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Eastern Regional Minister Denies Ordering Arrest of Kwahu Queen Mother

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has firmly denied authorizing the arrest of Kwahu Queen mother Nana Adwoa Gyemtua III. She labeled recent media reports on the matter as completely false and misleading. Her statement follows a radio broadcast from Agoo 96.9 FM that featured a video interview. In that clip, a chief named Nana Nilm Sarpong claimed the Minister confirmed sanctioning the arrest.

The Minister issued her detailed rebuttal on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. She described the allegation as a severe misrepresentation of the actual facts. According to her, a delegation of Kwahu chiefs visited her office on December 1. Their purpose was to brief her on developments following the Queen Mother’s arrest. The visit also followed a formal referral from the Inspector General of Police, C.O.P. Christian Tetteh Yahuna.

During that meeting, the chiefs informed her that the IGP had already apologized for the incident. He acknowledged the arrest was executed by police personnel under his command. The IGP also stated he had ordered a full investigation into the officers’ conduct. Minister Awatey clarified that she also offered an apology to the visiting chiefs. However, she stressed this was not an admission of ordering the arrest.

She explained her apology was given in her capacity as Regional Minister and head of the Regional Security Council. She stated she never told the chiefs she ordered the arrest of the Obahemaa. Taking responsibility, she said, was about leadership rather than direct involvement. Her position mirrors the IGP’s own acceptance of responsibility for his personnel’s actions.

The Minister expressed deep concern over this distortion of the events. She emphasized that the Regional Security Council remains neutral and focused on regional peace. The council is not associated with any of the parties involved in the underlying dispute. She urged the public to disregard the damaging and inaccurate media report. Finally, she reaffirmed her commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders. Her goal is to peacefully resolve the dispute and ensure continued stability across the Eastern Region.

Ghana FA Veteran: On Rejected Past Black Stars Call-ups

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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A former Ghana Football Association Chairman has strong advice for the national team. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe says the Black Stars should not invite certain players. He specifically means players who previously rejected call-ups to play for Ghana.

This statement follows Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Recent reports indicate some European-born stars now want to join the squad. Notable names include Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah. Dr. Tamakloe believes the technical team must make a principled stand.

He spoke to Graphic Sports on December 1, 2025. He is also a board member of Accra Hearts of Oak. His message to coach Otto Addo and his staff was very clear. The team should prioritize players receiving their first-ever invitation. Those who said no in the past should not get a second chance.

“Those who initially turned down invitations should not be invited at all,” he stated firmly. “But those who have never been invited must be allowed to come and play.” He emphasizes loyalty and commitment to the national shirt from the start.

The Black Stars will learn their World Cup group opponents soon. The draw is set for November 5. Ghana aims for a stronger performance in the 2026 tournament. They exited at the group stage in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The next edition will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The team’s management now faces a significant selection dilemma. They must balance talent with the proven commitment of their players. This debate will likely continue as the World Cup approaches next summer.

Otumfuo Concludes Bawku Efforts, Presses for Lasting Calm

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has formally concluded his extensive mediation efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy conflict, calling on both Mamprusi and Kusasi leaders to begin preparing their supporters for a permanent end to hostilities. He emphasised that the disputing groups are “one people” who must embrace peaceful coexistence.

This decisive appeal was delivered on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace during a landmark joint meeting between delegations from both factions. The engagement, held in the Jubilee Hall, represented the first time in months that the two groups had met face-to-face under the Asantehene’s facilitation.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Kofi Badu, the Asantehene expressed appreciation for the maturity demonstrated throughout the process, stressing that lasting peace is not only necessary but inevitable. Chief Tarana John Wuni Grunah led a 30-member delegation on behalf of the Naayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, while Naba Tambis Baalug of Pusiga headed the delegation representing the Bawku Naaba and the Kusasi community. Former MP Cletus Avoka and Dr. Issah served as spokespersons for the Kusasi and Mamprusi sides, respectively.

Monday’s session followed several months of separate hearings during which the King listened to detailed submissions from both sides in an effort to address a conflict that has for years resulted in deaths, displacement, and persistent insecurity in the Bawku Traditional Area.

According to the palace, the meeting was cordial, with both delegations acknowledging their shared lineage and the needless destruction caused by the prolonged dispute.

The Asantehene will now compile his recommendations into a formal report to be presented to President John Dramani Mahama. The palace noted that the King hopes the President will act promptly by convening all parties to officially announce the outcome of the mediation.

Ghana Airports Ready for Holiday Surge as Diaspora Travel Rises

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghana Airports Company promises smooth holiday travel, this comes as more diaspora members return home. Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare announced the news. She said the company is fully ready for the festive season arrivals.

December is now a peak travel period for Ghana’s airports, the popular “December in GH” events drive this increase. International visitors flock to the country for these activities. The airport company has prepared carefully for the surge.

They are working with airlines and security agencies. Tourism partners are also coordinating with the company, this teamwork will ensure smooth arrivals and departures. The goal is a hassle-free travel experience for everyone.

