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“You deserve to be sacked” – Muntaka told

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“You deserve to be sacked” – Muntaka told

A staunch National Democratic Congress (NDC) party supporter, Appiah Stadium, has revealed he called the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, telling him he deserved to be sacked by the President.

According to Appiah Stadium, his call stems from the ongoing agitations among members of the party over the state security services recruitment exercise.

Speaking in an interview on RTV’s Atesem on Friday, March 20, 2026, Appiah Stadium stated, “I told Muntaka he deserves to be sacked by the President because he is not helping us. He had nothing to say; he just sent him in a meeting and would call back. Up to now, he has still not called.

Appiah Stadium comments come on the heels of growing controversies surrounding the ongoing security services recruitment exercise across the country.

After which, there have been several concerns about the processes for the recruitment, particularly the use of an AI aptitude test system to examine applicants.

Meanwhile, following the brouhaha President John Dramani Mahama has directed an increase in security services recruitment from 5000 to 10,000 yearly.

A statement from the presidency dated Monday, March 16, revealed the directive comes following a high-level meeting with heads of the various agencies.

President Mahama’s directives will see the number of men and women recruited to the various security agencies increased from twenty thousand (20,000) to forty thousand (40,000) over four years.

In a Presidency communication shared by signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, read, “President John Dramani Mahama has held a high-level meeting with the Heads of Security Agencies, Minister for the Interior and Acting Minister for Defence on the ongoing security services recruitment process.

Following a briefing on the process, the President has directed that the number of men and women to be recruited to the various security agencies should be increased from twenty thousand (20,000) to forty thousand (40,000) over a four-year period.

The President has also directed the Heads of the Security Agencies to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the President, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, National Security Coordinator, Inspector General of Police, Director General Prisons, Director General Fire Service, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission.

Also, the Adentan Member of Parliament (MP), Ramadan Adamu Mohammed, has lamented about the current agitations by NDC grassroots members over their mass disqualification from the security services recruitment.

According to Ramadan Adamu Mohammed, during the NPP’s tenure, all MPs had to do was just submit a list of interested persons who wanted to join the security services, and they would jump the process to the medical before you know it, and they are already in uniforms.

Ramadan Adamu Mohammed further lamented that under the NDC, unfortunately, the party likes to follow the rules too much.

Speaking to some members of NDC in the Adenta constituency, Ramadan Adamu Mohammed stated, “This recruitment, during the NPP’s tenure, all they would ask was to bring the interested person’s name for recruitment.

The person will not have to go through the process; the person will jump straight to the medicals. By the time you know the person, they are already wearing the uniform. Unfortunately, it’s like we, the NDC, are following the rules too much. Today, when I got here, a lot of people have complained to me. Our people who have worked for the party must see the reward on earth before they go to heaven”.

Watch the video below:

Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy donate to Black Stars 2026 World Cup campaign

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Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy donate to Black Stars 2026 World Cup campaign

Ghanaian Dancehall artistes, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, have both contributed towards the Black Stars‘ 2026 World Cup campaign.

Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, the two musicians, were present at the launch of the campaign at the Kempinski Hotel on Friday night.

Shatta Wale’s $100,000 pledge, with Stonebwoy also pledging $101,000, which included $81,000 in cash and $20,000 worth of music services.

Individuals and corporate bodies also pledged significant amounts to support Ghana’s preparation for the global tournament.

Ibrahim Mahama’s mining firm, Engineers & Planners, which committed $5 million, was the headline sponsorship.

Also, Goldfields pledged $2 million, with an additional $1 million for next year.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will not fly Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to President Mahama, the government’s decision is in line with recommendations in the Dzamefe Report, which warned against the use of public funds for such purposes.

President Mahama highlighted that even supporting a small number of 200 fans would place a significant financial burden on the state.

He detailed that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million.

Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, Mahama stated, “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup”.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.

Mahama stressed the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

Also, Kofi Adams has announced that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has proposed over $13 million for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

According to Kofi Adams, the over $13 million for the Black Stars’ remains at the proposal stage, with discussions yet to be held with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for scrutiny before final approval.

He explained that the figures could either be reduced or maintained depending on the outcome of deliberations.

Following the Sport Minister’s revelation, a detailed breakdown has emerged of how the GFA intends to spend the over $13 million.

According to reports, about $1,230,465 will be spend pre-tournament camping, which includes friendly matches and preparations at their training base ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The breakdown also shows that approximately $6,284,000 is expected to be spent during Black Stars’ group stage against England, Croatia, and Panama.

In case the Black Stars qualify for the Round of 32, an estimated $690,000 will be spent, with another $920,000 estimated for the round of 16.

Also, $1,137,500 has been proposed for the quarter-finals, and another $1,365,000 for the semi-finals.

Members of the Black Star’s Management Committee are also expected to receive $310,000 as honorarium.

In case the Senior National team reach the final, an additional $1,840,000 will be required, bringing the entire proposed expenditure amount to $13,776,965.

See the detailed breakdown below:

Pre-tournament camping – $1,230,465

Group Stage – $6,284,000

Round of 32 – $690,000

Round of 16 – $920,000

Quarter-final – $1,137,500

Semi-final – $1,365,000

Final – $1,840,000

Honorarium to Management Committee – $310,000

Total – $13,776,965

See the post below:

“Wey cheap work this?” – Netizens slam GACL over Accra International Airport’s shoddy signage

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“Wey cheap work this?” – Netizens slam GACL over Accra International Airport’s shoddy signage

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has come under heavy scrutiny on social media after pictures and videos of the new airport signage went viral.

It will be recalled that the Mahama government recently changed the name of the airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.

The Transport Ministry has officially announced that Kotoka International Airport has been officially renamed Accra International Airport.

The Ministry assured the public that operations, safety, and international travel would not be affected. Adding that the renaming will, however, involve updating official documents, signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and communications.

The government has also called on the public, stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate for a smooth transition and thanked all for their support.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, in a press statement, the Transport Ministry stated, “The ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport.

“The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the airport to its former and internationally recognised name”, it said.

The statement further added, “This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained ‘ACC.’”

“The transition will involve updating official documents, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other communication materials”.

Following videos of the new signage being officially unveiled on March 20, 2026, some media users have expressed disappointment in the government and GACL over the new signage.

Netizens noted that the failure to properly remove or repaint old markings before placing the new signage is disrespectful and embarrassing, as the old markings showing Kotoka can still be seen.

Some X user reacting to the video wrote, “Wey cheap work this? People put in place to think and do things right are not doing so”.

Meanwhile, Kwesi Pratt, the Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has said the change of name of Ghana’s main airport to Accra International Airport is good.

Speaking in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on February 24, 2026, Kwesi Pratt stated, “Now, wherever you go and say Istanbul, everyone knows it, and it helps promote the country. So now, Accra is good.

Having Accra International Airport is good. First, it was Kotoka and people were struggling to locate the place, but now Accra, which everyone is aware of, makes it easier.”

See the post below:

Legendary actor Chuck Norris dead

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Legendary actor Chuck Norris dead

Legendary American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has passed away.

Reports suggest Chuck Norris died in the morning of March 19, 2026, in Hawaii.

The family, in sharing the news, asked for privacy, adding that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the family stated, “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.

To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.

He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.

While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.

We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.

As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.

Thank you for loving him with us.

With love,

The Norris Family”.

Chuck Norris rose to prominence through a string of intense action films in the 1980s.

He became one of the decade’s biggest box office draws and a cultural symbol of American toughness.

Chuck Norris’s close friendship with martial arts icon Bruce Lee is also one of his celebrated chapters.

The two trained together in the mid-1960s and later co-starred in the 1972 classic ‘The Way of the Dragon.’

In 20212, Chuck Norris occasionally made appearances, most notably a cameo in ‘The Expendables 2’ in 2012.

Chuck Norris’s final years were also marked by personal loss, the death of his mother in 2024 and the passing of his first wife, Dianne Holechek, in December 2025.

See the post below:

Watch alarming footage of patients lying on the floors Korle Bu wards

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Watch alarming footage of patients lying on the floors Korle Bu wards

An alarming viral footage has surfaced on social media of some patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) seen lying on the bare floors of Ghana’s biggest hospital.

In the viral footage, several patients, visibly frail and in need of urgent care, were captured sleeping on the hard hospital floors.

The alarming video exposed the extent of the lack of beds at wards at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as the ongoing “no bed syndrome” crisis worsens.

The CDR Africa in a post sharing the video stated, “Patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital are being forced to lie and sit on the floor in the emergency ward as the ongoing ‘no bed syndrome’ crisis worsens.

Following the government’s directive that no patient should be turned away due to a lack of beds, nurses continue to admit everyone who needs urgent care.

However, the hospital is struggling with a severe shortage of beds and space, leaving many patients without a proper place to rest while waiting for treatment”.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the development stated, “This is deeply disturbing. How have we, as citizens, come to accept this?

This is what happens when directives are issued without any serious strategic thinking behind them. Policies made on paper can create chaos in real clinical settings.

Just imagine being the clinician on duty, forced to work under these conditions. Now imagine being the patient, sick, vulnerable, and left on the floor because there is no space and no workable plan.

This is completely unacceptable”.

“Meanwhile, the current government has abandoned all ongoing hospital projects and focused on spending the funds on presidential jets, sanitary pads and 24-hour market”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “To solve this is very simple.  Korle-Bu should have received only cases that have referrals or were brought in by paramedics.  But the main solution is to equip and open the poly clinic change or to annex to receive these cases before they can be sent to the main Korle-Bu”.

“I thought Korle Bu Teaching Hospital had acquired 200 EXTRA hospital beds a few years back. Is it that those beds never made it to the hospital, or even with those 200 extra beds, they are still not enough for all the current emergency care patients🤔?”, a netizen added.

One more Ghanaian added, “This ruined the image of Ghana. People should be careful of what they post on social media, not everything is to be posted on social media platforms”.

“This is so bad, how much do beds cost that the govt and the hospitals can’t provide? Is it an issue of just beds or do they not have wards to admit more beds?”, a netizen added.

Meanwhile, the development follows, President John Mahama, who at the State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2026, warned all health facilities against turning away patients who report to their facility for emergency treatment.

According to John Mahama, every Ghanaian who seeks medical attention must be attended to.

He explained that health workers do not need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient.

Addressing the nation on Friday, February 27, President Mahama stated, “This year, the government will fully roll out a free primary healthcare programme, removing all cost barriers at the primary level where it is mostly needed, while strengthening prevention, screening, and health promotion, especially for non-communicable diseases”.

“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health is expected to issue guidelines to eliminate the unacceptable no-bed syndrome. Patients facing medical emergencies must be received and given help, even under makeshift conditions. You don’t need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient”.

Mahama boldly warned, “No patient must be turned away from any health facility they report to”.

He further revealed plans to increase capacity at the Ridge Hospital by implementing phase two of the project.

“In the meantime, the government will expand capacity by implementing the Ridge Hospital phase two project to increase the number of beds at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. We will also continue and complete the police hospital, and also continue and complete the La General Hospital”, Mahama added.  

Watch the video below:

“Wo nyi m’ayɛ a, mɛnsɛi me din!!” – Ursula fires back at Mahama and Sam George

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“Wo nyi m’ayɛ a, mɛnsɛi me din!!” – Ursula fires back at Mahama and Sam George

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has issued a rebuttal, firing shots at claims made by President John Dramani Mahama and the current Minister for Communications, Sam George.

According to Ursula, the SIM card registration under her leadership represented real progress for Ghanaians and should not be undermined by misleading claims or political narratives.

She also criticised the government for failing to acknowledge the practical gains the registration during her time brought to the system, adding that if the government cannot praise her, they should not tarnish her reputation.

In a statement titled “Rebuttal Statement on SIM Registration Falsehoods,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful stated, “I have deliberately refrained from commenting on events in the communications sector since I left office a little over a year ago, but am compelled to set the record straight when the President of the Republic himself repeats falsehoods. I have heard the comments made by President Mahama in the Bono Region on the SIM registration exercise, and I must say that a number of the comments he made are far from the truth.

Let us be clear from the beginning: the 2022–2023 SIM registration exercise did not come out of nowhere. It became necessary because the old SIM registration exercise done in 2010–2011 was not effective. That earlier process did not have any proper validation system due to the lack of any mass identification document.

That is why we introduced a more structured and legally compliant process tied to the Ghana Card. The idea was simple: if SIM cards are being used in Ghana, then they must be linked to a proper national identity system as required by law. That was the whole point.

The process itself had two stages. First, people entered their Ghana Card details through a shortcode. Those details were checked with the National Identification Authority to confirm that the information was correct. After that, the individual moved to the second stage, which involved data capture and biometric registration, including facial and fingerprint capture”.

The former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation highlighted that 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database, adding that the process was not useless or an empty exercise, as people are now desperately trying to suggest.

She disclosed that all that is left now is less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful challenged the narrative, saying, “Now, a lot has been said to create the impression that the problems with the exercise were because of personal issues or bad blood between institutions. That is simply not true. I have known Professor Attafuah for many years, and at no point in time did we ever stop speaking to each other, either personally or professionally. We may have had disagreements, but I am too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work in any way.

The only issue was that the National Identification Authority did not allow the SIM registration system to connect to their database for biometric verification at that second stage. That was the challenge. This, however, did not prevent us from compiling a comprehensive database of all activated SIMS in Ghana, and I thank all well-meaning Ghanaians once again for their cooperation, which ensured that the mass registration exercise was successfully completed with the registration of almost 30 million SIM cards. That SIM Registry database exists and is hosted securely by the national Electronic Transactions Regulator, NITA, in the National Data Centre!!

And yet, despite that limitation, what do we know today? We know that when an audit was conducted in 2025, more than 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database. That is important. That means the process was not some useless or empty exercise as they are now desperately trying to suggest. In fact, it shows that the major part of the work has already been done.

All that is left now is for the less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started. That is all.

So the question is simple: if they say the previous exercise had no value or no data, then where did the 80% verification result come from? What data did they use for that audit? You cannot say on one hand that there was no data, and then on the other hand use audit outcomes based on that same exercise. That is contradictory. That is dishonest”.

Ursula further added, “This government should stop pretending that it is starting afresh or doing anything new. It should stop acting as though nothing meaningful was done before now. Governance is a continuum. If something has been started and useful progress has been made, the duty of the next government is to build on it, improve it, and be honest about it.

“You cannot lie about a process, dismiss it in public, and then turn around and do the same thing again. If the previous method was so wrong, why are you repeating the same methodology, the same structure, and the same approach? You cannot condemn a process in the morning, copy it in the afternoon, and come back in the evening to claim you have invented something new,” she wrote.

In her concluding remarks, she wrote in Twi: “Wo nyi m’ayɛ a, mɛnsɛi me din!!” translating to English as “If you cannot praise me, do not tarnish my reputation.”

Read Ursula Owusu’s full statement below:

The-plain-truth-about-SIM-Registration-2022-23Download

Ibrahim Mahama’s E&P donates $5m to support Black Stars 2026 World Cup campaign

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Ibrahim Mahama’s E&P donates $5m to support Black Stars 2026 World Cup campaign

Ibrahim Mahama’s mining firm, Engineers & Planners Co. Ltd, has pledged to invest $5 million as the headline sponsor of Ghana’s fundraising campaign ahead of the Black Stars‘ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

According to reports, the announcement was made at a public fundraising event held in Accra on March 20, 2026.

Ibrahim Mahama’s E&P investment is expected to provide a major boost to the Black Stars’ preparations as the team gears up for the tournament.

“The sponsorship is also expected to ease financial pressures on the Ghana Football Association as it finalises plans for the World Cup campaign.

The donation was presented on behalf of the company by Director of Operations Biliguo Eric Adama and Special Aide to Ibrahim Mahama, Rafik Mahama, highlighting the company’s longstanding commitment and continued support to the development of sports in Ghana”, Ghanasoccernet is quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will not fly Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to President Mahama, the government’s decision is in line with recommendations in the Dzamefe Report, which warned against the use of public funds for such purposes.

President Mahama highlighted that even supporting a small number of 200 fans would place a significant financial burden on the state.

He detailed that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million.

Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, Mahama stated, “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup”.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.

Mahama stressed the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

Also, Kofi Adams has announced that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has proposed over $13 million for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

According to Kofi Adams, the over $13 million for the Black Stars’ remains at the proposal stage, with discussions yet to be held with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for scrutiny before final approval.

He explained that the figures could either be reduced or maintained depending on the outcome of deliberations.

Following the Sport Minister’s revelation, a detailed breakdown has emerged of how the GFA intends to spend the over $13 million.

According to reports, about $1,230,465 will be spend pre-tournament camping, which includes friendly matches and preparations at their training base ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The breakdown also shows that approximately $6,284,000 is expected to be spent during Black Stars’ group stage against England, Croatia, and Panama.

In case the Black Stars qualify for the Round of 32, an estimated $690,000 will be spent, with another $920,000 estimated for the round of 16.

Also, $1,137,500 has been proposed for the quarter-finals, and another $1,365,000 for the semi-finals.

Members of the Black Star’s Management Committee are also expected to receive $310,000 as honorarium.

In case the Senior National team reach the final, an additional $1,840,000 will be required, bringing the entire proposed expenditure amount to $13,776,965.

See the detailed breakdown below:

Pre-tournament camping – $1,230,465

Group Stage – $6,284,000

Round of 32 – $690,000

Round of 16 – $920,000

Quarter-final – $1,137,500

Semi-final – $1,365,000

Final – $1,840,000

Honorarium to Management Committee – $310,000

Total – $13,776,965

Watch the video below:

Gov’t won’t fly supporters to 2026 World Cup – Mahama

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Gov’t won’t fly supporters to 2026 World Cup – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will not fly Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to President Mahama, the government’s decision is in line with recommendations in the Dzamefe Report, which warned against the use of public funds for such purposes.

President Mahama highlighted that even supporting a small number of 200 fans would place a significant financial burden on the state.

He detailed that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million.

Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, Mahama stated, “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup”.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.

Mahama stressed the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

Earlier, Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, urged the John Mahama-led government not to spend public funds on sending Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 World Cup.

The Ketu North MP stressed that the government must prioritise investment in sports infrastructure instead of using public funds to sponsor supporters.

According to Edem Agbana, he estimates that it will cost the government at least  $9,000 (GHS96,524.73) to sponsor a single supporter for just the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He disclosed that the money that would be spent on sponsoring such trips could instead be invested in sports infrastructure like Astro turfs and sports complexes for communities.

Speaking on the Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, March 9, Edem Agbana explained, “I do not think that the government should use public funds to send supporters to the World Cup. It will cost the government, on average, a minimum of $9,000 per supporter just for the group stages.

This includes flights, match tickets, accommodation, and a small allowance. On average, that’s about $9,000. Now, let’s assume the government intends to send 2,000 supporters; we are talking about $18 million”.

