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Tag: Benin

  • I never approved $5.2m contract for renovation of Benin embassy – Ablakwa

    I never approved $5.2m contract for renovation of Benin embassy – Ablakwa

    The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has shot down claims that he approved an amount of  US$5.2 million for the renovation for Ghana’s embassy in Benin.

    Taking to his official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that  no such contract had been awarded under his tenure.

    “For the record, I have not awarded any embassy renovation contract anywhere in the world. Let me be clear — not a single embassy renovation or construction contract has been awarded by me since I became Foreign Minister,” he wrote.

    In an unrelated development, Ghana’s Embassy in Tehran, Iran, will fully resume its operations on Tuesday, September 16, after a temporary closure.

    Heightened tensions between Iran and Israel forced the closure of the embassy in June. However, significant improvements in the security situation in Iran have influenced the resumption of operations in the area, according to a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 2, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that with the improvement in the security situation in Iran, a decision has been taken for the Embassy to resume its operations on Tuesday, September 16, 2025,” the statement read.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s historic five hundred (500) Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for heads of missions have been duly launched by President John Dramani Mahama. The initiative is to provide heads of mission with a clear framework for assessing their work and supporting the President’s Reset Vision for the country.

    The President was aided by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, the Ghana Mantse, to perform the launch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, on Monday, September 1, 2025. Delivering his keynote address, President Mahama stated that Ghana’s mission had advanced into paths of economic engagement, facilitating trade, attracting investment, and promoting innovation.

    Thus, he charged the heads of missions to promote investments in Ghana’s priority sectors, industrialization, renewable energy, digital services, agro-processing, infrastructure and tourism.

    “I charge you to expand our export markets, especially for value-added goods such as processed food, shea butter, textiles, crafts, and digital services. I charge you to move the life of our diaspora not only as remittance of money, but also as investors, innovators, and partners in Ghana’s development,” he said.

    The 500 KPIs cover areas such as securing scholarships and promoting exchange programmes with foreign institutions to build human capacity as well as increasing tourist arrivals by a least 10 per cent each year to create jobs and strengthen foreign reserves. They also require strict compliance with financial and procurement rules, enhancing national security through stronger intelligence sharing and partnerships with foreign agencies, navigating Permanent Joint Commissions for Cooperation (PJCC) with major partners, and shifting from renting office spaces to building permanent infrastructure to cut down rent costs.

    He stressed that the performance of the heads of missions will be judged not by ceremonial protocols, but by the level of investment, trade, and opportunities they can attract for the country.

    President Mahama explained that the Government’s Reset Agenda also focuses on governance, particularly restoring public trust through transparency and accountability. He added that as Ghana’s envoys abroad, the heads of mission are expected to reflect these principles, managing the nation’s missions with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.

    “Our citizens abroad must experience fairness and respect, for our diplomacy’s credibility is inseparable from the credibility of our governments,” he added.

    List of newly appointed envoys

    Twenty-three individuals have been appointed as ambassadors, high commissioners, and consul-generals following their nomination by President Mahama.

    Among the first fifteen appointees are Benjamin A. Quashie for the Republic of South Africa, Kojo Bonsu for the People’s Republic of China, Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe for the Kingdom of Spain, Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali for the United Arab Emirates, Hon. Captain George Kofi Nfojoh for the Togolese Republic, and Grace El Mahmoud Marabe for the United Arab Emirates–Dubai.

    The others are Prof. Ohene Adjei for the Federal Republic of Germany, Abdul Nasiru-Deen for the Republic of Turkey, Theresah Adjei-Mensah for the Czech Republic, Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso for India, Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, Ph.D., for Canada, Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere for Denmark, Labik Joseph Yaani for Equatorial Guinea, Nii Amasah Namoale for the Federative Republic of Brazil, and Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo for the Republic of Senegal.

    The remaining eight appointees are Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, the Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, who will represent Ghana in Hungary; Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey will serve as Ambassador to the Italian Republic; Magnus Kofi Amoatey has been appointed as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kenneth Akibate is Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Said Sinareis, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Paul Evans Aidoo will head Ghana’s mission in the Republic of Kenya.

    4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar set for September 5

    In an unrelated development, the 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar is slated to commence on September 5 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The three-day event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

    Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities,” the bazaar seeks to promote Ghanaian products and services globally through economic diplomacy. It will also connect Ghanaian producers with consumers, investors, diplomats, and foreign buyers.

    The event is being organized in partnership with institutions such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Ghana Enterprises Agency, and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

    Sponsors include Green Coast, GRA, and Zonda, among others.

    The official media partners are The Multimedia Group and SP Agency. For inquiries, interested persons may contact 0538 062 264 or 0209 249 932, or email bazaar@mfa.gov.gh. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar in Accra. At the launch, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the bazaar seeks to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and increase the country’s export of non-traditional goods.

    “We are not merely talking about Made-in-Ghana; we are institutionalising it through bold reforms and strategic action,” he said.

    He added that the initiative forms part of President Mahama’s vision to make Ghanaian businesses competitive on the international market and drive national self-reliance.

  • No property in Benin will be sold under my watch – Foreign Affairs Minister

    No property in Benin will be sold under my watch – Foreign Affairs Minister

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has vowed to safeguard Ghana’s diplomatic assets in Benin, firmly stating that no government-owned property in the country will be sold under his tenure. His assurance comes amid efforts to restore and refurbish aging properties acquired by Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

    During a recent working visit to Cotonou, the capital of Benin, the Minister toured several state-owned facilities, some of which have been underutilized or left in disrepair. Among the six properties owned by Ghana in Benin, only one remains abandoned—vacant since 2019 after a fire incident damaged its electrical systems.

    While acknowledging that most of the properties remain functional, Ablakwa raised alarms about structural challenges with a number of them. Due to these issues, he noted that some staff have had to seek expensive private accommodations, which burdens the mission’s budget.

