TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Wontumi’s wife responsible for bail variation application – Hassan Tampuli reveals

    Wontumi’s wife responsible for bail variation application – Hassan Tampuli reveals

    It has been revealed that the application filed at the court of law, which now prevents the release of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was instructed by his wife.

    Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hassan Tampuli, revealed this information when he appeared on JoyNews’ Newsfile show today.

    “On Tuesday after he (Wontumi) had left (The CID headquarters) in the afternoon, he was picked up, so naturally 48 hours would lapse in the afternoon on Thursday. So we were trying to get all these you bill conditions met before that time.”

    “So on Friday, Gary was instructed by Chairman Wontumi’s wife and his aid, not the party. Gary is the Director of Legal for the party, but he was not instructed by the General Secretary or the chairman of the National Council, but by Chairman Wontumi’s wife. So he got in touch with honorable Andy Appiah Kubi, and was asking for updates. Where are we? We haven’t been able to get all the necessary.”

    He further revealed that “According to Gary, Andy said he was in the process of doing so up to about 2:35 pm when the process was filed, I think Andy hadn’t done so. So clearly, Chairman Wontumi’s wife was agitated, and she did that. She wants to see her husband, regardless of what is going on behind us. She wants to see her husband, and she wants to see the lawyers to be doing something. So if you are doing something and it’s not known to her, obviously, she will not be satisfied. So she properly instructed Gary.”

    Legal team of Chairman Wontumi has been able to meet the bail condition – a tune of GHS 50 million with two justified sureties by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    Abetifi Member of Parliament and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, helped secure the necessary documentation to satisfy the bail terms, the lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi revealed.

    “We have been able to provide the sureties. That one, I can assure you. I am very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me in providing the documents. He has brought documents that are over and above the value of the money required,” Appiah-Kubi added.

    However, Wontumi remains in custody in spite of meeting the bail conditions due to a court motion that has been filed—unbeknownst to his legal team.

    “Unknown to me, an application was filed that prohibits us from securing his release,” he revealed.

    Some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) massed up at the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for Chairman Wontumi on Friday.

    Amongst them were former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other bigwigs in the opposition party.

    Wontumi is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release on Thursday after boycotting parliamentary sitting. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Ghana secures landmark $1bn innovation hub deal with UAE

    Ghana secures landmark $1bn innovation hub deal with UAE

    The governments of Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, May 29, signed a landmark US$1 billion Innovation Hub deal.

    Minister of Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, on behalf of the Ghanaian government, signed the agreement after three months of behind-the-scenes work.

    According to the sector minister in a post on X, the agreement “would see a number of global ICT giants and enabled businesses take residence in the hub as their African HQs.”

    Mr George revealed that the partnership aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama and the potential the One Million Coders Programme holds for Ghanaians.

    He extended immense appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador of the UAE to Ghana, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Almandoos, for helping make this happen in record time.

    On May 13, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the arrival of United Arab Emirates companies in the country to invest in sectors such as renewable energy, AI, education, health, aviation, and defense.

    Mr Ablakwa made this known after responding positively to a special invitation from the government of the United Arab Emirates to pay a two-day official visit to the country.

    During his two-day visit, he held constructive meetings with Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, the ministers of Foreign Trade, Investment, and captains of industry.

    Discussions also focused on labour export for Ghanaian youth to the UAE and technical support for a new national airline.

    The Foreign Minister has noted that massive job openings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be announced for the Ghanaian youth when both countries finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations.

    President Mahama’s 8-pillar strategy to transform Ghana

    One of the pillars of the president’s plan to transform the country’s economy is  a Regional Hub for Trade and Investment

    Ghana aims to become West Africa’s premier commercial, transport, and digital services hub.

    Key sectors such as port expansion, financial services, healthcare, education, and industrial corridors will be strengthened to connect local businesses with the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged young Ghanaians to take charge of the One Million Coders programme and use it as a stepping stone into the world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital opportunity.

    The president positioned the youth not simply as recipients of the programme but as key drivers of Ghana’s digital transformation.

    The initiative launched on April 16 this year seeks to provide one million Ghanaians with essential digital and coding skills.

  • ‘We have not been able to find Wontumi’ – NPP Dep. General Secretary

    ‘We have not been able to find Wontumi’ – NPP Dep. General Secretary

    Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Haruna Mohammed, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the security agencies over their inability to provide details on the whereabouts of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Chairman Wontimi has been in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) since Tuesday.

    Engaging the media, Mr Mohammed said: “No, we have not been able to find Chairman Wontumi. This is something that is very surprising to all of us.”

    He further criticised the current government’s approach to handling such high-profile cases, stating, “This government is interested in persecution, and I don’t know what they want this country to end up.”

    He added: “I can remember that when Koku Anyidohu, who was a deputy general secretary of the NDC, was arrested and sent to the BNI cells for treason charges, former President John Dramani Mahama and the party leadership were granted access to go in and meet with him. I don’t know what has changed now.”

    Lawyer for Chairman Wontumi, Andy Appiah-Kubi has revealed that his client has been able to meet the bail condition – a tune of GHS 50 million with two justified sureties by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    Abetifi Member of Parliament and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, helped secure the necessary documentation to satisfy the bail terms, the lawyer revealed.

    “We have been able to provide the sureties. That one, I can assure you. I am very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me in providing the documents. He has brought documents that are over and above the value of the money required,” Appiah-Kubi added.

    However, Wontumi remains in custody in spite of meeting the bail conditions due to a court motion that has been filed—unbeknownst to his legal team.

    “Unknown to me, an application was filed that prohibits us from securing his release,” he revealed.

    “The motion in question, filed by Marfo & Associates at the High Court in Accra, seeks a review of the bail conditions and may be aimed at either altering or suspending the terms previously set by EOCO. The exact content and legal grounds of the motion are yet to be made public, but sources close to the case suggest it could delay Wontumi’s release for several more days,” Citinewsroom reported.

    Some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) massed up at the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for Chairman Wontumi on Friday.

    Amongst them were former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other bigwigs in the opposition party.

    Wontumi is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release on Thursday after boycotting parliamentary sitting. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • No new recruitment taking place at embassy in Washington DC – Foreign Affairs Minister

    No new recruitment taking place at embassy in Washington DC – Foreign Affairs Minister

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has refuted claims of new recruitments to replace lost jobs in Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC.

    In a post on X, he wrote, “we have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms — this patriotic consequential reset agenda aimed at restoring the image of our diplomatic missions abroad cannot be reduced to “jobs for the boys.””

    He noted that in 24 hours, Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas after operations resumed on Thursday.

    “From the briefing I have received, our reopened embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas yesterday on the first day of resumption. I expect this level of efficiency, professionalism and integrity to continue.”

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, was reopened on Thursday, May 29, after a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat was tasked to run the mission as government probes the corruption scandal involving one Fred Kwarteng.

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

    “This is testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” he added.

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

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

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

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Further recent development

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

    He revealed that more on this, plus frozen accounts and other remedial actions, will be presented in greater detail when he addresses Parliament next week.

    This information comes after Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament Hon. Patricia Appiagyei announced that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, will be summoned before the House to provide an explanation over the closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC that recently began operations.

    Hon Appiagyei described the action taken by the foreign minister as reckless and diplomatically costly, considering that he failed to consult parliament.

    During a media briefing by both caucuses in Parliament on issues programmed to be considered on the floor of the House at the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic on May 28, Honorable Patricia said:

    “…the Minority Caucus will initiate efforts to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to explain his actions regarding the closure of the Embassy.”

    Meanwhile, the Majority Caucus has backed the sector minister for his decision to close the embassy in question.

    Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, who engaged the media, noted that the closure was a necessary step to address “frontline activities and corrupt practices.”

    “The reasons for which the closure became necessary are known to all of us. The Minister has followed information from the Embassy concerning frontline activities, corrupt practices, and made that decision to close the Embassy to ensure that we reset activities… to the highest professional levels,” he said.

  • YEA-SHAXI partnership: 2,000 subscribers to receive GHC500 fuel coupon for 6 months

    YEA-SHAXI partnership: 2,000 subscribers to receive GHC500 fuel coupon for 6 months

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) on Friday met with Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale, who is the CEO of SHAXI – a ride-hailing platform set up in 2021—for a youth employment partnership.

    This strategic partnership with SHAXI will create thousands of jobs for Ghanaian youth who remain unemployed or seek better job opportunities.

    As part of this collaboration, YEA will support the first 2,000 vehicles that subscribe to the SHAXI platform with GHC500 worth of fuel coupons every month for six months.

    “This bold move is designed to ease the operational cost for drivers and encourage more youth participation in the transport business,” YEA noted.

    SHAXI vehicles that operate on a 24-hour basis will receive additional incentives. This ensures that at least two young people can be employed per vehicle, working in shifts, and maximizing both income and job creation potential.

    YEA noted that “this is a true game-changer in public-private collaboration where innovation and star power are used to drive real impact in youth employment!”

    On his part, Shatta Wale noted that he is open to making more investments in the tech industry to provide more jobs to the youth.

    This is not the first initiative being taken by YEA; in April this year, the agency entered a one-year agreement with SoccaBet Ghana to create 500 job placements.

    Also, the agency, in partnership with the Ghana Fire Service, will recruit 5,000 young Ghanaians as fire assistants across the country.

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and the Ghana Police Service have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to recruit 12,000 young individuals across the country to serve as Community Police Assistants (CPAs).

    Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday, May 19, at the Ministry of Interior, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YEA, Malik Basintale, noted that the government’s priority is not solely about creating job opportunities but “involving our youth in building safer communities.”

    “We are here today because we have found some 12,000 jobs within the Ghana Police Service. Every day and anytime I wake up, the first thing that comes to mind is where I can find jobs for young people out there.

    “His Excellency the President is always willing to hear the number of jobs that have been found and delivered to young people. Today, we have found 12,000 more jobs for young people out there, and we are ready to exhibit in the coming days,” he added.

  • Why Wontumi remains in custody despite meeting bail conditions

    Why Wontumi remains in custody despite meeting bail conditions

    Lawyer for New Patriotic Party (NPP’s) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Andy Appiah-Kubi has revealed that his client has been able to meet the bail condition – a tune of GHS 50 million with two justified sureties by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    Abetifi Member of Parliament and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, helped secure the necessary documentation to satisfy the bail terms, the lawyer revealed.

    “We have been able to provide the sureties. That one, I can assure you. I am very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me in providing the documents. He has brought documents that are over and above the value of the money required,” Appiah-Kubi added.

    However, Wontumi remains in custody in spite of meeting the bail conditions due to a court motion that has been filed—unbeknownst to his legal team.

    “Unknown to me, an application was filed that prohibits us from securing his release,” he revealed.

    “The motion in question, filed by Marfo & Associates at the High Court in Accra, seeks a review of the bail conditions and may be aimed at either altering or suspending the terms previously set by EOCO. The exact content and legal grounds of the motion are yet to be made public, but sources close to the case suggest it could delay Wontumi’s release for several more days,” Citinewsroom reported.

    Some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) massed up at the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for Chairman Wontumi on Friday.

    Amongst them were former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other bigwigs in the opposition party.

    Wontumi is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release on Thursday after boycotting parliamentary sitting. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Communications Minister to take action against telcos providing poor services

    Communications Minister to take action against telcos providing poor services

    Minister for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George has vowed to impose financial penalties on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet service quality standards before the end of the year.

    Speaking at a high-level meeting on Friday, May 30, he said, “If you have infrastructure in place but your service is poor, we must begin to take regulatory action.”

    He further emphasised “We are not doing sentiments. We are doing engineering.”

    Friday’s meeting allowed the sector minister to engage with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and technical teams of MTN, Telecel, and AT.

