He added, “The court simply said, yes, schools may set their rules for regulating dress codes, including hairstyles. But in setting those rules, they shouldn’t be inconsistent with their right to religion.


    “In the Marhguy case, culture and religion erupted. Before, all of us believed that it was unconscionable for the Ghana Education Service to deny people admission based on their hairstyles. That was our position.


    “Then, the Marhguy’s case came, and the court made a pronouncement, and so we all aligned with the law until there is a contrary pronouncement by the court.”

    But speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of Mawuli Senior High School in the Volta Region on Saturday, October 25, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the secondary school environment is not a place for beauty contests to entertain such practices.


    “There is an ongoing debate about hair cuts, and size and length of hair in secondary schools.We will not tolerate it today or we will not tolerate it tomorrow, in so long as molding character.


    “If we give in to hair today, tomorrow it will be shoes, and the next day it will be the way they [students] dress.Therefore, as part of our disciplinary measures, headmasters and GES, you are accordingly empowered to take full control of how students behave on your campuses.”


    “So anybody who thinks that your child will walk into any institution of learning, as if that child, forgive my words, was to attend a beauty contest, the school environment will not for that purpose and not cut for that purpose and we will not tolerate that as an institution,” the minister stated.


    This is not the first time such calls have surfaced. In 2021, a first-year student, Tyrone Iras Marhguy, who gained admission to Achimota School was denied enrollment because he refused to trim down his dreadlocks. The family of Tyrone Iras Marhguy won the case after the court ruled that rules in schools shouldn’t be inconsistent with students’ right to religion.


    Meanwhile, the Minister of Education has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to fully implement the use of mother tongue as a medium of communication in Ghanaian schools.


    The Minister mentioned that the directive constitutes efforts to reform the education sector, while championing the use of local languages in teaching and learning.


    Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the directive will enhance comprehension and learning outcomes in basic schools.


    “I am directing the DG of the GES and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools. The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this…This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” the Minister firmly stated.


    The country celebrates Ghana throughout March every year to commemorate its Independence. The historian thinks that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years pass.


    He believes people’s interest is dwindling because most designers in recent times are adding foreign products to their designs.
    The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest of the people, as they have failed to insist on the involvement of local languages in the school curricula.


    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”


    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project the culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking the local languages among others, throughout the month of March.

  • SHS is not a place for beauty contest – Haruna Iddrisu justifies no-long-hair rule

    SHS is not a place for beauty contest – Haruna Iddrisu justifies no-long-hair rule

    The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has shut down calls for female Senior High School (SHS) students to be allowed to wear their natural long hair on campus.

    Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of Mawuli Senior High School in the Volta Region on Saturday, October 25, he emphasized that the secondary school environment was not a place for beauty contests to entertain such practices.

    “There is an ongoing debate about hair cuts, and size and length of hair in secondary schools.We will not tolerate it today or we will not tolerate it tomorrow, in so long as molding character.

    “If we give in to hair today, tomorrow it will be shoes, and the next day it will be the way they [students] dress.Therefore, as part of our disciplinary measures, headmasters and GES, you are accordingly empowered to take full control of how students behave on your campuses.”

    “So anybody who thinks that your child will walk into any institution of learning, as if that child, forgive my words, was to attend a beauty contest, the school environment will not for that purpose and not cut for that purpose and we will not tolerate that as an institution,” the minister stated.

    A recent video circulating on social media shows a first-year female student looking unhappy while having her hair cut in a barbershop as part of preparations to begin school. Dressed in a Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School uniform, she appeared visibly displeased as her long hair was trimmed. 

    Following the video, scores of Ghanaians have called on the government to scrap what they describe as a “barbaric” act, arguing that a student’s hair length does not determine academic success. Others, however, believe that allowing students to wear long hair to school could distract them from their studies.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Education has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to fully implement the use of mother tongue as a medium of communication in Ghanaian schools.

    The Minister mentioned that the directive constitutes efforts to reform the education sector, while championing the use of local languages in teaching and learning.

    Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the directive will enhance comprehension and learning outcomes in basic schools.

    “I am directing the DG of the GES and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools. The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this…This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” the Minister firmly stated.

    In 2023, Ghanaian historian, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

    He said they should be encouraged to speak the local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritise their local languages, thereby requiring that a person upon arrival in the country speak and understand the language.

    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” He quizzed.

    Despite the fact that English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with the local languages so as to activate the country’s heritage.

    He also believes that the Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass, if parents do not insist on speaking the local dialects with their children.

    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts and speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language.” In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

    The country celebrates Ghana throughout the month of March every year to commemorate her Independence. The historian thinks that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years evolve.

    He believes people’s interest is dwindling because most designers in recent times are adding foreign products to their designs.

    The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest of the people as they have failed to insist on the involvement of local languages in the school curricula.

    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”

    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project the culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking the local languages among others, throughout the month of March.

    Earlier this year, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve their indigenous languages.

    According to him, the country’s indigenous languages play a crucial role in national identity and cultural heritage.

    He made this statement on during the commemoration of the International Day of Mother Language in February.

    Addressing Parliament, he urged all citizens to recognise the value of their native tongues and take proactive steps to safeguard them.

    Mr Yeboah highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts in language preservation, stressing that initiatives such as storytelling, oral history documentation, and intergenerational language transmission programmes must be actively promoted.

    He encouraged schools, traditional authorities, and cultural institutions to collaborate in ensuring that local languages remain relevant in contemporary Ghanaian society.

    “Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to lose our indigenous languages, for in them lies the heart and soul of our identity as Ghanaians,” he stated.

    “Let us act now to protect and promote them, ensuring that future generations inherit not just the words, but the history, values, and wisdom they carry.”

    He further called on policymakers to incorporate indigenous language education into the national curriculum and promote its usage in public and private sectors.

    The MP also emphasised the need for media platforms to dedicate more airtime to local languages, ensuring that they remain widely spoken and appreciated.

    He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to take pride in their linguistic heritage, noting that preserving mother languages is not merely about communication but about protecting a rich legacy of knowledge and identity.

  • Several feared dead as truck crashes near Kasoa Tollbooth

    Several feared dead as truck crashes near Kasoa Tollbooth

    Ghana has recorded a number of fatalities following road accidents in less than 48 hours. According to reports, several are feared dead in a recent road crash that occurred near the Kasoa tollbooth in the Central Region on Sunday, October 26.

    En route to Kasoa, the fully loaded minibus somersaulted multiple times after colliding with a Jeep 4×4, registration number GR 7673. Meanwhile, the number of casualties is yet to be made public by authorities.

    On Saturday, October 25, a fatal crash involving a stationary tipper truck and a Sprinter bus at Atwedie, near Konongo on the Kumasi–Accra Highway, left at least 14 people severely injured.The Sprinter bus, with registration number GR 6626-22, reportedly rammed into the stationary truck, causing the unfortunate incident.

    Meanwhile, three individuals lost their lives in a fatal crash that occurred on Friday night, October 24, on the Tatale–Zabzugu road in the Northern Region. More than ten others were injured in the aftermath of the incident. The victims in the crash were traders returning from the Kukpalgu market. 

    They encountered the unfortunate incident when the Kia truck, with registration number GW-5828-17, carrying them collided with an abandoned motorking tricycle on the road.The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tatale District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

    In a similar development, Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s  Toyota V8 has reportedly crashed with a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident which occurred on Friday, October 24, has left one individual injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter.

    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the tire of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.

    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports. Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck providing assistance.

    Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.

    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker. All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.

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

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total number of eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.

    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

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

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

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

    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

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

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

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

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

  • 14 injured as vehicles collide on Kumasi–Accra road

    14 injured as vehicles collide on Kumasi–Accra road

    A fatal crash involving a stationary tipper truck and a Sprinter bus at Atwedie, near Konongo on the Kumasi–Accra Highway, left at least 14 people severely injured on Saturday, October 25.

    The Sprinter bus, with registration number GR 6626-22, reportedly rammed into the stationary truck, causing the unfortunate incident. Meanwhile, three individuals lost their lives in a fatal crash that occurred on Friday night, October 24, on the Tatale–Zabzugu road in the Northern Region.

    More than ten others were injured in the aftermath of the incident. The victims in the crash were traders returning from the Kukpalgu market. 

    They encountered the unfortunate incident when the Kia truck, with registration number GW-5828-17, carrying them collided with an abandoned motorking tricycle on the road.The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tatale District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

    In a similar development, Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s  Toyota V8 has reportedly crashed with a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident which occurred on Friday, October 24, has left one individual injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter.

    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the tire of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.

    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports. Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck providing assistance.

    Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.

    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker. All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.

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

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total number of eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.

    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

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

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

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

    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

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

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

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

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

  • Fatal crash on Tatale–Zabzugu road leaves three dead, others injured

    Fatal crash on Tatale–Zabzugu road leaves three dead, others injured

    Three individuals lost their lives in a fatal crash that occurred on Friday night, October 24, on the Tatale–Zabzugu road in the Northern Region. More than ten others were injured in the aftermath of the incident. The victims in the crash were traders returning from the Kukpalgu market. 

    They encountered the unfortunate incident when the Kia truck, with registration number GW-5828-17, carrying them collided with an abandoned motorking tricycle on the road.The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tatale District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

    In a similar development, founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s  Toyota V8 reportedly crashed with a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident which occurred on Friday, October 24, has left one individual injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter.

    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the trye of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.

    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports. Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck providing assistance.

    Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.

    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker. All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.

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

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total number of eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.

    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

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

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

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

    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

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

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

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

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

  • National Security operative sacked for involvement in galamsey

    National Security operative sacked for involvement in galamsey

    The appointment of an operative of the National Security Coordinating Secretariat (NSCS) has been revoked over suspicion of involvement in illegal mining activities (galamsey).

    Issah Yakubu’s alleged activities were uncovered following an operation conducted on October 23 by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC). He is said to have been engaged in illegal mining activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve.

    During the operation, authorities arrested 15 illegal miners and nine armed individuals posing as National Security operatives after destroying  a well-organised illegal mining network in the reserve.

    Meanwhile, two of the suspects posing as National Security operatives have been detained and are assisting authorities with investigations.

    The galamsey menace continues to threaten not only Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, and forest reserves but also the country’s energy infrastructure. Earlier this month, Ghana Water Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) blamed illegal mining activities for the 200% tariff increment proposal under the 2025–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order. The Director of Communications for ECG, William Boateng, made this publicon Tuesday, October 14.

    “They are digging and moving towards the roads and trenches, which is very dangerous. Anytime we have the slightest rainfall, the poles come down because the base has been weakened. That affects the stability of power supply.

    “It costs us more money to fix the fallen poles and restore the line. Beyond that, we are also losing unserved energy power that we’ve already purchased but cannot deliver to customers,” Mr. Boateng noted.In September, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) received proposals from eight utility companies calling for a significant adjustment in utility tariffs to ensure they can fully operate at capacity.Proposals from the electricity distributors and the water provider for the 2025–2029 tariff period cite rising operational costs and the need to maintain efficient service delivery.

    The eight companies include the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), and Ghana National Gas Limited, among others.

    ECG is pushing for a massive 225% hike in its distribution service charge. For instance, a household consuming 150 kWh monthly would pay an additional GHS64, while a residence using 100 kWh per month would pay about GHS43 more in distribution charges. As part of ECG’s request, the current Distribution Service Charge (DSC) of 19 pesewas per kilowatt-hour should be raised to nearly 62 pesewas per kilowatt-hour.

    “The PURC will undertake the major adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2025 to reflect capacity charges, additional liquid fuel usage, and additional capex. The current charge is below industry benchmarks, and cedi depreciation has reduced its value. US$408 million spent on network upgrades and smart meters,” parts of ECG’s petition read.

    ECG has emphasized that the adjustment has long been overdue, noting that in 2022 it proposed 39.95 pesewas, but only 19.04 pesewas was approved.

    According to ECG, it has invested $48 million in network upgrades and smart metering systems to enhance power reliability, reduce outages, and align tariffs with international industry standards, yet these efforts have not yielded the expected cost recovery.

    Furthermore, ECG has projected an annual revenue of GHS9.5 billion between 2025 and 2029 if the new charges are approved. The proceeds, according to the utility company, would be allocated to cover operational costs, depreciation of assets, staff salaries, and the recovery of recent capital expenditures.

    Despite mounting pressure on government, President John Mahama insists that Ghana can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops and invests more resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle may be a long one, but his administration is committed to winning it.

    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring in new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now, with the elephant in the room State of Emergency yes, I have the power to do it, but the President acts on the advice of the National Security Council. And as at now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a State of Emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise that, boss, now we need a State of Emergency I won’t hesitate,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu Mutawakilu, has indicated that the declaration of a State of Emergency is not the remedy to ending illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the country.

    At a press conference in Accra on Monday, October 20, he stated that such a measure will escalate tensions in the country rather than provide a lasting solution to the galamsey menace.

    He explained that declaring a State of Emergency would only push illegal miners to other parts of the country, forcing the government to extend the declaration to all regions. This, he argued, would be unrealistic and unsustainable. To prevent that, he called on the government to introduce lasting solutions rather than temporary ones.

    “First and foremost, I don’t think that a State of Emergency will stop illegal mining. If you declare a State of Emergency in one area, they [illegal miners] would migrate to another area. At the end of the day, the whole of Ghana will be in a State of Emergency.

    “You declare a State of Emergency for how many years? There must be pragmatic measures, as President Mahama has outlined, to ensure sustainability. From my position at Ghana Water, I don’t believe a State of Emergency is the answer,” he said.





  • Govt to raise DACF allocation for PWDs by 2%

    Govt to raise DACF allocation for PWDs by 2%

    President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to increase the allocation of disability funds for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) by two per cent. The upcoming increment expected to take place effective 2026, will raise the current three per cent to five per cent.

    The President made this announcement on Friday, October 24, during the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons with Disabilities. He disclosed that each Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) will receive a Disability Desk to coordinate and address issues concerning persons with disabilities. According to him, the adjustment aims to assist persons with disabilities (PWDs) in meeting their needs.

    “Next year, in the District Assemblies Common Fund formula, we intend to increase the allocation to persons with disability from 3% to 5%. And the disability desk in every District Assembly will, in consultation with the local branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled will prepare a budget each year for how they intend to spend the 5% that has been allocated to them,” he said.

    In May, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were cautioned against redirecting the funds meant for projects for personal interests.

    Speaking during his Thank You tour of the Bono East Region on Friday, May 30, President John Dramani Mahama stressed that anyone found liable will be dismissed.

    MMDCEs in the coming days are expected to receive 80% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

    The remaining 20% will be designated for projects managed by agencies such as the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), ensuring continued support for critical national initiatives.

    According to President Mahama, the Fund is to support district assemblies in executing their duties in the regions.