The Ketu North MP added, “With two thousand supporters spread across 276 constituencies, it means each constituency would get fewer than ten people. If you ask me to bring even ten people from Ketu North to the World Cup at a cost of close to $90,000, I would tell you to rather use that money to construct an Astro turf or a sports complex for my constituents in Ketu North”.

“We have many people who can travel on their own to watch the games. We also have a lot of Ghanaians living in the countries where the World Cup will be played”.

“I believe we should instead invest in infrastructure. For example, I am planning to construct an Astro turf for my people in Dzozde. Beyond the World Cup, the community will still benefit from that Astro turf,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, has revealed plans to sponsor Police Officers and bloggers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the Sports Minister, they plan to send police officers to the World Cup to have the opportunity to learn large crowd management in the stadium.

The minister also revealed plans to send Emergency units, Creative Artistes and Bloggers to gain learn and gain exposure at the World Cup.

Kofi Adams explained that the idea was inspired by American streamer IShowSpeed’s visit to Africa.

Speaking in an interview with Adom FM, Kofi Adams disclosed, “It is not about chasing the ball for 90 minutes; we see it as an opportunity to learn. We would like to send a few people to study aspects of culture, such as fan mobilisation and support.

I have discussed with the IGP that we need to send personnel because we want to form a police unit for sports. So we want to send some police officers to the World Cup to observe crowd control in action and understand how it is done. We want to strengthen the security of the game, if my fundraising [sports fund] works well,” he said.

Kofi Adams further added, “A number of police officers will go, along with one or two members of the emergency response team. We also have creative artists, including bloggers, because it is an opportunity for them to build a base. We saw how IShowSpeed visited us, so if we send them to embark on a similar initiative, they can gain more followers”.

“I am too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work” – Ursula hit back at Mahama

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“I am too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work” – Ursula hit back at Mahama

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has hit back at claims made by President John Dramani Mahama over the former government’s SIM registration exercise.

President John Dramani Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, claimed there was a conflict between former Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the former head of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which caused the challenges in the last SIM registration exercise.

President Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, stated, “Some time back, we were told to register our SIM cards, which caused great distress to Ghanaians. Even MTN had to mount canopies just to attend to everyone.”

“When that was ongoing, we didn’t know that the former Minister of Communications [Ursula Owusu] was not on speaking terms with the former head of the NIA. They had issues between them,” he disclosed.

President Mahama added, “When you are undertaking a SIM registration, it is important to add it to the national registration so that a number can easily be identified and traced to the owner should that person be engaged in wrongdoing”.

“The sad part is that we didn’t do that, making the previous SIM registration exercise wasteful,” the president stated.

However, in a rebuttal statement, Ursula has said she is too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful refuted claims she was not on good terms with Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, former Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA),

According to her, she and Prof. Attafuah maintained regular professional communication throughout the registration process.

In a statement titled “Rebuttal Statement on SIM Registration Falsehoods,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful stated, “I have deliberately refrained from commenting on events in the communications sector since I left office a little over a year ago, but am compelled to set the record straight when the President of the Republic himself repeats falsehoods. I have heard the comments made by President Mahama in the Bono Region on the SIM registration exercise, and I must say that a number of the comments he made are far from the truth.

Let us be clear from the beginning: the 2022–2023 SIM registration exercise did not come out of nowhere. It became necessary because the old SIM registration exercise done in 2010–2011 was not effective. That earlier process did not have any proper validation system due to the lack of any mass identification document.

That is why we introduced a more structured and legally compliant process tied to the Ghana Card. The idea was simple: if SIM cards are being used in Ghana, then they must be linked to a proper national identity system as required by law. That was the whole point.

The process itself had two stages. First, people entered their Ghana Card details through a shortcode. Those details were checked with the National Identification Authority to confirm that the information was correct. After that, the individual moved to the second stage, which involved data capture and biometric registration, including facial and fingerprint capture”.

The former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation highlighted that 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database, adding that the process was not useless or an empty exercise, as people are now desperately trying to suggest.

She disclosed that all that is left now is less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful challenged the narrative, saying, “Now, a lot has been said to create the impression that the problems with the exercise were because of personal issues or bad blood between institutions. That is simply not true. I have known Professor Attafuah for many years, and at no point in time did we ever stop speaking to each other, either personally or professionally. We may have had disagreements, but I am too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work in any way.

The only issue was that the National Identification Authority did not allow the SIM registration system to connect to their database for biometric verification at that second stage. That was the challenge. This, however, did not prevent us from compiling a comprehensive database of all activated SIMS in Ghana, and I thank all well-meaning Ghanaians once again for their cooperation, which ensured that the mass registration exercise was successfully completed with the registration of almost 30 million SIM cards. That SIM Registry database exists and is hosted securely by the national Electronic Transactions Regulator, NITA, in the National Data Centre!!

And yet, despite that limitation, what do we know today? We know that when an audit was conducted in 2025, more than 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database. That is important. That means the process was not some useless or empty exercise as they are now desperately trying to suggest. In fact, it shows that the major part of the work has already been done.

All that is left now is for the less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started. That is all.

So the question is simple: if they say the previous exercise had no value or no data, then where did the 80% verification result come from? What data did they use for that audit? You cannot say on one hand that there was no data, and then on the other hand use audit outcomes based on that same exercise. That is contradictory. That is dishonest”.

Read Ursula Owusu’s full statement below:

The-plain-truth-about-SIM-Registration-2022-23Download

“Ato Forson will become president of Ghana for 11 years” – Prophet

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“Ato Forson will become president of Ghana for 11 years” – Prophet

Ghanaian Prophet Telvin Adjei Sowah has prophesied that the current finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, will become Ghana’s president for 11 years.

According to Prophet Telvin Adjei Sowah, in the 2028 election, only three people can become president.

The man of God named Joshua Alabi, Ato Forson, and Asiedu Nketia as the only three people who can become president in 2028.

He further disclosed that Ato Forson will emerge as running mate along the line and later serve as Vice President following the election victory.

Prophet Telvin Adjei Sowah further revealed that during Ato Forson’s time as Vice President, the sitting President will hand over power to him on September 19, allowing him to lead the country for a total of 11 years.

Speaking on Accra FM, Prophet Telvin Adjei Sowah stated, “There are only three people that can become president in 2028: Joshua Alabi, Ato Forson, and Asiedu Nketia”.

“Among the three, Joshua Alabi is a dormant figure. Asiedu Nketia activated him and woke him up from the background. Ato Forson is an anomaly in the timeline which is for 2028.

The first president has to run the presidency for the first four years, and then win in 2032 during 2032 he will be appointed the running mate, and officially, once that person is in power, he will run the presidency up to September 19, and he will give up the presidency to Ato Forson”.

The man of God further added, “Ato Forson will become president for 11 good years in Ghana, our beloved country.

In related news, Prophet Telvin Sowah had earlier shared revelations he received regarding Ghana’s future in the coming year 2026.

Speaking on Okay FM, the man of God boldly declared that 2026 will be the best year for Ghana over the past 40 years.

He revealed that Ghana has been sinking and would be reborn in 2026 to become a superpower in Africa.

Prophet Telvin Sowah stated, “In 2026, every Ghanaian in Ghana needs to pay close attention to that operation. 2026 will be the best year for the past 40 years in this country; that is where we kick start.

Ghana is about to… they say reset, reset, Ghana is going to be reborn, the country has been sinking, now there is a new face of Ghana that is coming, and when that new face emerges, Ghana will become like a superpower in Africa”.

The man of God further added that Ghana will have a military liaison to have nuclear power.

He further added, “From that angle, I am seeing a military liaison with several military angles, where even in Ghana, we will be handling a lot of nuclear power and other things in this country. Not just nuclear bombs, but nuclear power for electricity and other things.

Where we will have the capacity to have such weapons if we need them, and we will have the capacity to enter that liaison very soon in 2026. The country will be able to face the world aswell”.

Prophet Telvin Sowah further revealed that Ghana will have a strong economic development in 2026.

“Aside from that, I saw a very strong economic development. Once I saw it in March, it never came down again. We were nailing the dollar to the ground, but in January, it was a bit quick, and it was adjusted”, he disclosed. 

Prophet Telvin Sowah further touched on the music industry, movie and art industry, stressing that Ghana will be on par with Nigeria and even go beyond Nigeria’s top entertainers.

He further added, “Good news is coming for people in the music industry, movie and art industry, I am seeing Ghana face with Nigeria, even going beyond them in the movie and the music industry, so something is about to kick in that reality”.

Watch the video below:

SIM registration was not useless; 80% biometrics verified – Ursula Owusu rubbishes Mahama’s claims

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SIM registration was not useless; 80% biometrics verified – Ursula Owusu rubbishes Mahama’s claims

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has issued a rebuttal to claims made by President John Dramani Mahama and the current Minister for Communications, Sam George.

President John Dramani Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, claimed there was a conflict between former Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the former head of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which caused the challenges in the last SIM registration exercise.

President Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, stated, “Some time back, we were told to register our SIM cards, which caused great distress to Ghanaians. Even MTN had to mount canopies just to attend to everyone.”

“When that was ongoing, we didn’t know that the former Minister of Communications [Ursula Owusu] was not on speaking terms with the former head of the NIA. They had issues between them,” he disclosed.

President Mahama added, “When you are undertaking a SIM registration, it is important to add it to the national registration so that a number can easily be identified and traced to the owner should that person be engaged in wrongdoing”.

“The sad part is that we didn’t do that, making the previous SIM registration exercise wasteful,” the president stated.

In a statement titled “Rebuttal Statement on SIM Registration Falsehoods,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful stated, “I have deliberately refrained from commenting on events in the communications sector since I left office a little over a year ago, but am compelled to set the record straight when the President of the Republic himself repeats falsehoods. I have heard the comments made by President Mahama in the Bono Region on the SIM registration exercise, and I must say that a number of the comments he made are far from the truth.

Let us be clear from the beginning: the 2022–2023 SIM registration exercise did not come out of nowhere. It became necessary because the old SIM registration exercise done in 2010–2011 was not effective. That earlier process did not have any proper validation system due to the lack of any mass identification document.

That is why we introduced a more structured and legally compliant process tied to the Ghana Card. The idea was simple: if SIM cards are being used in Ghana, then they must be linked to a proper national identity system as required by law. That was the whole point.

The process itself had two stages. First, people entered their Ghana Card details through a shortcode. Those details were checked with the National Identification Authority to confirm that the information was correct. After that, the individual moved to the second stage, which involved data capture and biometric registration, including facial and fingerprint capture”.

The former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation highlighted that 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database, adding that the process was not useless or an empty exercise, as people are now desperately trying to suggest.

She disclosed that all that is left now is less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful challenged the narrative, saying, “Now, a lot has been said to create the impression that the problems with the exercise were because of personal issues or bad blood between institutions. That is simply not true. I have known Professor Attafuah for many years, and at no point in time did we ever stop speaking to each other, either personally or professionally. We may have had disagreements, but I am too professional to allow differences of opinion to affect my work in any way.

The only issue was that the National Identification Authority did not allow the SIM registration system to connect to their database for biometric verification at that second stage. That was the challenge. This, however, did not prevent us from compiling a comprehensive database of all activated SIMS in Ghana, and I thank all well-meaning Ghanaians once again for their cooperation, which ensured that the mass registration exercise was successfully completed with the registration of almost 30 million SIM cards. That SIM Registry database exists and is hosted securely by the national Electronic Transactions Regulator, NITA, in the National Data Centre!!

And yet, despite that limitation, what do we know today? We know that when an audit was conducted in 2025, more than 80% of the facial biometrics captured matched with the data in the NIA database. That is important. That means the process was not some useless or empty exercise as they are now desperately trying to suggest. In fact, it shows that the major part of the work has already been done.

All that is left now is for the less than 20% to be biometrically verified in what can only be termed stage 3 of what we started. That is all.

So the question is simple: if they say the previous exercise had no value or no data, then where did the 80% verification result come from? What data did they use for that audit? You cannot say on one hand that there was no data, and then on the other hand use audit outcomes based on that same exercise. That is contradictory. That is dishonest”.

Read Ursula Owusu’s full statement below:

The-plain-truth-about-SIM-Registration-2022-23Download

“I have not lobbied for a running mate position, but if it comes, I will accept it” – Patricia Appiagyei

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“I have not lobbied for a running mate position, but if it comes, I will accept it” – Patricia Appiagyei

Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, has refuted allegations that she is lobbying to be selected as a running mate of the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

According to Patricia Appiagyei, she has not made any such move, but remains open to serving in that capacity if given the opportunity.

Speaking in an interview with Sir John on GhanAkoma on Akoma FM on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, the Asokwa MP emphasised, “I have not lobbied for any running mate position, but if it comes, I will accept it because I am willing to serve the party”.

She further asserted that the NPP has several capable individuals who could be considered.

“There are more prominent people in the party who can equally support Dr Bawumia to secure power in 2028. It is the prerogative of the party to choose the right person,” she added.

“We are focusing on restructuring the base of the party by registering new members to complement the existing ones for victory in 2028,” she noted.

In related news, some NPP Members of Parliament have endorsed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 running mate, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, to be maintained as running mate in the 2028 elections.

Following the State of the Nation Address on Friday, February 27, 2026, Napo was spotted exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries in Parliament shortly after he attempted to leave Parliament, some NPP MPs gathered around him.

The NPP MPs were heard chanting “Yɛ pɛ NAPO, NAPO na yɛ pɛ” which translates as We want Napo, Napo is the one we want”.

Nana Ayeh Asafo-Adjei, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho and the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, along with other colleagues.

Other MP’s were also heard shouting, “No change, we want NAPO.”

Also, Akwasi Anti Asamoah, a former Fomena Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has told the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, that he cannot change Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate.

The NPP man recounted how former President Akufo-Addo maintained Dr Bawumia after several unsuccessful attempts at the presidency.

According to him, Dr Bawumia needs to keep Napo as his running mate for consistency’s sake, just as Akufo-Addo did.

Akwasi Anti Asamoah detailed that Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is the right candidate to partner with Dr Bawumia, adding that every individual has flaws.

He detailed that Napo has acknowledged his shortcomings and worked on them after the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election.

Speaking in an interview on Angel TV, Akwasi Anti Asamoah stated, “Bawumia cannot change NAPO because he is the right candidate. Akufo-Addo contested with him as running mate three times, and they eventually won.

Now Bawumia has also been marketed and is going again, so NAPO is the best candidate to run with him,” he said.

He further added that the NPP lost the election due to the anger of NPP members and not the fault of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

“The party suffered defeat because of anger, and it is not NAPO’s fault that we lost the election. He is the best person to partner with Bawumia for the presidency,” he stressed.

Mahama gov’t 24-Hour Economy turning into another policy slogan – GNCCI warns

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Mahama gov’t 24-Hour Economy turning into another policy slogan – GNCCI warns

Mark Badu Aboagye, the CEO of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), has warned the John Mahama government that the 24-Hour Economy is turning into another policy slogan. 

According to the GNCCI CEO, if the former Akufo-Addo governments had even implemented just 50% of their 1D1F, all of Ghana’s employment issues would have been solved.

He explained policies like the 24-hour economy are well thought through, but suffer from poor implementation.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News, Mark Badu Aboagye explained, “Obviously, there’s always an engagement for us to understand what it is, for us to understand the role that we will play, and all those things. Last Friday, we were actually supposed to meet Gossie Tannoh, but I think he travelled. So okay, so we have had that engagement with them.”

“When it comes to policies, as I said, it is implementation, the 1D1F. It’s been said that it was a very brilliant policy. If governments had even implemented just 50% of it, all these employment issues would have been solved.”

“That is what they always say, it is private sector-driven. And, of course, it should be private sector-driven. But what incentives are they providing?”

The GNCCI further added, “We had a similar incentive with 1D1F, where they say, if you go for a facility, we’ll pay a percentage of the interest. So the collateral point he talks about was also built into 1D1F. Let’s say the policies are brilliant; it is the implementation.

“And obviously, you get some political undertones. And people who can assess this funding, the real private sector people find out from them, whether they were able to get some of this funding.”

“So to solve this problem, it shouldn’t be just a political slogan and say, 24-hour economy. They are a brilliant idea. But how is the private sector taking it up? I think that to be able to solve this, one approach is to also look at our investors.”

Also, Michael Okyere Baafi, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee and MP for New Juaben South, has said John Mahama’s flagship 24-Hour Economy formula has moved from “1-3-3” to “4-1-9” .

According to Michael Okyere Baafi, the Mahama government’s handling of the 24-Hour Economy Policy has left many Ghanaians confused about its actual implementation framework.

Michael Okyere Baafi called on the Mahama government to apologise to Ghanaians for changing the formula of the 24-Hour Economy Policy from “1-3-3” to “4-1-9”

Speaking during a media interview on Saturday, March 14, Michael Okyere Baafi stated, “The policy was advertised by President Mahama and his team before the elections. Today, I put it to the head of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat… They have to go back to the country and apologise to Ghanaians”.

“What sense do you get about the policy? It’s a private sector-led initiative with incentives that may include interest subsidies,” he said.

He asked, “Government needs to do more in the area of investment promotion. They want to create jobs, but how?”

“We are now waiting for the incentive policy. The point I’m trying to make is that we now understand a different 24-Hour Economy,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minority Spokesperson on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, has said the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill passed by parliament will not deliver a 24-Hour work cycle.

The member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi is quoted by a TV3 news flyer to have said, “I say it in pain that the bill they have passed will not deliver a 24-hour work cycle in this country. We will be here!”

According to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill passed does not include an instrument that will ensure public agencies work for 24 hours.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah further explained, “Even the functions of the bill, they don’t put in it that this authority is to ensure that public agencies work for 24 hours. When we tried to put it in, they objected to it; that is why I am saying to you in all humility, they know what they are doing”.

“They are hoodwinking it in front of young people that they have passed the bill. It is coming, and I regret to say that nothing is coming. I encourage the young people to go online, Google the bill, and read it for yourself. You will be disappointed”.

“They have time; they have about two more budgets to go; they have time to correct some of these things. Unfortunately, when we speak, I think because of the partisan nature of politics, the NDC is more interested in debating us than picking lessons. Even when we confess our mistakes, they are more interested in debating us than listening to our confessions”, he added.

“You are so ugly, I don’t want you on my channel” – Nana Aba recounts being sacked from Metro TV on her first day

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“You are so ugly, I don’t want you on my channel” – Nana Aba recounts being sacked from Metro TV on her first day

Nana Aba Anamoah, a renowned media personality, has recounted how she was sacked from Metro TV on her first day.

According to Nana Aba Anamoah, her debut on Metro TV did not go as planned.

She disclosed that live appearances were tough, particularly as it was her first time on television without proper guidance.