    According to Mr George, 40 percent of the fines imposed on telecom companies that fail to provide quality services will be used to provide data or call-time bonuses to affected customers.

    The minister revealed that the National Communications Authority (NCA) will, in the third quarter of the year, conduct a nationwide service quality test, following which the government will take “decisive action.”

    A nationwide service quality test, covering all district capitals, is expected to be conducted by the NCA in the third quarter of 2025. Based on its findings, the government will take “decisive action” if no significant improvements are seen.

    With regard to the spectrum rollout, the minister noted that “the Ghanaian people must feel the impact by the end of this year.”

    “We know you can’t complete upgrades in three months, but we must see that the process has begun,” he added, providing a short-term deadline on June 30.

    On their part, the executives of the telcos provided their strategies and investments made so far to provide quality services.

    MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett revealed that the company had invested $230 million in 2024 to strengthen its network and IT systems.

    Plans include launching 300 new franchise outlets, hiring 400 new staff, and rolling out secure self-service tools for SIM swaps and PIN resets.

    Telecel Ghana COO Mohamad Ghaddar revealed that the company has over 400 retail shops, and there are ongoing plans to add 100 more. He also noted the company’s commitment to supporting customers with special needs and welcomed regulatory engagement.

    AT CEO Leo Skarlatos said significant network upgrades are underway, and by the first quarter of 2026, customers will begin to observe the impact.

    Mr Samuel Nartey George initially made known plans to sanction telcos during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30.

    “I will not be a minister who’ll be afraid to impose a fine when MNOs fail to provide the quality of services required, as well as we support them in doing so,” he asserted.

    Sam George stressed that while the government would collaborate with network providers to enhance their infrastructure, there would be no tolerance for poor service delivery.

    He reaffirmed his resolve to hold telecom firms accountable while also fostering an ecosystem that encourages technological progress and innovation in Ghana’s digital space.

  • NPP supporters, Minority MPs mass up at NIB to demand Wontumi’s release

    NPP supporters, Minority MPs mass up at NIB to demand Wontumi’s release

    Some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have massed up at the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday boycotted parliamentary sitting over the matter.

    According to the Minority legislators, they will abstain from attending all parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi, who is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, is released from the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    “The NPP side, however, our numbers, we will protest by absenting ourselves from the proceedings of this House. Mr Speaker, they [EOCO] must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceedings until the right thing is done,” Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release yesterday. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    On Friday, the Minority MPs returned to Parliament – an act that goes contrary to their earlier position.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Bawumia working to get Wontumi out – NPP G/A Regional Chair

    Bawumia working to get Wontumi out – NPP G/A Regional Chair

    Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Divine Agorhom, has revealed that former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the opposition party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other bigwigs of the party are working to secure the release of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    “If that is not the case, my understanding is that the council is considering legal avenues to vary the conditions. If all that fails, then we will have to pull resources and see what we can do to get him out.

    “Not only His Excellency the Former Vice President, but all leading members, including our caucus in parliament and the national leadership. They are all involved in finding a solution,” he said in an interview with CitiNews.

    Earlier, Dr Bawumia expressed concern over the arrest and continued detention of Chairman Wontumi.

    In a post on Facebook, he wrote: “In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy.

    I have been in constant touch with Mr. Wontumi’s legal team since this morning to ensure that his rights are protected and that due process is followed. I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance.

    I also urge the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and all relevant state institutions to act strictly within the bounds of the law and to respect the rights of Mr. Wontumi as guaranteed by our Constitution. Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build.”

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday boycotted parliamentary sitting over the continuous detention of Chairman Wontumi.

    According to the Minority legislators, they will abstain from attending all parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi, who is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, is released from the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    “The NPP side, however, our numbers, we will protest by absenting ourselves from the proceedings of this House. Mr Speaker, they [EOCO] must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceedings until the right thing is done,” the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Ablakwa to brief Parliament on corruption scandal at Washington DC Embassy next week

    Ablakwa to brief Parliament on corruption scandal at Washington DC Embassy next week

    Parliament will next receive a detailed report of the corruption scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC involving one Fred Kwarteng.

    The Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made this known in a post on social media after disclosing that a recently discovered 2023 unauthorized, opaque and illegal agreement between Fred Kwarteng and a top official at the Washington Embassy has been declared a nullity and will no longer be respected.

    “More on this plus frozen accounts and other remedial actions will be presented in greater detail when I address Parliament next week,” he wrote.

    In 24 hours, Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC has issued over 800 visas after operations resumed on Thursday.

    In a post on X today, the minister wrote: “From the briefing I have received, our reopened embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas yesterday on the first day of resumption. I expect this level of efficiency, professionalism and integrity to continue.”

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, was reopened yesterday, May 29, after a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat was tasked to run the mission as government probes the corruption scandal involving one Fred Kwarteng.

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

    “This is testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” he added.

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

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

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

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

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Further recent development

    Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament Hon. Patricia Appiagyei announced that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, will be summoned before the House to provide an explanation over the closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC that recently began operations.

    Hon Appiagyei described the action taken by the foreign minister as reckless and diplomatically costly, considering that he failed to consult parliament.

    During a media briefing by both caucuses in Parliament on issues programmed to be considered on the floor of the House at the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic on May 28, Honorable Patricia said:

    “…the Minority Caucus will initiate efforts to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to explain his actions regarding the closure of the Embassy.”

    Meanwhile, the Majority Caucus has backed the sector minister for his decision to close the embassy in question.

    Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, who engaged the media, noted that the closure was a necessary step to address “frontline activities and corrupt practices.”

    “The reasons for which the closure became necessary are known to all of us. The Minister has followed information from the Embassy concerning frontline activities, corrupt practices, and made that decision to close the Embassy to ensure that we reset activities… to the highest professional levels,” he said.

  • More than 800 visas issued after Washington DC Embassy resumed operation – Ablakwa

    More than 800 visas issued after Washington DC Embassy resumed operation – Ablakwa

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has noted that in 24 hours, Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC has issued over 800 visas after operations resumed on Thursday.

    In a post on X today, he wrote: “From the briefing I have received, our reopened embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas yesterday on the first day of resumption. I expect this level of efficiency, professionalism and integrity to continue.”

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, was reopened yesterday, May 29, after a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat was tasked to run the mission as government probes the corruption scandal involving one Fred Kwarteng.

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

    “This is testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” he added.

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

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

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

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

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Further recent development

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

    He revealed that more on this, plus frozen accounts and other remedial actions, will be presented in greater detail when he addresses Parliament next week.

    This information comes after Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament Hon. Patricia Appiagyei announced that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, will be summoned before the House to provide an explanation over the closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC that recently began operations.

    Hon Appiagyei described the action taken by the foreign minister as reckless and diplomatically costly, considering that he failed to consult parliament.

    During a media briefing by both caucuses in Parliament on issues programmed to be considered on the floor of the House at the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic on May 28, Honorable Patricia said:

    “…the Minority Caucus will initiate efforts to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to explain his actions regarding the closure of the Embassy.”

    Meanwhile, the Majority Caucus has backed the sector minister for his decision to close the embassy in question.

    Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, who engaged the media, noted that the closure was a necessary step to address “frontline activities and corrupt practices.”

    “The reasons for which the closure became necessary are known to all of us. The Minister has followed information from the Embassy concerning frontline activities, corrupt practices, and made that decision to close the Embassy to ensure that we reset activities… to the highest professional levels,” he said.

  • Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway accident leaves one dead

    Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway accident leaves one dead

    A fatal road traffic collision at Elmina CP involving a Toyota Hiace (GR 1464-18) and a Zonda truck (GN 4197-21) has claimed the life of an individual.

    Personnel from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Fire Station responded to a distress call on Wednesday, May 28.

    The team, led by ADO I Halm, quickly secured the accident scene, controlled traffic, and requested additional support from the Regional Headquarters Rescue Team.

    With operational support and coordination from Regional Fire Commander ACFO II Merinder Mary Attiga-Mensah, the teams rescued nine trapped victims, all of whom were safely handed over to the National Ambulance Service for hospital care at UCC.

    The driver of the Toyota Hiace escaped with minimal injuries. However, a passenger was retrieved unresponsive and sent to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

    Preliminary findings attribute the cause to wrongful overtaking by the Toyota Hiace driver.

    The Toyota Hiace vehicle suffered severe damages, while the Zonda truck was partially affected.

    https://www.facebook.com/gnfsofficial/videos/2167316563707799

    On the same day, the Kintampo Fire Station responded to a collision between a Man-Diesel fuel tanker (GN-4895-20) and a HOWO truck (GE-555-23) at the Kintampo Waterfalls junction on the Kintampo–Tamale highway.

    The fire team arrived at the scene and rescued a trapped driver alive.

    Four passengers who got injured were rescued earlier and transported to the hospital.

    Unfortunately, a motionless person was retrieved from the Howo truck at the scene by the Fire Service rescuers.

    Both vehicles’ cowls were damaged beyond repair, though the fuel tanker was empty at the time.

    Investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

  • Offinso Abofour robbery suspect nabbed

    Offinso Abofour robbery suspect nabbed

    The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a robbery incident that occurred at Offinso Abofour.

    The suspect, identified as Seidu, was apprehended on May 25 during a targeted police operation.

    The robbery resulted in the theft of a quantity of gold and an unspecified amount of money, per the police’s preliminary investigations.

    Seidu is currently in police custody assisting investigations. He is also believed to be connected to a series of robbery incidents across the country.

    Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplices and bring them to justice.

    In an unrelated event, two individuals – Abdul-Majeed Abdulai and Abdul-Majeed Saeed—have been apprehended for the murder of one Yakubu Mohammed Habib.

    Yakubu was murdered on February 26 at Fuo, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region.

    The suspects were first declared wanted by the Northern Regional Police Command.

    They managed to arrest the suspects on Saturday, 24th and 26th May 2025, respectively.

    Two other suspects, Baba Habib and Alhassan Fuseini, were earlier arrested and put before the court in connection with the case.

    The Ghana Police Service says it remains committed to bringing all perpetrators of crimes to justice.

  • Two arrested for their alleged involvement in Fuo shooting incident

    Two arrested for their alleged involvement in Fuo shooting incident

    Two individuals – Abdul-Majeed Abdulai and Abdul-Majeed Saeed—have been apprehended for the murder of one Yakubu Mohammed Habib.

    Yakubu was murdered on February 26 at Fuo, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region.

    The suspects were first declared wanted by the Northern Regional Police Command.

    They managed to arrest the suspects on Saturday, 24th and 26th May 2025, respectively.

    Two other suspects, Baba Habib and Alhassan Fuseini, were earlier arrested and put before the court in connection with the case.

    The Ghana Police Service says it remains committed to bringing all perpetrators of crimes to justice.

    In an unrelated event, the Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect, identified as Seidu, in connection with a robbery incident that occurred at Offinso Abofour.

    The suspect was apprehended on 25th May during a targeted police operation.

    Preliminary investigations indicate that the robbery resulted in the theft of a quantity of gold and an unspecified amount of money.

    Suspect Seidu is currently in police custody assisting investigations. He is also believed to be connected to a series of robbery incidents across the country.

    Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplices and bring them to justice.

  • Police Service promotes 4 of its diligent and professional officers

    Police Service promotes 4 of its diligent and professional officers

    Four officers of the Western Central Regional Police Command have been promoted for exhibiting diligence, professionalism, and dedication in the performance of their duty.

    The officers, No. 47459 G/Sgt. Fetus Gameli Kukuia, No. 52192 G/Cpl. Christian Asare, No. 52441 G/Cpl. Nicholas Kingsley Amoah, and No. 59947 G/Const. Adam Yakubu, have been promoted to the ranks of Inspector, Sergeant, and Lance Corporal, respectively.