    He pledged government commitment to addressing the situation. “Initiatives will be undertaken to renovate and, in some cases, reconstruct the properties due to concerns about structural integrity,” he said. “No property will be sold under my watch.”

    Ablakwa’s statement is consistent with his firm stance against the sale of diplomatic properties abroad. Speaking in Parliament, he disclosed that with the full support of President John Mahama, the current government had halted attempts to offload Ghanaian diplomatic assets in Nigeria and Zambia—moves he attributed to the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.

    “Yesterday, I informed Parliament that with the full backing of President Mahama, we have canceled two transactions initiated by the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to sell Ghanaian diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia,” the Minister declared.

    He also revealed that one of the halted transactions involved an unlawful partial payment. Authorities are now working to recover the funds and bring those responsible to justice.

    “Determined efforts are underway to retrieve an illegal part payment in one of the transactions. The masterminds, who are currently on the run, will surely be found and sanctioned,” he emphasized.

    Reassuring Ghanaians of his unwavering stance, Ablakwa added that there would be no sale of any diplomatic property, either in Ghana or among the country’s 71 foreign missions, under the current administration.

  • WAPCo completes pipeline repairs, reopens gas transport to West Africa

    WAPCo completes pipeline repairs, reopens gas transport to West Africa

    The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has wrapped up key maintenance on its gas pipeline network, restoring supply to Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

    The operation included offshore pipeline inspections, subsea valve replacements, and other crucial upgrades at various points in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

    In a statement on Friday, February 28, WAPCo confirmed that the work was finished ahead of time while upholding strict safety measures.

    For four weeks, gas flow to Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), and Cotonou (Benin) was put on hold to facilitate the repairs.

    Michelle Burkett, WAPCo’s Managing Director, commended the team’s hard work and expertise, crediting them for the project’s timely and successful completion.

    “I want to congratulate every member of our team for their dedication and professionalism. This was a complex project, and your hard work, even in the face of challenges, made it a success. While some countries experienced temporary disruptions due to the shutdown of the laterals, our teams worked tirelessly to ensure that maintenance was carried out swiftly and safely. The results speak for themselves, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved” she said.

    She expressed deep appreciation to the governments of Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin for their collaboration, while also recognizing the vital roles played by regulatory agencies, maritime authorities, local communities, gas distributors, shippers, investors, and other key partners.

    WAPCo reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of gas across the region, assuring stakeholders of its reliability in meeting energy demands.

  • Benin national scammed in Ghana, loses motorbike and phone

    Benin national scammed in Ghana, loses motorbike and phone

    A young man from Benin, who travelled to Ghana in search of better opportunities, has tragically fallen victim to a scam, losing both his motorbike and mobile phone.

    In a video shared on Instagram, a passerby, noticing the foreigner’s distressed appearance, approached him to learn about his unfortunate ordeal.

    According to the passerby’s account, the foreigner had been offering okada (motorbike taxi) services when an individual hired him for a ride.

    After completing some rounds, the scammer deceived the foreigner by asking to use his phone to make a call. Trusting the man, the foreigner also handed over his motorbike key. The scammer then fled with both the phone and motorbike, leaving the young man stranded.

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

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

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

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

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

    Rescue efforts are currently underway.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Rainstorm from Benin to hit northern part of Ghana

    Rainstorm from Benin to hit northern part of Ghana

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an alert regarding a moderate to heavy rainstorm currently observed over northern Benin.

    This weather system is expected to impact areas in Ghana’s northern and transition sectors, bringing thunderstorms and rain of varying intensities.

    This afternoon, sunny conditions were prevalent across most regions of the country. However, the meteorological outlook indicates that isolated thunderstorms or rain could develop in some coastal and inland areas from late afternoon into the evening.

    Residents in the affected regions are advised to take necessary precautions as the rainstorm approaches. The anticipated weather conditions may lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and could disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans.

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

  • Injured Osimhen sidelined in Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers games

    Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to an injury, the Nigeria Football Federation announced on Tuesday.

    While the federation did not disclose specifics about the injury, it stated that the 25-year-old Napoli striker will be sidelined for four weeks.

    Osimhen will be absent for the matches against South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and Benin in Ivory Coast on June 10.

    His absence presents a challenge for recently appointed head coach Finidi George, who is aiming to get the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign back on track following unexpected 1-1 draws with Lesotho at home and Zimbabwe in Rwanda.

  • Strong winds, rainstorm from Benin to hit Ghana – GMet

    Strong winds, rainstorm from Benin to hit Ghana – GMet

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency, in the wee hours of Monday, April 29, noted that a moderate to heavy rainstorm
    located over the northern parts of Benin is expected to drift westward to affect places within the northern sector.

    However, the rainstorm has triggered localized developments of thunder and rain-bearing clouds over the Transition and Forest belts (Ahafo, Bono, Ashanti and Bono East regions), which are currently producing thunderstorms and rain of varying intensity.

    Moderate to strong winds are likely to accompany the rainstorm

    As of 7am, the Agency noted that the rainstorm had engulfed the eastern flanks of the country, and it is currently producing scattered to widespread thunderstorms and rain of varying intensity over the country.

    The rainstorm is expected to continue propagating westward to affect the western portions of the country this morning.

    Moderate to strong winds are likely to affect places within the forest belt, therefore, necessary precautionary measures are advised to be taken.

  • Ghana gov’t in talks with Benin, Gambia for free roaming mobile services

    Ghana gov’t in talks with Benin, Gambia for free roaming mobile services

    The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA), is currently engaged in discussions with The Gambia and Benin to introduce complementary mobile roaming services for their citizens.

    The initiative aims to eliminate additional charges for data and other mobile services when Ghanaian individuals, such as businessmen, women, tourists, or traders, travel to these countries.

    Vice President Dr. Mahmud Bawumia announced this development at a platinum night event organised to welcome telecommunications service provider Telecel to Ghana.

    He emphasised that the successful implementation of this initiative would significantly enhance business interactions between the involved nations.