Speaking in a podcast conversation with Richie Mensah, “I worked at Metro TV for just one day. I went on the screen for one day,” she said.

“It was a disaster because my makeup was shambolic, my hair was dishevelled, and I had no idea what I was doing,” she explained.

Nana Aba Anamoah revealed she and her colleague were summoned by management, saying,  “We were called into the MD’s office, and he was angry. He said we had desecrated his channel and told us not to come back again”.

“He pointed at me and said, ‘You are so ugly… I don’t want you on my channel again.’”

“I have a mirror at home, I have parents, I have siblings. I had never been described as ugly before,” she noted.

Nana Aba further disclosed that she had an unexpected encounter with the same executive years after she was dismissed, adding that the man could not recognise her at first.

The veteran broadcaster narrated, “He came to say hello to me and was praising me, saying, ‘You are so good, my children admire you,’”

“I asked him, ‘You don’t remember me, do you?’ He said no,” she recounted.

“I told him, ‘I worked at Metro TV for one day. You said I was ugly.’ Sometimes you meet fire with fire, sometimes with water, depending on the circumstances,” she said.

In related news, Portia Gabor, an award-winning journalist and news anchor, has touched hearts on social media after opening up about her childhood insecurity that followed her into adulthood.

The veteran Journalist in a social media post narrated how her big ears helped her land a job at Media General TV3.

According to Portia Gabor, for years she tried to hide what made her different, believing it could block her chances in life.

On Facebook, Portia Gabor narrated, “Growing up as a child, I thought I looked perfect. Then one day, someone pointed out that I had big ears. That’s when my insecurities began. I was laughed at, and at some point, people gave me strange nicknames about my ears in school 😂.

 I lacked self-confidence and prayed to God. 

One day, while doing my national service, my friends Augustina, Leo, and Jeff saw an advert on TV. TV3 was looking for a news anchor and journalist. They nudged me to apply because I had been reading to them, always pretending to be an anchor. I didn’t think I’d be chosen; my ears would be noticed, and people would laugh at me. That day, I was in a ponytail, and my ears stuck out. I had to quickly take a picture because it was the deadline for the application. I quickly did that and sent the letter to the reception of TV3. Thinking I would never be chosen…

The next day, I received a phone call from someone who introduced himself as Osei Boakye. He was then the news editor of TV3. He said, “I was going through the various applications and pictures, and guess what? Your ears caught my attention. They look exactly like my daughter’s ears 😂😂. Can you come to TV3? I want to see you.” 😂😂

I quickly rushed to TV3 to meet him in his office. He showed me his daughter’s picture. That moment turned out to be an impromptu and informal interview. Osei Boakye called me among other applicants, not because of my CV but because of my ears. Something I was teased about, something I tried to cover… At that moment, my ears were the gateway to my breakthrough; my insecurity became my security”.

Portia Gabor, after sharing her story, used her personal journey to speak directly to people who may be struggling silently, urging them not to let their looks limit them.

She added, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but there are many of us who have dealt with physical insecurities, especially young ladies, feeling not beautiful enough, not happy about a scar or looks or even a physical challenge or a disability.

Sometimes it may not even be physical. Perhaps a bad experience or a troublesome past that we want to hide. You are worth more than your physical appearance. May your physical appearance not hinder you from achieving your dreams. And yes, you can learn to embrace it and love yourself.

In my case, my ears landed me a job, first, before my CV and competence were even considered.

Again, you are worth more than your physical appearance”, her post concluded.

Watch the video below:

NDC promised 3 shifts, yet can’t even fund 1 shift, now borrowing GHC17bn – Okoe-Boye blast Mahama gov’t

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NDC promised 3 shifts, yet can’t even fund 1 shift, now borrowing GHC17bn – Okoe-Boye blast Mahama gov’t

Dr Okoe-Boye, the Former Health Minister, has taken a swipe at the John Mahama-led government over their inability to fund one shift of public workers after promising three shifts in opposition.

According to Okoe-Boye, the NDC has been trapped by their words and must apologise to Ghanaian youths for its deception during the 2024 campaign.

Dr Okoe-Boye highlighted that the NDC promised Ghanaians youths three shifts, but are now borrowing ¢17 billion just to meet public sector wage obligations in 2025.

Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, Dr Okoe Boye explained, “When the NDC was talking about the 133, they were speaking to what they can control and not the private sector. Typical of the NDC, the first shift, they do not have the money to cover the wage bill. Men are trapped by the words. Even the wage bill for the first shift, OB, you think…

John Mahama is a handsome man and has been a president before. He would have employed more people in his first term, but the reason why he couldn’t is that he knows there is something called a wage bill”.

Dr Okoe-Boye added, “But in 2024, they told the whole youth that instead of one shift…I was on Metro TV, and I said the only reason why you don’t run a three-shift system just like that is that you have to check the wage bill of the first shift. Today, Ato Forson is telling you that under this recovered economy, when they pay the three statutory funds, he has to borrow to pay workers”.

“The point I’m making is that at the time they were promising, 133 the finance minister, Ato Forson, was aware that in the previous government under Akufo-Addo, the money that we generate as a country, after paying the District Assemblies’ common fund, GETFUND, and Health Insurance, it becomes difficult to pay for salaries.

That is the reason why the government introduced the capping policy…OB, when you use smartness and duplicity to get power, the victims of these games wait for you at the polls in three years. Sometimes it is better to be silent and reflect because the more you talk about it, the more you anger the people you played games with,” he explained.

His comments follows, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has revealed that the government borrowed approximately GH¢17 billion just to meet public sector wage obligations in 2025.

The Finance Minister detailed that Ghana spent 44 per cent of its total tax revenue on public sector wages in 2025.

According to Ato Forson, Ghana’s wage bill consumes 44% of tax revenue, forcing the government to borrow to pay salaries.

Report by TV3 stated, “out of total tax revenue of GH¢183 billion in 2025, statutory obligations, including transfers to DACF, GETFund, NHIL, and debt servicing, consumed GH¢122.1 billion, leaving only GH¢61.9 billion available.

However, the government’s wage bill alone amounted to GH¢78.9 billion, creating a financing gap that forced the state to borrow approximately GH¢17 billion just to meet salary obligations.

Dr Forson emphasised that the combined burden of wages, debt servicing, and statutory transfers exceeded total tax revenue, effectively crowding out other critical expenditures.

Also, Ato Forson has disclosed that public sector wages remain the largest component of government expenditure.

Speaking during a dialogue with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, Ato Forson stated, “Compensation of Ghana’s employees is currently the largest share of government expenditure. Of the total government expenditure, employee compensation accounts for 39%, debt service accounts for 32%, and grants to other government units account for 29%”.

“The crowding effect of compensation means that while we spend 33% of our compensation budget, our expenditure on compensation, only three per cent is used for goods and services, and capital expenditure represents only six per cent of Ghana’s expenditure.

“Social benefits only represent one per cent of government expenditure, and grants to other government units representing the statutory funds are about 24% while debt service represents 26% of our total expenditure”.

“Some key facts on the compensation issues are that at the end of the 2025 fiscal year, compensation budget accounted for 44% of non-oil tax revenue, 5.6% of GDP, and 33.78% of total expenditure,” he added.

NDC was not against SIM registration, just the process – NIA CEO

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NDC was not against SIM registration, just the process – NIA CEO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in opposition were never against the SIM card registration exercise.

According to the NIA, both he and the current communication minister supported SIM registration but disagreed with the process of implementation.

The NIA CEO detailed that gaps identified in the 2022 exercise made it possible for individuals to misuse Ghana Cards for the registration of multiple SIMs.

Speaking on TV3, Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku explained, “We were not against SIM card registration, we were against the process”.

He further explained that a proper SIM registration must involve three steps: identification, verification, and authentication, noting that the previous registration had only two stages.

“At best, the system confirmed the card, not the person,” he noted.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has added his voice to the upcoming SIM registration exercise, describing the previous registration as wasteful.

According to President Mahama, there was a conflict between former Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the former head of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which caused the challenges in the last SIM registration exercise.

President Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, stated, “Some time back, we were told to register our SIM cards, which caused great distress to Ghanaians. Even MTN had to mount canopies just to attend to everyone.”

“When that was ongoing, we didn’t know that the former Minister of Communications [Ursula Owusu] was not on speaking terms with the former head of the NIA. They had issues between them,” he disclosed

President Mahama added, “When you are undertaking a SIM registration, it is important to add it to the national registration so that a number can easily be identified and traced to the owner should that person be engaged in wrongdoing”.

“The sad part is that we didn’t do that, making the previous SIM registration exercise wasteful,” the president stated.

President Mahama further disclosed, “The new one that the Minister of Communications is about to do, the SIM will be linked to the Ghana Card, which will make it impossible to change it. Everything involving that particular SIM card will easily be traced to its owner,” he explained.

“We will do it in such a way that you will receive a code on your phone, which will demand you to write your name, Ghana card number and other details, which will directly go into the database and will directly link your SIM card to the Ghana Card. You will not need to visit or go all the way to the telcos just to register the SIM,” he noted.

“The process will be free, and it is the telcos that will bear the cost for the re-registration. All you need to do is to input your details when you receive the code,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Innovations, and Digital Technologies, has announced that the upcoming SIM registration will be Ghana’s first with a proper biometric registration.

According to Sam George, the new SIM registration is intended to correct flaws from the old registration.

The sector minister is quoted by a GHOne news flyer to have said, “This will be the first time in Ghana’s history that we will have a proper biometric SIM registration”.

Sam George further assured Ghanaians that the upcoming SIM registration exercise will be the last.

According to him, the government rolls out a robust, technology-driven system designed to enhance convenience and eliminate fraud.

Clash between Ursula Owusu and NIA led to wasteful SIM registration exercise – Mahama

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Clash between Ursula Owusu and NIA led to wasteful SIM registration exercise – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has added his voice to the upcoming SIM registration exercise, describing the previous registration as wasteful.

According to President Mahama, there was a conflict between former Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the former head of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which caused the challenges in the last SIM registration exercise.

President Mahama, addressing a gathering on Thursday, March 19, 2026, stated, “Some time back, we were told to register our SIM cards, which caused great distress to Ghanaians. Even MTN had to mount canopies just to attend to everyone.”

“When that was ongoing, we didn’t know that the former Minister of Communications [Ursula Owusu] was not on speaking terms with the former head of the NIA. They had issues between them,” he disclosed.

President Mahama added, “When you are undertaking a SIM registration, it is important to add it to the national registration so that a number can easily be identified and traced to the owner should that person be engaged in wrongdoing”.

“The sad part is that we didn’t do that, making the previous SIM registration exercise wasteful,” the president stated.

President Mahama further disclosed, “The new one that the Minister of Communications is about to do, the SIM will be linked to the Ghana Card, which will make it impossible to change it. Everything involving that particular SIM card will easily be traced to its owner,” he explained.

“We will do it in such a way that you will receive a code on your phone, which will demand you to write your name, Ghana card number and other details, which will directly go into the database and will directly link your SIM card to the Ghana Card. You will not need to visit or go all the way to the telcos just to register the SIM,” he noted.

“The process will be free, and it is the telcos that will bear the cost for the re-registration. All you need to do is to input your details when you receive the code,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Innovations, and Digital Technologies, has announced that the upcoming SIM registration will be Ghana’s first with a proper biometric registration.

According to Sam George, the new SIM registration is intended to correct flaws from the old registration.

The sector minister is quoted by a GHOne news flyer to have said, “This will be the first time in Ghana’s history that we will have a proper biometric SIM registration”.

Sam George further assured Ghanaians that the upcoming SIM registration exercise will be the last.

According to him, the government rolls out a robust, technology-driven system designed to enhance convenience and eliminate fraud.

Speaking to stakeholders about the planned exercise, Sam George stated, “The fact that you have multi-agency collaboration on this is something that you didn’t see in previous times.

You have the NIA (National Identification Authority) being our single source of truth when it comes to IDs, the NCA (National Communications Authority), the ministry, Immigration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies all working together.

“What you see today is the product of very hard and difficult conversations, and that gives me the confidence that if we execute this right, this will be the final SIM registration exercise,” Mr George explained.

“This registration is 75 per cent communication and 25 per cent technology,” he said

He further ruled out automatic migration of existing SIM data into the new system saying, “You are not cleaning up. You are actually migrating the viruses.

You have infected files, and you are migrating them onto a new system.

You are basically replicating the problems of the old system.

And that’s part of the reason why we can’t do a wholesale migration. And that’s cured today by NIA’s solution that they are offering to us based on the collaboration we are having with them,” he said.

Watch the video below:

“If 3,000 inmates are in Nsawam Prison, 2,000 have access to phones, who engage in fraud” – Ex-convict reveals

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“If 3,000 inmates are in Nsawam Prison, 2,000 have access to phones, who engage in fraud” – Ex-convict reveals

An ex-convict has given a chilling account of how inmates in the Nsawam Prison operate.

According to the ex-convict, if 3,000 inmates are in Nsawam Prison, 2,000 have access to phones, who engage in fraud.

He disclosed the hierarchy among inmates, the harsh realities of prison life, including poor living and feeding conditions.

The ex-convict also detailed that the cell leaders in prison have wives who are the cell boys with whom they engage in homosexual activities.

He further revealed that some inmates are allowed to operate illegal businesses and scam operations within the facility and pay commissions to the prison officers.

Speaking on Asempa FM, on March 18, 2026, the Ex-convict alleged, “The cell leader in prison has a wife also in prison, who is the cell’s boy. The cell leader is in charge of texting on phones. Every phone in this world is available in prison. If there are 3,000 inmates inside Nsawam Prison, more than 2,000 have access to mobile phones, engaging in fraud. There are prisoners who operate mobile money and are able to withdraw funds from the criminal proceeds”.

“As a cell boy, you are in charge of bringing food. They are not allowed to go outside, and because of that, a lot of the prisoners hate it. And because they are always kept indoors, they are held responsible for any item that goes missing, and so they are expected to remain vigilant,” he disclosed.

The Ex-convict added, “The cell leaders are the last ones to enter the gate by 8 pm before the gates are locked. As a prisoner, if you mistakenly cough after 8 pm to make noise, you can be surcharged.

“You can be taken to court, which is right there in the prison cells. There are prisoners acting as judges, police, lawyers, all in the cells and they will rule on your case if you’re in trouble,” he recounted.

“I was working as a kitchen boy, and the living conditions were poor. The groundnuts used for the soup are mostly rotten. Some prisoners who are serving longer jail terms and those with money are allowed to operate illegal businesses like selling food and scam operations within the facility and pay commissions to the prison officers,” he added.

The Ex-convict also disclosed that some prisoners are able to amass wealth while incarcerated by operating a food business.

“The prisoners operating a food business are rich. Even though they are in prison, they are able to build huge houses outside despite coming to Nsawam with nothing in their name or a single dime,” he disclosed.

Some Ghanaians on X reacting to the ex-convict revelation stated, “Just give it some few days prisons officers will come and say he is lying, these the 4 prisoner telling us how the place is and when you listen to the stories they are all saying the same things and you can tell they are no lying yet prison officers will come and defend it”.

A netizen added, “Prison is very harsh and unforgiving. It’s supposed to reform the prisoners, but the conditions rather make them hardened

It’s why I was shocked when some Ghanaians were angry that the Church of Pentecost built a prison.

They built a prison so that inmates can have better lives !!”.

A netizen added, “Every institution in this money-hungry state is corrupt! We are setting ourselves up for the worst. Every individual wants an edge over the others. We’ve sold our sense of humanity and dignity to a mere paper. It’s sad how the future generation is going to crumble”.

“Our fight against cybercrime and fraud cannot succeed if our own prisons are being used as operational bases for scammers. Allegations of officers receiving commissions from these illegal activities are incredibly serious. We need a complete security overhaul at Nsawam to ensure that inmates are truly serving their sentences, not running illegal businesses there”, an X user added.

Watch the video below:

Galamsey cannot be stopped in Ghana – MP boldly states

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Galamsey cannot be stopped in Ghana – MP boldly states

Ntebe Ayo William, the Member of Parliament for Tatale-Sanguli, has boldly stated that illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, cannot be entirely eradicated in Ghana.

According to the Tatale-Sanguli MP, Ghana can only minimise the impact of galamsey through targeted interventions.

He noted that earlier forms of illegal mining involved basic tools, which caused less environmental damage, adding that the increased use of chanfans and earth-moving equipment like excavators has significantly worsened the scale of destruction.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, he explained, “What is galamsey at all? Galamsey is illegal mining. So, if I go to my farm and there is gold there and I decide to mine my gold, that is illegal, that is galamsey. We will control that one. The government is on the point to stop mining in water bodies and in the forest”.

“… you cannot stop galamsey in Ghana. To be honest with you, you can only minimise it. How do you end it? We are fighting it, and we are fighting it in two ways: water and forest. Don’t destroy the forest, don’t pollute the water,” he said.

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has admitted that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, involves individuals across political and traditional structures.

According to John Mahama, he will not kid himself that his own party people are not involved in the galamsey menace.

President Mahama highlighted that the fight against the galamsey menace will be difficult but must continue.

Mahama stressed that operators often shift allegiance when governments change, allowing the practice to continue.

Speaking during a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, President Mahama stated, “Illegal mining has eaten into the fabric of our society. And I must say that it is not only a menace to our society, but it has involved a circle of traditional rulers, political party appointees and everything”.

“Even when one party changes, those who were running some operation, who went to one party, will go to the next party and say, now that you have come, come and take over this operation and let’s share. We, too, will be getting small; this is what we are doing. And so I don’t kid myself that we don’t have our own people involved,” he stated.

President Mahama further touched on the work of the anti-illegal mining task force NAIMOS, describing it as challenging, especially in communities where resistance is strong.

He added, “And the work of the NAIMOS is not easy. They go to a community, and the chiefs, the youth and everybody come out and resist them. And so, I didn’t kid myself that we would be able to win that fight overnight. But we cannot relent, we must continue”.

“And it doesn’t help when we have a crisis in the cocoa industry. The low price that was paid to cocoa farmers made some of them give up their farms for gold mining,” he noted.

“We are hoping that it will stabilise with the new automatic mechanism we are coming up with so that farmers know that they are getting 70% of the price,” he said.

“One of the problems we have is we don’t have patrol boats, especially on our waterways, for nine months to continue to patrol the waterways,” he explained.

Mahama further added that the Finance, Defence and Interior ministries are working to provide the necessary resources.

“So, we are working with the minister of finance to be able to maintain that,” he said.

Big Push road projects funded by our own resources – Mahama reveals

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Big Push road projects funded by our own resources – Mahama reveals

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that every Big Push road project currently underway across the country is being funded entirely with Ghana’s own resources.