    The officers played a role in resolving the murder of five individuals at Asiyaw near Nsawam.

    On 30th April, just a day after the incident, the Western Central Regional Police Command arrested three suspects, Hakeem Imoro, Imoro Tahiru, and Nurideen Wahab, for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition at Bawdie Barrier, near Wassa Akropong in the Western Region.

    The suspects were travelling on board a Grand Bird Bus with registration number AS 4431 22, en route to Wassa Akropong, when the officers intercepted and searched the bus.

    The search led to the recovery of a submachine gun (SMG) and twenty-one rounds of ammunition from suspect Hakeem Imoro.

    Upon interrogation, suspect Hakeem Imoro revealed that the firearm had been given to him by his boss, known as Forson, who was later identified as Samuel Atsu Forson alias Alanyo, already under arrest in connection with the murder at Asiyaw.

    Further investigations have confirmed that the three suspects arrested at Bawdie Barrier were directly linked to the Asiyaw murder case and were attempting to flee the jurisdiction when they were arrested by the vigilant officers from the Western Central Regional Command.

    The Ghana Police Service has commended the officers for their outstanding work and reiterates its commitment to rewarding excellence and dedication in the fight against crime.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) commended the officers and noted that their promotion will serve as motivation and encouragement to other personnel of the Service.

    IGP highlighted the fact that dedication to duty and exceptional performance will be both acknowledged and rewarded,” the Police statement revealed.

    Prior to the recent promotion, retired Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah called on the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to address long-standing issues with officer promotions in the Ghana Police Service.

    His appeal comes after Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was removed as IGP and replaced by COP Yohuno.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, COP Mensah claimed that under Dr. Dampare’s leadership, many officers were unfairly promoted while others, who deserved advancement, were overlooked. He believes this created frustration and stagnation within the service.

  • June 6 declared public holiday to commemorate Eid al-Adha

    June 6 declared public holiday to commemorate Eid al-Adha

    The government has declared Friday, June 6, a statutory public holiday for the Eid al-Adha celebration.

    A statement from the Interior Ministry noted, “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 6th June 2005, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.”

    The Hajj pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts till the 13th of the month.

    This year’s Hajj is expected to take place between 4th June and 9th June. The exact date of Eid al-Adha will be determined once the moon is spotted.

    https://twitter.com/tigpost_/status/1928378642108735639/photo/1

    This year’s pilgrimage recorded a massive turnout due to the Mahama-led government’s decision to reduce the Hajj pilgrimage fee to 62,000 to 75,000 Ghana cedis under the previous administration.

    Approximately 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. These numbers show an increase of 2,000 Ghanaian participants as compared to 4,000 last year.

    The continuous appreciation of the local currency could reduce the fees Ghanaian Muslims pay to travel to Mecca to perform Hajj pilgrimage.

    President John Dramani Mahama announced this during his Thank You Tour in Kintampo in the Bono East Region on Thursday, May 29.

    According to him, pilgrims are likely to pay as low as GHC 50,000 next year, down from GHS 62,000.

    “At the time we started paying for the Hajj, the Cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the fare we came up with for the $4,000 cost to do the Hajj came to GHC 62,000,” he explained.

    “Next year, if you do a calculation with where the Cedi is currently—GHC 10.5—it means the fare for Hajj may go below GHC 50,000.”

  • Minority to resume solidarity walk to EOCO to protest Wontumi’s detention today

    Minority to resume solidarity walk to EOCO to protest Wontumi’s detention today

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament will today resume its solidarity walk to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday boycotted parliamentary sitting over the matter.

    According to the Minority legislators, they will abstain from attending all parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi, who is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, is released from the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    “The NPP side, however, our numbers, we will protest by absenting ourselves from the proceedings of this House. Mr Speaker, they [EOCO] must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceedings until the right thing is done,” Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the EOCO headquarters to demand his release yesterday. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Trader in possession of ‘dangerous’ drugs, unlicensed firearm in Sabon Zongo arrested

    Trader in possession of ‘dangerous’ drugs, unlicensed firearm in Sabon Zongo arrested

    The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested and charged a 30-year-old trader, Amidu Mohammed, for the possession of quantities of dangerous drugs and an unlicensed firearm at Sabon Zongo, a suburb of Accra.

    Upon information received by the Accra Regional Intelligence Team, the suspect, a shop operator at Sabon Zongo, was identified for allegedly possessing and distributing quantities of suspected dangerous drugs.

    During initial engagement, the suspect admitted to having some of the drugs in his possession and confirmed that he had earlier sold a quantity to an individual in the area.

    A team from the Accra Regional Police Command was immediately dispatched to the area, where the suspect was identified and subsequently arrested.

    Upon conducting a thorough search of the suspect’s premises, Police retrieved quantities of various restricted and prescription-only drugs, including Tramico 225, Tramaking 225, and Tafrodol 225-popularly known in the area as “RED”or “Wo Nim Red?” as well as Diazepam 10 (commonly referred to as Blue-Blue or Valium 10).

    The search further led to the recovery of a pump-action firearm, which was concealed in a sack within the suspect’s shop.

    The suspect claimed ownership of the drugs but alleged that the firearm had been left in his shop by an unknown individual, whose identity he could not provide to police investigators.

    Amidu Mohammed has since been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court, where he is facing two charges:
    Possession of Dangerous Drugs, contrary to Section 38 of the Pharmacy Act, 1994 (Act 489) Possession of a Firearm Without Lawful Authority, contrary to Section 192 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)

    The police have urged the public to provide credible information to support ongoing efforts to fight crime.

    The command also assured the public, especially informants, of utmost safety and confidentiality in all engagements.

    “Together, we can make our communities safer and more secure. The Greater Accra Regional Police Command commends the vigilance and cooperation of community members.”

  • Ato Forson appointed Returning Officer of AfDB

    Ato Forson appointed Returning Officer of AfDB

    Ghana’s Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Returning Officer for the presidential elections of the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the bank’s ongoing Annual Meetings following his appointment.

    In his role as Returning Officer, Dr. Forson is responsible for ensuring the integrity and smooth conduct of the voting process, as outlined in Article 5 of the Bank’s electoral rules.

    His duties include verifying that the ballot box is empty before each round of voting, confirming the number of ballots cast matches the number of eligible voters, rejecting invalid ballots, and certifying that only valid votes are counted.

    He will be supported by the Secretary General, the General Counsel, and a technical team responsible for ensuring the accuracy of vote tabulation in line with Article 7 of the rules.

    The elections were held today to select a successor to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the 8th elected President of the AfDB Group, who was first elected on May 28, 2015, by the Bank’s Board of Governors during its Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

    The five candidates from across the continent that vied for the presidency are Mr. Amadou Hott – Senegal, Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo – Zambia, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah – Mauritania, Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli – Chad and Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala – South Africa.

    Following the election, Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.

    Ato Forson engages EBID

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on May 24, held his maiden meeting with the President of EBID, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, in Accra.

    The meeting focused on the performance of the Bank and broader efforts to promote regional reintegration within ECOWAS.

    Dr. Donkor delivered a detailed presentation on the state of EBID, highlighting that the institution has made significant strides, recovering from previous losses and now charting a positive financial trajectory.

    As of the end of 2024, EBID had committed $4.5 billion in investments across the sub-region and is working towards securing improved ratings from international credit agencies.

    Addressing the regional political context, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the position of ECOWAS Heads of State on the importance of reintegrating the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) countries that have exited the regional bloc.

    He emphasized that their return is crucial for regional cohesion and sustainable development.

    Dr. Forson urged all to emulate the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama, who is spearheading diplomatic efforts to bring the AES nations back into the ECOWAS fold.

    He described President Mahama’s engagement as a demonstration of strong leadership at a critical time for the region.

    The meeting marks a renewed drive by the leadership of EBID to deepen collaboration with member states and advance inclusive economic growth across West Africa.

  • President Mahama begins 3-day Thank You Tour of Bono East Region

    President Mahama begins 3-day Thank You Tour of Bono East Region

    President John Dramani Mahama has resumed his nationwide Thank You Tour following his victory in the 2024 general elections.

    The president today heads to the Bono East Region to engage its people. He will address a durbar of chiefs and thank the residents for their massive votes during the just-ended elections.

    The President will use the various durbars to announce priority development projects intended to create opportunities for the people’s well-being.

    On Friday, President Mahama will pay his Thank-You visit to Sunyani, the capital of the Bono region, and wrap up this leg on Saturday with a similar durbar at Goaso in the Ahafo region.

    In early February this year, President John Mahama extended his nationwide Thank You Tour to the Western and Central Regions.

    He first stopped in Sekondi, where he addressed a gathering at the Sekondi Methodist Park at 2 PM. The event drew enthusiastic supporters, party executives, and government officials who joined him in celebrating the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s electoral success.

    Following his engagements in the Western Region, President Mahama travelled to the Central Region. There, he held another rally at Cape Coast’s Jubilee Park, where party faithful and residents turned out in large numbers to welcome him.

    This phase of the Thank You Tour came on the heels of a successful visit to the Volta Region, where President Mahama acknowledged the overwhelming support the NDC received in the election.

    His addresses during the tour have emphasized unity, national development, and a firm commitment to delivering on campaign promises.

    Beyond expressing gratitude, the tour serves as an opportunity for the President to engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and reinforce his administration’s dedication to improving lives across the country.

  • We’ll boycott Parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi is released – Minority

    We’ll boycott Parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi is released – Minority

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has vowed to abstain from attending all parliamentary proceedings until New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament boycotted today’s sitting in Parliament and walked to the EOCO headquarters to solidarize with Chairman Wontumi.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters.

    EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    He was sent to the hospital over illness and was sent to EOCO’s custody after getting better.

    He failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. According to the Minority, the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Minority boycotts Parliamentary proceedings; heads to EOCO to demand Wontumi’s release

    Minority boycotts Parliamentary proceedings; heads to EOCO to demand Wontumi’s release

    Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday boycotted parliamentary sitting over the continuous detention of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    According to the Minority legislators, they will abstain from attending all parliamentary proceedings until Wontumi is released.

    “The NPP side, however, our numbers, we will protest by absenting ourselves from the proceedings of this House. Mr Speaker, they [EOCO] must do the right thing and we will not be part of any proceedings until the right thing is done,” the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said.

    The NPP legislators embarked on a solidarity walk to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters to demand his release. At the premises of EOCO, the legislators staged a sit-down and chanted a number of diplomatic and party songs.

    Simultaneously, other party supporters restricted the movements of police officers deployed to ensure safety and security. After minutes of intervention by party leadership, chaos was averted.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters. EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    He was sent to the hospital over an illness. He also failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. The Minority has emphasised that the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    “Have they looked at the Constitution? They should vary the bail term, the man is unwell. He’s in their [EOCO] custody, they know, so they should vary. Wontumi will not run away,” the Minority Leader said.

    Leadership of the NPP and Minority have noted that they will not meet the current bail condition and have pledged to mass up at EOCO’s premises on Friday, May 30.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies. Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve. Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During engagement with the media, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Mr Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Wontumi remains in EOCO custody after failing to make bail

    Wontumi remains in EOCO custody after failing to make bail

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, spent Wednesday night in the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters.

    EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    He was sent to the hospital over illness and was sent to EOCO’s custody after getting better.

    He failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. According to the Minority, the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • 9 Chinese, Malaysian arrested for suspected cybercrime activities in Weija

    9 Chinese, Malaysian arrested for suspected cybercrime activities in Weija

    The Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service, in a joint intelligence-led operation with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has arrested 10 individuals for cybercrime-related activities at Weija in the Greater Accra Region.