    “Government has been able to reach an agreement with neighbouring Togo to roll out free roaming services on all networks in both countries. And at the moment, the National Communications Authority is in the process of signing a similar agreement with Benin and The Gambia so citizens can connect easily when they are in each other’s territory”, Dr. Bawumia stated.

    The effort is part of a broader ECOWAS initiative focused on digitally connecting member countries seamlessly.

    During the event, Dr. Bawumia revealed that an agreement had already been reached with neighbouring Togo to provide free roaming services on all networks in both countries.

    The National Communications Authority is now in the process of finalising similar agreements with Benin and The Gambia.

    The Vice President urged Telecel to prioritise affordable and high-quality services, addressing ongoing challenges with voice quality that some users still face.

    Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, assured stakeholders that the acquisition of Vodafone has been a strategic move to create a competitive market for Ghanaian consumers.

    She pledged significant investments in digital services, including financial technology and data services.

    The platinum night event served as a platform for Telecel to engage with industry stakeholders and policymakers regarding its planned service rollout.

    Despite Vodafone’s exit from the Ghanaian market, the government of Ghana maintains a 30% stake in the company.

  • Separatist from Nigeria released in Benin – Report

    Separatist from Nigeria released in Benin – Report

    Separatist from Nigeria, known for his advocacy for an independent Yoruba nation, Sunday Igboho Adeyemo, has been released in Benin, where he had been detained after fleeing Nigeria in 2021, according to his lawyer as reported by AFP news agency.

    “He has been freed and he has left Benin,” said his attorney Ibrahim Salami.

    There has been no official statement from Benin authorities. Adeyemo gained attention in Nigeria in October 2020 when he called for an independent Yoruba republic, although he faced ridicule initially.

    He later became a focal point for grievances related to land rights. After authorities raided his home in Ibadan in 2021, he fled Nigeria, leading to his detention in Benin.

    Adeyemo has expressed gratitude to Benin’s President Patrice Talon in a social media video, as per AFP reports.

  • Niger Coup: Onion sellers hopitalized due to Benin border blockage

    Niger Coup: Onion sellers hopitalized due to Benin border blockage

    Some onion sellers have allegedly been hospitalized due to the excruciating pain of looked up funds invested in bags of onions withheld at Niger border.

    In a time of media engagement with one of the sellers, Mumuni Anabila, disclosed that some of them secured loans to keep their onion business running.

    Unfortunately the Niger coup happened and it’s negatively impacting their finances and business stability.

    He revealed that some of his brothers involved in the business have been hospitalized due to the “grave” financial loss.

    “We the onion traders went in to secure loans for our business. When the cars were blocked from discharging the onions to us we were heavily affected. As it stands now we don’t know what we are going to do.

    “We are appealing to the government to do all he can to release the onions to us.  Some of our goods were spoilt over there because they were seized for two weeks.Some of the traders with us here are in hospital. Two of my brothers are in the hospital because of their locked up funds,” Mr. Anabila shared.

    About one hundred trucks of onions expected to deliver onions to the kwadeso market are locked up in Niger for many days.

    Each truck transporting at least 300 bags of onions at a cost of 1500.00 each. 

    An estimated 45milion Ghana ceds remains locked up at the border for fear of terrorist activities.

    Meanwhile, individuals belonging to the Ghanaian Onion Sellers Association find themselves stranded at the Benin border, and they are once again appealing to the government for assistance.

    The group’s spokesperson, Ali Umar, communicated during an interview with Citi Business News, said that their inability to traverse the border into Ghana is poised to negatively impact their business operations.

    Umar elucidated that a number of association members had taken loans from both individuals and financial establishments to undertake their onion procurement. Consequently, if prompt measures are not taken, these individuals will face financial incapacitation, leaving them unable to fulfill their repayment obligations.

    “Our trucks are still at the border, they are not able to allow them to come over. We need support from the government because some of us have to go and borrow money,” Ali Umar said.

    “…So if it has come like this, it is not easy to pay the money back. So we really need the support. If the government can support us with something, we will be really grateful,” he added.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Amanda Cartey

  • About GHC 45m worth of onions ‘locked up’, rotting at Ghana-Benin border

    About GHC 45m worth of onions ‘locked up’, rotting at Ghana-Benin border

    An alarming situation is emerging as a result of recent developments arising from the Niger coup, including the shutting down of borders by countries sharing territories with Niger.

    Reports reveal that a staggering amount of approximately GHC 45 million worth of onions remain stranded and rotting at the border. This is due to the fact that over 100 trucks carrying bags of the commodity have all been locked up in Malanville, the border town between Benin and Niger.

    It started with the ruling National Council for the Protection of the Country (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP) announcing the closure of Niger’s airspace to all aircraft until further notice on Aug. 6, 2023, citing the threat of military intervention from neighboring countries. 

    The move came amid the expiration of a deadline imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that demanded that the country’s junta step down and release and reappoint deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. 

    While ECOWAS had reportedly considered military intervention in Niger if the CNSP did not comply with their demands by the Aug. 6 deadline, the regional bloc’s next planned steps were not immediately clear following the deadline’s expiration.

    Before the Aug. 6 declaration, the coup leaders had announced the reopening of land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad from Aug. 1; the borders with Benin and Nigeria have remained officially closed. 

    Over a week ago, leaders of ECOWAS, a 15-member regional bloc, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) decided to impose economic and financial sanctions to Niger in response to the unconstitutional power change.

    Benin has insisted that diplomacy is the preferred solution to managing the crisis caused by the military coup in Niger.

    The country’s foreign minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, told reporters his country was demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.

    Bakari also pledged his full support for efforts by the west African bloc ECOWAS to resolve the ongoing crisis, as result, Benin has also initiated a border closer to Niger.

    The blockade has been going on for over a week, with Benin having closed its border with Niger in accordance with one of the decisions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

    This development has largely impacted various activities, especially trade activities on the bloc. Countries are reporting huge losses and businesses are crying out as the disruptions in supply chains and trade channels reverberate across the global economic landscape. Transporters in the border town are also lamenting that they have been hard hit. 