    He noted that although the initiative is a decentralized one, he indicated that each year, the government will assess the performance of each MMDCE to ensure accountability.

    He warned the MMDCEs that anybody who falls below the belt shall be sacked.

    “The Minister of Finance is about to release the first quarter of the District Assemblies Common Fund. As I said, 80% of the money is going directly to the regions for you to decide how to use it. So, MMDCEs, you have no excuse.

    “We will send you the guidelines, approved at the last Cabinet meeting, to show how the funds should be disbursed. This will serve as your Key Performance Indicators. Every year, we will assess your performance, and based on that, we will decide whether you stay or go,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Swiss Ambassador H.E. Simone Petra Giger expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to decentralization and reaffirmed Switzerland’s continued collaboration with Ghana in supporting local governance and national development.

    “Ghana has a long history of decentralization reforms. While this was a courtesy meeting, we also received a positive signal from the minister, indicating that Ghana is entering a new phase of decentralization, which I believe will benefit the country.

    “My visit today also signifies that Switzerland stands with Ghana, and we are here to stay. If Ghana is truly committed to taking the next step by granting more power and authority to local governments, we will be extremely happy to support that effort,” she stated.

    President John Dramani Mahama has shared that his government, in the coming years, will allow citizens to elect the next Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

    He explained that this is to allow citizens to have a direct say in choosing their local leaders.

    Addressing the MMDCEs during an orientation and training programme on Wednesday, July 18, in Accra, he noted that the upcoming system will be dependent on the recommendations by the National Review committee established by the government.

    “MMDCEs, you may be the last batch of MMDCEs appointed. The National Review committee is going round and will present its recommendation in August this year, and one of the major items that has come up is the election of the MMDCEs. There is no doubt that Ghanaians want the MMDCEs elected. Those who succeed you might have to go through elections,” he stated.

    President Mahama further called on all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15.

    “I wish to remind you that you are among the office holders required to declare your assets, and so I expect that by July 15, all of you will have declared your assets,” he said.

    The legal framework guiding asset declaration is the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550). The Act mandates public officials to declare their assets before assuming office, every four years, and at the end of their term, submitting the forms no later than six months after any of these events.

    Importantly, Section 8 of the Act provides that allegations of non-compliance must be referred to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is empowered to investigate and take appropriate action.

    President John Dramani Mahama submitted his asset declaration forms to the Auditor General on February 18 and issued a firm order to his appointees to follow suit by March, warning of sanctions for defaulters.

    A report by The Fourth Estate revealed that several high-ranking officials have yet to fulfill their constitutional obligations. Out of 55 ministers and deputy ministers, nine have failed to declare their assets.

    Additionally, eight out of 32 presidential staffers and 37 out of 84 heads of state institutions appointed between January 15 and March 18 had not complied with the president’s directive.

    On May 6, the president sanctioned his appointees who missed the March 31 deadline by directing them to forfeit their three months’ salary, which he noted will be channeled into the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.

    He gave a May 7 ultimatum, emphasizing that any official who fails to meet the deadline will be sacked. As no government official has been relieved of his or her duties, it is believed that all government officials have declared their assets.In the meantime, civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have supported the full publication of asset declarations as a means to promote integrity and accountability.

    Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has expressed his opposition to the declaration of assets by government officials as mandated by the Public Office Holders Act.

    Justifying his opposition, he indicated such an initiative puts public officers in a position where they expose themselves to unnecessary attention and potential threats against their lives and their loved ones.

    “I do not and I will not add my voice to calls for the publication of assets for public scrutiny. In our experience, it will be unhelpful and would merely subject public officers to inordinate public curiosity and a specter of the real likelihood of reprisals against the assets,” he said.

    To him, fighting corruption effectively in the country requires striking a balance between transparency and the protection of individual rights.

    “In my estimation, publication of who has declared or has not declared his assets in the context of a workable asset verification and treason model would be sufficient to assure the integrity of the asset declaration system,” he added.

  • Hassan Ayariga’s car crashes at Ashaiman overhead, leaving one injured

    Hassan Ayariga’s car crashes at Ashaiman overhead, leaving one injured

    Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga’s  Toyota V8 has reportedly crashed with a commercial vehicle with registration number GS 3642-12 at the Ashaiman overhead in Accra. The near-fatal road accident which occurred on Friday, October 24, has left one individual injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, Hassan Ayariga’s driver hit the commercial vehicle, causing the V8 to lose control and veer off the road into a gutter. 

    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. Some months ago, an accident at Bechem in the Bono Region claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi. Reportedly, the trye of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.

    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports. Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck providing assistance.

    Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.

    Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker. All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership.

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

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total number of eight thousand, three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.

    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

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

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

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

    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

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

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

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

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

  • Police officer handed life term for murdering girlfriend

    Police officer handed life term for murdering girlfriend

    The Kumasi High Court has finally given its verdict regarding the Police Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, popularly known as ‘Taacum’ who murdered his girlfriend in Kumasi, Ashanti Region in 2023.

    After nearly three years of legal proceedings, Police Inspector Ahmed Twumasi has been sentenced to life imprisonment after the Court found him guilty of murder. The seven-member jury delivered a 5–2 majority verdict.

    Inspector Twumasi was apprehended in May 2023 after a specialized police operation led to his arrest at his hideout in Sekyere near Effiduase in the Ashanti region.

    He stands accused of fatally shooting 26-year-old Victoria Dapaah, also known as Maadwoa, multiple times in the abdomen and chest on April 20, 2023, around 9:50 p.m. According to reports their dispute was centered around GH¢5,000 debt. The police officer shot the deceased after she failed to repay the amount. 

     He has, however, confessed to the shooting but maintains that it was not deliberate.Despite facing court appearance on April 15, 2024, rumors of his demise circulated on social media. Authorities at the Kumasi Central Prisons allowed Luv FM’s Ohemeng Tawiah access to the cells where the remanded officer is held. Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, clad in a white T-shirt and khaki shorts, confirmed to prison officers that he was in good health and aware of the rumors surrounding his supposed death.

    Superintendent Richard Bukari, Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi Central Prisons, described the rumors of Twumasi’s death as regrettable in an interview with JoyNews.

    “I emphatically say it is not true. Ahmed Twumasi is hail and hearty in custody. Nothing has happened to him and I promise nothing will happen to him.Looking at him, he’s not even sick and I wonder under what circumstances Twumasi would be declared dead.

    “Taking note that he’s a state property, we would not do anything that would compromise his health, his security and his well-being in the prisons.So I say on authority that Twumasi is not dead; he is alive, healthy and undergoing his trial processes,” Superintendent Bukari noted.

    Prison authorities iinitiated investigations into the circulation of fake news, aiming to uncover the truth and take disciplinary action against those responsible.

    “We are not leaving it just there. We are going further to investigate the source of that info. Whoever would have generated such false information that is causing this upheaval in the general public would have to be dealt with according to the laws of Ghana.”

    This year, Ghana has witnessed several disturbing murder cases. In July, the lifeless body of an immigration officer identified as Stephen King Amoah, also known as Nana Kofi, was discovered in a drainage system near GBC Satellite, opposite Comet Estate, Accra, on Wednesday, July 9.

    The deceased is said to have gone missing five days (since July 3) before his tragic death. This was contained in a press statement by the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, July 10.

    Providing more details about the tragic incident, the police noted that the murderer(s) of the 38-year-old also set his body on fire.