According to John Mahama, Ghana has sufficient funds to support the Big Push initiative without resorting to loans that would add further costs to the nation.

President Mahama further revealed that contractors have been instructed to expedite their work and to submit certificates of completion to facilitate early payment.

Speaking during his visit to the Bono Region as part of the Resetting Agenda Tour on Thursday, March 19, 2026, President Mahama disclosed, “Let it be known that all the roads we are constructing are being funded with our own resources. We have not borrowed any money to finance these projects.

“The Sunyani Outer Ring Road, for example, is being funded entirely from our own coffers. The money is available, and I have instructed every contractor to expedite their work, complete the roads, and submit their certificates for payment.

“Before I left Accra for the Bono Region, the finance minister remained in his office, signing off on certificates for some of these contractors so they can be paid promptly,” he said.

Earlier, President John Mahama announced that a whopping sum of $30.8 billion had been allocated to the Big Push program in 2026.

Speaking at the 77th Annual New Year School at the University of Ghana on Tuesday, January 6, the President stated, “We are investing massively in improving our infrastructure. And this year, we invested more than $13 billion in our Big Push Program. In 2026, we have allocated a whopping sum of $30.8 billion for the Big Push Program”.

“This will see massive improvements in our road network, in rail, in aviation, in health, in education, in agribusiness, and manufacturing.”

President Mahama also announced plans to cut sid for the commencement of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.

He told critics of the project that he wished they were in the traffic jam over the New Year that was caused by a Believers Worship Centre.

Mahama explained, “For those who have spoken against this expressway, I wish that they were in the traffic jam over the New Year. When a single church held a convention, it brought the Accra-Kumasi road into gridlock for more than seven hours. Accra is the biggest city in Ghana and the capital. Kumasi is the next biggest city in Ghana.

“And the traffic between these two cities, it’s a shame that we have a single-lane road linking our two major cities. This will be a thing of the past, and I’m looking forward to cutting sod early this year for the commencement of construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway”.

“For those people who miscommunicate and try to twist my words, the new city will not be the capital. The capital will continue to be the seat of government, and it will be the capital of Ghana.

“But we’ll create a new city that will be smart, that will be innovative, there will be no kiosks, no containers, and no beggars on the streets.”

Meanwhile, Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has announced that every road project under President John Mahama’s Big Push initiative will be tolled.

The Road Minister revealed that the tolls will be used to raise money for road maintenance.

Kwame Governs Agbodza is quoted by GHOne TV news card to have said, “ Every road under the Big Push initiative will be tolled to raise money for its maintenance”.

Also, the Roads minister in an interview on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show revealed that the government’s proposed Accra–Kumasi expressway project will take off mid-year after feasibility and costing.

The Roads Minister detailed that the government is taking a guarded approach to avoid cost overruns and design errors.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show, the Road Minister explained, “We want to take time to make sure that when we come out and say we need X amount of money to build the about 200km from Accra to Kumasi, we don’t come back and tell you that we want to double that money simply because we made a mistake,” Mr Agbodza said.

“We are expecting the final draft somewhere in May, June, but we are giving ourselves July or August, just in case there’s something they missed or something we need to add,” he explained.

“Stop the wild allegations and pay us a visit” – BoG Governor invites Kofi Bentil to see BoG books

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“Stop the wild allegations and pay us a visit” – BoG Governor invites Kofi Bentil to see BoG books

Dr Johnson Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has invited the Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, to come and visit the Central Bank over his concerns surrounding Ghana’s gold transactions.

The BoG dismissed allegations being made by Kofi Bentil that the Bank’s sale of gold had resulted in financial losses.

 Dr Asiama explained that a profit of $1.3 billion was made from the transaction, as there were no losses.

 He argued that the institution operates transparently and remains open to scrutiny.

According to the BoG Governor, Kofi Bentil, he must stop the wild allegations and visit the Central Bank to see the books on Ghana’s 18 tonnes of gold.

Speaking at the 129th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press conference in Accra on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Dr Asiama explained, ” These things you have to put them into proper context, it is not that literal, as I said today, Gold prices are at $4,800, it went up to $5300. What that tells you is that it is very volatile, there is no guarantee that it will stay at $5300 forever”.

A decision was taken last year to diversify. At the time, there was no indication that the Venezuela crisis was going to escalate, or that the Iran crisis was going to escalate at the time. Every thought price has peaked, it was around $4200. In taken those decisions, the appropriate channels were used, and there were no breaches.

The BoG boss added, “A lot of the things we hear out there are just things we don’t even want to respond to; we have all the information. I was in parliament last week to answer all those questions. Mr Kofi Bentil ask him to come to us anytime.

Those things being said outside there, I don’t know what they want to achieve. Kofi Bentil should pay us a visit; he should stop those wild allegations. We are ready to answer him; he should just make a call and come,” he said.

“I’m ready to open the books; he should come, and I will explain to him,” Dr Asiama added.

Also, Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has alleged that 18 tonnes of gold were sold in a space of a month. His information reveals that Ghana have to buy back those 18 tonnes of gold for a price of above a billion dollars.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3, Kofi Bentil stated, “These 18 tonnes of gold that somebody has sold, in a space of about a month, we are being told we have to go and buy back that 18 tonnes of gold for a price of above a billion dollars. Someone made a wild decision that has cost this country over one billion dollars.

“There is no sensible government anywhere in the world where someone costs a poor country a billion dollars, and the person sits in their office.

“When it comes to policy making, there is aprior, contemporaneous, and post facto. You don’t know what you are going to say, because you are thinking personally,  so you try something, and you get to a point where you are seeing better because you are in it. We expect you to do better.

“We have a situation where one day we woke up and said he has sold 18 tonnes of gold, and then the next day someone has come up with Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP) (2026–2028), we are going to buy back the gold, and the cost difference is over 1 billion dollars in a poor country.”

He added, “There is a theory that maybe they didn’t sell the gold because some of these things are paper transactions. I don’t subscribe to that theory, but if it is true that they didn’t sell the gold, then somebody is doing a deal to get one billion dollars. We need some serious accounting for this. This is the job for the opposition.

“We can’t wake up and lose a billion dollars, roll over and make things business as usual. What was the view of the president? Whose idea was it? Who processed it? What is going to happen to those people or that person who made the decision that is going to cost us over one billion dollars? If somebody made that decision or a group of people, it is called a catastrophic failure. The person is either catastrophically incompetent or something else is driving that kind of decision, but here is the point.”

Also, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the former Finance Minister, has alleged that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) sold Ghana’s gold reserves to cover 2025 losses.

According to Amin Adam, he does not understand the rationale behind the government selling half of the national gold reserves, as it defeats the purpose of accumulating the reserves.

Dr Amin Adam explained how the Bank will report its 2025 losses vis-à-vis the gains from the sale of gold reserves, questioning how sustainable this practice is, where operational losses can easily be offset by the sale of our gold reserves.

The former Finance Minister demanded that the Bank of Ghana come clear on the sale of 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Watch the video below:

Tragic – Final-year student at A.M.E Zion SHS killed by bees

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Tragic – Final-year student at A.M.E Zion SHS killed by bees

A final-year student at the A.M.E Zion Senior High School in the Central Region has passed away after she was attacked by bees on the school premises.

The deceased has been identified as a 21-year-old Emmanuella Quainoo.

Reports suggest that at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, she was reportedly swarmed by bees while on campus.

Emmanuella Quainoo was rushed to the nearby hospital but could not survive.

According to reports, the deceased enrolled at the private school for remedial classes to improve her science scores.

Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, March 19, her grandmother, Vida Ayi Mensah, stated, “We heard she had been attacked by bees at school, so we rushed there and took her to the hospital. She passed away the next day.

“We saw the doctors attending to her. She asked us to buy medications, which we had already done, and they also said she’d need a blood transfusion. While at the pharmacy, I was called that she had died, so I didn’t proceed with the drugs.”

In other news,  a student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), named Caleb Mensah, popularly known as Paywa, tragically lost his life some weeks ago.

Reports suggest the UCC student left his student ID upon arriving at the examination room he was asked to go back for it.

Caleb, who was a passenger on a motorcycle, reportedly dropped an item. As the rider turned back to retrieve it, they hit a pothole. The impact caused Caleb to jump off the bike. In an unfortunate turn of events, he stepped into the path of an oncoming shuttle, which struck and ran over him.

He was rushed to the hospital immediately, but sadly did not survive.

UCC in an official statement on the tragic road accident wrote, “Cape Coast, Friday, 6th March, 2026: We regret to announce the tragic death of Mr. Kweku Mensah, a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) student, following a road traffic accident on campus on Thursday, 5th March 2026, at about 3:00 p.m. along the Amissah-Arthur Language Centre and the Sandwich Lecture Theatre (SWLT) stretch.

Preliminary information indicates that the student was riding on a motorcycle to retrieve his identification card from Oguaa Hall for a scheduled examination. The motorcycle reportedly collided with an Ayalolo bus, leading to severe injuries. The student was rushed to the UCC Hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate him failed.

The matter has been reported to the UCC Police and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) for investigations. The body has been deposited at the UCC Morgue pending further procedures. Subsequently, his family has been duly informed about the sad event.

The University extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and urges the University community to remain calm as investigations continue.

Further updates surrounding the incident will be provided in due course”.

“I just collapsed in my chair” – Video surface of Mahama narrating how he received Atta Mills’ death

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“I just collapsed in my chair” – Video surface of Mahama narrating how he received Atta Mills’ death

A video has surfaced of President John Dramani Mahama narrating how he received the news of the death of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

In the video, which has resurfaced on X, President Mahama narrated the emotional moment he learned about the passing of Atta Mills.

According to John Mahama, he collapsed in his chair and broke down crying like a baby after receiving the devastating news that the president had died.

Speaking to KSM in the resurfaced video, John Mahama narrated, “If I remember properly, it was about 2:30 pm when I got a call from the Chief of Staff. He asked where I was, and I told him I was just leaving to come and join them at the hospital. He then told me to wait in my office and that there was no need to come because the president had just passed away. This was about 2:30 or shortly before that.

“It was a very sad day. I just collapsed in my chair, broke down, and wept like a baby. It’s not something I like to recall. That same evening, here you are, having to be sworn in as president,” he said.

Mahama further narrated, “My ADC locked up my office, so I was there by myself, just trying to gather my thoughts. I stayed there for about an hour when the Speaker, the Attorney General, and some other officials came to see me. My ADC called me on the intercom and said they wanted to see me, so I went into the washroom, washed my face, and tried to compose myself.

“They came in and said they had referred to the Constitution and that the swearing-in had to take place immediately. I protested because I thought we could do it the next day. I didn’t see how I could bring myself to go through a ceremony like that after receiving such tragic news. But they insisted and explained that, by the provisions of the Constitution, there could not be a vacuum in leadership,” he added.

It will be recalled that back in July 2012, Ghana’s Vice-President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s leader following the sudden death of President John Atta Mills, in line with the 1992 constitution.

Mahama took the oath of office as head of state before a sombre parliament on Wednesday, hours after the announcement of Mills’ death on Tuesday afternoon.

“This is the saddest day in our nation’s history. Tears have engulfed our nation, and we are deeply saddened and distraught,” Mahama said after being sworn in.

“I never imagined that one day that it would place our nation in such a difficult circumstance. I’m personally devastated, I’ve lost a father, I’ve lost a friend, I’ve lost a mentor and a senior comrade,” he said.

“Ghana is united in grief at this time for our departed president.”

Reports suggest the president’s office said that Mills, who had celebrated his 68th birthday some days ago, died a few hours after being taken ill, with no further details given.

A presidential aide also disclosed that the president had complained of pains on Monday evening and died early Tuesday afternoon when his condition worsened.

Watch the video below:

“Blue Water Guards useless and a bogus venture” – Afia Pokua

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“Blue Water Guards useless and a bogus venture” – Afia Pokua

Ghanaian media personality Afia Pokua, commonly known as Vim Lady, has said that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Armah Kofi Buah, Blue Water Guards is a useless and bogus venture.

According to Afia Pokua, the launch of the Blue Water Guards is causing financial loss to the state, adding that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister must be held responsible.

Afia Pokua stressed that the launch of the Blue Water Guards has contributed nothing to the fight against illegal mining.

Afia Pokua is quoted to have said, “Since Mahama came to power, the water has never been clear. Even under Akufo-Addo, we saw signs that the water was clear; it was only when he opened the floodgates for party boys to mine that he had problems.

This government introduced the Blue Water Guards, but they have been the most ineffective way to fight illegal mining. The minister has seen that the blue water guards are a useless and bogus venture that has caused the state financial loss,” she said.

She further alleged that NAIMOS have been taking gold from illegal miners instead of arresting them.

It will be recalled that the Mahama government deployed some Blue River Guards, specifically trained by the Ghana Navy.

The Guards are to protect and monitor water bodies in mining areas affected by illegal mining activities.

According to the Land Minister, Emmanuel Armarh Kofi Buah, the guards are to serve as the ears and eyes of the Security Forces.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has confessed that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, involves individuals across political and traditional structures.

According to John Mahama, he will not kid himself that his own party people are not involved in the galamsey menace.

President Mahama highlighted that the fight against the galamsey menace will be difficult but must continue.

Mahama stressed that operators often shift allegiance when governments change, allowing the practice to continue.

Speaking during a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, President Mahama stated, “Illegal mining has eaten into the fabric of our society. And I must say that it is not only a menace to our society, but it has involved a circle of traditional rulers, political party appointees and everything”.

“Even when one party changes, those who were running some operation, who went to one party, will go to the next party and say, now that you have come, come and take over this operation and let’s share. We, too, will be getting small; this is what we are doing. And so I don’t kid myself that we don’t have our own people involved,” he stated.

President Mahama further touched on the work of the anti-illegal mining task force NAIMOS, describing it as challenging, especially in communities where resistance is strong.

He added, “And the work of the NAIMOS is not easy. They go to a community, and the chiefs, the youth and everybody come out and resist them. And so, I didn’t kid myself that we would be able to win that fight overnight. But we cannot relent, we must continue”.

“And it doesn’t help when we have a crisis in the cocoa industry. The low price that was paid to cocoa farmers made some of them give up their farms for gold mining,” he noted.

“We are hoping that it will stabilise with the new automatic mechanism we are coming up with so that farmers know that they are getting 70% of the price,” he said.

“One of the problems we have is we don’t have patrol boats, especially on our waterways, for nine months to continue to patrol the waterways,” he explained.

Mahama further added that the Finance, Defence and Interior ministries are working to provide the necessary resources.

“So, we are working with the minister of finance to be able to maintain that,” he said.

Within 3 or 4 years, Ghana should be self-sufficient in terms of tomato production – John Dumelo

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Within 3 or 4 years, Ghana should be self-sufficient in terms of tomato production – John Dumelo

The deputy Agriculture Minister, John Dumelo, has said that within three or four years, Ghana should be self-sufficient in terms of tomato production.

John Dumelo urged the Ghanaian farmers to intensify dry-season farming to boost local production of tomatoes.

According to John Dumelo, Ghana may not immediately stop sourcing tomatoes from Burkina Faso, but it must take steps to reduce its reliance on imported tomatoes.

The Deputy Agric Minister added that sustained investment in local farming could change the situation in the medium term.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Thursday, March 19, 2026, John Dumelo stated, “For us, going to Burkina Faso for tomatoes might not end immediately, but once they get encouraged, within three or four years, we should be self-sufficient when it comes to tomato production”.

“I am yet to get the reason why the Burkina Faso government announced the ban and the details that come with it. But last year, I was in the Northern Region, and I urged them to produce tomatoes in the dry season. This dry season, I went back, and most of them are doing just that,” he said.

“I told them to let me know what they need to help them scale up production, especially in the next dry season… The government is committed to helping them to scale up production,” he added.

The Deputy Agric Minister’s comments come following the Burkina Faso government’s announcement of an immediate nationwide halt to tomato exports, raising concerns for Ghana.

In a joint statement issued, the Burkinabè government banned the export of fresh tomatoes.

The statement issued by the Burkinabè government in Ouagadougou says the suspension is effective immediately and will remain “until further notice,” to prioritise local supply for domestic processing industries.

The directive was signed by the Burkinabè trade and agriculture ministries, which have also halted the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE).

Reports suggest traders have been given a two-week window to complete ongoing transactions.

The decision by the Burkinabè government is expected to have immediate implications for Ghana’s food supply, with Ghana heavily dependent on tomato imports from Burkina Faso to supplement local production.

It will be recalled that in February 2026, seven Ghanaian tomato traders were killed, and others were injured following a terrorist attack in the northern Burkinabè town of Titao.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, disclosed that the seven Ghanaian Tomato traders killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, have been laid to rest.

According to the Minister, the bodies of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, which forced authorities to proceed with burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 16, Muntaka Mubarak stated, “The seven bodies have been burnt beyond recognition. As at yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried”.

“So the Burkina Faso authorities told us [Ghanaians] that they would bury them at 10 a.m today. But our women who are not really injured can go and witness and take as many pictures as possible,” he added.

He added, “And the sad thing is that we lost seven of our men. Three of them got injured. One woman was critically injured, and others were not badly injured”.

Meanwhile, John Dumelo earlier announced that Ghana is on course to achieve large-scale domestic tomato production by the end of 2026.

According to John Dumelo, trials are underway at irrigation schemes to reduce reliance on imports from Burkina Faso.

The Deputy Minister further stressed that the Mahama government has a long-term plan to cut Ghana’s dependency on tomatoes from Burkina Faso by between 20 and 30 per cent beginning next year.

John Dumelo is quoted by a TV3 news flyer shared on social to have said, “Ghana on track for full-scale tomato production by year-end 2026”.

The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, speaking on JOYFM The Pulse on Tuesday, 17 February, further detailed efforts to stabilise tomato supply and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imports.

John Dumelo stated, “I just came back from the Bono East region, but I’ll be going back to be able to interact with the traders and see how best we can help them to solve our problems, our tomato demand in Ghana.”

“When you look at some of our irrigation schemes, especially the ones in the north — when you go to Tono Dam, around the Navrongo area — currently most of the farmers are farming tomatoes, but it’s on a much smaller scale. It’s more or less like a trial stage where we want to scale it up before the year ends or next year.”

“If you also go to our irrigation schemes, there are some tomato-growing farmers there, as we speak, that would have their tomatoes maybe in about two or three months’ time. All these schemes are the ones that we want to scale up, hopefully by next year.”

He added, “We’ve distributed some solar — or we’re about to distribute some solar water pumps to vegetable farmers across the country. And then the water pumps that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources seized from galamsey operators — we distributed some last year, over a thousand of them, to small-scale vegetable farmers across the country.”

“Hopefully, when all these come on board, we’ll be able to mitigate our production of tomatoes and other vegetables across the country.”