    One of the traders confessed to selling a bag of onion which on a usual day would be sold at GHC1,500, for GHC200.

    “We can’t do anything. If nothing is done about the situation, we will lose our capital and we will have to go in for a loan,” he lamented.

    The traders are therefore appealing to ECOWAS to rescind their decision and reopen the border. 

  • A sack of onion worth GHS1,300 reduces to GHS100.00 over Niger coup

    A sack of onion worth GHS1,300 reduces to GHS100.00 over Niger coup

    As a consequence of the Benin border closure, a reported total of over 500 sacks of onions have succumbed to spoilage in the Ashanti region.

    This border closure resulted in a significant delay in the transportation of these goods, spanning several days.

    In response to this situation, onion vendors, as indicated by citinewsroom reports, have been left with no choice but to either discard the deteriorated onions or vend them at significantly reduced prices.

    For instance, a sack of onions that had originally commanded a price of GH¢1,300 is now being retailed for as low as GH¢100 in certain markets within the Ashanti region.

    Truck drivers have attributed their inability to traverse the Benin border with fully loaded trucks of onions and other edibles to the political tensions prevalent in Niger.

    “We spent ten days at the Benin border, so the onions have turned bad. Onions start to go bad within four days. The Ghana Ambassador came to intervene, which is why we were allowed to pass through the border, but it was too late. We have lost a lot of money. About 220 bags of onions have all gone bad,”one of the truck drivers Seidu Sule was quoted by citinewsroom.com.

    When some of the onion vendors were contacted, they revealed that their losses were millions of Ghanaian cedis.

    “Sadness has befallen us. When you are approaching the market, you will smell the scent of the onions that have gone bad. This is due to our inability to reach here on time as a result of the closure of the border. We can’t calculate the amount lost as it stands now. An onion bag that used to be sold at GHS1,300 is now five bags being sold at GH¢150. We don’t know what we are going to do. We are calling on the government to come to our aid because it’s affecting us. We pay taxes,” an onion seller cried.

    Another onion seller lamented, “I’m now selling a bag of onion for GH¢100, GH¢200, GH¢500. We have sent some to the refuse dump. I will not even get my principal, not to talk about my profits. We even sent money for additional trucks when we heard that the border was opened. And here we are with so much loss.”

  • Ashanti Region: Benin border closure results in onion spoilage

    Ashanti Region: Benin border closure results in onion spoilage

    Over 500 sacks of onions, offloaded from trucks, have spoiled as a result of transportation delays.

    The delay is stemed from the border closure in Benin. Consequently, the quality of the onions has been significantly compromised, resulting in substantial financial losses for individuals engaged in the onion trade.

    The spoilt onions are either being thrown away as waste or sold to retailers at lower prices than originally intended.

    The Anloga Onion market has witnessed a drastic decline in prices, with a sack of onions previously valued at GH¢1,300 now being sold for as little as GH¢100.

    Speaking to the media, a truck driver, “we spent ten days at the Benin border, so the onions have turned bad. Onions start to go bad within four days. The Ghana Ambassador came to intervene, which is why we were allowed to pass through the border, but it was too late. We have lost a lot of money. About 220 bags of onions have all gone bad.”

    The onion vendors have expressed their sorrow over the substantial losses, which are estimated to be in the millions of Ghanaian cedis.

    One vendor said, “Sadness has befallen us. When you are approaching the market, you will smell the scent of the onions that have gone bad. This is due to our inability to reach here on time as a result of the closure of the border. We can’t calculate the amount lost as it stands now. An onion bag that used to be sold at GHS1,300 is now five bags being sold at GH¢150. We don’t know what we are going to do. We are calling on the government to come to our aid because it’s affecting us. We pay taxes.”

    Another vendor shared their frustration, stating, “I’m now selling a bag of onion for GH¢100, GH¢200, GH¢500. We have sent some to the refuse dump. I will not even get my principal, not to talk about my profits. We even sent money for additional trucks when we heard that the border was opened. And here we are with so much loss.”

    In the context of Niger, a coup was announced by soldiers on national television on July 27.

    This coup resulted in the dissolution of the constitution, suspension of institutions, and closure of the nation’s borders.

    President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by troops from the presidential guard. On August 7, the coup leaders took the step of closing the country’s airspace indefinitely, citing concerns about potential military intervention from neighboring nations.

    The West African group of countries, ECOWAS, had previously warned that it might use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated by 23:00 GMT on Sunday.

    A junta spokesperson has affirmed the readiness of Niger’s armed forces to defend the nation.

  • Akufo-Addo’s conduct on Niger crisis is disappointing – NDC

    Akufo-Addo’s conduct on Niger crisis is disappointing – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, has voiced disappointment regarding President Akufo-Addo’s approach to the Niger coup issue.

    In an official statement, the NDC made clear its non-support for hastily involving brave Ghanaian soldiers in any impulsive and poorly thought-out actions.

    The NDC firmly believes that the pursuit of productive dialogue and skillful diplomacy should be continued.

    “The NDC finds President Akufo-Addo‘s conduct deeply disheartening. His failure to present this crucial matter for parliamentary deliberation denies him a legitimate democratic mandate from the Ghanaian people’s representatives, which is essential for determining the country’s best interests.”

    The NDC emphasizes the need for broader bipartisan consultations to establish a unified Ghanaian stance on such a sensitive issue.

    The General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated “President Akufo-Addo’s actions stand in contrast to his attempts to educate other nations about democracy. His consistent disregard for constitutional and democratic channels to shape Ghana’s stance on critical matters of this kind is concerning.”

  • Stranded onion traders at Benin border exposes PFJ’s failure – Minority

    Stranded onion traders at Benin border exposes PFJ’s failure – Minority

    Minority in Parliament, has contended that the border closure in Niger due to the military coup has highlighted the government’s significant shortcomings in its Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) policy.