    The deceased’s remains have been conveyed to the Police Hospital morgue after the relatives positively identified the body as Stephen.

    The police have disclosed that their preliminary investigations indicate the deceased had gone to meet his debtor, one Bright Aweh, who had promised to pay the outstanding debt owed on Thursday, July 3, in the evening.

    The victim never returned home that night, and his phone remained switched off throughout, raising concerns among family and friends who later reported him missing.

    “Investigations revealed that on 3rd July 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., the deceased left his residence at Ashongman Estate after receiving WhatsApp images of cash bundles from one Bright Aweh, who requested to meet him at a spot at Ashongman Estate to settle an outstanding amount.

    “According to the complainant, the deceased never returned home that night, and his phone remained switched off thereafter,” the police said.

    After the deceased’s family filed a complaint at the police station, Bright Aweh was arrested to assist with the investigation.

    He admitted that he met with the deceased and alleged that he gave a cash of GHS500,000 to the deceased, instructing him “to use part of the money to pay off some debts and hold the remaining amount for later collection.”

    But the police in their statement noted that “the suspect could not clearly explain the source of the funds and gave conflicting statements.”

    Meanwhile, the police have pledged to get to the bottom of the case and ensure justice is served to the perpetrators.

    In a similar incident, a 21-year-old student in his final year at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Daniel Tuffuor, has been placed in police custody over allegations of involvement in the death of Joana Deladem Yabani.

     Joana Deladem Yabani was in her final year at the institution at the time.

    The Prempeh District Court granted prosecutors’ request to keep Tuffuor in custody to allow for further inquiries, which he later reappeared on March 17, 2025.

    Police launched their investigation after Joana’s lifeless body was discovered on campus on the morning of Thursday, February 27, 2025. University security immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to Tuffuor’s arrest later that day.

    After campus security received the report, they quickly moved her remains to the University Health Services, where medical professionals confirmed her death.

    “The University has officially informed her family, and we extend our deepest condolences to them during this difficult time,” the statement read.

    Authorities suspect that the deceased and the accused were in a romantic relationship at the time of the incident. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Joana’s death.

  • Health Ministry begins recruitment of nurses for Grenada

    Health Ministry begins recruitment of nurses for Grenada

    Experienced and qualified Registered Nurses seeking employment opportunities in Grenada, North America, can begin their applications today, Friday, October 24, as announced by the Ministry of Health.

    Applicants have been directed to apply through the Ministry of Health’s online recruitment portal. The Ministry emphasized that applications submitted after Tuesday, October 28 shall be rejected.


    Registered Nurses across several specialties, including Critical Care, Accident and Emergency, Public Health, and General Nursing have been encouraged by the Ministry to turn in their applications.


    Applicants must least five years of professional working experience and ensure they meet the regulatory requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana. This information was contained in a statement dated Friday, October 24, by the Health Ministry.

    This development follows a bilateral agreement between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Grenada.
    The agreement seeks to strengthen the healthcare systems of both countries while promoting cultural exchange and knowledge sharing in the medical field.

    In recent times, Ghana has witnessed several protests from government employees, specifically, teachers, nurses, and doctors, over the delay in salaries.

    However, on Friday, October 17, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency.


    President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech on Friday, October 17, during a state visit by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Presidency in Accra, lauded the international recognition of Ghanaian health care professionals and the benefits the agreement stands to bring to both countries.


    He said, “In the health sector, Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries. Ghanaian health workers have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion. And we’re keen to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities.


    He added, “I’m pleased that just yesterday, Thursday, October 16, our Foreign Minister, the Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Honorable Joseph Andall, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana-Grenada Political Consultations. I’m confident that this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic, and cultural engagements between our two nations.”


    The signing of the MoU comes just days after the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh, raised concerns about the ballooning and looming unemployment crisis the sector is anticipated to face, citing the government’s efforts to deal with the challenge.


    Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.


    The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.


    Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.


    He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.
    According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.


    “By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.


    In light of this, he detailed that the government is working on a recruitment strategy, including collaborations with other international bodies and countries to ship them out in a policy called “managed migration”. Thirteen (13) countries have so far responded; however, most of them prefer to work with specialists.


    “So there is a strategy going forward. What we are seeking to do now is that gradually, the government will be employing some of them as we move along,” he said.“We are also looking at what we call managed migration, how we will be able to export some of them. About 13 countries have responded, but the difficulty is that most of these countries that have responded need a specialist,” he added.


    He also revealed that Ghana would need not less than GHS6 billion annually to clear the existing backlog of unemployed health professionals.


    The comments come amid growing pressure from unemployed nurses and midwives demanding placement, and criticism from the Minority in Parliament over how the government is handling health sector employment.


    Ranking Member on the Health Committee speaking during a media engagement, stated that, “there is no need for Cabinet to approve anything. Again, there’s no need for this clearance. The government should come and tell the people the truth.”


    The Minority accused the government of taking health workers for granted, saying their patience had run out. They emphasized that financial clearance for 15,000 health workers was already secured under the previous NPP administration in July 2024.


    About 8,000 of those workers were paid, and the remaining 7,000 should have been paid as well, especially since they were posted before the December 2024 handover.


    However, Mr Akandoh, during his interview with Channel One’s Bernard Avle, stated that the previous administration led by Akufo-Addo did not make any budget for the over 13,000 nurses they recruited.


    The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the salary delays affecting thousands of nurses, teachers, and junior doctors are due to lapses under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.


    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Pelpuo blamed the NPP’s poor recruitment practices and fiscal indiscipline for the current plight of nurses and doctors.


    “The situation is currently unfair, but it is a culmination of events that took place in the last regime before the current regime took over. People were engaged to work without due process. For you to work and be paid, you need clearance to show that there is money in the account and that your employment has been approved. That didn’t happen in this respect,” he said.



    “We are taking it up very seriously, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors who are caught up in the process that we are going to respond to them before the end of the year,” he stated.

  • Ofori-Atta vs OSP case adjourned to November 25

    Ofori-Atta vs OSP case adjourned to November 25

    The case involving former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been adjourned to November 25 by the Human Rights Division of the High Court.

    This was made public by the OSP on Friday, October 24, through its official website. According to the OSP, the court heard two motions on Thursday, October 23, adding that Counsel for the Mr. Ofori-Atta moved motions for (a) discoveries and (b) leave to amend the originating motion on notice. Both applications were opposed by counsel for the OSP.
    As such, both parties have been directed by the court to file and submit their written submissions by Friday midnight.


    “The Human Rights Division of the High Court heard two motions in the case Kenneth Ofori-Atta v. Office of the Special Prosecutor on Thursday, 23 October 2025. Counsel for the Mr. Ofori-Atta moved motions for (a) discoveries and (b) leave to amend the originating motion on notice. Both applications were opposed by counsel for the OSP.


    “The Court directed both parties to file and submit their written submissions by midnight, 24 October 2025. The matter has been adjourned to 25 November 2025 for ruling on the two applications.

    The suit, filed by the former Minister for Finance and a suspect in a number of investigations by the OSP, challenges the Office’s declaration of him as “wanted” and contests the Office’s legal authority to make such pronouncements public,” parts of the post read.


    In June, Prof. Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, indicated that her husband will return to Ghana after his doctor’s approval. Speaking to Joy News, she noted that Ofori-Atta’s absence is not an attempt to escape scrutiny, but a result of his current health condition.


    “He has never not been accountable. This is not Ken Ofori-Atta, who runs away from accountability. I don’t think there is any other home but Ghana, no, Ghana is home,” she stated. “So why are we holding back on the investigation? Why would he [the OSP] not give the video?” she added.