“I’m very hopeful that next year, by this time, most of the trips that are going to Burkina Faso will reduce. When all these programmes come on board, hopefully we’ll be able to reduce our traders from going to Burkina Faso to get tomatoes.”

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Ghana cards linked to multiple MoMo fraud will be blocked – Sam George

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Ghana cards linked to multiple MoMo fraud will be blocked – Sam George

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has disclosed that Ghana cards linked to multiple MoMo fraud will be blocked.

 According to Sam George, individuals whose Ghana Cards are repeatedly linked to fraudulent SIM registrations linked to mobile money scams will face strict sanctions.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement held in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Sam George stated, “If the same Ghana Card is found to be involved in more than one fraudulent registration linked to mobile money fraud, that Ghana Card will be blocked and barred from registering a SIM”.

“Today, almost every government service requires your Ghana Card, so the penalty becomes very severe. The aim is to ensure that stolen or illegal mobile phones cannot be used on any network,” he said.

He further disclosed that a new framework will also introduce a primary number verification system.

Adding that any additional SIM registration linked to a Ghana Card must be approved via a one-time password sent to the user’s main number.

“Once you approve it, you cannot deny the registration, so people must avoid doing this for others,” the minister cautioned.

Meanwhile, Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), has quizzed the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, on what the consequences will be if the SIM registration fails to achieve its purpose.

According to Solomon Owusu, the registration under Ursula Owusu was undermined by ego and power struggles between the Ministry of Communications and the National Identification Authority (NIA).

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based TV3, Solomon Owusu stated, “What assurance is the minister giving to us that this time around? When he fails, what must the country do to him? Is he going to put his job on the line?

Is he saying that if he’s unable to, after the registration, there are still forces in the system, he must be sacked from office, or he must be in prison? Or what should happen? Because Ursula Owusu gave us the same assurance. Today, she’s chilling somewhere. Nobody is taking her on.”

Solomon Owusu argued that if telcos fail, they should be sanctioned, and if the minister fails to enforce the law, he should face consequences too.

Also, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, has said the planned SIM registration is not going to be a silver bullet that stops fraud.

The Telecoms Chamber CEO highlighted that consumer awareness and protection of personal identification numbers are critical in stopping the growing threat of mobile-related fraud.

She stressed that most of the mobile-related fraud is driven by social engineering schemes where fraudsters impersonate trusted individuals or institutions to scam persons into disclosing sensitive information.

BoG sold 50% of Ghana’s gold reserves to cover 2025 losses – Amin Adam alleges

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BoG sold 50% of Ghana’s gold reserves to cover 2025 losses – Amin Adam alleges

Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the former Finance Minister, has alleged that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) sold Ghana’s gold reserves to cover 2025 losses.

According to Amin Adam, he does not understand the rationale behind the government selling half of the national gold reserves, as it defeats the purpose of accumulating the reserves.

Dr Amin Adam explained how the Bank will report its 2025 losses vis-à-vis the gains from the sale of gold reserves, questioning how sustainable this practice is, where operational losses can easily be offset by the sale of our gold reserves.

The former Finance Minister demanded that the Bank of Ghana come clear on the sale of 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

In a write-up shared on Facebook, Amin Adam wrote, “The Bank of Ghana must come clear on the sale of over 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Between 2023 and 2024, the NPP government worked to increase Ghana’s gold holdings significantly, from about 8.8 tonnes to over 30 tonnes, under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) introduced by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, then Vice President of the Republic. This policy was explicitly designed to strengthen reserve buffers, support macroeconomic stability, and reduce dependence on foreign exchange.

Against this backdrop, the liquidation of more than half (+50%) of these reserves—generating approximately US$1.5 billion in financial gains—raises serious concerns about policy consistency and balance sheet management.

The central question is not whether reserves can be reallocated, but why such a substantial share was sold, and how the proceeds were used.

If these transactions were primarily undertaken to offset financial losses, then this represents a fundamental shift from reserve accumulation toward balance sheet repair. In that case, headline financial outcomes risk overstating underlying performance, unless one-off gains from gold sales are clearly separated from core operational results.

The central bank must prove that it did not sell the gold to cover huge losses recorded in 2025. How will the Bank report its 2025 losses vis-avis the gains from the sale of gold reserves? How sustainable is this practice where operational losses can easily be offset by the sale of our gold reserves?

The Bank of Ghana is yet to tell Ghanaians that the real reason behind the sale was not to achieve the right proportions of assets between foreign currency and gold, but simply to cover losses occasioned by its poor management of the Bank.

Explanations framed as portfolio diversification must be assessed against outcomes. If the proceeds did not materially strengthen net international reserves, the macroeconomic rationale remains unclear.

References to International Monetary Fund alignment should also be treated with caution. IMF-supported frameworks emphasise transparency, accountability, and the preservation of central bank balance sheet integrity.

At a time when policy credibility is critical, the Bank of Ghana owes Ghanaians a full and transparent account of these decisions”.

However, Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board (GoldBod), in a sharply worded post, has dismissed concerns raised Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, regarding the sale of Ghana’s gold reserves by the Bank of Ghana.

In a sharply worded post, Sammy Gyamfi replied to Amin Adam, telling him the answers he sought have already been addressed at the parliamentary level, with the central bank, led by the Governor, briefing the Economy Sub-committee of Parliament on the matter on March 9.

Sammy Gyamfi further pointed out at Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member of the committee, as well as Dr Gideon Boako, for making “unfounded claims” about the gold transactions.

The Goldbod CEO in his post wrote, “Honourable Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the answers you seek were all provided to the Economy Sub-committee of Parliament a few days ago by a team from the BoG led by the Governor himself.

The record of that meeting can easily be made available to you if you check with the Chairman of the committee or, better still, your Ranking Member, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. Dr Gideon Boako, who has been peddling lots of unfounded claims about the said transaction, was there as well. You may want to talk to him. After all, Parliament works in committees. Gracias!”

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Jean Mensa faces new ‘threat’ as two NDC MPs initiate fresh petition for her removal

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Jean Mensa faces new ‘threat’ as two NDC MPs initiate fresh petition for her removal

Fred Agbenyo and Thomas Tsekpo, two Members of Parliament of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have initiated fresh moves seeking the removal of Jean Mensa as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The MP for Guan, Fred Agbenyo, disclosed he plans to file a petition against the EC Chair for the injustice done to the people of Guan and Hohoe constituencies during the 2020 elections.

According to Fred Agbenyo, Jean Mensa is not fit and competent enough to sit in that office. She must go.

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, March 17, Fred Agbenyo stated, “Planning and Plotting 🤔

Fresh petitions against the E.C Chair. We have never forgotten the injustice done to the people of the Guan and Hohoe constituencies during the 2020 elections.

She’s not fit and competent enough to sit in that office. She must go.

Thank you for the attention to this matter”.

Also, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Legal Director, Edudzi Tamakloe, has said the party maintains its stand that the Electoral Commission’s leadership must be removed.

According to Edudzi Tamakloe, despite the Chief Justice’s dismissal of petitions seeking their removal, the NDC still maintained its call for the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa and deputies to be removed.

He stressed that the Chief Justice’s decision will not alter the NDC’s position.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, February 19, Edudzi Tamakloe stated, “I want to make the point that the NDC still believes that the current composition of the Electoral Commission and how they have conducted their work over the past five years leaves much to be desired”.

“From what I am reading, it does appear that the Chief Justice has taken the position that the matters raise very serious administrative and constitutional issues, and so possibly the fault is not Article 146 alone. Those matters can be litigated in a different place other than the Supreme Court,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Government Communications Minister, some weeks ago revealed that the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, found no prima facie determination on petitions against the Electoral Commissioner Jean Mensa, her deputies, and the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

It will be recalled that President Mahama referred seven petitions calling for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa and her Deputies and Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, to the Chief Justice for a determination on November 25, 2025.

The referral was made in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 15 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), to ascertain whether the petitions disclosed a prima facie case.

However, a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, read, “Following the receipt of seven (7) petitions from various individuals and groups for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her Deputies, and three (3) petitions for the removal of the Special Prosecutor, President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 15 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), referred same to His Lordship, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Justice, on 25 November 2025, to determine whether the petitions disclosed a prima facie case.

By a letter dated 26 January 2026, the Chief Justice informed His Excellency the President that no prima facie case had been established by the petitions to warrant any further investigations for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Deputy Commissioners and the Special Prosecutor.”This determination means no committee will be formed, and no further proceedings for removal will take place based on those petitions”.

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“Hypocritical” – NPP man slams Mahama over his galamsey remarks

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“Hypocritical” – NPP man slams Mahama over his galamsey remarks

Alfred Thompson, a member of the NPP Communication Team, has slammed President John Mahama following his recent remarks on the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

According to Alfred Thompson, President John Mahama’s recent remarks are  hypocritical and inconsistent with earlier political realities

He highlighted that Mahama’s recent remarks undermine earlier campaign promises to tackle the menace decisively, claiming that the President’s remarks suggest a reluctance to act against party members fingered in the galamsey menace.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Thursday, March 19, Alfred Thompson stated, “Over a year into office, you now tell us it appears people within your own party are deeply involved, making the fight difficult. That is a hypocritical statement,” he said, adding that Ghanaians were already aware of the extent of political involvement in illegal mining activities.

Alfred Thompson’s comment follows, President John Dramani Mahama, who has confessed that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, involves individuals across political and traditional structures.

According to John Mahama, he will not kid himself that his own party people are not involved in the galamsey menace.

President Mahama highlighted that the fight against the galamsey menace will be difficult but must continue.

Mahama stressed that operators often shift allegiance when governments change, allowing the practice to continue.

Speaking during a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, President Mahama stated, “Illegal mining has eaten into the fabric of our society. And I must say that it is not only a menace to our society, but it has involved a circle of traditional rulers, political party appointees and everything”.

“Even when one party changes, those who were running some operation, who went to one party, will go to the next party and say, now that you have come, come and take over this operation and let’s share. We, too, will be getting small; this is what we are doing. And so I don’t kid myself that we don’t have our own people involved,” he stated.

President Mahama further touched on the work of the anti-illegal mining task force NAIMOS, describing it as challenging, especially in communities where resistance is strong.

He added, “And the work of the NAIMOS is not easy. They go to a community, and the chiefs, the youth and everybody come out and resist them. And so, I didn’t kid myself that we would be able to win that fight overnight. But we cannot relent, we must continue”.

“And it doesn’t help when we have a crisis in the cocoa industry. The low price that was paid to cocoa farmers made some of them give up their farms for gold mining,” he noted.

“We are hoping that it will stabilise with the new automatic mechanism we are coming up with so that farmers know that they are getting 70% of the price,” he said.

“One of the problems we have is we don’t have patrol boats, especially on our waterways, for nine months to continue to patrol the waterways,” he explained.

Mahama further added that the Finance, Defence and Interior ministries are working to provide the necessary resources.

“So, we are working with the minister of finance to be able to maintain that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia, has told President John Dramani Mahama to arrest and prosecute NDC people involved in galamsey.

According to Dennis Miracles Aboagye, President Mahama must not only admit that NDC people are also involved in galamsey, but he must arrest and prosecute them.

In a post shared on X social media, Dennis Miracles Aboagye stated, “You have been pretending for a very long time about this fact, sir. It took you too long to admit what is public knowledge.

Now that you finally acknowledged your people are involved, and as we know, expect, you know who your people are, when are you getting them arrested and prosecuted??

Or mildly, when are you calling for a family meeting, lock yourselves in a room and ask your people to leave our forests and rivers alone sir…”

Mahama’s directive to increase Security recruitment only benefits NDC faithful – Lecturer claims

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Mahama’s directive to increase Security recruitment only benefits NDC faithful – Lecturer claims

Godlove Adjei Tenkorang, a private legal practitioner and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, has claimed that President John Mahama’s directive to increase Security recruitment benefits only the NDC faithful.

According to the Lecturer, the expansion of recruitment slots by President John Dramani Mahama was influenced by internal party pressures.

He alleged that the increased security recruitment will only benefit the NDC party faitfuls after they raised concerns.

Speaking on Angel FM, Kumasi Godlove Adjei Tenkorang stated, “The leaders have their protocols. The increase in the slots was a response to party faithful who complained they were not given opportunities”.

“If you are not part of the NDC, you are unlikely to benefit from the recruitment. That means the security services risk being dominated by party members,” he claimed.

He cautioned, “We are gradually destroying the integrity of the security services. The opposition is watching. When they come into power, they may repeat the same thing”.

His comments follow, President John Dramani Mahama has directed an increase in security services recruitment from 5000 to 10,000 yearly.

A statement from the presidency dated Monday, March 16, revealed the directive comes following a high-level meeting with heads of the various agencies.

President Mahama’s directives will see the number of men and women recruited to the various security agencies increased from twenty thousand (20,000) to forty thousand (40,000) over four years.

In a Presidency communication shared by signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, read, “President John Dramani Mahama has held a high-level meeting with the Heads of Security Agencies, Minister for the Interior and Acting Minister for Defence on the ongoing security services recruitment process.

Following a briefing on the process, the President has directed that the number of men and women to be recruited to the various security agencies should be increased from twenty thousand (20,000) to forty thousand (40,000) over a four-year period.

The President has also directed the Heads of the Security Agencies to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the President, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, National Security Coordinator, Inspector General of Police, Director General Prisons, Director General Fire Service, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission”.

Meanwhile, the Adentan Member of Parliament (MP), Ramadan Adamu Mohammed, has lamented about the current agitations by NDC grassroots members over their mass disqualification from the security services recruitment.

According to Ramadan Adamu Mohammed, during the NPP’s tenure, all MPs had to do was just submit a list of interested persons who wanted to join the security services, and they would jump the process to the medical before you know it, and they are already in uniforms.

Ramadan Adamu Mohammed further lamented that under the NDC unfortunately the party likes to follow the rules too much.

Speaking to some members of NDC in the Adenta constituency, Ramadan Adamu Mohammed stated, “This recruitment, during the NPP’s tenure, all they would ask was to bring the interested person’s name for recruitment.

The person will not have to go through the process; the person will jump straight to the medicals. By the time you know the person, they are already wearing the uniform. Unfortunately, it’s like we, the NDC, are following the rules too much. Today, when I got here, a lot of people have complained to me. Our people who have worked for the party must see the reward on earth before they go to heaven”.

Video – Nigeria jollof is the BEST, King Charles declares, sparking debate online

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Video – Nigeria jollof is the BEST, King Charles declares, sparking debate online

King Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom, has ignited a debate on social media after labelling Nigerian jollof as the best.

In a video shared on X on March 18, 2026, King Charles III weighed in on the long-standing debate over which country makes the best jollof.

According to King Charles, he once hosted a jollof-and-tea party at St James’s Palace, where he had the opportunity to eat some Nigerian jollof.

King Charles further labelled Nigerian jollof as the best.

Speaking in a video shared on X by Sky News, as he welcomes Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu at Windsor Castle for his two-day state visit, King Charles III stated, “We in the United Kingdom are blessed with so many people of Nigerian heritage…

Last year, I was delighted to host a jollof-and-tea party at St James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was the best, Nigerian, of course”.

King Charles video has since ignited debate on social media, with netizens saying, “Those in Ghana, you heard it from the King’s mouth. No more arguments on who’s got the best jollof in the world”.

“I think this visit should be extended to a month. I’ve rarely seen the President and the Nigerian presidential media this visibly happy and excited, even as insurgency continues to tear at the fabric of the country”, a netizen added.

A netizen added, “Nothing beats authentic Nigerian jollof King Charles clearly knows quality when he tastes it. Diplomacy and great food go hand in hand, and this was a perfect welcome”.

Another X user added, “This jollof and tea fanfare at the palace is fun and all, but let’s be real, it’s also a massive distraction from the real issues Nigerians are facing. Celebrating cuisine and culture for state visit photos is nice, but it doesn’t solve insecurity, poverty, or the economic hardships people deal with daily. Diplomacy should include substance, not just fancy meals and smiles for the cameras”.

“King Charles just ended the Jollof war with one sentence, and Ghanaians are somewhere crying into their party jollof right now 🇳🇬🔥 

Even the crown knows Naija owns the recipe. No cap, no contest. 

Ghana, Senegal, Liberia… y’all can have the silver, bronze & participation trophy”, one more X user added.

Additionally, a last netizen added, “It’s inspiring to see King Charles III appreciating something as iconic as Nigerian jollof rice; it shows how powerful culture can be in building connections between nations. Food has a way of breaking barriers, and jollof is truly one of Nigeria’s finest ambassadors”.

Watch the video below:

NPP using fake accounts to provoke NDC grassroots – Mustapha Gbande claims

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NPP using fake accounts to provoke NDC grassroots – Mustapha Gbande claims

Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of using fake accounts on social media to provoke the NDC grassroots.  

According to Mustapha Gbande, the NPP is behind why their party base is angry,

Mustapha Gbande highlighted that the NPP, who stole money through supplies, are now sleeping in cocoa farms, pretending to sympathise with.

He further claimed that the strategy being employed by the NPP will see the party’s vote decline from 38 per cent to 21 per cent.

In a post shared via social media, Mustapha Gbande wrote, “Their new game plans:

1. Every effort to discredit strong frontline officers of the party and government whom they fear the most.

2. Using pseudo accounts on Facebook to provoke our base.

3. The very people who stole money through supplies are now sleeping in cocoa farms, pretending to sympathise with them.

4. They are now singing a chorus of how our seats will be unsafe before 2028.

5. The very people who took World Bank money without anything to show are now meeting the World Bank at the time the economy is better and stronger.

Politics is not about noise; it’s about transparency, credibility, and sincerity, or rather, being real. It is also about experience and strategy. If this is how NPP intends to come to power, I’m very sure the 38 will fall to 21. This is not going to last”.

In related news, Mustapha Gbande alleged that pro-NPP accounts are exploiting NDC grassroots frustrations.

According to Mustapha Gbande, most accounts expressing disappointment with the John Mahama-led government and appointees are pro-NPP accounts.

He, however, asserted that some actions of NDC appointees may deviate from party resolve, calling on members not to abandon the party, as the pain and struggles shared keep them up at night.

Mustapha Gbande further disclosed that the NDC grassroots patience will be vindicated soon.