    Ghanaian onion traders stranded at the Benin border have urgently called on President Akufo-Addo to step in and facilitate the release of approximately 70 trucks carrying onions from Niger to Ghana via Benin.

    The closure of the border as a result of the Niger coup has left these trucks and drivers immobilized at the border for several weeks.

    The Ranking Member on the Food and Agriculture Committee of Parliament, Eric Opoku, responded to the situation by criticizing the government’s decision to import vegetables that were intended to be produced under the Planting for Food and Jobs program.

    Opoku noted, “We are clearly unable to meet the local demand for onions in Ghana. Consequently, we heavily rely on onion imports from Niger, spending over $100 million annually. The coup in Niger and the subsequent border closure are significantly impacting traders.”

    He continued, “I’ve previously stated that the Planting for Food and Jobs program has been a glaring failure. Despite substantial investment, the outcomes are negligible. Items designated under the program are still being imported in large quantities.”

    Political turmoil in Niger has led to substantial price hikes in vegetables, with vegetable bags now priced between GH¢1,500 and GH¢1,600.

    Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that prices could surge to GH¢3,000-GH¢4,000 if the situation is not promptly addressed.

  • Benin border closure triggering onion scarcity in Ghana

    Benin border closure triggering onion scarcity in Ghana

    The closure of the Benin border following the coup in Niger is causing a surge in onion prices across various markets in Ghana.

    Stranded onion traders at the Benin border have appealed to President Akufo-Addo for assistance by releasing about 70 trucks carrying onions from Niger to Ghana.

    Due to the border closure resulting from the Niger coup, these trucks and their drivers have been stuck at the border for weeks.

    Concerned onion sellers, responsible for over 70 truckloads, emphasized that without urgent action, the onions could spoil, causing a potential spike in prices.

    Vegetable prices have already soared due to the political turmoil in Niger, with vegetable bags priced between GH¢1,500 to GH¢1,600.

    There are fears that prices could escalate further to GH¢3,000 to GH¢4,000 if the situation isn’t resolved promptly.

    Spokesperson for the onion sellers, Yakubu Apendiba, explained that “some trucks have passed through the Benin border, but some are still stuck at the Burkina Faso border. Onions that used to be sold at GH¢1,000 to GH¢1,100 are now priced at GH¢1,500. There’s a scarcity of onions in other areas as well. We appeal to the government to help us communicate with Burkina Faso’s President so the trucks can be escorted to Ghana.”

    The military in Niger announced a coup on July 27, dissolving the constitution, closing borders, and suspending institutions.

    The situation has led to regional instability and concerns of military intervention from neighboring countries.

    ECOWAS, a West African regional group, warned of possible force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated.

    The junta in Niger stated that the country’s armed forces are ready to defend the nation.

  • Benin border closure leaves onion sellers stranded

    Benin border closure leaves onion sellers stranded

    Stranded onion vendors at the Benin border are urgently appealing for President Akufo-Addo‘s intervention to facilitate the border’s reopening, allowing them entry into Ghana.

    In response to the recent coup in Niger, the Benin border has been closed, leaving these onion traders, who arrived with approximately 15 trucks, in a state of uncertainty at the border.

    The concerned group of onion sellers is alarmed by the possibility of their onion cargo spoiling if swift action is not taken. They are urging President Akufo-Addo to engage with authorities at the Benin border to resolve the situation.

    During an interview on Eyewitness News, the spokesperson for the onion sellers association, Yakubu Akpeneda said, “We have loaded onions from Niger, and they have parked at the Benin border, they are now in Benin, but the border has been locked. They said they locked the border because of the Niger coup. On August 2, they promised to open the border at midnight, but we didn’t hear anything.”

    “We are calling on the authorities to intervene in the matter, else the onions will rot if they keep long on the road. The authorities should help us by talking to authorities in Benin to open the border for us to bring our onions to Ghana. Our trucks are plenty, the trucks are more than 15. And they are all carrying onions”.

    He indicated that the situation will affect the prices of onions in the various markets.

    “The situation will have an impact on prices of onions in the various markets”.

  • US donates $100 million to coastal West Africa’s fight against terrorism

    US donates $100 million to coastal West Africa’s fight against terrorism

    The US government has pledged to give five countries in West Africa $100 million to help fight potential extreme terrorism.

    The countries include Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Guinea, and Togo.

    This is in line with the US initiative to boost it eliminate violence and propel stability in areas vulnerable to conflict.
    US commits $100m to help combat terrorism in coastal West Africa

    This was announced by US Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to the Jubilee House in Accra.

    She was hosted by President Akufo-Addo where they both held pertinent discussions of mutual interest.

    “Today I am pleased to announce $100 million in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo,” she said on Monday.

    “Last week President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability.”

    She expressed hope that the funding will help implement the policy outlined by US President Joe Biden in the strategic plan.
    US commits $100m to help combat terrorism in coastal West Africa

    Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries – Tanzania and Zambia.

  • Ghana, four other West African countries to receive $100m US aid to combat terrorism

    Five countries in coastal West Africa will benefit from a $100 million aid to help combat possible extreme terrorism.

    This was announced by Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, on the second day of her visit to Ghana.

    The countries include Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Guinea, and Togo.

    This is in line with the US initiative to boost it eliminate violence and propel stability in areas vulnerable to conflict. 

    This was announced by US Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to the Jubilee House in Accra.

    She was hosted by President Akufo-Addo where they both held pertinent discussions of mutual interest.

    “Today I am pleased to announce $100 million in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo,” she said on Monday.

    “Last week President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability.”

    She expressed hope that the funding will help implement the policy outlined by US President Joe Biden in the strategic plan.

    Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries – Tanzania and Zambia.

  • Benin polls: Opposition wins seats in parliament, first time in 4 years

    Benin polls: Opposition wins seats in parliament, first time in 4 years

    Preliminary results indicate that Benin’s opposition has returned to parliament after a four-year absence, winning 28 seats in elections dominated by President Patrice Talon’s allies.