    Ofori-Atta remains a central figure in a legal battle, despite his current health condition. Ofori-Atta appeared on Interpol’s website for “using public office for profit” after being declared wanted by the OSP.
    This was after he failed to appear before the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2.

    His lawyers are said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.
    The OSP, during an engagement with the press on Tuesday, June 3, noted the failure of the former minister to inform the OSP of changes in medical procedure that were to have happened in March of this year.


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


    In February, the OSP declared Ofori-Atta wanted for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the following:
    Contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.


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


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


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

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


    Later, the legal representatives of the former finance minister informed the OSP that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honor an invitation for questioning.


    Ofori-Atta then assured the OSP of its commitment to appearing for questioning on a fixed date, which influenced the OSP’s decision to temporarily take his name off the list in March.


    However, the office stressed that he is legally obligated to show up on June 2. Failure to do so, an Interpol Red Notice would be issued and extradition proceedings would be initiated in any country where he may be located.


    Ken Ofori-Atta then took legal steps to block the OSP from re-declaring him wanted. His lawsuit argues that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.


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


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


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


    INTERPOL Red Notice


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


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


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


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

  • MoFFA gives unlicensed mortuaries, funeral homes seven days to legalize operations

    MoFFA gives unlicensed mortuaries, funeral homes seven days to legalize operations

    Unlicensed mortuaries and funeral facilities operating without valid licenses have a one-week ultimatum to legalize their operations. The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has threatened to shut down the operations of mortuaries and funeral homes that disregard its directive.

    This was revealed in a press release issued by the Agency on Wednesday, October 22.

    “All operators of facilities and practitioners are by this notice advised to take steps to regularise their operations or risk closure of their facilities,” the statement warned.

    Under Part Two of the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829), MoFFA has been mandated to license and monitor all businesses that handle dead bodies.

    The directive comes at at time when Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA)  has intensified efforts to crackdown on unlicensed operations of certain health facilities.

    Earlier this month, the Authority conducted an operation in the Ashanti Region to ensure compliance. Several unlicensed health facilities had their operations suspended following the operation. These health facilities are reported to have been operating without a valid license for the past six years. 

    ANKHOR Diagnostics and RASHBILL Eyecare, both located within the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital premises, are among the affected health facilities.

    Weeks ago, HeFRA shut down 17 health facilities across the country for operating under unsafe conditions and with expired licenses.

    Speaking to the media, HeFRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Winfred Baah, noted that his outfit will ensure that all health facilities operate in full compliance with the law and meet safety and quality standards.“No facility, whether private, corporate, or public, is above the law. We cannot allow anyone to offer clinical services to staff or the public without proper regulation and supervision,” he stressed.

    Recently, the Bono East Regional Police Command arrested a man for operating an unlicensed clinic in his residence at Yeji Zongo in the Bono East Region.

    According to a release shared on the Facebook page of the Ghana Police Service and signed by ASP Appiah Danquah, the suspect, identified as Hanson Osei, was arrested on 28th September 2025 after police, acting on intelligence, proceeded to his residence, where he had converted a chamber-and-hall room into a clinic.

    The police revealed that during interrogation, “the suspect admitted that he had been operating the clinic for the past eleven (11) years without authorization from any recognized medical school or licensing authority.”

    A search of the premises uncovered several used clinical items, including needles, malaria injection bottles, infusion rubber sachets, and other medical materials. The police therefore, put Mr. Hanson Osei before the Tuobodom District Court on 30th September 2025. He has since been remanded to reappear on 6th October 2025.

    Earlier in September, a man posing as a medical doctor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) was reported to the police after arousing suspicions among hospital personnel.

    The middle-aged individual, known as Williams Cyril Kohen, underwent questioning by hospital staff during their regular rounds, leading to the verification of their concerns. Following this development, the suspect was handed over to the hospital’s police post, which subsequently transferred the case to the Central Police Command for further investigation.

    The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Frimpong, conveyed that the institution had implemented security measures aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future.

    “At KATH, it is very difficult for people to come and claim that they are doctors and start working there because that is not how the thing works. We have a team-based system where all the team members are known and also remember that it is a training institution, so most of the time the people who join us are our former students and so it is a very close-knit community and the team members are known to each other.

    “So you cannot just be part of the team out of the blue. And because patients are allocated to teams, you cannot go to any patient when you are not part of the team. Again, we have this electronic medical records system where every member of the medical staff has a password specific to them, and you have to use this system to attend to patients, to review the cases, and to give prescriptions for medicine to be dispensed. Once you don’t have the password because you are not a staff or member of the medical teams you cannot even attend to the patient,” he stated.

    In 2019, the Medical and Dental Council arrested a suspected quack doctor at Anyinam in the Eastern Region. The suspect, Kankam Nkrumah, was caught red-handed at the consulting room of Yesukrom Medical Center practicing medicine without a license.

    Information gathered by Starr News indicated that the Investigative Unit of the Medical and Dental Council, led by the Administrative Manager, Bright Atsu Fuglo, and Desmond Asamoah, on January 21, 2019, stormed the community to undertake its routine headcount of licensed practitioners, medical doctors, physician assistants, and certified registered anesthetists at Anyinam.

    Nonetheless, during the exercise, they noticed the suspect, Nkrumah Kankam, sitting in the consulting room, allegedly practicing medicine without a license. He was questioned and subsequently arrested and handed over to the Anyinam Police.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the arrest to Starr News when contacted. The police retrieved 15 patient folders and one stethoscope as exhibits while investigations continued.

    Also, in 2023, six people in the Kumasi metropolis were arrested for dealing in fake herbal products. Their arrest was carried out as a result of a collaboration between the Ashanti Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the police.

    The swoop, which targeted dealers in unregistered herbal products, formed part of routine market surveillance conducted by the authority to clamp down on perpetrators.

    The culprits, who had been granted bail pending further investigations, included two community information center operators and four herbal product dealers.

    Mr. John Laryea Odai-Tettey, the Regional Head of the FDA, speaking to the media after the exercise, said the Public Health Act, 2012, mandated the FDA to ensure food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemical substances, blood, blood products, and tobacco were wholesome for public consumption.

    He said the authority had the responsibility to ensure the safety and quality standards of such products as prescribed by the Act. “It is our responsibility to ensure that products under our regulation and being sold for public consumption and use are registered, and that is why we embark on market surveillance to check the safety of the products,” he noted.

    He said beyond the registration of regulated products, his outfit had the duty to monitor the market to identify persons producing sub-standard versions of registered products.“Unfortunately, a lot of people do not go to accredited health facilities to seek healthcare, but rather patronize some of these products without verifying their safety,” he pointed out. Mr. Odai-Tettey said the activities of the perpetrators were inimical to public safety and called on the public to support the FDA to flush out such miscreants for the good of the general population.

    He said the doors of the FDA were open to manufacturers of herbal and other regulated products to submit their products for scrutiny to ensure they were safe for public consumption.

    Failure by manufacturers to submit their products for verification, he said, amounted to a violation of the Act, and he cautioned that the FDA would go after such recalcitrant manufacturers in the interest of public health.

    He advised the public to patronize products from registered and recognized dealers, such as pharmacies and licensed over-the-counter chemical sellers, for their own safety. Wholesalers and retailers of herbal products must also ensure they purchase from licensed manufacturers in order not to fall victim to FDA operations, he stated.

