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Ghana ranked 2nd safest place in Africa by Altezza Travel

altezza travel

Altezza Travel, a global tourism firm has ranked Ghana as the second safest place in Africa describing the crime rate in the country as very low.

The report which recommends tourism destinations for 2025 said Ghana’s crime rate is lower than Canada, Greece, and Australia.

The report confirms the findings of several international organizations that have praised the performance of the Ghana Police Service in recent times with its scaled-up community patrols.

“In terms of the Global Peace Index, Ghana surpasses Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even Jamaica. In the Terrorism Index, it is among the countries with a zero score. Its crime rate is lower than in Canada, Greece, and Australia,” the report noted.

“Regarding the Global Safety Report and the Human Development Index, Ghana lags behind all “first-world” countries yet outperforms the majority of African nations, including popular tourist destinations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar (often romanticized in Hollywood),” portions of the report.

It further noted: “According to the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, the top 3 countries with the lowest crime in Africa are Ghana, Rwanda, and Tunisia. However, crime can be difficult to measure, and rankings often depend on how crime is defined and reported. Different sources or indexes may rely on varying data collection methods, time frames, and survey approaches, leading to variations in their findings.”

Altezza Travel selected eight countries as the safest in Africa based on various reports and assigned each country a point. The analysis was based on several rankings, including indexes on Global Peace, Global Terrorism, KOF Globalization, Crime, Global Safety, and Human Development.

Find the details of the report by Altezza Travel below:

Capital: Accra

Population: 34.5 million

Along its coastline, Ghana borders the Atlantic Ocean, and on land, it neighbors Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and the notoriously troubled Burkina Faso. Despite its location, Ghana is known for having an independent judicial system, multiparty democracy, and freedom of speech, including a free press.

In terms of the Global Peace Index, it surpasses Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even Jamaica. In the Terrorism Index, it is among the countries with a zero score. Its crime rate is lower than in Canada, Greece, and Australia.

Regarding the Global Safety Report and the Human Development Index, Ghana lags behind all “first-world” countries yet outperforms the majority of African nations, including popular tourist destinations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar (often romanticized in Hollywood).

Which country in Africa has the least crime?

According to the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, the top 3 countries with the lowest crime in Africa are Ghana, Rwanda, and Tunisia. However, crime can be difficult to measure, and rankings often depend on how crime is defined and reported. Different sources or indexes may rely on varying data collection methods, time frames, and survey approaches, leading to variations in their findings.

Source: Citinewsroom

One dead in Saboba SHS Dormitory fire

saboba

Tragedy struck Saboba EP Senior High School in the Northern Region as one person was confirmed dead following a fire outbreak at the girls’ dormitory block.

The blaze, which destroyed several personal belongings and properties, has left the school community in shock and mourning.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but fire service personnel are currently at the scene, working to control the situation and prevent further damage.

Emergency responders have faced significant challenges in containing the fire, with the intensity of the flames hampering rescue efforts.

Authorities are yet to release the identity of the deceased and provide details on the extent of the damage. Investigations are expected to commence once the fire is fully extinguished to determine the cause of the incident.

Read also: Fire ravages Tamale Timber Market 

Source: Citinews

Mahama to Swear in Six Ministers-designate Today

official-portrait-of-John-mahama :free tertiary education

President John Dramani Mahama is set to swear in six ministerial nominees today following their approval by Parliament on Tuesday, January 21.

The nominees, who underwent thorough vetting and debate, were part of the first batch of appointments submitted for parliamentary consideration.

These are:

  • Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister-Designate for Finance
  • Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General-Designate
  • John Jinapor, Minister-Designate for Energy and Green Transition
  • Haruna Iddrisu, Minister-Designate for Education
  • Eric Opoku, Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture
  • Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways

Meanwhile, John Mahama also appointed Samuel Nartey George as Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations. 

Samuel Nartey George worked as an Assistant Director at the Head of Civil Service and later as a Communications Specialist at the Presidency.

In Parliament, he has served on the Public Accounts and Communications Committees, promoting digital innovation, accountability, and social issues. Sam George is known for his bold advocacy and commitment to advancing Ghana’s development.

Read also: Regional Ministerial Nominees: Mahama Makes 10 Picks

Trade Minister-Designate Advocates 24-Hour Economy for 1D1F Challenges

24-hour economy

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister-Designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has proposed that the 24-hour economy will boost the 1D1F initiative. Speaking during her parliamentary vetting, she acknowledged the program’s achievements while outlining its major challenges. 

She said raw material shortages are a critical issue for ago-processing factories under the One District, One Factory initiative. She also mentioned that limited access to capital also hindered the program’s success, despite government support through subsidized loans capped at 20% interest.

Rising market rates, however, increased interest to 55%, leaving a 15% funding gap for businesses to bridge independently. She said, “ somewhere along the line, the interest rate shot up to 55%. So, now the problem the company had was who paid for the difference of 15%. Because they have already sold their products. One thing that the government was also not able to do was pay the extra 10% that it promised these factories.

She proposed transitioning to a 24-hour economy as a practical solution. By maximizing productivity through extended operational hours, the factories could mitigate supply chain challenges and enhance output.

“1D1F is a programme for Ghanaians set up by the government. It has its plus and minuses. For the pluses, the program set up factories where individuals could add value to our raw materials and these agro-producing factories started but because of some challenges, they have not been able to do what was expected of them.

“One of the challenges I have been briefed by the ministry is the fact that these factories lacked raw materials. We all know that one of the challenges in the agro-processing industry is the lack of raw materials. So, these companies have not processed the way the government wanted it to be.