    The suspects, comprising Chinese and Malaysian, are currently in police custody assisting investigations.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include over 800 assorted mobile phones, some computers, and several charging devices. All the exhibits have been retained for forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations.

    Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has urged the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves online due to a surge in cases of online blackmail and sextortion in Ghana.

    The CSA recorded financial losses of GH¢499,044 between January and April 2025, as against GH¢103,663 recorded in the same period last year.

    A total of 155 cases were recorded between January and April 2024.

    However, during the same period in 2025, the number of cases surged, and the financial losses ballooned to GH¢499,044.

    The CSA revealed that its data points to increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by cybercriminals and highlights the growing economic impact of such incidents.

    It further revealed that the actors use social media to lure their victims.

    “After gaining the victim’s trust, they initiate explicit video calls or solicit private photos. These sessions are secretly recorded or saved without the victim’s consent.

    “They then threaten to release the compromising materials unless a ransom is paid, usually via mobile money. In some cases, even after payment is made, the threats continue or escalate”, it stated.

    To combat this growing menace, the CSA advised the public to keep their social media accounts private and avoid storing sensitive content on their devices.

    “Avoid sharing intimate content with strangers online, even if they seem trustworthy. Keep social media accounts private, and limit who can view your content.

    “Avoid capturing or storing nude images or videos of yourself on any device. Immediately cease all communication with the threat actors should you fall victim. Do not pay any ransom, it encourages repeated demands and does not guarantee deletion of the content. Preserve all evidence, take screenshots, record usernames, URLs, messages, and payment demand”, it added.

  • $1:GHC1 exchange rate will collapse Ghana’s export sector – President Mahama

    $1:GHC1 exchange rate will collapse Ghana’s export sector – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that his government does not aim to achieve an exchange rate where the value of the dollar can be equated to the cedi.

    Speaking at a high-level presidential session at the 60th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 51st Annual Meeting of the African Development Fund (ADF) in Abidjan, the Ghanaians president shared the adverse effect such a rate could have on the economy.

    The president explained that the Ghanaian economy would risk losing a significant amount of revenue from its exports should the local currency appear relatively expensive to countries that import the country’s goods.

    “It is not that somebody is deliberately forcing the dollar down. It is as a result of the bits….finding the true value of the cedi is. I believe it will arrest at where the true value is based on demand and supply.

    I don’t envisage that..some people say that it will come to GHC1 to $1. No, that’s extreme. It will literally collapse our export sector, if that happened,” he said.

    The president attributed the appreciation of the local currency to the government’s fiscal policy and actions in the market.

    “The cedi has recently appreciated in value. It is the result of close coordination of the fiscal (policy) and monitoring by the central bank and Ministry of Finance. It is based on the forex auction; demand and supply.

    Ghana’s trade in 2024

    The findings of the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) 2024 Trade Report that focuses on the country’s international trade are as follows:

    Ghana’s exports in 2024 (GH₵294.9 billion), exceeded imports
    (GH₵250.2 billion) by GH₵44.7 billion. The trade surplus in 2024 (GH₵44.7 billion) was about eight times more than in 2023 (GH₵5.3 billion).

    Total trade values in January and December 2024, points to a 1.4 times increase, with November recording the highest (GH₵60.2 billion). Exports recorded higher increases across all months in 2024, with an average month-on-month percentage change of 4.5 percent compared to 3.7 percent for imports.

    In 2024, the highest trade surplus (GH₵7.5 billion) was recorded in
    December and May was the only month that recorded a deficit
    (GH₵1.7 billion)

    Ghana imported from 211 countries and exported to 155 in 2024
    compared to 214 and 159, respectively, in 2023. Ghana’s trading partners for both exports and imports reduced marginally between 2023 and 2024 – exports by three and imports by four.

    Three products accounted for 83.4 percent of all exports in 2024: gold (GH₵163.0 billion), mineral fuels and oils (GH₵54.2 billion), and cocoa beans and products (GH₵28.6 billion), compared to 80.6 percent in 2023.

    The share of mineral fuels and oil imports decreased from 32.1 percent in 2023 to 25.7 percent in 2024 despite an increase in value by GH₵ 6.3 billion.

    Asia’s share of exports increased by 7.6 percentage points and share of imports by 8.3 percentage points between 2023 and 2024, while Europe’s share over the same period decreased by 1.7 and 8.3 percentage points for exports and imports, respectively.

    Ghana’s export value (GH₵59.5 billion) in 2024 to other African countries was more than twice its imports (GH₵27.4 billion).

    In 2024, Ghana’s real trade value was a deficit of GH₵4.7 billion. In
    contrast a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion recorded in nominal terms.

    Having recorded real trade surpluses in 2022 (GH₵1.9 billion) and
    2023 (GH₵1.4 billion), the trade balance returned to a deficit of
    GH₵4.7 billion in 2024.

    In 2024, gold was the main export product to Asia (65.4%),
    Europe (60.2%), and Africa (49.4%), while mineral fuels and oils
    predominated exports to North America (60.9%).

    More than half of the export to each continent, were received by
    one country.

    • In Asia, the United Arab Emirates received 53.1 percent of
      Ghana’s exports.
    • Canada received 58.6 percent of exports to North America
    • Switzerland accounted for 60.2 percent of exports to Europe,
    • South Africa was the destination for 60.5 percent to other
      African countries
    • North America,
    • Brazil predominated exports to South America with a 94.1
      percent share.

    The United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and South Africa are the
    main export destinations for Ghana. Exports to these countries
    each exceeded GH₵35 billion, which when combined is more
    than a third of the total value of exports in 2024.

    International trade remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economic transformation, industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development.

    As Ghana deepens its integration into regional and global trade networks, a strategic focus on export expansion and value addition is essential for enhancing competitiveness and long-term economic resilience.

    Ghana’s trade policies are increasingly geared towards positioning
    the country as a dominant export-driven economy within West Africa and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Cedi’s appreciation

    In a span of two months, the cedi has appreciated by 19 percent against major trading currencies.

    As of Wednesday, May 28, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GH₵10.27 and selling at GH₵10.28.

    The British pound is buying at GH₵13.82 and selling at GH₵13.84. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵11.59 and sold at GH₵11.60.

    The Central Bank has indicated that it is focused on stabilizing the Ghanaian economy rather than aiming for a specific exchange rate for the cedi’s appreciation.

    According to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), it is committed to halting excessive depreciation of the cedi due to its potential effects on inflation.

    The BoG Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama, revealed plans to allow market forces to guide the currency’s value and will only intervene when there is extreme volatility in the cedi.

    Speaking at a press conference after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Dr. Johnson Asiama noted that “We don’t have such a plan on the table that says when the cedi reaches a certain point, we must move to ease the appreciation.”

    “As much as we don’t want to see the Ghana cedi depreciate excessively, we don’t keep a target rate that we want to defend aggressively,” the BoG added.

    2024_Trade_Full_Year_Report-_25-02-2025_Final_PrintDownload
  • Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC opens today after temporary closure

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC opens today after temporary closure

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, United States of America, which was recently shut down, will be reopened today, May 29, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the temporary closure of the embassy on May 26 due to a corruption scandal involving one Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited on August 11, 2017, to work in the embassy’s IT department.

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

    In a statement dated May 27, the ministry noted that following the recall of home-based staff and the suspension of local staff, a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat has been tasked to run the mission.

    Their presence will “ensure total systems overhaul, restore integrity in the Embassy’s operations and complete ongoing structural reforms.”

    The ministry further revealed that an Information Technology (IT) team has already been deployed to reconfigure the website and payment platforms to do away with all unofficial and unauthorized links associated with the IT system of the embassy.

    With regards to clearing the backlog due to the temporary closure, the Foreign Ministry assured that measures have been put in place.

    “Any inconvenience resulting from our necessary interventions is deeply regretted,” the ministry apologized to applicants.

    Press-Release-Reopening-of-the-Embassy-of-Ghana-in-Washington-DCDownload

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured of its commitment to enhancing service delivery to the public, safeguarding transparency and accountability and protecting Ghana’s esteemed image in the comity of nations.

    Reactions

    The closure of the embassy received diverse reactions. A section of the public chided the minister for announcing the closure of the embassy via his Facebook page instead of an official communique by the ministry.

    “This is a very damning thing. You just do not go on your Facebook page and put a thing like that there. Issue an official statement and sign it, or use your PR office and explain what you found and that it is being investigated further. Then it becomes a government statement. But putting it on your Facebook makes you open yourself up for some of this attack,” Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, Larry Dogbey, said.

    For some Ghanaians, the initiative reaffirms the government’s anti-graft message.

    “It is justified to commend Honourable Ablakwa for taking a step to nip whatever it is in the bud immediately before it blows out of proportion. People may have different views on what they think should be the appropriate approach, either based on interest, expertise, or political convenience, but at the moment, there can only be one approach to resolving the matter, which he is prepared to apply,” National Deputy Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elikem Kotoko, said.

  • Police probe assault against JoyNews reporter by NPP supporter at EOCO office

    Police probe assault against JoyNews reporter by NPP supporter at EOCO office

    The Greater Accra Regional Police Command reports that it has commenced investigations into the assault on JoyNews journalist, Latif Iddrisu on 27 May at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    Latif got assaulted while on duty reporting the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Latif Iddrisu, who was engaging supporters of the opposition party that massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi, was hit at the back of his head by a male supporter.

    “I have been assaulted by these individuals on live television,” the frustrated journalist bemoaned.

    The Regional Command is currently reviewing all available evidence, including video recordings and eyewitness testimonies, to establish the facts of the case and identify any individuals responsible.

    Before being assaulted, some NPP supporters accused Latif of biased reporting and hit him with some objects.

    Officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office today arrested Chairman Wontumi, after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday.

    This recent attack that has been downplayed by a section of the general public follows several others that have had an adverse impact on the lives of the victims.

    “Massa this is just a tap on the head .. stop being a drama queen,” an X user wrote in reaction to the assault against Latif Iddrisu.

    Amid the surging attacks against journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the Ghana Police Service to take swift action in arresting and prosecuting individuals who attack media practitioners.

    GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour made the call during a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre, emphasizing the need to defend media freedom and address the alarming rate of attacks on journalists.

    He noted that these attacks have been a major drawback to Ghana’s World Press Freedom Index in recent years, but the GJA is poised to reset this narrative.

    The GJA has called on all stakeholders, including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and civil society organizations, to help address the issue of attacks on media practitioners.

    The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, including members of the media, and ensuring that the rule of law is maintained throughout our operations.

  • Prisons Service receives computers from Cyber1defense Communication Ltd

    Prisons Service receives computers from Cyber1defense Communication Ltd

    The Ghana Prisons Service has received a handsome donation from Cyber1defense Communication Limited to enhance the study of ICT and its training at prison facilities.

    The company presented 100 sets of computers, 4 projectors, 4 projector screens, 2 printers, 2 smart boards, and 10 smart mobile phones worth three hundred thousand Ghana Cedis to the Service.

    Executive Director of Cyber1defense, Foster Dogbe on Friday, May 23, made the presentation on behalf of the tech company at the Prisons Headquarters.

    Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq) who received the items, expressed gratitude to the team for the kind gesture.

    She assured the company that her outfit would ensure that the ICT equipment would be used for its intended purpose.

    Present at the brief presentation were the Director of Operations, Mr. Francis Selorm Hagbe, the Commanding Officer of the Prisons Headquarters, DDP. Sophia Osei-Bonsu and some officers of the Prisons Headquarters.

    The team from Cyber1Defense Communication Ltd sensitized officers of the prison headquarters on cybersecurity after the donation.