    The election on Sunday was a litmus test for the West African state where Talon has promoted development, but critics say his policies have come at the expense of Benin’s once-thriving multiparty democracy.

    According to the CENA electoral authority, the main opposition party, the Les Democrates won 28 seats, while the Republican Bloc (BR) and Progressive Union for Renewal (UP-R) parties allied with Talon won 81 seats.

    None of the remaining four parties competing for the 109 seats received enough votes to meet the 10% parliamentary representation threshold.

    Final results are expected on Friday after a vote that went ahead peacefully and in line with the regulations, according to election observers from the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS.

    Voter turnout in the polls was a low 38.66 percent, the electoral commission said, despite analysts predicting it would be higher as more parties were involved.

    Four years ago, opposition parties were effectively barred from participating in a legislative ballot due to a tightening of election rules, resulting in a parliament dominated by Talon supporters.

    Most of Talon’s key opponents have also been jailed or forced into exile after the cotton magnate was elected in 2016 and later re-elected in 2021.

    The 2019 legislative vote was marred by deadly clashes in an opposition stronghold, historic low turnout and an internet blackout.

    On Sunday, seven parties – including three allied to the opposition – were allowed to participate.

    Opposition leaders had hoped their parties would gain seats in preparation for the 2026 presidential election, when candidates will need the backing of lawmakers to be registered.

    The mandate of the Constitutional Court also ends this year and, three years before the presidential ballot, the court’s composition is key as it oversees decisions on elections.

    Four judges are appointed by lawmakers while three are chosen by the president.

    Les Democrates, linked to Talon’s predecessor and rival Thomas Boni Yayi, also said it would seek to push an amnesty law in parliament to free jailed colleagues and allow the return of exiles.

    In December 2021, Reckya Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in prison on a charge of “terrorism”, while Joel Aivo – another opposition leader and academic – was jailed for 10 years for alleged conspiracy against the authority of the state.

    Both were tried by a special court dealing with “terrorism” and economic crimes, known as the CRIET. Critics say the court, opened by Talon’s government in 2016, has been used to crackdown on his opponents.

    Sunday’s legislative vote took place as Benin and other Gulf of Guinea coastal countries, Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast, face a growing threat from violence spilling over their northern borders with the Sahel.

    Source: Aljazeera.com
  • Images: Benin Voodoo festival attracts descendants of slaves

    Images: Benin Voodoo festival attracts descendants of slaves

    In the seaside town of Ouidah on Tuesday, Benin conducted its annual Voodoo festival where practitioners of the formerly outlawed religion danced and prayed.

    The festival is drawing people of African descent from America, Brazil and the Caribbean who are seeking to discover the religion and land of their ancestors who were shipped away from the beaches of West Africa, the AFP news agency reports.

    “We come here first to search for our origins and reconnect with Mother Earth,” a tourist is quoted as saying.

    The traditional leader of the Voodoo cult, Daagbo Hounon Houna II, mingled with local adherents and tourists during the festival.

    There were rituals involving prayers and libations. Followers also watched Zangbeto rituals — whirling dancers dressed as guardians of the night.

    There were also displays of fetishes that are said to have supernatural powers.

    Source: BBC

  • Benin allows opposition to run in parliamentary vote after four years

    Benin allows opposition to run in parliamentary vote after four years

    The election is seen as a test of democracy because opposition candidates are allowed to run after a four-year absence.

    Voters in Benin will go to the polls for a parliamentary election seen as a test of democracy, with opposition parties returning to the ballot after boycotting or being barred from the most recent presidential and legislative elections.

    Benin’s image as a bastion of democracy and stability in West Africa has suffered under President Patrice Talon, who broke a pledge not to run for re-election and oversaw a crackdown on the opposition since taking office in 2016.

    Seven parties are competing in the vote, including the Les Democrates party linked to Talon’s predecessor and rival Thomas Boni Yayi.

    Boni Yayi’s supporters led protests in 2019 after opposition parties were blocked from the legislative vote for failing to meet strict new eligibility criteria.

    “I will vote for this party [Les Democrates] for the rebalance of power,” civil society activist Isidore Odountan, 31, told Reuters news agency in the largest city Cotonou.

    Preliminary results, which are expected on January 11, may also be an indicator of the strength of the various political forces jostling to succeed Talon. The next presidential election is due in 2026 when the next parliamentary vote will also be held.

    Talon does not belong to any party but is supported by the two parties currently in power in parliament – the Bloc Republicain and Union Progressiste le Renouveau.

    There is no immediate sign the vote will see protests like in 2019 or those that broke out in 2021 against Talon’s decision to seek re-election, said political analyst Expedit Ologou, head of Beninois think tank Civic Academy for Africa’s Future.

    “The atmosphere seems calm, peaceful, friendly, fraternal in most areas of the country,” he told Reuters.

    Under Talon, the political protests have been met with deadly police violence, while politicised prosecutions and other legal tactics have been used to stifle the opposition, US democracy watchdog Freedom House said in its 2022 report.

    Talon has denied targeting political opponents or violating human rights.

    With more parties on the ballot, turnout should return to normal levels of about 60 percent after slumping to just 27 percent in 2019, Ologou said.

    Regional security may be higher up in voters’ concerns in this election as Benin, alongside neighbouring Togo and Ivory Coast, has seen increasing attacks from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) as violence creeps south from the Sahel countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

    The insecurity and higher living costs linked to the war in Ukraine pose a threat to Benin’s recent economic gains, the International Monetary Fund warned last July.

    Benin’s agriculture-dependent economy has rebounded since the coronavirus pandemic, growing more than 7 percent in 2021 and the first half of 2022. But the country of 12 million remains one of the poorest in the world with one-fifth of the population living on less than $1.90 per day, according to the World Bank.

    Beyond the opposition’s drive to reclaim seats in parliament, Sunday’s election will affect the future of some of the other institutions in the small country, which sits between Nigeria and Togo.