  • Three-day national mourning declared in honor of late Nana Konadu

    Three-day national mourning declared in honor of late Nana Konadu

    A three day of national mourning has been declared by President John Dramni Mahama in honor of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. The President gave the directive through a statement dated Friday, October 24.


    The mourning period will begin today, Friday, October 24 and span through Sunday, October 26. President Mahama has also instructed that all national flags shall fly at half-mast at all public buildings, diplomatic missions, and government installations throughout the country and abroad. The statement further extended condolences to the bereaved family

    “Following the passing of H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has, on behalf of the government, declared three days of national mourning from today, Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025.


    During this period, all national flags shall fly at half-mast at all public buildings, diplomatic missions, and government installations throughout the country and abroad. This is in honour of her memory and in recognition of her distinguished service to our nation.


    “Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings served Ghana with dedication and commitment, particularly in women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development. The Government extends its deepest condolences to the family, her children, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, which occurred on Thursday, October 23. The NPP described the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, as a woman who embodied strength and resilience.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    “The late Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings, Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, was an epitome of the strength and resilience of Ghanaian women, particularly in political leadership and socio-economic empowerment,” the statement said.

    The cause of her death is yet to be made known. However, reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rawlings family and government representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing at the time of this report.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms. Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash. The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • Nana Konadu was a pillar in Ghanaian politics – NPP

    Nana Konadu was a pillar in Ghanaian politics – NPP

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, which occurred on Thursday, October 23. The NPP described the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, as a woman who embodied strength and resilience. 

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    “The late Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings, Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, was an epitome of the strength and resilience of Ghanaian women, particularly in political leadership and socio-economic empowerment,” the statement said.

    The cause of her death is yet to be made known. However, reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rawlings family and government representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing at the time of this report.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms. Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash. The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • BREAKING: Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is dead

    BREAKING: Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is dead

    Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings has been confirmed dead. This information was made public by the Presidency in a press statement today, Thursday, October 23. She passed away at the age of 76.

    The cause of her death is yet to be made known. However, reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rawlings family and government representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing at the time of this report.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms. Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash. The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • We have not negotiated any plea deal with A-G – Wontumi’s lawyer

    We have not negotiated any plea deal with A-G – Wontumi’s lawyer

    The lawyer for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has emphasized that the Office of the Attorney-General has not received any plea bargain proposal from their camp.

    Andy Appiah-Kubi’s clarification comes in response to a recent claim made by the Attorney-General during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 22. According to the A-G, his office has taken delivery of several plea bargain proposals from Wontumi.

    But Andy Appiah-Kubi has stated that there is no iota of truth in the Attorney-General’s claim, explaining that the case is still at a premature stage and therefore does not require any plea bargain discussions. Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi’s counsel has noted that there is no evidence to support the galamsey charges levelled against their client.

    Speaking to the media on Friday, October 10, Enoch Afoakwa noted that Chairman Wontumi is unshaken in his insistence on innocence in the face of all galamsey charges. He added, “So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven.”

    “When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to all the several counts of allegations that have been levelled against him. So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven.”

    Chairman Wontumi appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, over the alleged involvement of Akonta Mining in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

    A week ago, Chairman Wontumi, who is said to be the owner of Akonta Mining, appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    Speaking to the media, Wontumi’s legal counsel, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, revealed that his client had been charged with mining-related offences. “The charges are related to mining. Wontumi has been charged with mining without a license and other related offenses,” he disclosed.

    Chairman Wontumi was released from police custody after spending three nights in detention on Friday, October 10. His release followed the fulfillment of bail requirements totaling GHS25 million, imposed in connection with two separate illegal mining cases currently before the court.

    On October 7, he was unable to meet the bail conditions set by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra. In one of the cases, the court granted him GHS15 million bail with two sureties, while in the other, an additional GHS10 million bail was set, also with two sureties — one of whom must justify with landed property.

    The court further directed Wontumi to report to investigators once every week for the first month and prohibited him from traveling outside the country without explicit approval.

    The NPP regional chairman is facing several mining-related charges, including engaging in illegal mining activities and aiding environmental degradation within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve.

    A bail of GHS1 million with two sureties has been granted to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID. According to the Attorney-General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations, as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.

    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.

    In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”

    The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair; it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”

    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.

    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.

    According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

    President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution. During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.

    According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.

    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.

    “Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.

    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations. Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.

    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.

    He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.

    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.

    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.

    Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities. A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.

    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.

    The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.

    “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.

    “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.

    Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.

    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.

    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah noted.

  • Ghana needs enough evidence to bring Ofori-Atta home for trial – A-G

    Ghana needs enough evidence to bring Ofori-Atta home for trial – A-G

    Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine, has indicated that extraditing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana cannot be done solely based on a formal request.

    Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, Dr. Ayine emphasized that one of the key requirements for extradition is a comprehensive docket containing documents, evidence, and details related to the charges against the former Finance Minister.

    The Attorney-General, who also serves as the Minister for Justice, noted that his office is yet to receive the docket from the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.

    However, he added that the Office of the Attorney-General has already begun the formal processes and will conclude arrangements for Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana once the Office of the Special Prosecutor finalizes its part.

    “Without the docket, we cannot make a request, so we’re still waiting for the docket. I have read everything said by the Special Prosecutor [Kissi Agyebeng] and his office. I respect his office and the autonomy of the office. But we in the Attorney General’s department cannot begin an extradition request with a letter. We need the evidence to do so. So, the formal processes have started,” he stated.

    The clarification comes at a time when there are speculations that the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney General are dragging their feet on the matter. In June, Prof. Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, indicated that her husband will return to Ghana after his doctor’s approval.


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


    “He has never not been accountable. This is not Ken Ofori-Atta, who runs away from accountability. I don’t think there is any other home but Ghana, no, Ghana is home,” she stated. “So why are we holding back on the investigation? Why would he [the OSP] not give the video?” she added.


    Ofori-Atta continues to be a central figure in a legal battle, despite his current health condition. Ofori-Atta appeared on Interpol’s website for “using public office for profit” after being declared wanted by the OSP.


    This was after he failed to appear before the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2. His lawyers are said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.


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


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


    In February, the OSP declared Ofori-Atta wanted for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the following:


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


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


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


    Payments out of and utilization of the tax refund account of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Later, the legal representatives of the former finance minister informed the OSP that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honor an invitation for questioning.


    Ofori-Atta then assured the OSP of its commitment to appearing for questioning on a fixed date, which influenced the OSP’s decision to take his name off the list in March.


    However, the office stressed that he is legally obligated to show up on June 2. Failure to do so, an Interpol Red Notice would be issued and extradition proceedings would be initiated in any country where he may be located.


    Ken Ofori-Atta then took legal steps to block the OSP from re-declaring him wanted. His lawsuit argues that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.


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


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


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


    INTERPOL Red Notice


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


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


    INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.
    Each member country decides what legal value it gives to a Red Notice and the authority of their law enforcement officers to make arrests.

  • Odwira festival: One dead, four injured after shooting incident

    Odwira festival: One dead, four injured after shooting incident

    The ongoing Odwira Festival at Ahwerease in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region has been marred by tragedy following a shooting incident that left one person dead and four others injured. The unfortunate incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 22, reportedly followed a dispute between the Abokomahene and the Abimuhene of Ahwerease, escalating into an exchange of gunfire among some young men.A pump-action gun and a pistol used during the incident have been retrieved by the police, while thirty-four (34) individuals have been detained for their involvement in the shooting.

    Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh has warned against future occurrence, adding that his outfit will not tolerate acts of violence.

    The use of unlicensed guns has become a growing trend in Ghana, particularly during festivals. Illegal possession of small arms continues to pose a significant challenge across the country.

    However, Ghana has strengthened its global stance against nuclear weapons. In September, Ghana joined sixty-nine (69) other nations in efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate dangerous weapons, particularly nuclear bombs, from the world.

    Announcing the development on Saturday, September 27, via the X platform, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that Ghana has officially ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The move, according to the Minister, reflects Ghana’s commitment to supporting global peace and a stable security for the world. The Minister further applauded both the Cabinet and Parliament for their unanimous approval of the treaty.

    He also recalled how Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was a strong advocate of disarmament in 1962, adding that the late President would be proud of this groundbreaking step.

    “Yesterday, Ghana boldly demonstrated to the world that we shall be a Nuclear-Weapon-Free State by depositing our instrument of ratification on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the UN. I commend the Ghanaian Cabinet and Parliament for the unanimous ratification. As I indicated in my UN address, Ghana has been consistent across all political parties in advocating for total disarmament and creating a new world without nuclear weapons.

    “Ghana’s Founder, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, who convened the 1962 World Without the Bomb conference in Accra, would be absolutely proud of this moment. It was an honour to meet with the inspiring Melissa Parke and Seth Shelden of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). ICAN won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for their groundbreaking work to attain a world without nuclear weapons. We shall triumph and end global impunity,” he wrote.

    Ghana’s final ratification of the TPNW was signed in 2017 and approved by Parliament in July 2025. Ghana has been instrumental in promoting Africa’s stance as a nuclear-free continent.

    The sixty-nine (69) countries that have ratified the treaty are: Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, and Madagascar.

    The others include: Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the State of Palestine, Sudan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    In Ghana, institutions such as the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) have called on the judiciary to impose stricter punishments on individuals found in possession of unlicensed firearms.

    In 2024, NACSA reported one million illicit pump-action guns, AK-47s, pistols, and locally manufactured arms in circulation in Ghana. The Commission described these figures as a threat to national security.

    The Head of the National Arms Marking Programme at the time, Mr. Frank Boateng Asumani, stated: “Currently, we have 2.3 million small and light weapons in circulation, out of which 1.2 million are legally registered and the remaining 1.1 million cannot be accounted for.”

    Speaking to The Independent Ghana, the Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) at NACSA, Gyebi Asante, stressed the urgent need to review existing laws governing firearms possession to better counter current security challenges.

    “We are advocating for the law to be reviewed to suit the current situation and also be able to align with our current dispensation. It is something we have taken steps to do. Already, we have a proposed Bill, the National Arms Bill, at the Ministry of Interior to look at the document and endorse it.

    “For example, the penal sanction, when you have a law that regulates the possession of arms that can kill, you must have a strong penal sanction that can deter people from going behind the law to buy these weapons, so the law as it is now is not deterrent enough,” he added.

    He emphasized that the current penal sanctions are insufficient to deter illegal arms possession. According to him, the existing law stipulates a maximum jail term of five years or a fine of up to 1,000 penalty units, equating to 12,000 Ghana cedis.

    He added that there is no minimum penalty established, allowing judges to exercise discretion in sentencing. This loophole, he indicated, has led to situations where individuals found guilty of illegal gun possession could potentially pay as little as 100 Ghana cedis or serve a mere two weeks in jail.

    “For example, it says that you can be jailed for not more than 5 years and you can also be fined for not more than 1,000 penalty units. A penalty unit is 12 Ghana cedis, which makes it 12,000 Ghana cedis, not beyond, but it doesn’t give a minimum.

    “If you are arrested for illegally possessing a gun, the judge uses his discretion and he can decide that go and pay 100 cedis and if you don’t pay you will go to jail for two weeks because the law does not give you any minimum requirement. We see that as a serious challenge and a gap in the law that must be addressed,” he added.

    Mr. Asante revealed that the Commission has submitted to the Ministry of Interior a proposal to amend the current Arms and Ammunition (Amendment) Act, 1972 (Act 604).

    The National Arms Bill aims to close the existing gaps in the law, ultimately working towards a safer environment for all Ghanaians. Additionally, he emphasized the urgent need for the bill to be enacted into law to ensure effective control and regulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

    Established by an Act of Parliament in 2007, 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.

  • List of luxury assets allegedly owned by fmr NAFCO boss

    List of luxury assets allegedly owned by fmr NAFCO boss

    A list of luxury assets belonging to the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, has been made public by the Attorney General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    His assets include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes valued at $1.625 million, a three-bedroom house at Cantonments purchased for $600,000, and multiple plots of land at the Airport Development Area worth $750,000.

    Other properties include a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000; a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at over GHS 4.14 million; and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land purchased for GHS 307,200.

    The Attorney General made the disclosure while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, as part of the Government Accountability Series. He added that the recent development was made possible through collaboration with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after several properties and bank transactions were traced to Abdul-Wahab.

    But Abdul-Wahab has denied all allegations leveled against him by the Attorney General. In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Mr Aludiba noted that he has instructed his lawyers to follow up on the allegations.

    “I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate.

    “I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,” the statement added.

    Abdul-Wahab is standing trial over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct during his time in office. He was arrested on June 25, along with his wife. EOCO granted a GHS 30 million bail to his wife while her husband remained in custody pending fulfillment of his GHS60 million bail condition.

    The arrest, which took place simultaneously in Accra and Tamale, also led to the detention of a third, unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation.

    On Tuesday, July 8, the former NAFCO boss was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after being detained for 14 days.

    Abdul-Wahab Hanan was released after meeting a GH¢60 million bail condition backed by two guarantors. On June 25, Hanan and his spouse were taken into custody over suspected mismanagement of funds while he led the government agency.

    His wife was granted bail earlier, set at GH¢30 million. Earlier reports indicated that Mr. Hanan had met the bail terms; however, he remained in the custody of EOCO, a situation that drew backlash from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which described the terms as harsh and unfair.

    A third suspect, an unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation, has also been detained.

    Meanwhile, EOCO and two others—the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine (defendants)—have been dragged to court by the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye (plaintiff).

    Abronye’s legal case is over the detention of suspects for over 48 hours on the basis that they have not met their bail conditions.

    He wants the Supreme Court to declare that the continued detention of suspects by EOCO and NIB beyond 48 hours, solely on the basis that they have not met bail conditions—however excessive—constitutes a violation of Article 14(3) and is unconstitutional.

    Abronye has prayed the apex court to give a proper interpretation of Article 14(3) of the Constitution. The law states that “A person who is arrested, restricted or detained for the purpose of bringing him before a court in execution of an order of a court; or upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed or being about to commit a criminal offence under the laws of Ghana, and who is not released, shall be brought before a court within forty-eight hours after the arrest, restriction or detention.”

    He asserts that the arresting institutions, including EOCO and NIB, lack constitutional authority to detain any person beyond 48 hours without judicial authorisation, regardless of whether bail has been granted but not executed, and wants the court to declare so.

    Mr. Baffoe wants the court to tackle the issue of EOCO and NIB granting bail on excessive or punitive terms that deprive suspects of actual release. According to him, this “constitutes a constructive denial of bail” and “undermines the purpose and spirit of Article 14, especially clause 3.”

    The plaintiff is urging the court to issue an order directing EOCO and the NIB to take all necessary and lawful steps to ensure that all persons arrested and granted bail but unable to fulfil the bail conditions imposed are either released or brought before a court of competent jurisdiction within 48 hours of their arrest or detention.