    About Cyber1Defense Communication

    Cyber1Defense is a trusted name in the realm of cybersecurity, renowned for its unwavering commitment to protecting digital assets and empowering individuals and organizations with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.

    As a leading Ghanaian-owned Cyber Training School and provider of comprehensive Cyber Security services, Cyber1Defense stands at the forefront of the industry, equipping its clients with the tools to safeguard their digital presence effectively.

    Driven by a clear vision, Cyber1Defense strives to create a world where individuals and organizations possess the knowledge and skills to protect themselves against cyber threats. We envision a secure digital environment where confidentiality, integrity, and availability are upheld, fostering trust and enabling innovation.

    Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations by providing top-notch cybersecurity training, consultancy, and services that exceed industry standards. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and contribute to a safer digital future.

    Cyber1Defense offers services including surveillance tracking, financial literacy and wealth management/blockchain technology, cybersecurity, access control and CCTV camera installation, cybersecurity advocacy, and digital forensics investigation.

  • JoyNews reporter slapped on the head by NPP supporter demanding release of Wontumi

    JoyNews reporter slapped on the head by NPP supporter demanding release of Wontumi

    A JoyNews reporter got assaulted while on duty reporting the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) yesterday.

    Latif Iddrisu, who was engaging supporters of the opposition party that massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi, was hit at the back of his head by a male supporter.

    “I have been assaulted by these individuals on live television,” the frustrated journalist bemoaned.

    Before being assaulted, some NPP supporters accused Latif of biased reporting and hit him with some objects.

    Officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office today arrested Chairman Wontumi, after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday.

    This recent attack that has been downplayed by a section of the general public follows several others that have had an adverse impact on the lives of the victims.

    “Massa this is just a tap on the head .. stop being a drama queen,” an X user wrote in reaction to the assault against Latif Iddrisu.

    Amid the surging attacks against journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the Ghana Police Service to take swift action in arresting and prosecuting individuals who attack media practitioners.

    GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour made the call during a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre, emphasizing the need to defend media freedom and address the alarming rate of attacks on journalists.

    He noted that these attacks have been a major drawback to Ghana’s World Press Freedom Index in recent years, but the GJA is poised to reset this narrative.

    The GJA has called on all stakeholders, including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and civil society organizations, to help address the issue of attacks on media practitioners.

    Meanwhile, a section of the public is calling on the police to arrest the individual who assaulted Latif Iddrisu.

    To reaffirm their commitment to press freedom, the police are expected to act expeditiously. Also, the management of Multimedia Group Limited, the employer of Latif Iddrisu, is yet to officially comment on the matter.

  • SC dismisses Justice Torkornoo’s injunction application against her removal as Chief Justice

    SC dismisses Justice Torkornoo’s injunction application against her removal as Chief Justice

    The Supreme Court today dismissed an injunction application filed by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Araba Sackey Torkornoo against the Committee of Inquiry investigating petitions for her dismissal from office.

    On May 21, Justice Torkornoo filed an injunction application, which, among other things, questioned the constitutionality of the committee’s formation and the legality of her suspension and sought to prevent the five-member committee established by President Mahama from continuing with the processes.

    The five-member committee includes Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang—Supreme Court Justice (Chairman), Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu—Supreme Court Justice, Daniel Yaw Domelevo—Former Auditor-General Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces Representative Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.

    Justice Torkornoo requested the apex court to bar Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Adib-Asiedu from sitting on the case, citing a conflict of interest.

    She again argued that Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu also served as a Supreme Court panel member who presided over a related injunction application.

    The suspended Chief Justice also raised questions about the eligibility of the three remaining committee members, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, under Articles 146 (1), (2), (4), 23, and 296 of the Constitution and sections of the Oaths Act, 1972.

    Article 23—This article guarantees administrative justice, stating that all administrative bodies and officials must act fairly and reasonably and comply with the law.

    Article 296—This provision regulates the exercise of discretionary power by public officials, requiring them to act fairly, transparently, and without bias. It prevents arbitrary decision-making and ensures that discretion is exercised within legal limits.

    Oaths Act, 1972—This law governs the oaths of office taken by public officials, ensuring they uphold their duties with integrity. 

    The apex court, in a unanimous ruling, indicated that her injunction application lacked merit.

    During court proceedings today, the apex court also dismissed a supplementary affidavit filed on May 26, where the suspended Chief Justice made allegations of rights abuse by the committee. 

    Justice Gertrude Torkornoo insisted that the committee intends to proceed despite her informing them of the pendency of her court case; despite this, she also pointed out that the committee scheduled more hearings without considering the advice or input from her lawyer.

    In addition, the suspended Chief Justice claimed that the committee has strangely decided that the petitioners will not give evidence themselves but will be calling others to give evidence.

    With all this happening, Justice Torkonoo has alleged she was subjected to mental torture at the hearing. According to her, upon her arrival at the venue set for her hearing, she was made to go through a body search, her phones and laptops were collected, and her spouse and children were denied access to the room.

    According to the apex court, the events referenced happened before the committee investigated the petitions for her removal — proceedings that, by law, are expected to be held in camera.

    The Attorney-General, in response to Madam Torkonoo’s interlocutory injunction, also filed an affidavit on May 26, stating that there is no basis in law for the two Supreme Court judges to be restrained from participating in the petition probe.

    Making a case for the chair of the committee, Justice Pwamang, argued that his participation in cases put before the courts by one of the petitioners cannot constitute evidence of bias.

    Regarding Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu, the Attorney-General indicated that he did not participate in the injunction hearing and can therefore not be barred.

    The Attorney-General further noted that members of the committee have all taken the necessary oath of office, contrary to claims by the Chief Justice.

    So far, the Supreme Court has dismissed four suits filed against the petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.

  • Suspended CJ’s supplementary affidavit struck out by Supreme Court

    Suspended CJ’s supplementary affidavit struck out by Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court today heard an injunction application filed by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Araba Sackey Torkornoo against the Committee of Inquiry investigating petitions for her dismissal from office.

    After court proceedings today, the apex court dismissed a supplementary affidavit filed on May 26, where the suspended Chief Justice made allegations of rights abuse by the committee. 

    Justice Gertrude Torkornoo insisted that the committee intends to proceed despite her informing them of the pendency of her court case; despite this, she also pointed out that the committee scheduled more hearings without considering the advice or input from her lawyer.

    In addition, the suspended Chief Justice claimed that the committee has strangely decided that the petitioners will not give evidence themselves but will be calling others to give evidence.

    With all this happening, Justice Torkonoo has alleged she was subjected to mental torture at the hearing. According to her, upon her arrival at the venue set for her hearing, she was made to go through a body search, her phones and laptops were collected, and her spouse and children were denied access to the room.

    According to the apex court, the events referenced happened before the committee investigated the petitions for her removal — proceedings that, by law, are expected to be held in camera.

    On May 21, Justice Torkornoo filed an injunction application, which, among other things, questions the constitutionality of the committee’s formation and the legality of her suspension, and prevent the five-member committee established by President Mahama from continuing with the processes.

    The five-member committee include Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang—Supreme Court Justice (Chairman), Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu—Supreme Court Justice, Daniel Yaw Domelevo—Former Auditor-General Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces Representative Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.

    Justice Torkornoo has requested the apex court to bar Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Adib-Asiedu from sitting on the case, citing a conflict of interest.

    She again argued that Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu also served as a Supreme Court panel member who presided over a related injunction application.

    The suspended Chief Justice has also raised questions about the eligibility of the three remaining committee members, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, under Articles 146 (1), (2), (4), 23, and 296 of the Constitution and sections of the Oaths Act, 1972.

    Article 23—This article guarantees administrative justice, stating that all administrative bodies and officials must act fairly and reasonably and comply with the law.

    Article 296—This provision regulates the exercise of discretionary power by public officials, requiring them to act fairly, transparently, and without bias. It prevents arbitrary decision-making and ensures that discretion is exercised within legal limits.

    Oaths Act, 1972—This law governs the oaths of office taken by public officials, ensuring they uphold their duties with integrity. 

    The Attorney-General, in response to Madam Torkonoo’s interlocutory injunction, also filed an affidavit on May 26, stating that there is no basis in law for the two Supreme Court judges to be restrained from participating in the petition probe.

    Making a case for the chair of the committee, Justice Pwamang, argued that his participation in cases put before the courts by one of the petitioners cannot constitute evidence of bias.

    Regarding Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu, the Attorney-General indicated that he did not participate in the injunction hearing and can therefore not be barred.

    The Attorney-General further noted that members of the committee have all taken the necessary oath of office, contrary to claims by the Chief Justice.

    So far, the Supreme Court has dismissed four suits filed against the petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.

  • History will not be erased – Ghana’s Presidency singles out errors in Trump’s white genocide in SA claim

    History will not be erased – Ghana’s Presidency singles out errors in Trump’s white genocide in SA claim

    The Presidency of Ghana has called out the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, for his claims of white genocide happening in South Africa.

    On May 21, President Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of having official policies of discrimination that are promoting white genocide in the African country.

    President Ramaphosa refuted the claims by Trump, indicating that Black people are mostly the victims of crime happening in the country.

    Reacting to the confrontation, Ghana’s presidency noted that teh meeting at the White House was, at its heart, about the preservation of essential historical truths.

    “The US president’s claims of white genocide conflict with the actual racial persecution and massacres that took place during the two centuries of colonisation and nearly 50 years of apartheid in South Africa,” the presidency noted.

    According to the presidency, the utterance by the US president is a clear example of how language can be leveraged to extend the effects of previous injustices.

    “This mode of violence has long been used against Indigenous Africans. And it cannot simply be met with silence – not any more,” it added.

    The opinions of the presidency, believed to be those of President John Dramani Mahama recalled the  South African Soweto uprising and the racial persecution of Black South Africans which was rooted in a system that was enshrined in law.

    The presidency stated: “It took worldwide participation through demonstrations, boycotts, divestments and sanctions to end apartheid so that all South Africans, regardless of skin colour, would be considered equal. Nevertheless, the effects of centuries-long oppression do not just disappear with the stroke of a pen, particularly when there has been no cogent plan of reparative justice.

    Highlighting the discrimination against blacks in South Africa, the presidency stated that despite making up less than 10% of the population, white South Africans control more than 70% of the nation’s wealth.

    “Even now, there are a few places in South Africa where only Afrikaners are permitted to own property, live, and work,” the presidency remarked.

    The Ghanaian presidency questioned the analogy of a white genocide in the current dispensation when such an action would have been best placed in the past when the wounds of injustice had not headled.

    “Had the Black South Africans wanted to exact revenge on Afrikaners, surely, they would have done so decades ago when the pain of their previous circumstances was still fresh in their minds. What, at this point, is there to be gained by viciously killing and persecuting people you’d long ago forgiven?

    According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, half of the population of South Africa is under 29, born after the apartheid era and, presumably, committed to building and uplifting the “rainbow nation”. For what reason would they suddenly begin a genocide against white people?” the presidency quizzed.

    The presidency emphasised that President Ramaphosa was blindsided by Trump with those “unfounded accusations and the accompanying display of images that were misrepresented – in one image, pictures of burials were actually from Congo.”

    ‘Trump refused to listen as Ramaphosa insisted that his government did not have any official policies of discrimination,” the presidency added.

    The presidency concluding by stating that despite efforts to rewrite the narratives, the memory of Africans will carry the truth.

    “The terror of what we have experienced is stored at a cellular level. As long as those stories are told, at home, in church, at the beauty and barber shop, in schools, in literature, music and on the screen, then we, the sons and daughters of Africa, will continue to know what we’ve survived and who we are.”