    The mandate of the Constitutional Court ends this year and, three years before the 2026 presidential ballot, the court’s composition is crucial as it oversees decisions on elections.

    Four judges are appointed by lawmakers while the other three are chosen by the president.

    Talon, a wealthy businessman, was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.

    Source: Aljazeera.com

  • Togo, Liberia and Benin to adopt Ghana’s closed season in fishery sector, says Koomson

    According to Mavis Hawa Koomson, the minister for fisheries and aquaculture development, negotiations are well underway to ensure that Togo, Liberia, and Benin approve the adoption of closed seasons in respective fisheries sectors.

    The only neighboring nation at the moment to use the closed season is Ghana.

    Speaking at a forum at the ongoing Fish Festival in Accra on Thursday 24 November,Madam Koomson said the initiative will help sustain and rebuild depleted fish stocks across the region.

    “Benin and Togo have already confirmed that what I said was true and so it is something we’ve had discussions with them. Liberia is also ready to join.

    “But I promise you that next close season we will not even see a bird on the sea because other countries are observing close season,” Koomson said.

    The sector minister warned that anyone who violates the law would be dealt with accordingly once the patrol boats start operating.

    According to her, the ministry will increase vigilance to combat illegal activities which might threaten the sustainability of the sea.

    “Anyone who has planned to be stubborn would be arrested when the patrol team starts operating,” Koomson said, calling on local chiefs and community leaders to help develop the aquatic sectors in Ghana.

  • Man tries to jump hotel’s fence after lodging with 2 ladies and buying items worth N85K without paying

    He had, however, made an attempt to escape by scaling the hotel’s fence before being apprehended by security personnel.

    After making an attempt to leave a hotel without paying his debts, a man was caught. Reports state that the individual stayed at the hotel in Benin, Edo State, and made purchases totaling N85,000.

    He had, however, made an attempt to escape by scaling the hotel’s fence before being apprehended by security personnel.

    A social media user shared the story online writing;

    “Happened live in a hotel in Benin city, Edo State. This guy carried two girls to lodge in the hotel, bought items worth N85k and didn’t have money to pay. He tried running away by jumping the fence but was caught by the security guard. Na by force to do big boy?”

     

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  • Rising popularity of electric motorbike taxis in Benin and Togo

    Motorcycle taxis are a popular and cheap form of transportation in West Africa. But increasingly in Benin and Togo, drivers and customers are swapping gasoline-powered motorcycles for electric models that are more environmentally friendly and, above all, less expensive. Oloufounmi Koucoi, 38, company is delivering the models to Cotonou.

    “We have thousands of electric motorcycles in circulation and we are also in several African countries. Environmentally, as you know, electric motorcycles do not pollute the environment. Economically, we’ve been able to reduce the cost of electric motorcycles by doing the assembly locally.”**Oloufounmi JP Koucoï, director of Zed-Motors.

    In Lome, capital of neighbouring Togo, Octave de Souza parades proudly through the streets on his brand-new green electric motorcycle.

    “The new electric bike is a very good bike” he says. “It is very economical and there is no need to do an oil change, there is no need to replace the engines and other parts. Just change the battery.” Souza adds.

    In African cities, pollution caused in particular by heavily clogged road traffic is one of the leading causes of death and a major public health issue. But for many drivers, electric motorcycles are more a question of cost than climate.

    **”One of the things we’re concerned about is the charging point issue. In that regard, you can have a stressful drive because you don’t know where to find a charging point so you don’t break down. This sometimes leads us to exchange (batteries) with 10 or 15% of remaining charge so as not to have any bad surprises along the way.”**Koffi Abotsi, electric motobike driver

    Local authorities also are encouraging the switch to electric in a bid to replace old, highly polluting motorcycles. Many taxi drivers are thus lured by flexible credit or loan deals that they pay off monthly, weekly or even daily.– instead of making a hefty one-off purchase.

     

    Source: African News

  • British soldiers expected in Ghana after withdrawal from Mali – Report

    With the withdrawal of some 300 British peacekeepers from Mali in the wake of frosty relations with Bamako over the involvement of Russian mercenaries in the fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel, some special forces are expected to arrive in Ghana.

    In a report by UK-based ‘The Telegraph’ and sighted by GhanaWeb, British ministers are also expected to be in Accra to hammer out a new security agreement which will position Ghana and by extension Burkina Faso as the new frontline against terrorism.

    It is unclear if the move is a face-saving operation in the wake of the mission in Mali being shut down or something more significant as British forces already train troops in Ghana.

    Ghana, Togo, Benin and Cote d’Ivoire all signed up for the Accra Initiative in 2017. This is a coalition which aims at stopping insecurity spilling over their borders from the Sahel.

    It was reported on Monday, November 14, that the UK will be withdrawing all of its troops from Mali, which until only a few months ago, Whitehall officials were describing as “the new frontline of the war on terror”.

    Former Africa Minister Rory Stewart, who championed the so-called “pivot to the Sahel” under Prime Minister Theresa May, was scathing about the real purpose of the Ghana trip, suggesting it was no more than a face-saving operation.

    “We struggled to maintain 300 troops in Mali, partly because it cost perhaps as much as a hundred million pounds from tightly stretched budgets,” he told The Telegraph. “I fear that the ‘pivot to Ghana and Burkina Faso’ is largely a way of excusing our retreat from the Sahel and will ultimately add up to less than people pretend.”

    “We have been worrying about Burkina Faso for some time. But without an embassy there or any significant investment, there is a real limit to what the UK can do,” Stewart added.

  • 2022 World Cup: Midfielder Majeed Ashimeru named in Black Stars 55-man provisional list

    Otto Addo, who is the head coach of the side has released a 55-man list for the Mundial that is scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 18.

    Ashimeru has been on impressive form for the Belgian side in the ongoing season.

    The promising midfielder has made a total of nine appearances for the club scoring two goals in the process.

    He made his debut for the Ghana national football team on 25 May 2017 in a friendly against Benin.

    Meanwhile, Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad for the tournament on November 14.