In a post shared by Mustapha Gbande on social media he wrote, “Good evening colleagues and comrades, I have reviewed numerous commentaries and concerns that have been widely expressed, reflecting the sentiments of some members. Often, many of us tend to observe and remain silent, but it is essential to acknowledge that we are accountable for addressing the grievances of even a single member, let alone a group of dedicated brothers and sisters who have worked together to get us this far. As the Deputy General Secretary, I would like to state the following:

  1. Most accounts expressing discontent appear to be driven by pro-NPP sentiments, exploiting the frustrations of our supporters.
  2. As members of the NDC, our concerns are continually taken into consideration for adjustments, corrections, and strategic realignments. The pain and struggles shared by many keep us up at night, prompting deep reflections on how to improve.
  3. When it seems like our hopes have been dashed due to perceived betrayals, it’s natural to feel aggrieved, especially when those who were previously indifferent are now trying to capitalise on our struggles. However, it’s crucial to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and allow time to unfold. Your patience will be vindicated soon.
  4. While some actions by appointees may deviate from our party’s resolve, it is unhealthy to abandon our party’s principles. I am confident that our challenges are temporary.
  5. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the party, despite individual actions. As party officers, we are taking note of every situation and will give them serious consideration.
  6. Sometimes, as leaders, things may seem to worsen before they get better. Let us be measured and responsible in our actions, ensuring we don’t provide our opponents with an undeserved advantage.
  7. We will overcome these challenges together.
  8. Giving up on our beliefs would be a defeat for our future; staying focused and strong amidst challenges assures us of ultimate victory.

I submit that your concerns are legitimate, but we must move forward in good faith.

We shall prevail together”, his post concluded.  

Ghana faces a looming tomato shortage as Burkina Faso bans fresh Tomato exports

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Ghana faces a looming tomato shortage as Burkina Faso bans fresh Tomato exports

The Burkina Faso government has announced an immediate nationwide halt of tomato exports, raising concerns for Ghana.

In a joint statement issued, the Burkinabè government banned the export of fresh tomatoes.

The statement issued by the Burkinabè government in Ouagadougou says the suspension is effective immediately and will remain “until further notice,” to prioritise local supply for domestic processing industries.

The directive was signed by the Burkinabè trade and agriculture ministries, which have also halted the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE).

Reports suggest traders have been given a two-week window to complete ongoing transactions.

The decision by the Burkinabè government is expected to have immediate implications for Ghana’s food supply, with Ghana heavily dependent on tomato imports from Burkina Faso to supplement local production.

It will be recalled that in February 2026, seven Ghanaian tomato traders were killed, and others were injured following a terrorist attack in the northern Burkinabè town of Titao.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, disclosed that the seven Ghanaian Tomato traders killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, have been laid to rest.

According to the Minister, the bodies of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, which forced authorities to proceed with burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 16, Muntaka Mubarak stated, “The seven bodies have been burnt beyond recognition. As at yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried”.

“So the Burkina Faso authorities told us [Ghanaians] that they would bury them at 10 a.m today. But our women who are not really injured can go and witness and take as many pictures as possible,” he added.

He added, “And the sad thing is that we lost seven of our men. Three of them got injured. One woman was critically injured, and others were not badly injured”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Agriculture Minister John Dumelo has announced that Ghana is on course to achieve large-scale domestic tomato production by the end of 2026.

According to John Dumelo, trials are underway at irrigation schemes to reduce reliance on imports from Burkina Faso.

The Deputy Minister further stressed that the Mahama government has a long-term plan to cut Ghana’s dependency on tomatoes from Burkina Faso by between 20 and 30 per cent beginning next year.

John Dumelo is quoted by a TV3 news flyer shared on social to have said, “Ghana on track for full-scale tomato production by year-end 2026”.

The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, speaking on JOYFM The Pulse on Tuesday, 17 February, further detailed efforts to stabilise tomato supply and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imports.

John Dumelo stated, “I just came back from the Bono East region, but I’ll be going back to be able to interact with the traders and see how best we can help them to solve our problems, our tomato demand in Ghana.”

“When you look at some of our irrigation schemes, especially the ones in the north — when you go to Tono Dam, around the Navrongo area — currently most of the farmers are farming tomatoes, but it’s on a much smaller scale. It’s more or less like a trial stage where we want to scale it up before the year ends or next year.”

“If you also go to our irrigation schemes, there are some tomato-growing farmers there, as we speak, that would have their tomatoes maybe in about two or three months’ time. All these schemes are the ones that we want to scale up, hopefully by next year.”

He added, “We’ve distributed some solar — or we’re about to distribute some solar water pumps to vegetable farmers across the country. And then the water pumps that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources seized from galamsey operators — we distributed some last year, over a thousand of them, to small-scale vegetable farmers across the country.”

“Hopefully, when all these come on board, we’ll be able to mitigate our production of tomatoes and other vegetables across the country.”

“I’m very hopeful that next year, by this time, most of the trips that are going to Burkina Faso will reduce. When all these programmes come on board, hopefully we’ll be able to reduce our traders from going to Burkina Faso to get tomatoes.”

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Mahama gov’t diverting attention from the 18 tonnes of gold sold – Afia Pokua blows alarms 

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Mahama gov’t diverting attention from the 18 tonnes of gold sold – Afia Pokua blows alarms 

Afia Pokua, known popularly as Vim Lady, a Radio and television personality, has said the John Mahama government is employing a diversionary tactic to take Ghanaians attention from the sale of 18 tonnes of gold.

According to Afia Pokua, the government is using Mahama using his brother’s jet to divert Ghanaians attention from the bad sale of 18 tonnes of gold, which reports suggest will cause Ghana’s financial losses to buy back.

Afia Pokua added that recent discussions on GoldBod procurement are also being used to divert Ghanaians’ attention from the losses of 1.2 billion when we buy back the gold.

Speaking on OKAY FM, Afia Pokua stated, “This is a diversionary tactic to take attention from the gold that they sold. Ghana had 38 tonnes of gold, and 18 tonnes were sold. We will make losses of 1.2 billion when we buy back the gold. Don’t allow your brain to be diverted. It’s a diversionary tactic. Since the professors from Legon held a press conference about this, no newspaper has taken this matter up.

They have diverted attention to other things, including the president using his brother’s jet. If you talk about it, they will insult you, so no one wants to talk about the main issue,” she said on OKAY FM.

Also, Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has alleged that 18 tonnes of gold were sold in a space of a month. His information reveals that Ghana have to buy back those 18 tonnes of gold for a price of above a billion dollars.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3, Kofi Bentil stated, “These 18 tonnes of gold that somebody has sold, in a space of about a month, we are being told we have to go and buy back that 18 tonnes of gold for a price of above a billion dollars. Someone made a wild decision that has cost this country over one billion dollars.

“There is no sensible government anywhere in the world where someone costs a poor country a billion dollars, and the person sits in their office.

“When it comes to policy making, there is aprior, contemporaneous, and post facto. You don’t know what you are going to say, because you are thinking personally,  so you try something, and you get to a point where you are seeing better because you are in it. We expect you to do better.

“We have a situation where one day we woke up and said he has sold 18 tonnes of gold, and then the next day someone has come up with Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP) (2026–2028), we are going to buy back the gold, and the cost difference is over 1 billion dollars in a poor country.”

He added, “There is a theory that maybe they didn’t sell the gold because some of these things are paper transactions. I don’t subscribe to that theory, but if it is true that they didn’t sell the gold, then somebody is doing a deal to get one billion dollars. We need some serious accounting for this. This is the job for the opposition.

“We can’t wake up and lose a billion dollars, roll over and make things business as usual. What was the view of the president? Whose idea was it? Who processed it? What is going to happen to those people or that person who made the decision that is going to cost us over one billion dollars? If somebody made that decision or a group of people, it is called a catastrophic failure. The person is either catastrophically incompetent or something else is driving that kind of decision, but here is the point.”

Meanwhile, former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has demanded that the Bank of Ghana come clear on the sale of 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Amin Adam, in his post on Facebook, wrote, “The Bank of Ghana must come clear on the sale of over 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Between 2023 and 2024, the NPP government worked to increase Ghana’s gold holdings significantly, from about 8.8 tonnes to over 30 tonnes, under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) introduced by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, then Vice President of the Republic. This policy was explicitly designed to strengthen reserve buffers, support macroeconomic stability, and reduce dependence on foreign exchange.

Against this backdrop, the liquidation of more than half (+50%) of these reserves—generating approximately US$1.5 billion in financial gains—raises serious concerns about policy consistency and balance sheet management.

The central question is not whether reserves can be reallocated, but why such a substantial share was sold, and how the proceeds were used.

If these transactions were primarily undertaken to offset financial losses, then this represents a fundamental shift from reserve accumulation toward balance sheet repair. In that case, headline financial outcomes risk overstating underlying performance, unless one-off gains from gold sales are clearly separated from core operational results.

The central bank must prove that it did not sell the gold to cover huge losses recorded in 2025. How will the Bank report its 2025 losses vis-avis the gains from the sale of gold reserves? How sustainable is this practice where operational losses can easily be offset by the sale of our gold reserves?

The Bank of Ghana is yet to tell Ghanaians that the real reason behind the sale was not to achieve the right proportions of assets between foreign currency and gold, but simply to cover losses occasioned by its poor management of the Bank.

Explanations framed as portfolio diversification must be assessed against outcomes. If the proceeds did not materially strengthen net international reserves, the macroeconomic rationale remains unclear.

References to International Monetary Fund alignment should also be treated with caution. IMF-supported frameworks emphasise transparency, accountability, and the preservation of central bank balance sheet integrity.

At a time when policy credibility is critical, the Bank of Ghana owes Ghanaians a full and transparent account of these decisions”.

Watch the video below:

“Foolish boys, get up and marry to unlock sperm built in your waist” – Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah to single men

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“Foolish boys, get up and marry to unlock sperm built in your waist” – Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah to single men

Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah, a Ghanaian minister and General Overseer of the Royalhouse Chapel International, has urged his congregation to find young women in the church and marry them.

According to Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah, men in his church should take responsibility and settle down with the single women in the church as they are growing old.

Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah claimed that young men in his church are facing waist problems due to the build-up of sperm as a result of delaying marriage, urging them to marry to help release their sperm.

Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah further revealed that he got married at the age of 26, despite having no money at the time, saying he relied solely on faith.

Speaking to his church congregation, Apostle General Sam K. Ankrah stated, “You must marry by faith. You are 35 or 36 years old, and your waist is locked because sperm has built up. As a young man, you are not even walking properly. What are you waiting for? Get up, propose to a woman here, and marry. Can’t you see my women are growing old? Foolish boys”.

The man of God added, “When we held our council meeting, resident pastors reported on marriages that took place in 2025. Out of about 50 marriages blessed here, 25 were from outside.

“Only 25 came from this big Royal Auditorium. What nonsense! Rise up and marry, and stop fooling. I married at the age of 26. I had no money, one trouser one shirt, but I moved by faith, see what faith has brought me.

“If you are a lady, rise and go to a man and tell him: if you are not married, then marry. If you are married, stay with your wife,” he added.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the man of God’s comments stated, “Has he heard that the women say they want to marry wealthy men who are driving Lamborghini and Ferrari?

Or that part should be ignored.

The average woman has unrealistic expectations of a man whom she can marry.

Until they change their unreasonable expectations, they may turn 60 years old and remain single. Relationship 101”.

One X user added, “What if you’re not financially stable to meet the full responsibilities of marriage?”.

“We created a society to suppress men, all in the name of empowering women.

Now that the women have outdone the men, we are wondering why the men are not marrying the women?  ” Paradox much??”, a netizen added.

A  netizen quizzed, “Where are the women? And who said if you do not have sex your sperm gets locked in your body to get your waist locked?”

In related news, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has advised young men to avoid lavish weddings.

Duncan-Williams emphasised that men who borrow money to organise lavish weddings often face frustrations in their home due to the intense pressure from creditors.

According to Duncan-William, individuals must prioritise their lives and avoid spending all their earnings on weddings and end up in debt.

Preaching to his congregation, Duncan-Williams stated, “Most of the foolish things we do are to use our money for other things. For weddings, we go and buy all these white dresses and suits. We spend all the money on weddings.”

“So people have come, you’ve dressed nicely, but you are in debt, and they are calling for their money. Your phone is ringing, and somebody says, the money you collected, when can I have my money? And you can’t tell the lady that you borrowed some money to do shows”, he stressed.

He further recounted his own personal experience, adding that he got married at the 21 or 22.

Duncan-William revealed he got married because he felt pressured to do so.

He added, “You could tell that this guy is confused. I was like a sheep carried to the slaughter. I had no idea of what I was doing. I had no idea of what marriage was – I was just told I should marry, so me too, I married”.

“So let me say to some of you, when you get it all right, don’t do a wedding”, he counselled.

“If I were you, I would take that money that they are going to use for the wedding to do other things for the marriage itself. Just come to the office, sign the document, we bless you, you kiss one another, go home”, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams added.

Watch the video below:

‘Burkinabes took all our eggs without any provocation and destroyed them’ – Dormaahene tells Mahama

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‘Burkinabes took all our eggs without any provocation and destroyed them’ – Dormaahene tells Mahama

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Dormaahene, has told President John Mahama that egg traders who went to Burkina Faso to sell their egg products were attacked.

According to the Dormahene, the Burkinabes took all their eggs without any provocation and destroyed them.

The Dormahene called on President Mahama to intervene in the situation, as many of his subjects depend on the egg trade to take care of themselves.

Speaking during Mahama’s ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, the Dormaahene stated, “His Excellency, eggs are our main trading commodity in Dormaa. If we are unable to take our eggs to market or don’t sell them, we won’t have food. Eggs take care of a majority of us.

“Something has happened in our egg trade. His Excellency, we trade with the people of Burkina; we sell some of our eggs to them. Recently, we took some of our eggs to Burkina via Paga. They took all our eggs without any provocation and destroyed them,” he said.

He added, “His Excellency, we have made huge losses. We raised this issue when you were out of the country, but now that you’re here, kindly look into it for us.”

“Regarding the issue of the eggs, I heard about it after I arrived from my travel. God willing, tomorrow I will be going to Accra, and when I get there, I will send people to my friend, President Traore, to ask him what is going on. So that if there is an issue, we investigate and resolve it,” he added.

The Dormahene’s comments come some weeks after Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, disclosed that the seven Ghanaian Tomato traders killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, have been laid to rest.

According to the Minister, the bodies of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, which forced authorities to proceed with burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 16, Muntaka Mubarak stated, “The seven bodies have been burnt beyond recognition. As at yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried”.

“So the Burkina Faso authorities told us [Ghanaians] that they would bury them at 10 a.m today. But our women who are not really injured can go and witness and take as many pictures as possible,” he added.

He added, “And the sad thing is that we lost seven of our men. Three of them got injured. One woman was critically injured, and others were not badly injured”.

Reports had earlier revealed that seven (7) Ghanaians have reportedly lost their lives in a terrorist attack on tomato traders in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

All seven victims were Ghanaian male tomato buyers and the drivers of the trucks.

Alhaji Gbangbanku, a journalist who reported the attack on Saturday, revealed the terrorists spared the Ghanaian traders who were women.

The journalist shared the news before the Ministry of the Interior in a statement confirmed the attack on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

According to Alhaji Gbangbanku, the Islamist military group, JNIM, was responsible for the attack.

He further shared pictures of some of the traders who were killed and visuals from the scene of the incident showing vehicles set ablaze.

Also, Eric Tuffour, the President of the Tomato and Onion Truck Drivers Association, speaking in an interview with JoyNews, corroborated the report but failed to provide an exact number of people killed in the attack.

According to Eric Tuffour, the terrorists attacked the Ghanaian trucks because they perceived them as their enemies, shooting all the men and leaving the women unharmed.

“What actually happened was that the terrorists suspected that some of their enemies had entered the country, and our vehicle was in the town at the time.

“They shot the male passengers, leaving the female passengers unharmed. All the men who were seated on top of the vehicle were shot dead,” Tuffour is quoted to have.

Watch the video below:

“The answers you seek were all provided” – Sammy Gyamfi tackles Amin Adam over gold reserves brouhaha

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“The answers you seek were all provided” – Sammy Gyamfi tackles Amin Adam over gold reserves brouhaha

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board (GoldBod), in a sharply worded post, has dismissed concerns raised by former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, regarding the 50 per cent sale of Ghana’s gold reserves by the Bank of Ghana.

The Goldbod CEO’s rebuttal follows those of former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, who had demanded that the Bank of Ghana come clear on the sale of 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Amin Adam, in his post on Facebook, wrote, “The Bank of Ghana must come clear on the sale of over 50 per cent of Ghana’s gold reserves in 2025.

Between 2023 and 2024, the NPP government worked to increase Ghana’s gold holdings significantly, from about 8.8 tonnes to over 30 tonnes, under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) introduced by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, then Vice President of the Republic. This policy was explicitly designed to strengthen reserve buffers, support macroeconomic stability, and reduce dependence on foreign exchange.

Against this backdrop, the liquidation of more than half (+50%) of these reserves—generating approximately US$1.5 billion in financial gains—raises serious concerns about policy consistency and balance sheet management.

The central question is not whether reserves can be reallocated, but why such a substantial share was sold, and how the proceeds were used.

If these transactions were primarily undertaken to offset financial losses, then this represents a fundamental shift from reserve accumulation toward balance sheet repair. In that case, headline financial outcomes risk overstating underlying performance, unless one-off gains from gold sales are clearly separated from core operational results.

The central bank must prove that it did not sell the gold to cover huge losses recorded in 2025. How will the Bank report its 2025 losses vis-avis the gains from the sale of gold reserves? How sustainable is this practice where operational losses can easily be offset by the sale of our gold reserves?

The Bank of Ghana is yet to tell Ghanaians that the real reason behind the sale was not to achieve the right proportions of assets between foreign currency and gold, but simply to cover losses occasioned by its poor management of the Bank.

Explanations framed as portfolio diversification must be assessed against outcomes. If the proceeds did not materially strengthen net international reserves, the macroeconomic rationale remains unclear.

References to International Monetary Fund alignment should also be treated with caution. IMF-supported frameworks emphasise transparency, accountability, and the preservation of central bank balance sheet integrity.

At a time when policy credibility is critical, the Bank of Ghana owes Ghanaians a full and transparent account of these decisions”.

In a sharply worded post, Sammy Gyamfi replied to Amin Adam, telling him the answers he sought have already been addressed at the parliamentary level, with the central bank, led by the Governor, briefing the Economy Sub-committee of Parliament on the matter on March 9.

Sammy Gyamfi further pointed out at Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member of the committee, as well as Dr Gideon Boako, for making “unfounded claims” about the gold transactions.

The Goldbod CEO in his post wrote, “Honourable Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the answers you seek were all provided to the Economy Sub-committee of Parliament a few days ago by a team from the BoG led by the Governor himself.

The record of that meeting can easily be made available to you if you check with the Chairman of the committee or, better still, your Ranking Member, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. Dr Gideon Boako, who has been peddling lots of unfounded claims about the said transaction, was there as well. You may want to talk to him. After all, Parliament works in committees. Gracias!”

See the post below:

“2028 election is all play, all play, no NDC seat is safe” – NPP

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“2028 election is all play, all play, no NDC seat is safe” – NPP

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said the 2028 election is all play, all play, as no NDC parliamentary seat is safe.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin declared the NPP’s intent to reclaim political dominance in the 2028 general elections.