  • Ghanaian applicants hit by Trump’s suspension of new student visa appointments

    Ghanaian applicants hit by Trump’s suspension of new student visa appointments

    Hundreds of Ghanaian prospective applicants who dream of furthering their education in the United States of America in the near future will have to realign their plans following a recent order by the Trump administration.

    The US government has ordered its missions abroad to halt scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applications.

    This directive has been issued to enable the State Department expand social media vetting of foreign students, according to Reuters, citing information from an internal cable.

    State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce is quoted to have said, “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise.”

    “The expanded social media vetting will require consular sections to modify their operations, processes and allocation of resources, according to the cable, which advises the sections going forward to take into consideration the workload and resource requirements of each case before scheduling them,” Reuters further reported.

    About a week ago, the US government moved to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students – about 6,800 in number, representing almost 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment.

    Ghana has been hit hard by this directive, as data reveals the surging number of student applications by Ghanaians.

    In 2023, the US Embassy revealed that Ghana ranked 14th with regards to the country with the most students traveling to the US for studies.

    A total of 10,000 visa applications were turned in by students and sportsmen from Ghana.

    Per reports, the number of Ghanaians who applied for visa applications between 2019 and 2023 had tripled.

    Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Ghana has expressed deep concern over a surge in fraudulent visa applications, revealing that approximately 60% of the 61,000 submissions received in 2024 were denied-largely due to fraud.

    According to the Embassy, only 25,000 applications were approved this year, a figure officials say reflects the increasing involvement of middlemen and fraudulent agents posing as facilitators to unsuspecting Ghanaians desperate to travel abroad.

    Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Consul General of the U.S. Embassy, Elliot Fertik, attributed the sharp rate of denials to widespread deception by self-styled “fixers” who prey on applicants with false assurances of guaranteed visas often charging thousands of dollars.

    “There are often a lot of people who say, “If you pay me money, I can get you a visa.” That is not true,” Mr. Fertik stressed.

    “The visa application process can be done by anyone, on their own.

    Paying extra money to someone who claims to have an inside track is a lie; they are simply taking your money.” He disclosed that hundreds of victims report to the Embassy annually after being defrauded of up to $5,000 by these fraudulent agents, who eventually fail to deliver any results.

    In response to the growing trend, the Embassy is intensifying efforts in collaboration with Ghanaian security agencies to track and prosecute individuals involved in visa-related scams.

  • Ghana’s Presidency responds to Trump’s attacks against Ramaphosa

    Ghana’s Presidency responds to Trump’s attacks against Ramaphosa

    The meeting at the White House between Donald Trump and the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was, at its heart, about the preservation of essential historical truths. The US president’s claims of white genocide conflict with the actual racial persecution and massacres that took place during the two centuries of colonisation and nearly 50 years of apartheid in South Africa.

    It is not enough to be affronted by these claims, or to casually dismiss them as untruths. These statements are a clear example of how language can be leveraged to extend the effects of previous injustices. This mode of violence has long been used against Indigenous Africans. And it cannot simply be met with silence – not any more.

    The Kenyan writer Mzee Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote: “Language conquest, unlike the military form, wherein the victor must subdue the whole population directly, is cheaper and more effective.”

    African nations learned long ago that their fates are inextricably linked. When it comes to interactions with the world beyond our continent, we are each other’s bellwether. In 1957, the year before my birth, Ghana became the first Black African country to free itself from colonialism. After the union jack had been lowered, our first prime minister, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, gave a speech in which he emphasised that, “our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa”.

    Shortly after, in 1960, was the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, which resulted in 69 deaths and more than 100 wounded. In Ghana, thousands of miles away, we marched, we protested, we gave cover and shelter. A similar solidarity existed in sovereign nations across the continent. Why? Because people who looked like us were being subjugated, treated as second-class citizens, on their own ancestral land. We had fought our own versions of that same battle.

    I was 17 in June 1976, when the South African Soweto uprising took place. The now-iconic photo of a young man, Mbuyisa Makhubo, carrying the limp, 12-year-old body of Hector Pieterson, who had just been shot by the police, haunted me for years. It so deeply hurt me to think that I was free to dream of a future as this child was making the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and future of his people. Hundreds of children were killed in that protest alone. It is their blood, and the blood of their forebears that nourishes the soil of South Africa.

    The racial persecution of Black South Africans was rooted in a system that was enshrined in law. It took worldwide participation through demonstrations, boycotts, divestments and sanctions to end apartheid so that all South Africans, regardless of skin colour, would be considered equal. Nevertheless, the effects of centuries-long oppression do not just disappear with the stroke of a pen, particularly when there has been no cogent plan of reparative justice.

    Despite making up less than 10% of the population, white South Africans control more than 70% of the nation’s wealth. Even now, there are a few places in South Africa where only Afrikaners are permitted to own property, live, and work. At the entrance to once such settlement, Kleinfontein, is an enormous bust of Hendrik Verwoerd, the former prime minister who is considered the architect of apartheid.

    Another separatist town, Orania, teaches only Afrikaans in its schools, has its own chamber of commerce, as well as its own currency, the ora, that is used strictly within its borders. It has been reported that inside the Orania Cultural History Museum there is a bust of every apartheid-era president except FW de Klerk, who initiated reforms that led to the repeal of apartheid laws.

    Both Kleinfontein and Orania are currently in existence, and they boast a peaceful lifestyle. Why had the America-bound Afrikaners not sought refuge in either of those places?

    Had the Black South Africans wanted to exact revenge on Afrikaners, surely, they would have done so decades ago when the pain of their previous circumstances was still fresh in their minds. What, at this point, is there to be gained by viciously killing and persecuting people you’d long ago forgiven?

    According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, half of the population of South Africa is under 29, born after the apartheid era and, presumably, committed to building and uplifting the “rainbow nation”. For what reason would they suddenly begin a genocide against white people?

    Ramaphosa was blindsided by Trump with those unfounded accusations and the accompanying display of images that were misrepresented – in one image, pictures of burials were actually from Congo. Trump refused to listen as Ramaphosa insisted that his government did not have any official policies of discrimination.

    “If you want to destroy a people,” Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “you destroy their memory, you destroy their history.” Memory, however, is long. It courses through the veins of our children and their children. The terror of what we have experienced is stored at a cellular level. As long as those stories are told, at home, in church, at the beauty and barber shop, in schools, in literature, music and on the screen, then we, the sons and daughters of Africa, will continue to know what we’ve survived and who we are.

    Mzee Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote: “The process of knowing is simple. No matter where you want to journey, you start from where you are.” We journey forward with a history that cannot be erased, and will not be erased. Not while there are children dying in the mines of the Congo, and rape is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan.

    Our world is in real crisis; real refugees are being turned away from the borders of the wealthiest nations, real babies will die because international aid has been abruptly stopped, and real genocides are happening in real time all across the globe.

    Source: Presidency

  • 6 responsible for two major robberies in Accra jailed

    6 responsible for two major robberies in Accra jailed

    A robbery gang responsible for two major incidents within the Greater Accra Region, namely the Jos Bakery robbery at Dome and another robbery at ACP Junction, has been prosecuted and convicted.

    Isaac Agbezudor, Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong, Gariba Manta, Bright Alikor, Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey, and Prince Owusu have all received distinct jail terms for their roles in the unlawful acts.

    On May 11, 2025, Isaac Agbezudor (20) and Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong (19), an okada rider, attacked staff at the Jos Bakery Head Office located in Dome, a suburb of Accra.

    The suspects, riding an unlicensed motorbike, fired a locally made pistol into the air to instill fear in the victims and made away with a Tecno Pop 8 smartphone valued at GH$1,500 and a handbag containing personal effects.

    The Regional Police command launched investigations into the incident, which led to the arrest of Isaac Agbezudor on May 14, through a covert operation.

    After vigorous interrogation, Isaac Agbezudor’s confession led to the retrieval of key exhibits, including the motorbike and clothing used in the operation, and the identification of his accomplice.

    On May 22, following intelligence operations, Gariba Manta was arrested at a mining site between Osino and Saaman.

    He subsequently led police to a hideout at Sonitra, Amasaman, where the pistol and live ammunition used in the robbery were retrieved.

    Both suspects were processed for court. Isaac Agbezudor was convicted on his plea and sentenced by the Kwabenya Circuit Court to 10 years’ imprisonment on two counts, to run concurrently.

    Gariba Manta was also convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

    Further investigations linked Gariba Manta to a separate robbery incident that occurred on 5th February 2025 at ACP Junction, near Kwabenya.

    Together with three other accomplices – Bright Alikor, a 21-year-old driver’s mate; Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey (23); and Prince Owusu (19)—they robbed a female victim of an iPhone 11 Pro Max, a Samsung tablet, and GH$6,000 in cash, using a knife and scissors. The victim sustained knife wounds during the attack.

    All three accomplices were arrested through targeted covert operations. Following a trial at the Kwabenya Circuit Court, Bright Alikor, Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey, and Prince Owusu were each convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

    In a related development, police are pursuing a suspect in Koforidua who allegedly purchased the stolen iPhone 11 Pro Max.

    The Police continue to urge the public to provide credible information to support ongoing efforts to fight crime.

    “The Command assures the public, especially informants, of utmost safety and confidentiality in all engagements. Together, we can make our communities safer and more secure,” the Police added.

  • EOCO arrests Wontumi after interrogation at CID

    EOCO arrests Wontumi after interrogation at CID

    Officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office today arrested the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    He was apprehended after leaving the CID headquarters in Accra.

    Presently, supporters of the opposition party have massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters yesterday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Former NMC Chair and veteran journalist, Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, is dead

    Former NMC Chair and veteran journalist, Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, is dead

    The relevant stakeholders in the Ghanaian media industry are mourning a veteran journalist, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, who passed away on Monday, May 26.

    Nana Gyan-Apenteng, who chaired the National Media Commission for 3 years from November 2015, died a septuagenarian at 74 years.

    Presently, the cause of his death is unknown, but media reports indicate that the late Gyan-Apenteng battled cancer prior to his demise.

    Nana Gyan-Apenteng, president of the Ghana Association of Writers from 2010 to 2019, and a consultant in communication, was well renowned in the media space due to his extensive years of experience. He worked in the media space for 45 years as a reporter, writer, trainer, and editor.

    Per reports, the bereaved family has revealed the details of the burial and funeral arrangements of their beloved will be communicated in due course. Mr Gyan-Apenteng is survived by six children.

    Friends and sympathisers have shared their condolences with the bereaved family. “I’m settled that he passed on the torch to the next generation of literary giants. A literary colossus has transitioned and welcomed by his ancestors. Thank you for pushing me to fly, journey on Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng as you fly to the great beyond. Ayekoo Ohene!” Award-winning writer, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Jnr, wrote in a post on X.

    Profile

    Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng studied at Apam Secondary School for his second cycle education and proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon. 

    His journalistic work commenced in 1982 at the Daily Graphic as a staff writer. He rose to the ranks and held the portfolios of Foreign News Editor and Acting Editor.

    He moved from Daily Graphic to The Mirror, where he was appointed as editor and introduced news features.

    Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng co-founded Ghana News Magazine upon relocating to the United Kingdom. Due to his experience, the West Africa Magazine invited Mr Gyan-Apenteng to be its deputy and acting editor in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

    Returning to Ghana in the 1990s, the deceased worked with the Third World Network as head of the non-governmental organisation’s communication unit and editor of its monthly magazine, Africa Agenda.  

    He served as media trainer and communication consultant for several corporate, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations, including MTN Ghana, some UN agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), STAR Ghana and others.

    He also founded and edited African Topics magazine, the only Pan-African publication dedicated to governance and human rights. He also provided training for both state and private sector institutions and was a columnist for The Mirror Newspaper.

    Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng taught part-time at several institutions, including Vauxhall College in London, the European University College for Peace Studies in Austria, the University of Media Arts and Communication (GIJ), and the African University College of Communication in Accra, Ghana.

    In June 2024, he unveiled his 137-page book, “TRUTH OVER SPEED, Journalism Manual for the Digital Age” which emphasises the importance of journalists advocating for the underprivileged, amplifying their stories, and holding those in power accountable.

  • Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC to resume operation on May 29 after closure

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC to resume operation on May 29 after closure

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, United States of America, which was recently shut down, will be reopened on Thursday, May 29.

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the temporary closure of the embassy on May 26 due to a corruption scandal involving one Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited on August 11, 2017, to work in the embassy’s IT department.

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

    In a statement dated May 27, the ministry noted that following the recall of home-based staff and the suspension of local staff, a team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat has been tasked to run the mission.

    Their presence will “ensure total systems overhaul, restore integrity in the Embassy’s operations and complete ongoing structural reforms.”

    The ministry further revealed that an Information Technology (IT) team has already been deployed to reconfigure the website and payment platforms to do away with all unofficial and unauthorized links associated with the IT system of the embassy.

    With regards to clearing the backlog due to the temporary closure, the Foreign Ministry assured that measures have been put in place.

    “Any inconvenience resulting from our necessary interventions is deeply regretted,” the ministry apologized to applicants.

    Press-Release-Reopening-of-the-Embassy-of-Ghana-in-Washington-DCDownload

    Details of Mr Kwarteng’s activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured of its commitment to enhancing service delivery to the public, safeguarding transparency and accountability and protecting Ghana’s esteemed image in the comity of nations.

    Reactions

    The closure of the embassy received diverse reactions. A section of the public chided the minister for announcing the closure of the embassy via his Facebook page instead of an official communique by the ministry.

    “This is a very damning thing. You just do not go on your Facebook page and put a thing like that there. Issue an official statement and sign it, or use your PR office and explain what you found and that it is being investigated further. Then it becomes a government statement. But putting it on your Facebook makes you open yourself up for some of this attack,” Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, Larry Dogbey, said.

    For some Ghanaians, the initiative reaffirms the government’s anti-graft message.

    “It is justified to commend Honourable Ablakwa for taking a step to nip whatever it is in the bud immediately before it blows out of proportion. People may have different views on what they think should be the appropriate approach, either based on interest, expertise, or political convenience, but at the moment, there can only be one approach to resolving the matter, which he is prepared to apply,” National Deputy Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elikem Kotoko, said.

  • 26 suspected drug peddlers arrested at Aflao Border

    26 suspected drug peddlers arrested at Aflao Border

    Twenty-six suspects in connection with drug-related offences at the Aflao Border enclave in the Volta Region have been apprehended by the Volta Regional Police Command through an intelligence-led operation conducted on May 24.

    The suspects were arrested at various locations as part of efforts to clamp down on suspected drug peddlers and other related criminal activities in the area.

    Exhibits retrieved from the suspects include 20 wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, 12 sachets of tramadol tablets, a quantity of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp contained in a rubber bucket, cash amounts of GHC 30,558.00 and 17,500 CFA, six drug-laced toffees, eight creams suspected to contain narcotic substances, and 26 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed in a fertilizer sack.

    The suspects are currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court to face justice.

    POLICE-ARREST-TWENTY-SIX-SUSPECTS-FOR-DRUG-RELATED-OFFENCES11Download

    The Police continue to intensify their efforts to clamp down on the transportation and sale of narcotic substances.

    A special police operation conducted at Aboabo No.1. on May 10 led to the arrest of 29-year-old suspect Adam Mohamed for his involvement in the illegal trade of narcotic substances.

    The Airport District Police Command undertook the operation to apprehend individuals engaged in narcotics trafficking within the area.

    35 packs of 250mg tramadol, 28 packs of 120mg tramadol, 11 packs of 225mg tramadol and approximately 50 empty cartons used for packaging and transporting the drugs were retrieved during a search.

    Additionally, an amount of GHS 66,950 was discovered in the suspect’s room.

    The Police in a statement noted that “the cash is believed to be proceeds from the sale of the illicit drugs and has been retrieved for evidential purposes.”

    The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. He will be brought before a court of law.

    In a related event, two individuals are presently behind bars for possessing 1,650 slabs of substances suspected to be Indian hemp at Antokrom in the Eastern Region.

    The Eastern North Regional Police Command arrested Hawa Ibrahim and Latifa Adams through an intelligence-led operation on May 14.

    Twenty-four maxi bags were retrieved when a search was conducted.

    The suspects who are in police custody will be taken through the due process of the law to face justice.

  • Enforcement of reduced transport fares must be done by security agencies – GPRTU PRO

    Enforcement of reduced transport fares must be done by security agencies – GPRTU PRO

    Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) Abbas Ibrahim Moro has resolved his outfit of blame over the failure of transport operators to implement the new reduced fares.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on Wednesday, May 21, announced a 15% drop in transport fares, which took effect on Saturday, May 24.

    A number of transport operators continue to charge commuters old fares, thereby defying the recent directive to decrease fares.

    According to Mr Moro, in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the enforcement of the new transport directive must be carried out by law enforcement agencies and not GPRTU.

    “We have done our part by communicating the reduction and informing our members, who are complying earnestly. But a few members of unregistered unions have decided not to comply. So it is in the hands of law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

    He added: “The law enforcement agencies must set an example out of some drivers and let people know we are governed by laws and they work. There is no way any member will do unlawful things and go scot-free.”

    Some Ghanaians have taken it upon themselves to expose the drivers and bus conductors who continue to rob commuters of hard-earned money.

    Transport stations and branches that have refused to comply with the recent directive on the 15% fare reduction by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are liable to sanctions by the union.

    In an interview with Citi News on Saturday, May 24, the General Secretary of GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, said, “the chairman has forwarded another press release and made it known that by tomorrow, if stations or branches working under us don’t comply with the directives, sanctions will be meted out to those terminals.

    Some transport operators in the Ashanti Region have refused to adhere to the recent directive that seeks to provide some economic relief to commuters. They have attributed the delay in adjusting fares to the late receipt of the official instruction.

    But the General Secretary of GPRTU has indicated that the communique has been reissued and assured that measures have been put in place to ensure full compliance in the coming days.

    Other transport operators in the Volta Region are working with a 10 percent reduction in transport fares, citing the spiking prices of spare parts and the failure of the authorities to see to a reduction.

    According to GPRTU, the reduction in transport fares follows successful deliberations between the Ministry of Transport and transport operators following the recent macroeconomic developments, specifically the Ghanaian cedi experiencing sustained appreciation against major foreign trading currencies, particularly the dollar.

    As of Friday, May 23, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GH₵10.94 and selling at GH₵10.95.

    The British pound is buying at GH₵14.77 and selling at GH₵14.78. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵12.40 and sold at GH₵12.41.

  • Chairman Wontumi reports to CID today for further probe

    Chairman Wontumi reports to CID today for further probe

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will today appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters yesterday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorization and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • 2,583 missing ECG containers in possession of port authorities – Energy Ministry representative

    2,583 missing ECG containers in possession of port authorities – Energy Ministry representative

    Port authorities are now in possession of 2,583 containers out of the 2,637 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana that went missing, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Richmond Rockson, has revealed.

    Mr Richmond Rockson while speaking on the Citibreakfast show today revealed that an investigation was sanctioned by Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, to determine the number of missing containers after receiving contradictory reports.

    “The minister was receiving conflicting figures, so he ordered an investigation to determine the actual number of missing containers,” Rockson stated.

    “The investigation revealed that, in total, 2,637 containers were involved. Out of this, 2,583 are now confirmed to be in the possession of port authorities,” he further revealed.

    Three months ago, a committee commissioned on January 30 to examine procurement irregularities and the prolonged detention of ECG’s equipment at the Tema Port revealed detailed severe procurement violations and found that approximately 1,328 containers remain unaccounted for.

    In March, Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, disclosed that 40 of the 1,328 missing containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been located in a warehouse at Kpone, near Tema. The facility is reportedly owned by an Indian national.

    The minister further revealed that the warehouse owner claimed to have legally purchased the containers last year. However, he emphasized that the matter remains under active investigation, with authorities determined to hold those responsible accountable.

    Mr. Jinapor commended the collaborative efforts of national security and law enforcement agencies in recovering the containers.

    Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, earlier pledged his full cooperation with any investigative body seeking to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the ECG containers at the Tema Port.

    Addressing the matter on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 3, Dubik Mahama expressed shock and disappointment over the controversy but affirmed his readiness to engage with any official probe into the missing shipments.

    “The containers were never in the custody of the ECG. If they were in ECG’s custody, then you can hold ECG responsible but this is the case that they were still under the port authorities and so I am all for whatever investigations there will be and I am ready to sit with whoever to give my side of the story,” he stated.

    Key findings from the investigative report by the committee include:

    • Prior to 2022, ECG maintained a dedicated fund that received weekly allocations to facilitate the clearance of shipments. However, this funding mechanism was discontinued due to financial constraints cited by the ECG board.
    • Despite limited resources, ECG awarded contracts to two firms to clear the shipments, one of which was pre-financed by ECG.
    • One of these companies reportedly lacked the necessary licensing to handle the contract, raising concerns over procurement violations.
    • ECG’s procurement directorate was merged with its Housing and Estate unit, further complicating oversight mechanisms.
    • The Director of Procurement had no prior experience in procurement and was not a registered member of any professional procurement body.
  • Ghana’s Mpox cases surge; 19 confirmed and 5 patients on admission

    Ghana’s Mpox cases surge; 19 confirmed and 5 patients on admission

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) continues to record more cases of monkeypox (MPox).

    The Service reports that as of May 29, 10 new cases had been recorded, leading to a total of 19 confirmed cases.

    Presently, five individuals who fell prey to the viral illness are on admission at health facilities. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.

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

    The cases were identified in the Greater Accra and Western regions. This brings the total number of cases to four.

    Ghana recorded the first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, and by November 2023, health authorities had confirmed a total of 34 cases.

    Despite the increase in cases, Ghana has not recorded any Mpox-related deaths.

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

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

    Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.

    The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact.

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

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

    Across Africa, the disease remains a major concern. As of March 2025, more than 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been recorded in 22 countries.

  • 17 suspected ‘galamsayers’ arrested at Samreboi

    17 suspected ‘galamsayers’ arrested at Samreboi

    The Special Police Anti-galamsey Taskforce from the National Police Headquarters has apprehended 17 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities (galamsey) at Samreboi in the Western Region.

    On May 25, the police nabbed the suspects, comprising seven Chinese nationals and 10 Ghanaians. The suspects were transported to Accra to assist with further investigations.

    Meanwhile, the anti-galamsey task force is intensifying operations within the Aowin Tano and Tano Anwia areas near Enchi, focusing on identifying additional persons of interest and protecting the affected forest reserves.

    The Ghana Police Service has announced that it remains resolute in its support for national efforts to combat illegal mining.

    There have been earlier anti-galamsey operations at Samreboi. About a month ago, the Police arrested 58 suspects comprising 50 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese, and retrieved 85 excavators and 3 bulldozers to halt galamsey operations at Samreboi, along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom and surrounding communities in the Western Region.

    Similar anti-galamsey operations were carried out by various Regional Police Commands across the regions as follows:

    The Western Regional Police Command arrested 19 suspects and retrieved 3 excavators and 3 pump-action guns, among other exhibits.

    The Upper West Regional Police Command arrested 7 Ghanaian suspects and retrieved 11 changfangs and 3 motorbikes, among other exhibits.

    The Eastern South Regional Police Command Region arrested 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe, and retrieved 5 excavators, 3 single-barrel guns, and 1 pump-action gun, among other exhibits.

    The Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 85 suspects, comprising 76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese, and also retrieved 11 excavators and other exhibits.

    The Eastern North Regional Police Command also arrested 15 suspects, including one Chinese, and retrieved 4 excavator control boards, 9 monitors, and one pistol, among other exhibits.

    Meanwhile, the prosecution of suspected illegal miners is being pursued by the police.

    On May 20, the Koforidua Circuit Court B granted 14 suspected illegal miners bail each in the sum of GHC350,000 with two sureties, with one to be justified with movable property.

    The suspects were arrested on May 15 for illegally mining at Akyem Muoso in the Eastern Region by the Eastern South Regional Police Command.

    At the time of the arrest, police retrieved a pump-action gun from one of the suspects, Zuberu Nuhoho, who failed to produce documentation for the weapon.

    Two excavator control boards were also retrieved from the mining site. The accused persons were arraigned before the Koforidua Circuit Court B on May 16.

  • Juaben MCE nominee Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka accused of bribery acquitted and discharged

    Juaben MCE nominee Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka accused of bribery acquitted and discharged

    The Republic vs. Alexander Sarfo Kantanka legal tussle that spanned 2 years and 11 months has come to an end with the latter emerging victorious.

    The Juaben MCE nominee under the Akufo-Addo-led government, Mr Sarfo Kantaka, was charged on 26 counts of corruption in respect of a public election contrary to Section 256 (1)(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as amended by Section 9 of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1034) by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

    In September 2021, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka was accused of bribing 26 Juaben Municipal Assembly members to secure nomination as Municipal Chief Executive.

    The accusation emerged after was caught on camera demanding the return of monies he had paid to some members of the assembly to influence his confirmation after failing to secure the needed votes to become the MCE for the Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region after two rounds of voting in September and November.

    The suspect allegedly gave the elected members of the assem­bly GH¢5000 each and gave GH¢2,500 to each of the govern­ment appointees.

    On November 2, 2021, the OSP commenced an investigation into the case, and on 24 24, 2022, charged Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka, who pleaded not guilty to 26 counts

    The trial commenced at the Kumasi High Court on 20 October. The following year in July, the OSP closed its case. Four months later, the then-accused filed a Submission of No Case.

    On November 29, the OSP filed a written response to the Submission of No Case by the accused. The court on April 9, 2024, dismissed the Submission of No Case.

    This prompted Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal and concurrently file for a stay of proceedings at the Kumasi High Court, but both failed.

    A date was set for judgement (November 28), but the case was adjourned after the presiding judge was transferred.

    In court today, the High Court in Kumasi acquitted and discharged, ruling that the video evidence does not show that he gave money to influence assembly members.

  • FACT CHECK: President Mahama never announced road toll fee as GHC1

    FACT CHECK: President Mahama never announced road toll fee as GHC1

    President John Dramani Mahama today reiterated the government’s decision to digitalize the collection of road tolls upon its resumption after 3 years following its abolishment.

    However, some comments by the president at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit under the theme “Transforming business and governance for a sustainable futuristic economy” have been miscommunicated.

    This has to do with the amount to be charged upon the automation of the road toll system.

    It is reported that motorists will be charged GHC1 when the road toll system is reintroduced.

    Already, some Ghanaians are reacting to this news. “1%E-levy replace with 1 cedi road toll, Hahahaaa same same. Ma tricky Ghana foɔ paa ooo,” a Facebook user wrote.

    However, this is false. The use of GHC1 by the president while remarking on leveraging technology to eliminate traditional toll booths was an illustration and not an announcement of a new charge.

    The president said, “Every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana card, and so we don’t need to have the old toll gates and those cards that you’ll stand and open and all that. We will just go straight, digitalized.”

    “If it’s Ghc1, if you cross the East Legon bridge, Governor and Finance Minister, will all be happy. We just take a picture of your car, and we will take the bill to your mobile money or bank account and pay Ghc1.  Only Ghc1.”

    In March this year, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed the incumbent government’s plans to reintroduce road tolls this year using a technology-driven system aimed at boosting revenue for road maintenance and supporting economic recovery.

    According to him, this modernized toll collection approach will help optimize revenue generation while minimizing traffic congestion caused by manual toll booths.

    The road toll system was abolished by former Roads Minister Kwasi Amoako-Attah under the Akufo-Addo-led government in 2021.

    The toll system was abolished to enable the previous government to generate more revenue equitably. The Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) was introduced to replace the road toll system.

    However, after the failure of the E-levy to generate the desired revenue, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced that Cabinet had approved a framework to facilitate the tolls’ return during the mid-year budget review in Parliament on July 23, 2024.

    As of now, it is unknown what rate the government will charge upon the reintroduction of the road toll system.

  • Parliament to end recess, reconvene on May 27

    Parliament to end recess, reconvene on May 27

    Legislators of the 9th Parliament are set to reconvene tomorrow, May 27, to resume sitting for the Second Meeting of the First Session.

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, issued the notice in accordance with Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which mandates that Members of Parliament (MPs) be formally notified of upcoming sittings.

    Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has announced his decision to have Parliament summon the Defence Minister Dr Omane Boamah provide answers to the House over the recent flight chartered by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang.

    He wants to find out “the full cost to the state for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s chartered flight” as well as the current condition of the presidential jet.

    Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah has informed the general public that the country’s presidential jet is currently undergoing maintenance abroad.

    According to the minister in a Facebook post, the immediate-past government led by former President Akufo-Addo ran down the presidential jet.

    He wrote: “Let the NPP that suffered the most humiliating defeat in recent memory in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections know this:

    1. Akufo-Addo’s administration ran down the Presidential jet. Among others, its fuel tank is even corroded.

    2. The Presidential jet has been in the ‘hospital’ abroad for maintenance, repair and overhaul and may be put in fairly usable state after three months of ‘therapy’.

    3. The Presidential jet is unfit for use presently.”

    The sector minister made this known after the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that a luxury flight worth over $170,000 was chartered to fly in Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang back to Ghana on Thursday, May 22.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=23937414619185239&set=a.388653064488059

    “Ghana’s Vice President touched down from London on a VistaJet, a luxury chartered flight. Cost? Over $170,000 (20 billion old cedis) This is enough to:

    1.Pay 250 striking university staff for a month.

    2.Complete a CHPS compound or stock a hospital pharmacy for a year.

    3.Fund electricity for 50 SHSs for a whole term.

    4.Buy 150,000 exercise books for basic schools,” the legislator wrote in a Facebook post.

    Mr Assafuah has reacted to the recent status of the presidential jet.

    He quizzed how the presidential jet could be declared unfit after its use by President Mahama on January 25, 2025, following the continous use of a private jet owned by the president’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

  • 5-day 2025 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings begins today

    5-day 2025 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings begins today

    The 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group will take place from May 26 to 30 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with the election of the institution’s new president as the key highlight.

    The governors of the African Development Bank will elect a successor to the current Group President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, whose second five-year term is ending.

    More than 6,000 delegates, including African heads of state and government, finance ministers, central bank governors, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society leaders, academics, think tanks and opinion leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders, are expected to take part in the event.

    The Meetings will be held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan under the theme: “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”

    This strategic theme focuses on identifying and harnessing Africa’s diverse capital resources – human, natural, financial, and commercial – to drive the continent’s structural transformation.

    The aim is to promote the transition to more inclusive, green, and resilient economies, while mobilizing complementary external financing through diversified partnerships.

    The Meetings will also feature discussions addressing cross-cutting factors such as digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and good governance. This holistic approach aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Bank Group’s High 5s.

    The Annual Meetings are the institution’s most important event. This year’s edition includes the 60th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank and the 51st Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund, the institution’s concessional window.

    The Annual Meetings enable the Bank Group – consisting of the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Special Fund – to take stock, together with shareholders, of progress made over the past year. They provide a unique forum for exchange by government representatives and other participants, including the media on key issues concerning Africa’s development.

    In addition to the statutory meetings of the governors of the Bank and the Fund, the 2025 Meetings will feature knowledge events organized by the Bank and the host country, Cote d’Ivoire.

    Journalists wishing to participate in the 60th Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank are invited to send a request to media@afdb.org(link sends e-mail) with their press card and a letter from their employer. They will subsequently receive a code that will allow them to register online.

    The Bank does not cover the participation costs of journalists attending its Annual Meetings.

    Important information is available on the Annual Meetings website: host country health regulations, travel insurance for the duration of the stay (baggage, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation/repatriation), Annual Meetings program, and much more.

    Hotels in Abidjan offer preferential rates to participants of the Annual Meetings. Reservations can be made via the following dedicated platform: https://assembleesannuellesbad-ci2025.org.

    Source: African Development Bank Group

  • President Mahama flies to Abidjan today for 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group

    President Mahama flies to Abidjan today for 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group

    President John Dramani Mahama is set to travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group that will take place from today, May 26, to May 30.

    The president delayed his flight for the meeting in order to honour an invitation to the 9th Ghana CEO Summit under the theme “Transforming business and governance for a sustainable futuristic economy”.

    The outgoing president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, was expecting him this morning, but he was called to be informed of the late arrival of President Mahama.

    “As much as I’d have wanted to stay for quite a long time, unfortunately I’d have to run off immediately after this to catch the flight to Abidjan,” President Mahama said at the summit.

    He thanked the organizers for the consistent invitation even when he was the opposition leader.

    Due to his visit, the president had to miss the presidential panel being led by Kofi Abotsi, Associate Professor of comparative constitutional and international law, and Dean of the UPSA Law School.

    At the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group, the governors of the African Development Bank will elect a successor to the current Group President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, whose second five-year term is ending.

    More than 6,000 delegates, including African heads of state and government, finance ministers, central bank governors, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society leaders, academics, think tanks and opinion leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders, are expected to take part in the event.

    The meetings will be held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”

    This strategic theme focuses on identifying and harnessing Africa’s diverse capital resources—human, natural, financial, and commercial—to drive the continent’s structural transformation.

    The aim is to promote the transition to more inclusive, green, and resilient economies, while mobilizing complementary external financing through diversified partnerships.

    The meetings will also feature discussions addressing cross-cutting factors such as digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and good governance. This holistic approach aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Bank Group’s High 5s.

    About two weeks ago, President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to participate in the Africa CEO Forum 2025, one of the continent’s premier platforms for dialogue between political and business leaders.

    He and his entourage landed at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport on Monday, 12th May.

    President Mahama was accompanied by Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, presidential adviser on economy, Seth Terkper and Stan Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff.

  • Chairman Wontumi and Godfred Dame arrive at CID headquarters

    Chairman Wontumi and Godfred Dame arrive at CID headquarters

    Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for questioning.

    He was spotted alongside former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame. It is believed that Mr Dame will be representing Chairman Wontumi.

    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=601380355687887&rdid=dwDiksOb1BGIoUAn

    Last Friday, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    A search warrant was provided for a search, but the reason for the search is not yet known to the public.

    Engaging the media with support from party stalwarts, Chairman Wontumi quizzed the government over what he described as unfair treatment.

    “Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Now that you’ve won the election and become President, does that mean I’m no longer a Ghanaian?”

    “Was I ever a Vice President? Have I ever chaired a board? Have I ever been a CEO? Was I ever a minister? I am only the chairman of a political party, and it is my duty to campaign for my party.”

    He accused the government of going after his businesses.

    “You collapsed my business back in 2013. Since you assumed office, you’ve halted all my operations. Even the bank account I rely on has been frozen,” he alleged.

    He entreated members of the general public, particularly members of the New Patriotic Party to throw their weight behind him.

    “Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way.”

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.