    The defendants have within fourteen days after the service on them of the statement of the plaintiff’s case, inclusive of the day of service, to file or cause to be filed for them a statement of the defendant’s case in an action of the suit. Abronye’s legal redress comes after the detention and bail terms of some members of the erstwhile government.

  • Gifty Oware pleads not guilty in GHS38m NSA fraud trial

    Gifty Oware pleads not guilty in GHS38m NSA fraud trial

    The embattled former Deputy of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a financial loss of over GH¢38 million to the state.

    She has been granted GH¢10 million bail by the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 22. Mrs. Oware-Mensah has been slapped with five counts, while her former boss, the Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, faces fourteen charges. In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02.


    Last week, the court indefinitely adjourned the case after the duo failed to appear before it for a hearing. Explaining their absence, Mr. Assibey Antwi’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi.

    Mrs. Oware-Mensah’s lawyers disclosed that their client is unwell and unable to attend proceedings. Their charges include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for profit.

    The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that he approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.


    He is additionally charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024.


    Prosecutors say Mr. Antwi diverted project funds, authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.


    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.


    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform, a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.


    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database. She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.


    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, which resulted in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director.


    Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel. Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87.

    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).


    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.


    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, this was postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.


    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds. According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million cannot be accounted for.


    Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.
    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.


    “The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana. Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.


    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.


    Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.


    The findings revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr. Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.


    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.
    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.


    After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released. In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter.


    The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority.

    The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GHȼ50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Birim North District, Eastern Region.

  • Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill could become law within six months – Ntim Fordjour

    Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill could become law within six months – Ntim Fordjour

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, has indicated that Parliament could take less than three months to give a final verdict on the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-LBGTQ+).

    He explained that the current bill before Parliament will not go through extensive consultations and debates, as those processes have already been completed. According to him, the upcoming discussions will resume from where the previous deliberations ended. He made this known while speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 22.

    “Within 3 months to 6 months, we should be able to pass this bill. We’ve had bills more complex than this, which even came under a certificate of urgency. So, I don’t see why this should go beyond three months,” Rev. Fordjour said.

    The bill was presented to then President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was expected to sign it into law or refuse to assent to it within seven days.

    Initially tabled in 2021, the bill stalled following legal challenges at the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionality. Despite the pending case, the sponsors say reintroducing the motion ensures the process remains active.


    The bill has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups. Nonetheless, A coalition of ten Members of Parliament from both sides of the House has revived the contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, reopening one of Ghana’s most polarising national discussions.


    In a post shared on X by journalist Kwaku Asante on October 21, 2025, the group, co-led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George (NDC) and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour, announced the return of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.


    The proposed legislation criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, prescribing a maximum three-year jail term for same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or supporting such activities.


    The coalition members John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh argue that the bill is intended to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity and protect family values.

    International bodies, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, have strongly criticized the bill, describing it as an infringement on human rights.

    The move marks an uncommon show of bipartisan unity in Parliament. Lawmakers are expected to engage in intense debates in the coming weeks as the Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.
    Faith-based groups continue to throw their weight behind the legislation, while civil society organizations and rights advocates are mobilizing fresh opposition.


    Ten Members of Parliament have once again brought before the House the divisive Anti-LBGTQ+ Bill, reigniting heated national discussions over sexuality and cultural values.


    A post by Kwaku Asante on X on October 21, 2025, revealed that the coalition led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour had reintroduced the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.


    The proposed law seeks to outlaw LGBTQ+ practices and related advocacy or financing. Offenders could face up to three years in prison for engaging in same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or funding such activities.


    According to the document shared online, members of the coalition include John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh.


    They argue that the legislation is essential to upholding Ghana’s moral and cultural heritage. The bill, first introduced in 2021, was stalled earlier this year due to court injunctions challenging its legality. Despite the pending court decision, the sponsors insist the new motion keeps the debate alive.


    The reintroduction reflects a rare bipartisan alignment in Parliament, as both NDC and NPP MPs rally behind it. The Speaker is expected to forward the bill to the appropriate committee for further scrutiny, as Parliament braces for passionate exchanges.


    Two female legislators, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei and Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, are introducing the Property Rights of Spouses Bill.


    Last year, the United States Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill, is signed into law.


    Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”


    He noted that both governments have had intensive conversations on the matter, which were done behind closed doors.


    The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts.


    The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of the stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, stating that it threatens constitutional freedoms.

  • Parliament to begin debate on Human Sexual Rights Bill today

    Parliament to begin debate on Human Sexual Rights Bill today

    Parliament will, in the coming days, commence deliberations on the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LBGTQ+ bill.

    Speaking to the media, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, explicitly noted that discussions will begin today, Wednesday, October 22, or Thursday, October 23.

    “Any time between today and tomorrow, I do not even think that it should go beyond today because it is already advertised and it’s a matter of urgent public interest. I expect that today at 2:00 p.m., when Parliament reconvenes, it should be one of the first bills that should be called for first reading. Consequential referral to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs will be done by the Speaker,” he added.

    According to him, the Bill will undergo three stages: the first, second, and third, before a final decision is made on the matter. The new bill, passed on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.


    The bill was presented to then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was required to either sign it into law or decline to assent to it within seven days.

    Initially tabled in 2021, the bill stalled following legal challenges at the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionality. Despite the pending case, the sponsors say reintroducing the motion ensures the process remains active.


    The bill has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups. Nonetheless, A coalition of ten Members of Parliament from both sides of the House has revived the contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, reopening one of Ghana’s most polarising national discussions.


    In a post shared on X by journalist Kwaku Asante on October 21, 2025, the group, co-led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George (NDC) and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour, announced the return of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.


    The proposed legislation criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, prescribing a maximum three-year jail term for same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or supporting such activities.


    The coalition members John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh—argue that the bill is intended to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity and protect family values.

    International bodies, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, have strongly criticized the bill, describing it as an infringement on human rights.

    The move marks an uncommon show of bipartisan unity in Parliament. Lawmakers are expected to engage in intense debates in the coming weeks as the Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.
    Faith-based groups continue to throw their weight behind the legislation, while civil society organizations and rights advocates are mobilizing fresh opposition.


    Ten Members of Parliament have once again brought before the House the divisive Anti-LBGTQ+ Bill, reigniting heated national discussions over sexuality and cultural values.


    A post by Kwaku Asante on X on October 21, 2025, revealed that the coalition led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour had reintroduced the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.


    The proposed law seeks to outlaw LGBTQ+ practices and related advocacy or financing. Offenders could face up to three years in prison for engaging in same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or funding such activities.


    According to the document shared online, members of the coalition include John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh.


    They argue that the legislation is essential to upholding Ghana’s moral and cultural heritage. The bill, first introduced in 2021, was stalled earlier this year due to court injunctions challenging its legality. Despite the pending court decision, the sponsors insist the new motion keeps the debate alive.


    The reintroduction reflects a rare bipartisan alignment in Parliament, as both NDC and NPP MPs rally behind it. The Speaker is expected to forward the bill to the appropriate committee for further scrutiny, as Parliament braces for passionate exchanges.


    Two female legislators, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei and Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, are introducing the Property Rights of Spouses Bill.


    Last year, the United States Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill, is signed into law.


    Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”


    He noted that both governments have had intensive conversations on the matter, which were done behind closed doors.


    The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts.


    The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of the stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, stating that it threatens constitutional freedoms.