He stressed that no parliamentary seat held by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will be secure.

The minority leader called on NPP members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, accusing the NDC of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.

Addressing executives of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) in Parliament on Wednesday, March 18, Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated, “If elections are held today, NPP will be the majority, but that will also require hard work and loyalty. We do not doubt our minds that you will take up the mantle”.

“We will be joining our colleagues to storm the campuses. The 2028 election is all play, all play, no NDC seat is safe. We will approach every NDC seat like a normal seat,” he said.

In related news, Afenyo-Markin has boldly stated that if elections are organised today, there is no way the National Democratic Congress (NDC) can maintain its majority seat.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that, if elections were held today, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would reclaim the majority of the seats they lost in the 2024 elections.

Speaking in a one-on-one interview on UTV, Afenyo-Markin stated, “From day one, we are 87, and they are 188 buy I am not afraid, if God is with us, didn’t David fight with Goliath and he defeated him.

I know that if elections were organised today, the NPP would reclaim the majority of the seats we lost; If we were voting today, there is no way the NDC can get a majority. I know what I am talking about”.

The minority leader further called on all NPP members to pray for the party, flagbearer and all MPs.

“I am standing on prayers; if we do not pray, we will always be defeated. The simple message I want to tell the NPP member today is oray for the party, is not about the noise and argument. If we do not pray, even if we get the most perfect person that you think to partner with the flagbearer, we will have difficulty. Let’s pray for the flagbearer and individual MPs. It is not the fall of your colleague that will lead to your success”, he added.

Meanwhile, Alamzy Billa Nikyema, the National Democratic Congress(NDC) Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has claimed the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, cannot even win an SRC election.

According to Alamzy Billa Nikyema, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the current NPP lack the political strength needed to win public support, doubting the party’s ability to regain political power in the future.

The NDC MP stressed that NPP members still confidently speak about winning the 2028 general elections when the party is struggling to maintain credibility among Ghanaians.

Alamzy Billa Nikyema stressed that the NPP failed Ghanaians in government, which left public dissatisfaction with the party, adding that the NPP will face challenges in convincing voters at the grassroots.

Speaking on the floor of parliament, Alamzy Billa Nikyema stated, “These people failed us with audacity, they failed us with audacity, and the most bizarre part is that any time they are making contributions, they will tell us that when we win power in 2028. Mr Speaker, my question is with which party and with which candidate?

“Mr Speaker, your current party, and your current candidate, you cannot even use the party and your current candidate to win SRC elections,” Mr Nikyema said.

Watch the video below:

We will respect gov’t decision to hand over Damang Mine to E&P – Wassa-Damang youth

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We will respect gov’t decision to hand over Damang Mine to E&P – Wassa-Damang youth

The youth of Wassa-Damang in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region have said they will respect the government decision to hand over the Damang Mine to Engineers & Planners (E&P).  

According to the youth of Wassa-Damang, community development remains our topmost priority.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Ebenezer Takyi, Youth Member of Parliament for the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, disclosed, “Should the Government of Ghana decide, in its wisdom, to hand over the Damang Mine to E&P or any other competent entity, the youth of Damang will respect that decision”.

“For us, community development remains our topmost priority, and we expect the continuation and strengthening of initiatives that have supported our communities over the years. We are organised, responsible, and capable of speaking for ourselves, when necessary,” he said.

The youth of Wassa-Damang further dismissed claims that Gold Fields’ Damang Mine has done little to support their communities.

According to them, the purported claims being put out there by some alleged youths of Wassa-Damang during an engagement at Parliament are false and unauthorised.

Mr Ebenezer Takyi detailed, “They do not speak for us, nor are they mandated by the youth or the broader community to represent our views on matters concerning the Damang Mine or the development of our area”.

According to Mr Ebenezer Takyi, over the past 25 years, the Damang Mine, operated by Gold Fields, contributed significantly to the development of the Wassa-Damang communities, pointing to the construction and rehabilitation of the 33-kilometre Damang–Tarkwa road.

Also, the extension of electricity to communities such as Nyamebekyere, Kyekyewere, and Subri.

The youths further added that the Damang Mine, operated by Gold Fields, provided the provision of 17 pump-fitted boreholes and 13 small-town water systems and the apprenticeship training programmes.

“While we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement in community development, it is inaccurate and unfair to suggest that nothing meaningful has been done for the host communities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the information gathered suggests Ibrahim Mahama’s  Engineers and Planners’ acquisition of the Damang Mine was approved in March 2024.

According to reports, approval for the acquisition of Damang Mine by Engineers and Planners was granted by former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in March 2024.

Rafik Mahama, special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers & Planners (E&P), has also disclosed that the company, which has served as the sole mining contractor at the Damang Mine since 2017, expressed interest in acquiring the mine after Gold Fields decided to exit in 2023.

He disclosed that Engineers & Planners (E&P) subsequently secured a No Objection in March 2024, approved by Samuel Abu Jinapor.

A letter shared on social media from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources dated March 12, 2024, reads, “Your letter dated 8th March, 2024, on the above-subject matter refers.

Subsequent to your letter, the Hon. Ministe requested for the advice and commendation of the Minerals Commission, pursuant to section 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which was recelved on 12% March, 2024 The Commission indicates that your company has gained considerable experience in mining, and is currently engaged in contract mining for Abosso Goldificlds Limited’s Damang Gold Mine.

Based on the representations in your letter and on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has no objection to Engineers and Planners Co. Ltd. entering into negotiations with Abosso Goldfields Limited for the purposes of acquiring the Damang Gold Mine.

This no objection, however, does not affect the right of the Government of Ghana to approve or reject any transaction and/or agreement concluded between the parties. Accordingly, any agreement concluded between you on one hand, and Abosso Goldfields Limited, on the other hand, shall be subject to the express approval or otherwise of the Government of Ghana. For the avoidance of doubt, any such agreement shall not be valid, and no rights shall pass under such an agreement without the consent of the Government of Ghana. This no objection is granted subject to the above reservations”.

Gov’t neglecting agriculture; focus on gold for reserves – Minority Leader

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Gov’t neglecting agriculture; focus on gold for reserves – Minority Leader

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has blown an alarm on the John Mahama government’s lack of investment in Ghana’s agriculture sector.

According to Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Mahama government is neglecting agriculture and is only focusing on gold for reserves.

The minority leader warned that government policies favouring gold for reserves over farming threaten Ghana’s long-term food security.

Afenyo-Markin asserted that agriculture has received attention in policy discussions, but not adequate financial support for farmers.

Speaking during discussions with the World Bank, Afenyo-Markin stated, “We look at the 2025 budget and the 2026 budget, we like the ambition of the agriculture minister, but so much less is being invested in agriculture, and it appears the government is so much into this goldboard thing, using gold for reserves to stabilise our currency and all”.

“The bubble cannot be sustained if our farmers do not get the proper price for their produce,” he said.

In related news, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has called out the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to tell Ghanaians what he has achieved since assuming office.

Afenyo-Markin recounted that Eric Opoku, in opposition, used to portray the Akufo-Addo government as ineffective.

He, however, acknowledged Eric Opoku’s intelligence but highlighted that he has failed to introduce any concrete policies to improve Ghana’s agricultural sector.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the Agric Minister must convene a press conference and highlight his achievements since assuming office.

Speaking at a conference on Monday, January 27, 2026. Afenyo-Markin stated, “So, for agriculture, let me ask our respected colleague Eric Opoku. He is a very intelligent parliamentarian. I don’t doubt his understanding of the agro sector, but talk is cheap. It is not about his talking.

Today I want to ask my respected colleague, Honourable Eric Opoku, the minister responsible for agriculture, to hold a press conference and tell Ghanaians the real policies that have been introduced to help promote agriculture,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He added: “There is none in the fisheries sector. The less said about them, the better. So really, this government talks so much in opposition, but in government, there is nothing they’ve done in the agro and fisheries sectors to promote growth. And we see it in that field.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama, during last year’s 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, told all Ghanaians to venture into agriculture as an additional source of income.

President John Dramani Mahama has told all Ghanaians to venture into agriculture as an additional source of income.

Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, President Mahama encouraged Ghanaians, especially those in formal employment, to consider farming, adding that farming is only for “village folks”.

According to John Mahama, adopting farming as a secondary venture would boost personal earnings and also strengthen national food security, which would reduce Ghana’s importation. 

President Mahama stated, “Agriculture isn’t only for the village folks,” he said. “You can work and still be a farmer. Teachers and civil servants can go to work and have farms, and the money from the farm can supplement their incomes.”

He further added that the government’s efforts to stabilise food prices are producing strong results.

“Food inflation stood at 28.3%. Through targeted interventions and careful management of food systems, I am pleased to report that food inflation has decreased significantly to 9.5% by October 2025. This is a notable improvement from the 22.8% recorded at exactly the same time last year,” he stated.

President Mahama also announced that the government will take aggressive measures to reduce interest rates on agriculture.

“The capital and credit facility that is available to our farmers is at such an interest rate that when a farmer is able to access it, they would be working for the bank and not themselves,” the President said

He stated, “One of our prime objectives is to get credit to our farmers at the best possible rate. We will be working towards a single-digit interest rate”.

“I agree that credit for agriculture must be at a single-digit interest rate. So this government is going to work to bring that interest rate below 10% so that farmers can have access to cheaper credit to be able to produce more for us to feed ourselves,” he added.

“Dangerous state capture” – Minority blows alarm over Ibrahim Mahama’s ‘influence’ on mining sector

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“Dangerous state capture” – Minority blows alarm over Ibrahim Mahama’s ‘influence’ on mining sector

The minority in parliament has alleged that Ghana is dangerously drifting towards state capture in the mining sector, just one year into President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

According to the NPP minority, Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Mahama, is wielding undue influence in Ghana’s mining sector.

They alleged that since the President’s return to office, companies linked to Ibrahim Mahama have gained unprecedented and unfair advantages.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, the Minority Spokesperson on Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, stated, “Now Ghana stands today at a defining moment in our natural resource governance. Barely one year into the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, we are witnessing what can only be described as a dangerous drift towards state capture in the mining sector,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong stated.

“This is not an abstract concern. This is not rhetorical or alarmist. This is unfolding in real time through decisions, patterns, and actions that threaten our institutional integrity, economic stability, and democratic accountability.”

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong pointed to Ibrahim Mahama’s upcoming transition of the Damang gold mine from Goldfields Ghana as an example of the lack of transparency.

According to the minority, Parliament and the Ghanaian public have been kept in the dark about who will operate the asset.

The Minority further alleged that there was a systematic placement of individuals with close ties to Ibrahim Mahama in Ghana’s mining sector’s regulatory landscape.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong fingered the appointment, the CEO of GIADEC was the personal lawyer of Ibrahim Mahama, and that a member of the GIADEC board, Mr Augustus Agbeli-Amegashi as close associate of Ibrahim Mahama’s Exton Cubic Group and Engineers & Planners.

Also, pointing to the Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission in charge of Local Content and Mineral Titles, Victoria Awuni, who worked as a group manager for compliance at Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong further stressed that the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, was also the public relations officer for Ibrahim Mahama’s Exton Cubic.

The minority added, “Taken individually, each of these may be explained, but taken together, they point to something far more serious and dangerous, a growing convergence between public institutions and a single private corporate orbit”.

“Every major agency that should report to the Minister now answers to Ibrahim Mahama’s orbit, not to the Minister or Parliament,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong claimed.

“While they use that particular parameter to actually assess us and judge us, it is only proper that whilst in office in the last year we also try and turn the skills on them and see how they have performed under that particular parameter,” he said.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Approval for the acquisition of the Damang Mine by Engineers and Planners was granted by former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in March 2024.

According to Rafik Mahama, special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers & Planners (E&P), which has served as the sole mining contractor at the Damang Mine since 2017, expressed interest in acquiring the mine after Gold Fields decided to exit in 2023.

E&P subsequently secured a No Objection in March 2024, approved by Samuel Abu Jinapor.

Watch the video below:

“Our economy can withstand external shocks” – Mahama declares

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“Our economy can withstand external shocks” – Mahama declares

President John Dramani Mahama has declared Ghana’s economy is now resilient enough to withstand external shocks.

According to John Mahama, Ghana’s economy is resilient due to a series of measures implemented by his administration.

President Mahama stressed that Israel, Iran and the United States accentuate the need for a strong and stable domestic economy.

He further highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war exposed the vulnerabilities in economies under the former Akufo-Addo government.

Speaking during his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ in the Bono Region on Wednesday, March 18, “In this world, unexpected events can occur at any time. If your monetary system is not well cushioned, such shocks can destabilise the economy,” he said.

“I have hope that the measures we have put in place in our first year have strengthened the economy. Even with ongoing global tensions, our economy will be able to withstand the impact,” he added.

Earlier, President John Dramani Mahama admitted that the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran is not only affecting the Middle East, but the whole world.

According to President Mahama, tensions in the Middle East are troubling, calling for prayers and renewed efforts toward peace.

Speaking on Monday, March 16, during an Iftar with members of the Muslim community at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stated, “We are all concerned about what is happening in the Middle East. The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is not only affecting the Middle East, but the whole world. We pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everyone involved in this conflict and bring peace to the region”

“If you say you are a true Muslim or a true Christian and you are unforgiving, wicked, and kill your fellow man, you cannot call yourself a true Christian or a true Muslim. At a time when many parts of the world are faced with conflict and uncertainty, we must continue to protect the peace Ghana enjoys,” he said.

He added, “I humbly ask for your prayers during this Ramadan for our country, for our leaders, and for other parts of the world affected by conflict, especially in the Middle East”.

Also, President John Dramani Mahama has warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could have serious economic consequences for Africa.

According to John Mahama, hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran would hurt African economies.

Mahama argued that the Middle East is the epicentre of global oil supplies, adding that African economies must brace for inevitable shocks.

President Mahama made this known while speaking during a bilateral meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Arusha on March 2, 2026.

He expressed alarm over the intensifying exchanges between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, as well as the counter-attacks, stressing that the tensions would trigger the rise of crude oil prices, which would impact African countries.

Meanwhile, Dr Johnson Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has cautioned that the Middle East conflict poses fresh inflation risks for Ghana.

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Revealed – Ibrahim Mahama’s acquisition of Damang Mine was approved in March 2024

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Revealed – Ibrahim Mahama’s acquisition of Damang Mine was approved in March 2024

The information gathered suggests Ibrahim Mahama’s  Engineers and Planners’ acquisition of the Damang Mine was approved in March 2024.

According to reports, approval for the acquisition of Damang Mine by Engineers and Planners was granted by former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in March 2024.

 Rafik Mahama, special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers & Planners (E&P), has also disclosed that the company, which has served as the sole mining contractor at the Damang Mine since 2017, expressed interest in acquiring the mine after Gold Fields decided to exit in 2023.

He disclosed that Engineers & Planners (E&P) subsequently secured a No Objection in March 2024, approved by Samuel Abu Jinapor.

A letter shared on social media from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources dated March 12, 2024, reads, “Your letter dated 8th March, 2024, on the above-subject matter refers.

Subsequent to your letter, the Hon. Ministe requested for the advice and commendation of the Minerals Commission, pursuant to section 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which was recelved on 12% March, 2024 The Commission indicates that your company has gained considerable experience in mining, and is currently engaged in contract mining for Abosso Goldificlds Limited’s Damang Gold Mine.

Based on the representations in your letter and on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has no objection to Engineers and Planners Co. Ltd. entering into negotiations with Abosso Goldfields Limited for the purposes of acquiring the Damang Gold Mine.

This no objection, however, does not affect the right of the Government of Ghana to approve or reject any transaction and/or agreement concluded between the parties. Accordingly, any agreement concluded between you on one hand, and Abosso Goldfields Limited, on the other hand, shall be subject to the express approval or otherwise of the Government of Ghana. For the avoidance of doubt, any such agreement shall not be valid, and no rights shall pass under such an agreement without the consent of the Government of Ghana. This no objection is granted subject to the above reservations”.

Meanwhile, the minority in parliament has alleged that Ghana is dangerously drifting towards state capture in the mining sector, just one year into President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

According to the NPP minority, Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Mahama, is wielding undue influence in Ghana’s mining sector.

They alleged that since the President’s return to office, companies linked to Ibrahim Mahama have gained unprecedented and unfair advantages.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, the Minority Spokesperson on Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, stated, “Now Ghana stands today at a defining moment in our natural resource governance. Barely one year into the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, we are witnessing what can only be described as a dangerous drift towards state capture in the mining sector,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong stated.

“This is not an abstract concern. This is not rhetorical or alarmist. This is unfolding in real time through decisions, patterns, and actions that threaten our institutional integrity, economic stability, and democratic accountability.”

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong pointed to Ibrahim Mahama’s upcoming transition of the Damang gold mine from Goldfields Ghana as an example of the lack of transparency.

According to the minority, Parliament and the Ghanaian public have been kept in the dark about who will operate the asset.

The Minority further alleged that there was a systematic placement of individuals with close ties to Ibrahim Mahama in Ghana’s mining sector’s regulatory landscape.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong fingered the appointment, the CEO of GIADEC was the personal lawyer of Ibrahim Mahama, and that a member of the GIADEC board, Mr Augustus Agbeli-Amegashi as close associate of Ibrahim Mahama’s Exton Cubic Group and Engineers & Planners.

Also, pointing to the Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission in charge of Local Content and Mineral Titles, Victoria Awuni, who worked as a group manager for compliance at Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong further stressed that the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, was also the public relations officer for Ibrahim Mahama’s Exton Cubic.

The minority added, “Taken individually, each of these may be explained, but taken together, they point to something far more serious and dangerous, a growing convergence between public institutions and a single private corporate orbit”.

“Every major agency that should report to the Minister now answers to Ibrahim Mahama’s orbit, not to the Minister or Parliament,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong claimed.

“While they use that particular parameter to actually assess us and judge us, it is only proper that whilst in office in the last year we also try and turn the skills on them and see how they have performed under that particular parameter,” he said.

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Video emerges of victims of microlight aircraft recording themselves mid-flight before the crash

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Video emerges of victims of microlight aircraft recording themselves mid-flight before the crash

A new video has emerged showing Captain Frank Donkor and his younger brother recording themselves in the plane before the Sky Arrow microlight crash in Tema.

In the viral video, the camera captures both of them with broad smiles, making some hand gestures, including a thumbs-up.

However, it cannot be established whether the crash occurred during the trip captured in the video or whether it was from an old expedition of the two brothers.

Meanwhile, the two victims of Monday, March 16, 2026, Sky Arrow microlight aircraft crash in Tema have been identified as sons of a popular pastor.

The two victims of the microlight aircraft crash have been identified as two sons of the founder of Hebron Prayer Camp near Nsawam, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor.

One of the sons, a distinguished pilot and instructor, Captain Frank Donkor, and his younger brother,

Captain Frank Donkor is reported to have taken his brother on the ill-fated flight.

Captain Frank Donkor, who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the incident, is described as a seasoned airman who held both Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) ratings.

In related news, more information is surfacing following the Monday, March 16, 2026, microlight aircraft crash that claimed two people on board in Tema Community One.

A screenshots of social media posts of the helicopter, shared by TV3, suggest that it is about 25 years old.

The social media post shared by TV3 was made by an X account identified as Roberto Billia.

In his post, he shared a photo of the alleged microlight aircraft in 2023. He wrote, “Almost ready, after 21 years, is almost ready to get in the sky once again, yesterday had an inspection of GCAA to release the permit for the test flight”.

In another post, Roberto Billia shared a microlight aircraft out on a runway. He wrote, “After 22 years, 9G-ADV is again airborne,  what an emotion!!! Shortly more video from Go-Pro”.

Also, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, in a statement, said the aircraft with registration number 9GADV was flying to Accra from Ho.

The GCAA says investigations are underway and that further information will be provided in due course.

Microlights are typically much smaller aircraft, seating two people and mainly used for recreational purposes.

Also, Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, has clarified that the microlight aircraft, which crashed in Tema on Monday, does not belong to the Ghana Armed Forces.

In a Facebook post shared late Monday afternoon, Brogya Genfi stated, “We have received reports of a fatal crash involving a privately owned microlight aircraft at Tema Community 1 this afternoon,” the Deputy Minister wrote.

“We wish to clarify that the aircraft is not owned by the Ghana Armed Forces.”

“We pray for the souls of the departed and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” his post added.

Background

Reports earlier revealed a helicopter reportedly plummeted from the sky, crashing into the Oninku Drive School Park in Tema Community One.

Reports suggest the tragic incident occurred on Monday, March 16, with two people on board the helicopter dying from the impact of the crash.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service rushed to the scene to douse the flames at the site with the help of law enforcement officers from the Ghana Police Service. They recovered the burnt bodies of the victims.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Abdullia, the Assemblyman for the Kwesi Plange Electoral Area, has revealed that none of the students was hurt.

The news shared by Ghana News Agency stated, “Three persons are feared dead following a helicopter crash at the Oninku Drive School Park in Tema Community One.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service are currently at the scene working to retrieve the charred bodies from the wreckage”.

The helicopter has now been described as a Sky Arrow microlight helicopter.

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“Where is the scandal in this matter?” – Kwakye Ofosu on GoldBod deal with Deputy Chief of Staff

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“Where is the scandal in this matter?” – Kwakye Ofosu on GoldBod deal with Deputy Chief of Staff

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has spoken amid the ongoing GoldBod procurement controversy involving Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe.

The controversy stems from “concerns surrounding the award of a renovation contract valued at GH¢11.9 million by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to Correca Ghana Limited, a firm some reports have associated with him.

According to procurement records, GoldBod awarded the contract to Correca Ghana Limited in the sum of GH¢11,901,736.13 for renovation works expected to be completed within six weeks of signing.

The deal formed part of three contracts with a combined value of nearly GH¢15 million, awarded through what has been described as a restrictive tender process. The other contracts, involving the supply of laptop computers and office furniture, were awarded to Grace-Filled Venture and Get4Less Ghana Limited under a single-source procurement method.

In a letter dated 7 November 2025, the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) reportedly quoted a price of GH¢3,246,288.88 for the computer and furniture supply contracts.

The awards have triggered public scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the processes afforded undue political advantage to certain firms. Some commentators on social media have also alleged a conflict of interest, citing claims that Woezor TV, a television platform owned by Mr Dogbe, shares the same ownership structure, directorship, address and operational premises as Correca Ghana Limited”, the Herald stated.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the word scandal has been thrown around, but a scandal connotes wrongdoing or a conflict of interest, which, in this case, does not reflect the facts at hand.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One on March 17, 2026, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “I think that one of the things that has happened recently is the throwing about of the word scandal. What is a scandal really? A scandal connotes wrongdoing. It’s a conflict of interest, so you must establish where the conflict is”.

“The deputy chief of staff has a company that existed for many years before he became deputy chief of staff, which has done projects. They have a track record that you can verify for yourself so they learn of some tender process by the Gold Board to have their office refurbished, they put in a bid, their bid is deemed to be competitive, they are engaged, they execute the project.

“There’s no question about the quality of work they’ve done or whether they’ve shortchanged Gold Board or done anything that is contrary to Ghanaian law, so where exactly is a scandal in this particular matter?” he asked.

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications stressed that the deputy chief of staff does not oversee the government, as he works under the chief of staff, adding that Goldbod falls under the Ministry of Finance and not the presidency.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu added, “The deputy chief of staff does not oversee government, as you say. He works under the auspices of the chief of staff, so the assumption that a deputy chief of staff can simply commandeer a contract is not the case”.

“But a cabinet minister takes part in decisions that the government makes, so if you are part of decision-making and you also seek to profit, that’s where there’s a difficulty”.

He further explained, “But the point is that you need to look at the process, whether there’s been any violation of any sort. So, if it were the case that, for instance, the deputy chief of staff was the one renovating his own outfits and his company did it, then there’s a clear conflict. The conflict is between the decision-making and the benefits”.

“In fact, Goldbod falls under the Ministry of Finance and not the presidency. It has nothing to do with the presidency, so when you seek to compare it with what a cabinet minister, who has been part of the decision of government to divest hotels, seeks to profit from…” he clarified.

“So, in the process of taking that decision, if you participate in it, you cannot turn around to benefit from it. That is really what the issue was,” he stated.

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“Are you going to put your job on the line if SIM registration fails?” – Sam George asked

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“Are you going to put your job on the line if SIM registration fails?” – Sam George asked

Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), has quizzed the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, on what the consequences will be if the SIM registration fails to achieve its purpose.

According to Solomon Owusu, the registration under Ursula Owusu was undermined by ego and power struggles between the Ministry of Communications and the National Identification Authority (NIA).

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based TV3, Solomon Owusu stated, “What assurance is the minister giving to us that this time around? When he fails, what must the country do to him? Is he going to put his job on the line?

Is he saying that if he’s unable to, after the registration, there are still forces in the system, he must be sacked from office, or he must be in prison? Or what should happen? Because Ursula Owusu gave us the same assurance. Today, she’s chilling somewhere. Nobody is taking her on.”

Solomon Owusu argued that if telcos fail, they should be sanctioned, and if the minister fails to enforce the law, he should face consequences too.

In related news, Sam George has assured Ghanaians that the upcoming SIM registration exercise will be the last.

According to him, the government rolls out a robust, technology-driven system designed to enhance convenience and eliminate fraud.

“The fact that you have multi-agency collaboration on this is something that you didn’t see in previous times.

You have the NIA (National Identification Authority) being our single source of truth when it comes to IDs, the NCA (National Communications Authority), the ministry, Immigration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies all working together.

“What you see today is the product of very hard and difficult conversations, and that gives me the confidence that if we execute this right, this will be the final SIM registration exercise,” Mr George explained.

“This registration is 75 per cent communication and 25 per cent technology,” he said

He further ruled out automatic migration of existing SIM data into the new system saying, “You are not cleaning up. You are actually migrating the viruses.

You have infected files, and you are migrating them onto a new system.

You are basically replicating the problems of the old system.

And that’s part of the reason why we can’t do a wholesale migration. And that’s cured today by NIA’s solution that they are offering to us based on the collaboration we are having with them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, has said the planned SIM registration is not going to be a silver bullet that stops fraud.

The Telecoms Chamber CEO highlighted that consumer awareness and protection of personal identification numbers are critical in stopping the growing threat of mobile-related frauds.

She stressed that most of the mobile related fruad are driven by social engineering schemes where fraudsters impersonate trusted individuals or institutions to scam persons from disclosing sensitive information.

Speaking in an interview on Citi Business News, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah explained, “SIM registration is not going to be a silver bullet that stops fraud. The nature of fraud that we are currently experiencing as a country is mostly on a social engineering scheme.

When I say social engineering, these are legitimate individuals who would call you and pretend to be somebody else and, you know, seek information from you and fraudulently, you know, lead you into releasing your personal identity, your personal identity number.

“Your PIN is sacred. So to the extent that you protect your PIN, there shouldn’t be room for someone to defraud you,” she said.

She added, “What the SIM registration will do, however, is to ensure that for every subscriber, your number is biometrically linked to the national ID database, which means that if you are not the user, if I acquire a SIM card, which was acquired by someone else, and I use it, I purchase that SIM and I do not register it directly, any crime that is committed with that particular number will be linked back to me as a user.

“So I do think that there is the need for a lot of consumer education around protecting our SIM, around ensuring that the numbers that we register are authentically ours and that you do not go and purchase a SIM card that has been pre-registered, because it means that if any fraudulent activities undertaken with that number, you will be tracked and you will have to bear the consequences of it,” she added.

SIM registration will be the last – Sam George assures Ghanaians

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SIM registration will be the last – Sam George assures Ghanaians

Sam George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has assured Ghanaians that the upcoming SIM registration exercise will be the last.

According to him, the government rolls out a robust, technology-driven system designed to enhance convenience and eliminate fraud.

Speaking to stakeholders about the planned exercise, Sam George stated, “The fact that you have multi-agency collaboration on this is something that you didn’t see in previous times.

You have the NIA (National Identification Authority) being our single source of truth when it comes to IDs, the NCA (National Communications Authority), the ministry, Immigration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies all working together.

“What you see today is the product of very hard and difficult conversations, and that gives me the confidence that if we execute this right, this will be the final SIM registration exercise,” Mr George explained.

“This registration is 75 per cent communication and 25 per cent technology,” he said

He further ruled out automatic migration of existing SIM data into the new system saying, “You are not cleaning up. You are actually migrating the viruses.

You have infected files, and you are migrating them onto a new system.

You are basically replicating the problems of the old system.

And that’s part of the reason why we can’t do a wholesale migration. And that’s cured today by NIA’s solution that they are offering to us based on the collaboration we are having with them,” he said.

However, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, has said the planned SIM registration is not going to be a silver bullet that stops fraud.

The Telecoms Chamber CEO highlighted that consumer awareness and protection of personal identification numbers are critical in stopping the growing threat of mobile-related frauds.

She stressed that most of the mobile related fruad are driven by social engineering schemes where fraudsters impersonate trusted individuals or institutions to scam persons from disclosing sensitive information.

Speaking in an interview on Citi Business News, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah explained, “SIM registration is not going to be a silver bullet that stops fraud. The nature of fraud that we are currently experiencing as a country is mostly on a social engineering scheme.

When I say social engineering, these are legitimate individuals who would call you and pretend to be somebody else and, you know, seek information from you and fraudulently, you know, lead you into releasing your personal identity, your personal identity number.

“Your PIN is sacred. So to the extent that you protect your PIN, there shouldn’t be room for someone to defraud you,” she said.

She added, “What the SIM registration will do, however, is to ensure that for every subscriber, your number is biometrically linked to the national ID database, which means that if you are not the user, if I acquire a SIM card, which was acquired by someone else, and I use it, I purchase that SIM and I do not register it directly, any crime that is committed with that particular number will be linked back to me as a user.

“So I do think that there is the need for a lot of consumer education around protecting our SIM, around ensuring that the numbers that we register are authentically ours and that you do not go and purchase a SIM card that has been pre-registered, because it means that if any fraudulent activities undertaken with that number, you will be tracked and you will have to bear the consequences of it,” she added.

Arrest and prosecute them, don’t just admit your people are into galamsey – Mahama told

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Arrest and prosecute them, don’t just admit your people are into galamsey – Mahama told

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia, has told President John Dramani Mahama to arrest and prosecute NDC people involved in galamsey.

According to Dennis Miracles Aboagye, President Mahama must not only admit that NDC people are also involved in galamsey, but he must arrest and prosecute them.

In a post shared on X social media, Dennis Miracles Aboagye stated, “You have been pretending for a very long time about this fact, sir. It took you too long to admit what is public knowledge.

Now that you finally acknowledged your people are involved, and as we know, expect, you know who your people are, when are you getting them arrested and prosecuted??

Or mildly, when are you calling for a family meeting, lock yourselves in a room and ask your people to leave our forests and rivers alone sir…”

His comments follow, President John Dramani Mahama, who has confessed that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, involves individuals across political and traditional structures.

According to John Mahama, he will not kid himself that his own party people are not involved in the galamsey menace.

President Mahama highlighted that the fight against the galamsey menace will be difficult but must continue.

Mahama stressed that operators often shift allegiance when governments change, allowing the practice to continue.

Speaking during a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, President Mahama stated, “Illegal mining has eaten into the fabric of our society. And I must say that it is not only a menace to our society, but it has involved a circle of traditional rulers, political party appointees and everything”.

“Even when one party changes, those who were running some operation, who went to one party, will go to the next party and say, now that you have come, come and take over this operation and let’s share. We, too, will be getting small; this is what we are doing. And so I don’t kid myself that we don’t have our own people involved,” he stated.

President Mahama further touched on the work of the anti-illegal mining task force NAIMOS, describing it as challenging, especially in communities where resistance is strong.

He added, “And the work of the NAIMOS is not easy. They go to a community, and the chiefs, the youth and everybody come out and resist them. And so, I didn’t kid myself that we would be able to win that fight overnight. But we cannot relent, we must continue”.

“And it doesn’t help when we have a crisis in the cocoa industry. The low price that was paid to cocoa farmers made some of them give up their farms for gold mining,” he noted.

“We are hoping that it will stabilise with the new automatic mechanism we are coming up with so that farmers know that they are getting 70% of the price,” he said.

“One of the problems we have is we don’t have patrol boats, especially on our waterways, for nine months to continue to patrol the waterways,” he explained.

Mahama further added that the Finance, Defence and Interior ministries are working to provide the necessary resources.

“So, we are working with the minister of finance to be able to maintain that,” he said.

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Court to deliver ruling on Abu Trica’s extradition case March 25

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Court to deliver ruling on Abu Trica’s extradition case March 25

The Gbese District Court has announced Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to deliver its ruling on a preliminary legal objection in the extradition case of Frederick Kumi, commonly known as Abu Trica.

In court, Abu Trica’s legal team, led by Oliver Barker Vormawor, challenged the legal foundation of the extradition process.

Oliver Barker Vormawor highlighted that offences cited are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty signed by Ghana and the United States.

The Defence argued that the  1931 extradition treaty does not spell out wire fraud or money laundering as extraditable offences.

The court proceedings were heightened as Swedru youths besieged the court, demanding Abu Trica’s release.

The Gbese District Court ruling on the preliminary objection will determine whether the extradition proceedings can move forward.

Meanwhile, Abu Trica has sued the government of Ghana and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the High Court.

According to reports, Abu Trica alleges a harrowing ordeal of torture, unlawful detention, and a blatant disregard for his fundamental human rights.

Abu Trica is seeking GH₵10 million in compensation in a motion filed at the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra.

His suit names the Minister for Interior, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the FBI, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the Attorney-General over what he describes as a coordinated campaign of “cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment” after he was arrested on December 11 2025.

The embattled Abu Trica claim his arrest and detention were marked by physical violence, coercive interrogations by foreign agents, and the looting of his personal property, adding that he was handcuffed, starved, and interrogated by foreign agents.

The court documents show lawyers of Abu Trica claim that over 15 armed officers stormed his apartment in the Airport Residential Area while he was playing video games with friends.

“Abu Trica claims he was immediately handcuffed and remained restrained from morning until late evening without access to food, water, or rest.

The most striking allegation involves the 3rd Respondent, the FBI.

Kumi asserts that while in the custody of Ghanaian authorities, he was subjected to a coercive interrogation by three foreign nationals introduced as FBI agents.

He claims these agents, who possess no independent police powers in Ghana, forced him to sign documents he could not read due to limited literacy and threatened to link him to fraudulent transactions worth up to $8 million if he did not disclose his phone passwords”, reports suggested.

“The decision and conduct of officers of the 2nd Respondent in permitting agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation… to interrogate the Applicant without access to Counsel, was unlawful and in violation of Articles 14 and 19 of the 1992 Constitution,” the motion states.

He further alleged that while he remained in custody, officers from NACOC and EOCO allegedly conducted unauthorised searches of his residence, known as “Abu Trica’s Mansion,” in Swedru.

“Abu Trica is demanding justice and an end to foreign interference in addition to the GH₵10 million compensation.

Abu Trica is also praying the court for several critical orders:

Exclusion of Evidence: An order rendering any information or items obtained during the “coercive” interrogations and “unauthorised” searches inadmissible in any future proceedings.

Interlocutory Injunction: A restraining order to prevent the State from extraditing or deporting him to any foreign state pending the final determination of the suit.

Restraint of the FBI: A specific order restraining the FBI and its agents from exercising any investigative or interrogation powers over him within Ghanaian territory”.

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“Abu Trica is a car dealer, not a fraudster, gov’t set him up” – Swedru youth storm Court

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“Abu Trica is a car dealer, not a fraudster, gov’t set him up” – Swedru youth storm Court

Swedru youths have besieged the Gbese District Court today, demanding the release of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica.

The Swedru youths stormed the Gbese District Court with placards demanding the release of Abu Trica.

According to them, Abu Trica is innocent as he is a car dealer, not a fraudster.

The further alleged that the government set him up.

Other Swedru youths were also heard shouting Free Abu, Free Abu in a chant for the release of Abu Trica.

In court, the Gbese District Court has announced Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to deliver its ruling on a preliminary legal objection in the extradition case of Frederick Kumi, commonly known as Abu Trica.

In court, Abu Trica’s legal team, led by Oliver Barker Vormawor, challenged the legal foundation of the extradition process.

Oliver Barker Vormawor highlighted that offences cited are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty signed by Ghana and the United States.

The Defence argued that the  1931 extradition treaty does not spell out wire fraud or money laundering as extraditable offences.

The court proceedings were heightened as Swedru youths besieged the court, demanding Abu Trica’s release.

The Gbese District Court ruling on the preliminary objection will determine whether the extradition proceedings can move forward.

Background

Abu Trica, a 31-year-old Ghanaian from Swedru, was arrested for his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance scam which targeted elderly victims in the United States.

He was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following an investigation conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.

The US Department of Justice wrote, “According to the indictment, perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretences.

Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators. The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. Relying on these misrepresentations, victims were persuaded to send funds or valuables, which were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties.

The indictment also alleges that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi worked with a network of co-conspirators to distribute the money from Ohio and across the United States to associates in the Republic of Ghana and other locations.

Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison”.

It further added, “If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including a defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offence, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt”.

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