She said the 1D1F initiative has successes, but tackling its challenges will ensure better outcomes for participating factories. “…So, these are the challenges of that 1D1F but there is always a challenge to our problems. It is good that it has started. Now that we know the challenges, how are we going to solve them? I see the solution to the 1D1F in the 24-hour economy,” she stated.

Parliament Approves President Mahama’s First Batch of Ministerial Nominees

parliament

Parliament has approved President John Dramani Mahama’s first group of ministerial nominees after thorough vetting and debate.

The approved nominees are Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister, John Jinapor as Energy Minister, and Dr. Dominic Ayine as Attorney General and Justice Minister.

The Appointments Committee conducted a detailed vetting process on Monday, January 13, 2025, to evaluate the nominees’ qualifications and vision. The committee’s report was presented to the House, sparking a heated debate on the competence and plans of the nominees.

After extensive deliberations, Members of Parliament voted to approve the nominees for their respective ministerial roles.

This approval represents the first step in President Mahama’s plan to assemble a team to execute his administration’s priorities.

President Mahama Appoints Sam George

Samuel Nartey George
Hon. Samuel Nartey George

President John Dramani Mahama has named Samuel Nartey George as Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations. The appointment was announced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in a press statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, acting presidential spokesperson.

Profile of Samuel Nartey George (Sam George)

Sam George has represented Ningo-Prampram in Parliament since 2016, following his notable victory over veteran E.T. Mensah. Born on January 22, 1985, in Somanya and raised in Old Ningo, he is recognized for his bold advocacy and leadership.

Sam George holds a BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from KNUST and an LL.B from the University of London (External). Additionally, he earned an MSc. in International Strategy and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics.

He also has an Executive Master’s in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. Before joining Parliament, he worked as an Assistant Director at the Head of Civil Service and later as a Communications Specialist at the Presidency.

In Parliament, he has served on the Public Accounts and Communications Committees, promoting digital innovation, accountability, and social issues. A devout Christian and a member of Perez Chapel International, Sam George is known for his bold advocacy and commitment to advancing Ghana’s development.

58 NPP Members Suspended in Tatale Sanguli Constituency

npp

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tatale Sanguli has suspended 58 members over alleged disloyalty in recent elections. A letter signed by the constituency chairman claims these members worked against the official party candidate during the elections.

The chairman’s letter, addressed to national and regional executives, states the suspension aligns with the party’s constitution.

One of the suspended members, Napare Prosper, a former constituency communications officer, strongly denied the allegations.

Napare Prosper has demanded the chairman provide evidence within 24 hours to justify the suspension.

“I have seen the letter on social media saying that I have been suspended for not supporting the MP, but I want to state on record that I did not campaign against the duly confirmed candidate.

“I did not in any way campaign against the candidate, and I did not breach any of the party’s constitution, so they should give us a fair hearing.”

This development has sparked discussions within the constituency as members await further action from the party’s leadership.

Liberal Muslims Association calls for Reassignment of NLA boss over Islamic principles

The Association of Liberal Muslims-Ghana has urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the appointment of Mohammed Abdul Salam as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

The association argues that the role conflicts with Islamic principles, which traditionally prohibit involvement in gambling and games of chance.

The statement, issued by the association’s leadership, expresses deep concern over the implications of Abdul Salam’s appointment for the Muslim community in Ghana.

“We, the members of the Association of Liberal Muslims-Ghana, are deeply concerned about the recent appointment of our Muslim brother, Mohammed Abdul Salam, as the CEO of the National Lottery Authority.”This appointment is in conflict with Islamic principles, which prohibit involvement in games of chance and gambling,” the statement reads.

The association emphasizes the importance of aligning public service roles with the values and beliefs of the community they represent.

They are calling on President Mahama to reassign Abdul Salam to a position that better reflects Islamic values, thereby upholding the principles of Islam and fostering a positive image of Muslims in public service.

“We respectfully call upon Your Excellency, the President, to reconsider this appointment and reassign Brother Mohammed Abdul Salam to another portfolio that aligns with Islamic values,” the statement continues.

The Association of Liberal Muslims-Ghana has requested a prompt response from the President regarding this matter, expressing their willingness to collaborate on finding a solution that respects Islamic values.

Clash between military and illegal miners in Obuasi leaves multiple casualties

A violent encounter between illegal miners and military forces protecting the AngloGold Obuasi Gold Mine has reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.

The incident, which took place on Saturday night, arose when a group of miners attempted to access one of the mine’s shafts, seeking entry to a concession for their operations.

The circumstances surrounding the clash are still being investigated, but initial reports indicate that gunfire erupted during the confrontation.

Sources suggest that approximately 10 miners may have lost their lives, with many others sustaining injuries.

Disturbing videos from the scene depict individuals with serious injuries, while others appear to be deceased.

The footage also shows significant damage to vehicles belonging to AngloGold Obuasi Mine and other property.

The situation in Obuasi remains tense, as the mining company has long struggled with incursions from local miners into its operational areas.

NDC begins interviews for potential MMDCEs in Ashanti Region.

ndc flag
NDC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has began interview processes for applicants aspiring to serve as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ashanti region.

This exercise aligns with the party’s commitment to ensuring competent, dedicated, and visionary leadership at the local government level, and it has garnered significant interest and participation from party members across the region.

The interview process, which spans three days, is organised to cover all 43 metropolitan, municipal, and district areas in the region.

The first day of the exercise is dedicated to applicants from 11 MMDAs, with 88 aspirants scheduled to go through the rigorous vetting process.

A total of 343 applicants will present themselves before the selection committee to showcase their qualifications, leadership capabilities, and vision for their respective areas.

They are also expected to prove themselves competent by outlining practical strategies to tackle issues in their areas within the Ashanti Region.

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