The company deployed extra staff to main terminals. This will improve passenger flow and shorten waiting times. They also upgraded sanitation and safety measures. Customer service desks received enhancements, too.

These improvements will help all travelers. Both first-time visitors and returning citizens will benefit. The Managing Director reaffirmed their commitment to service. They want everyone to travel with security and comfort.

She specifically welcomed all diasporans this season. The company also addressed known parking issues. They noted some congestion at their car parks. New arrangements will provide an overflow parking area.

This will prevent long queues for people picking up loved ones. The company stressed its commitment to world-class service. Ghana is growing as a top holiday tourism destination. It also hosts major cultural events year-round.

The airports aim to support this national growth. Their preparations will create a comfortable passenger experience. This effort ensures a positive first impression of Ghana. A smooth airport visit starts every journey right.

First Thriving Cocoa Farm in Northern Ghana Sparks Excitement

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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cocoa

A cocoa farm is thriving in Northern Ghana, this news has excited the Nanung area. It challenges old beliefs people thought cocoa could not grow in the north. Farmer Mohammed Nchala made this possible, he experimented against the odds and his success in Salnaayili is now famous. A viral video brought it national attention.


The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) took notice and sent a team to see the farm. Cocoa usually grows in the south, with wet forested conditions but Nanung has very fertile soil. This soil resembles southern regions. The land near the Oti River supports the crops.
Nchala started with four acres of land. Bushfires later destroyed many trees. He also cared for his sick father. He reduced the farm to two-and-a-half acres. “I have no support,” Nchala said. “This is my biggest challenge.” He first planted seeds from the Volta Region. That was back in 2012. Now, cocoa grows beside plantain crops. Some trees are already producing fruit.


COCOBOD officials are very impressed. Deputy CEO Dr. Francis Baah called the farm remarkable. “No one expected this in the North,” he said. He announced great news for Nchala. CEO Dr. Randy Abbey will personally build him a house. Abbey will also give him a motorbike. This will support his work.
The board sees big potential here. Experts will study the land for expansion. They want larger-scale cultivation. Dr. Kofi Owusu Domfeh is a research director. He said the trees look very healthy. They show no signs of disease. His team will research the soil next. They want to ensure lasting success.


This project means more than just farming. It can create many new jobs. It will help the local economy grow. The community has promised its full support. The local Regent has even offered free land for cocoa.
Nchala has already received some help. He got fertilizer, money, and medical care. COCOBOD will also give him a special award. He will receive it on Farmers’ Day.
This farm is a major milestone for the north. It could transform the local economy. It also opens new opportunities for the youth. The future of Northern cocoa looks bright.


























Treasury Bill Auction Bounces Back with 111% Oversubscription in Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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fdi funding

The Ghanaian treasury bill market has strongly rebounded. This ends a six-week period of low investor activity. Confidence has returned to the short-term securities market. The latest auction was dramatically oversubscribed by 111%. Investors showed much greater appetite for government debt.

Total investor bids reached GH¢6.03 billion. The government accepted GH¢5.78 billion of these bids. This accepted volume was double the official target. The government had aimed to raise just GH¢2.86 billion. The strong demand signals a major sentiment shift.

The 91-day bill attracted the most investor interest. Bids for this short-term bill hit GH¢2.57 billion. The government accepted nearly all of them. The 182-day bill also saw robust demand. Investors bid GH¢1.64 billion for this tenure. The longer 364-day bill attracted GH¢1.81 billion in bids.

Analysts point to two key reasons for this turnaround. First, the government set a relatively low issuance target. This created an immediate supply shortage. High demand easily overwhelmed the limited supply.

Second, a recent monetary policy change was crucial. The Bank of Ghana cut its policy rate by 350 basis points. This significant cut lowered returns on bank instruments. It specifically compressed the 56-day bill yield. Investors then redirected their money into treasury bills. Banks are now major participants again.

Yield rates adjusted slightly with the new demand. The 91-day bill yield fell by 8 basis points. It now sits at 11.05%. The 182-day bill rate dropped more noticeably. It declined by 25 basis points to 12.43%. The 364-day bill yield saw a tiny increase. It inched up by 2 basis points to 13.08%.

The government’s next auction is already planned. It aims to raise a larger GH¢5.80 billion. This goal covers all three bill tenures again. Market watchers will observe investor response closely. Continued high demand seems likely now. Stable yields could attract even more participants. This recovery is vital for government financing needs. It also shows improving economic confidence. The market’s health is crucial for national liquidity. This positive trend benefits Ghana’s entire financial system.

WAEC Pins Poor Core Math Outcomes on Seven Factors

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Kapi, Head of Public Relations at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has attributed the significant drop in Core Mathematics performance in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to identifiable skill gaps among candidates. Speaking on the JOY Super Morning Show, Mr. Kapi highlighted seven specific areas where students struggled most, including representing mathematical information in diagrams, solving global math-related problems, constructing cumulative frequency tables, making deductions from real-life scenarios, applying simple interest formulas, translating word problems into mathematical expressions, and interpreting results from cumulative frequency data.

“These are areas that the chief examiners can clearly identify as weaknesses in the candidates’ performance. These topics are well within the syllabus and examination blueprint,” he explained.

WAEC’s provisional results show that 220,008 of the 461,736 candidates failed Core Mathematics, marking the worst performance in the subject in seven years. The percentage of candidates achieving grades A1 to C6 dropped drastically from 66.86% in 2024 to just 48.73% in 2025, a decline of nearly 18 percentage points. Out of the total candidates, 209,068 attained grades A1 to C6, while 114,872 candidates (26.77%) scored an F9, failing the subject outright.

A total of 1,021 schools registered candidates for the examination, a slight 0.24% increase from 2024, while 5,821 candidates (1.26%) were absent.

Mr. Kapi emphasised that the decline does not reflect a change in the curriculum but rather underscores the urgent need to strengthen teaching practices and ensure students develop practical problem-solving skills. He encouraged educators and learners to focus on understanding mathematical concepts in real-world contexts to improve performance in future examinations.

Delayed Payments to Road Contractors Threaten Bank Loan Books

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Delayed government payments are now a serious banking risk. Payments to road contractors are being withheld. This is threatening the banking sector’s health. Asset quality improvements are now in jeopardy. Market watchers are issuing new warnings. Contractors are being driven into deeper debt. Significant pressure is being added to bank loan books.

This caution comes despite positive official data. Reports from the Bank of Ghana show an improving trend. The Non-Performing Loans ratio has been falling. It dropped to 19.5% in November. This was down from 20.4% in September. It is the lowest level recorded this year. A sharp fall from its April peak of 23.6% is noted. This signals firmer loan repayments from borrowers. Credit conditions are showing signs of stabilization.

The underlying NPL ratio was also unchanged. It remained at 6.8% for the third month. This reflects sustained asset quality improvements. But these gains are considered fragile by analysts. A reversal is feared by many market observers. Continued government payment delays are the primary risk. Many contractors rely heavily on bank financing. Public projects are executed with these loans. Their financial distress directly impacts lenders.

A finance expert explained the technical expectation. His comments were made to Citi Business News. Nelson Cudjoe Kuagbedzi is Head of Finance at Merban Capital. Timely payment is absolutely crucial. Contractors can then service their bank debts.

The expert advised banks to strengthen their strategies. They need more aggressive loan recovery methods.One specific recommendation was provided. The names of wilful defaulters could be published. Daily newspapers would carry these lists. This move is believed to be a strong deterrent. Borrower behavior would be positively influenced. No one desires public embarrassment. All parties would then take their obligations seriously. The financial system’s stability would be protected.

10 Petitions Seek Removal of Special Prosecutor and EC Chair

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ten separate petitions have been received. They were submitted to the Office of the President. The removal of key officials is being requested. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is named in these appeals. Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa is also included. Her two deputies are subjects of the petitions as well.

Private citizens are understood to be the petitioners. Allegations of misconduct have been formally made. Incompetence has been cited against the Special Prosecutor. Abuse of office is also being alleged. The petitions are now with the Chief Justice. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie will review the appeals.

A legal process is defined by law. The Office of the Special Prosecutor Act provides the framework. A petition must first be submitted to the President. A referral to the Chief Justice is then required. A prima facie case must be established. A special committee would then be formed if needed. An investigation would be mandated by this committee. Final recommendations would be provided to the President.

Public opinion on the office remains divided. Some see it as a necessary layer of accountability.Others believe its mandate has not been met. Criticism from legal professionals has been noted. Courtroom conduct has been questioned by a judge. Previous office holders have also voiced strong concerns.

The Electoral Commission’s leadership is similarly challenged. Petitions focus on its management and accountability. The process will now follow the prescribed constitutional path.

Private Lawyers Warned by Asantehene on KNUST Land Conflicts

By
Ivy Hollys
-

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has criticised lawyers who file lawsuits challenging the ownership of KNUST lands. He said some legal practitioners represent individuals falsely claiming to be family heads or Abusuapanin with rights to the university’s property.

Speaking at the 59th Congregation of KNUST, the Asantehene described these actions as unethical and unacceptable. He recalled a warning issued five years ago against encroachment, noting that some individuals continue to defy it. “I issued a solemn warning against any encroachment on KNUST lands. Yet, some people continue to test our resolve,” he said.

He added that lawyers knowingly lend credibility to unsubstantiated claims. “They take these matters to court, even when they know they shouldn’t. That is wrong,” he said.

The Asantehene emphasised that KNUST lands are institutional assets meant for academic development, not private property. He warned that any further attempts to seize the lands will face decisive action.

Land encroachment remains a major challenge for public universities in Ghana. As institutions expand to accommodate growing student populations, protecting property has become critical. Otumfuo’s warning reinforces the commitment of traditional authorities and the university to safeguard its assets and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

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