    Ghana, who are making their fourth appearance at the global showpiece have been housed in Group H.

    The Black Stars will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

    Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

    Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

    Meanwhile, the Black Stars will officially open camp on November 10 in Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland on November 17.

     

    Source: BBC

  • Black Galaxies leave Accra on Thursday ahead of Benin clash

    Ghana’s Black Galaxies are set to leave the country on Thursday, July 28, for the second leg of the Championship of African Nations.

    The team will go up against Junior Squirrels of Benin on Saturday, July 30, 2022 in Porto-Novo.

    Coach Annor Walker’s team head into the return leg with a comfortable 3-0 advantage.

    Black Galaxies over the weekend recorded an impressive first-leg triumph over cross-border neighbours Benin in the 2023 CHAN Qualifiers at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

    Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh opened the scoring for Ghana in the 25th minute before his club teammate Mohammed Alhassan doubled their advantage four minutes.

    After the recess, Ghana captain Gladson Awako put the icing on the cake after he curled a lovely ball into the roof of the net for the third goal of the day.

    Ghana have failed to qualify for the tournament in the last three editions and will hope to make another appearance this time around.

    The Black Galaxies finished 2nd in 2009 and in 2014.

  • Man dies after Benin herbalist defrauds family of N5m

    The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old Beninoise, Gbese Peter, for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian couple, identified as Mr and Mrs Bamigboye of N5m.

    Peter allegedly swindled the couple on the pretext of helping them to overcome their spiritual problem and shielding their children from untimely death.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, August 3, 2020.

    Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested after Mrs Bamigboye lodged a complaint at the Sabo Police Station, Abeokuta North LGA.

    He said the complainant lamented that she and her husband met the suspect about five years ago.

    The PPRO, in the statement, quoted Mrs Bamigboye to have said that the suspect started discussing with them about a serious spiritual calamity awaiting them and their children “if an urgent spiritual step is not taken.”

    Out of fear of the unknown, they agreed to embark on the said spiritual journey and he took them to the Republic of Benin, where he gave them a wooden coffin which he instructed them not to open until he asked them to do so.

    She stated further that the suspect started collecting money from them until they coughed out a total sum of N5m.

    When they realised that they had been swindled, the shock led to the death of her husband.

    Upon the report, the DPO of Sabo division, SP Nicholas Tamunoinom, detailed his detectives to go after the suspect and with the help of members of the public, they succeeded in arresting him on July 25, 2020.

    On interrogation, the suspect confessed to collecting money under false pretences from the couple, but he claimed that he only duped them of N3.5m and not N5m as claimed by the woman, and that he used the money to build a house for himself.

    Oyeyemi added that the command recovered from the suspect some items, including a wooden coffin containing a white cloth and other substances and a horn wrapped with a white cloth and beads.

    The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had ordered the transfer of the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for proper investigation and prosecution.

    Source: punchng.com

  • If there is any better thing in Benin, their country would have been beautiful than South Africa Criss Waddle

    Arab Money Gang CEO Criss Waddle has added his voice to the trending Benin. He caused controversy with his comment.

    Criss Waddle believes there is no better thing in Benin. He said if there did be anything proper in that country, their locations would have been looking far beautiful than South Africa.

    Criss Waddle mocked those screaming that they are heading to the African juju hub country to make quick money by disclosing that they have chosen a wrong path.

    Benin has been trending in the Ghanaian social media circles for a while now. To know why, click here.

    Watch The Video Below:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    #crisswaddle has a message for all those rushing to #benin . . . . #celebritiesbuzz

    A post shared by Celebrities Buzz Ghana (@celebritiesbuzzgh) on

    Source: Celebritiesbuzz.com.gh

  • Security personnel round up 107 intruders from Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo

    About 107 foreign nationals who entered the country illegally have been arrested by security personnel stationed in the Upper West and Ashanti Regions respectively.

    Seventeen Burkinabes, made up of 11 males and seven females were apprehended at Babele in the Upper West, while 90 Beninese and Togolese made up of 68 males and 22 females were arrested in the Ashanti Region.

    Speaking to the Ghanaian Times on Sunday, the Upper West Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Immigration Control Officer, (ICO) Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu explained that the 17 Burkinabes were arrested following a tip-off by some community members.

    He said upon receiving the information, the personnel mounted surveillance at all the unapproved routes along the borders in the region.

    The 17 persons aged between 20 and 40 and were on board a bus with registration AF-5603-C headed for Wa, the regional capital when they were intercepted by the personnel.

    The PRO said the preliminary investigation revealed that the migrants, who were smuggled into the region on a motor tricycle with the help of some residents along the route, were headed for Sunyani in the Bono Region.

    He stated that plans were afoot to transport them back to Hamile for the necessary COVID-19 screening and further repatriation to Burkina Faso, adding that, “Due to the influx of the Coronavirus, repatriation exercise would take less time.”

    Mr Seidu stated that although they had logistical constraints as a service, they would still carry out their duties as expected and not renege on their efforts to protect lives of citizens within the country.

    He used the opportunity to appeal to residents living around the border areas to assist the service in protecting the region, adding that they should desist from smuggling people into the country as it would put indigenes at risk.

    In another development, a joint military and GIS patrol team along the Black Volta River in the Wa West District apprehended some unidentified men at Maase and retrieved some weapons from them, although the suspects fled.

    According to ICO Seidu, the items retrieved included a single bar raffle, two AA armour cartridges, a machete and a pack of cigarette, indicating that the suspects upon sighting the personnel dived into the river and fled to Burkina Faso after swimming across the river.

    He said the service would conduct further investigation into the suspects and unravel their mission at the venue, adding that the patrols would continue unabated to ensure the borders were secured.

    However, those arrested in the Ashanti Region were being kept in isolation at the Atonsu Agogo Hospital.

    They were apprehended in an operation led by Staff Sergeant Asamoah Isaac and other military personnel from the headquarters of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces attached to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for the lockdown exercise.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh